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Google
AI ai assisted browsing Chrome Gemini Google

Google Introduces AI-Powered Side Panel in Chrome to Automate Browsing




Google has updated its Chrome browser by adding a built-in artificial intelligence panel powered by its Gemini model, marking a stride toward automated web interaction. The change reflects the company’s broader push to integrate AI directly into everyday browsing activities.

Chrome, which currently holds more than 70 percent of the global browser market, is now moving in the same direction as other browsers that have already experimented with AI-driven navigation. The idea behind this shift is to allow users to rely on AI systems to explore websites, gather information, and perform online actions with minimal manual input.

The Gemini feature appears as a sidebar within Chrome, reducing the visible area of websites to make room for an interactive chat interface. Through this panel, users can communicate with the AI while keeping their main work open in a separate tab, allowing multitasking without constant tab switching.

Google explains that this setup can help users organize information more effectively. For example, Gemini can compare details across multiple open tabs or summarize reviews from different websites, helping users make decisions more quickly.

For subscribers to Google’s higher-tier AI plans, Chrome now offers an automated browsing capability. This allows Gemini to act as a software agent that can follow instructions involving multiple steps. In demonstrations shared by Google, the AI can analyze images on a webpage, visit external shopping platforms, identify related products, and add items to a cart while staying within a user-defined budget. The final purchase, however, still requires user approval.

The browser update also includes image-focused AI tools that allow users to create or edit images directly within Chrome, further expanding the browser’s role beyond simple web access.

Chrome’s integration with other applications has also been expanded. With user consent, Gemini can now interact with productivity tools, communication apps, media services, navigation platforms, and shopping-related Google services. This gives the AI broader context when assisting with tasks.

Google has indicated that future updates will allow Gemini to remember previous interactions across websites and apps, provided users choose to enable this feature. The goal is to make AI assistance more personalized over time.

Despite these developments, automated browsing faces resistance from some websites. Certain platforms have already taken legal or contractual steps to limit AI-driven activity, particularly for shopping and transactions. This underlines the ongoing tension between automation and website control.

To address these concerns, Google says Chrome will request human confirmation before completing sensitive actions such as purchases or social media posts. The browser will also support an open standard designed to allow AI-driven commerce in collaboration with participating retailers.

Currently, these features are available on Chrome for desktop systems in the United States, with automated browsing restricted to paid subscribers. How widely such AI-assisted browsing will be accepted across the web remains uncertain.


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Trust Wallet
Chrome Cloud Data Google Internet Technology Trust Wallet

Trust Wallet Chrome Extension Hack Costs $8.5 Million Theft


Chrome extension compromise resulted in millions of theft

Trust Wallet recently disclosed that the Sha1-Hulur supply chain attack last year in November might be responsible for the compromise of its Google Chrome extension, causing $8.5 million assets theft. 

About the incident

According to the company, its "developer GitHub secrets were exposed in the attack, which gave the attacker access to our browser extension source code and the Chrome Web Store (CWS) API key." The attacker obtained full CWS API access via the leaked key, allowing builds to be uploaded directly without Trust Wallet's standard release process, which requires internal approval/manual review."

Later, the threat actor registered the domain "metrics-trustwallet[.]com" and deployed a malware variant of the extension with a backdoor that could harvest users' wallet mnemonic phrases to the sub-domain "api.metrics-trustwallet[.]com."

Attack tactic 

According to Koi, a cybersecurity company, the infected code activates with each unlock causing sensitive data to be harvested. It doesn't matter if the victims used biometrics or password, and if the wallet extension was opened once after the 2.68 version update or in use for months. 

The researchers Yuval Ronen and Oren Yomtov reported that, "the code loops through every wallet in the user's account, not just the active one. If you had multiple wallets configured, all of them were compromised. Seed phrases are stuffed into a field called errorMessage inside what looks like standard unlock telemetry. A casual code review sees an analytics event tracking unlock success with some error metadata."

Movie “Dune” reference? Yes.

Besides this, the analysis also revealed that querying the server directly gave the reply "He who controls the spice controls the universe." It's a Dune reference that is found in similar incidents like the Shai-Hulud npm. "The Last-Modified header reveals the infrastructure was staged by December 8 – over two weeks before the malicious update was pushed on December 24," it added. "This wasn't opportunistic. It was planned."

The findings came after Trust Wallet requested its one million users of Chrome extension to update to variant 2.69 after a malicious update (variant 2.68) was triggered by unknown hackers on December 24, 2025, in the browser's extension marketplace. 

The breach caused $8.5 million loss in cryptocurrency assets being stolen from 2,520 wallet addresses. The wallet theft was first reported after the malicious update.

Control measures 

Post-incident, Trust Wallet has started a reimbursement claim process for affected victims. The company has implemented additional monitoring measures related to its release processes.


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privacy laws
AI Security AI technology Browser Browser Security Chrome Cyber Security Data Privacy Data Privacy Laws privacy laws

Chrome vs Comet: Security Concerns Rise as AI Browsers Face Major Vulnerability Reports

 

The era of AI browsers is inevitable — the question is not if, but when everyone will use one. While Chrome continues to dominate across desktops and mobiles, the emerging AI-powered browser Comet has been making waves. However, growing concerns about privacy and cybersecurity have placed these new AI browsers under intense scrutiny. 

A recent report from SquareX has raised serious alarms, revealing vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to exploit AI browsers to steal data, distribute malware, and gain unauthorized access to enterprise systems. According to the findings, Comet was particularly affected, falling victim to an OAuth-based attack that granted hackers full access to users’ Gmail and Google Drive accounts. Sensitive files and shared documents could be exfiltrated without the user’s knowledge. 

The report further revealed that Comet’s automation features, which allow the AI to complete tasks within a user’s inbox, were exploited to distribute malicious links through calendar invites. These findings echo an earlier warning from LayerX, which stated that even a single malicious URL could compromise an AI browser like Comet, exposing sensitive user data with minimal effort.  
Experts agree that AI browsers are still in their infancy and must significantly strengthen their defenses. SquareX CEO Vivek Ramachandran emphasized that autonomous AI agents operating with full user privileges lack human judgment and can unknowingly execute harmful actions. This raises new security challenges for enterprises relying on AI for productivity. 

Meanwhile, adoption of AI browsers continues to grow. Venn CEO David Matalon noted a 14% year-over-year increase in the use of non-traditional browsers among remote employees and contractors, driven by the appeal of AI-enhanced performance. However, Menlo Security’s Pejman Roshan cautioned that browsers remain one of the most critical points of vulnerability in modern computing — making the switch to AI browsers a risk that must be carefully weighed. 

The debate between Chrome and Comet reflects a broader shift. Traditional browsers like Chrome are beginning to integrate AI features to stay competitive, blurring the line between old and new. As LayerX CEO Or Eshed put it, AI browsers are poised to become the primary interface for interacting with AI, even as they grapple with foundational security issues. 

Responding to the report, Perplexity’s Kyle Polley argued that the vulnerabilities described stem from human error rather than AI flaws. He explained that the attack relied on users instructing the AI to perform risky actions — an age-old phishing problem repackaged for a new generation of technology. 

As the competition between Chrome and Comet intensifies, one thing is clear: the AI browser revolution is coming fast, but it must first earn users’ trust in security and privacy.
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Websites
browser extensions Chrome Cyber Security Emoji keyboard Websites

Over 2 Million Users Affected: Browser Extensions Turned Into Silent Spying Tools


An alarming cyber threat has come to light involving common browser extensions used by millions across the world. According to a recent investigation by cybersecurity firm Koi Security, at least 18 browser add-ons, once considered safe were secretly turned into tools to track users without their knowledge. The attack, named “RedDirection,” affected more than 2.3 million people.

What makes this case especially alarming is that many of these extensions were originally trusted. They included tools like emoji keyboards, volume boosters, and weather forecasts popular utilities often downloaded from official platforms like the Chrome Web Store and Microsoft Edge Add-ons Store. With high ratings and verified badges, they seemed completely legitimate.

However, after gaining a large number of users, the attackers behind the campaign quietly pushed harmful updates. These updates gave the extensions the ability to access users’ online activity, including the websites they visited, cookies, and even login information. In some cases, users were redirected to fake websites designed to steal sensitive data like passwords.

Extensions such as “Emoji keyboard online,” “Free Weather Forecast,” and “Volume Max” on Chrome, as well as “Unlock TikTok” and “Volume Booster” on Edge, were found to be connected to the same background server. This suggests that all of them may have been controlled by a single group or organization.

One of the biggest concerns is how easily these harmful changes were delivered. Most browser extensions update automatically in the background, with no alerts or approval required from users. This allowed attackers to silently take control of millions of browsers without anyone noticing.

This isn’t the first case of browser extensions being misused. Past incidents like the 2019 “DataSpii” leak and 2021’s “CursedChrome” attack followed a similar pattern, trustworthy tools were hijacked over time and repurposed for spying or data collection.

If you use browser extensions, it’s important to take action now. Open your browser settings (by typing chrome://extensions or edge://extensions in the address bar), review all installed extensions, and remove anything suspicious or unused. You should also clear your browsing history and run a full antivirus scan on your device.

To stay safe in the future, treat browser extensions carefully. Only install what you truly need, and review the permissions each extension asks for. Think of your extensions like apps on your phone or medications in your home, regular cleanups can prevent major problems.

This recent discovery reminds us that even trusted tools can be misused over time. Staying alert and informed is the best defense.

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OpenAI
AI integration AI Powered AI technology Browser ChatGPT Chrome Cyber Security Data collection data security Google Chrome Internet Browser OpenAI

OpenAI Launching AI-Powered Web Browser to Rival Chrome, Drive ChatGPT Integration

 

OpenAI is reportedly developing its own web browser, integrating artificial intelligence to offer users a new way to explore the internet. According to sources cited by Reuters, the tool is expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks, although an official release date has not yet been announced. With this move, OpenAI seems to be stepping into the competitive browser space with the goal of challenging Google Chrome’s dominance, while also gaining access to valuable user data that could enhance its AI models and advertising potential. 

The browser is expected to serve as more than just a window to the web—it will likely come packed with AI features, offering users the ability to interact with tools like ChatGPT directly within their browsing sessions. This integration could mean that AI-generated responses, intelligent page summaries, and voice-based search capabilities are no longer separate from web activity but built into the browsing experience itself. Users may be able to complete tasks, ask questions, and retrieve information all within a single, unified interface. 

A major incentive for OpenAI is the access to first-party data. Currently, most of the data that fuels targeted advertising and search engine algorithms is captured by Google through Chrome. By creating its own browser, OpenAI could tap into a similar stream of data—helping to both improve its large language models and create new revenue opportunities through ad placements or subscription services. While details on privacy controls are unclear, such deep integration with AI may raise concerns about data protection and user consent. 

Despite the potential, OpenAI faces stiff competition. Chrome currently holds a dominant share of the global browser market, with nearly 70% of users relying on it for daily web access. OpenAI would need to provide compelling reasons for people to switch—whether through better performance, advanced AI tools, or stronger privacy options. Meanwhile, other companies are racing to enter the same space. Perplexity AI, for instance, recently launched a browser named Comet, giving early adopters a glimpse into what AI-first browsing might look like. 

Ultimately, OpenAI’s browser could mark a turning point in how artificial intelligence intersects with the internet. If it succeeds, users might soon navigate the web in ways that are faster, more intuitive, and increasingly guided by AI. But for now, whether this approach will truly transform online experiences—or simply add another player to the browser wars—remains to be seen.
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Windows
2FA Chrome Katz malware Windows

New Malware Threat Puts Windows Users at Serious Risk — Protect Your Data Now

 

A dangerous new computer virus called Katz is spreading fast, and it's targeting people who use Windows devices. Once it sneaks into your system, it can steal almost everything — from passwords and emails to cryptocurrency wallets and even two-factor login codes.

Security researchers have raised alarms because this virus isn’t just stealing one type of information — it’s collecting anything it can get. That includes browser data, saved login details, private files, and more. And even though companies like Microsoft are working hard to fight these threats, hackers keep coming back with new tricks.


How This Malware Gets In

The Katz virus doesn’t use any fancy or rare method to infect devices. Instead, it spreads through common scams. These include fake emails, harmful ads, shady downloads, and suspicious search results. Once someone clicks the wrong thing, the virus quietly installs itself without any warning signs.

After it's in, it scans to see which web browser you’re using — like Chrome, Edge, or Brave — and then quietly runs in the background. While invisible to you, it's actively collecting your saved information.


What Data Is at Risk?

Here’s what this malware can steal from your device:

1. Website and app passwords

2. Login codes from two-factor authentication

3. Stored messages from chat platforms

4. Cryptocurrency wallets and backup phrases

5. Email account access

6. Game logins and saved payment methods

7. Wi-Fi and VPN passwords

8. Files from file transfer tools

9. Anything you copy to your clipboard

10. Screenshots of your screen

That’s a huge amount of personal data that could be misused.


How to Keep Yourself Safe

To avoid falling victim to this malware, follow these safety tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account

• Turn on two-step login wherever available

• Don’t click on strange links or download unverified software

• Keep your system and apps updated

• Install a reliable antivirus tool and keep it active


Extra Steps for Companies

If you're managing devices at work, it’s also important to:

1.Watch for odd background processes or hidden files

2. Check for unknown files being created in unusual folders

3. Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity

4. Be alert to any strange behavior in browser-related apps


This malware uses very sneaky methods, including social engineering, to trick people into clicking or installing it. But by being cautious and aware, you can stay one step ahead and protect your information.


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Opera
Chrome Cloud Internet malware Opera

Malware Campaign Uses Fake CAPTCHAs, Tricks Online Users


Researchers at Netskope Threat Labs have found a new malicious campaign that uses tricky tactics to distribute the Legion Loader malware. The campaign uses fake CAPTCHAs and CloudFlare Turnstile to trap targets into downloading malware that leads to the installation of malicious browser extensions. 

Malware campaign attacks users via fake CAPTCHAs

The hackers have attacked over 140 Netskope customers situated in Asia, North America, and Southern Europe throughout different segments, driven by the financial and tech sectors. 

Netskope has been examining different phishing and malware campaigns targeting users who look for PDF documents online. Hackers use tricky ways within these PDFs to resend victims to malicious websites or lure them into downloading malware. In the newly found campaign, they used fake CAPTCHAs and Cloudflare Turnstile to distribute the LegionLoader payload. 

Important stages in the attack chain

The infection begins with a drive-by download when a target looks for a particular document and is baited to a malicious site.

The downloaded file contains a fake CAPTCHA. If clicked, it redirects the user via a Clloudfare Turnstile CAPTCHA to a notification page. 

In the last step, victims are urged to allow browser notifications.

Attack tactic in detail

When a user blocks the browser notification prompt or uses a browser that doesn’t support notifications, they are redirected to download harmless apps like Opera or 7-Zip. However, if the user agrees to receive browser notifications, they are redirected to another Cloudflare Turnstile CAPTCHA. Once this is done, they are sent to a page with instructions on how to download their file.

The download process requires the victim to open the Windows Run window (win + r) and put content copied to the clipboard (ctrl + v), and “ execute it by pressing enter (we described a similar approach in a post about Lumma Stealer),” Netscope said. In this incident, the command in the clipboard uses the “ command prompt to run cURL and download an MSI file.” After this, the “command opens File Explorer, where the MSI file has been downloaded. When the victim runs the MSI file, it will execute the initial payload.”

Hackers use different tactics to avoid getting caught

To avoid detection, the campaign uses a legitimate VMware-signed app that sideloads a malicious DLL to run and load the LegionLeader payload. Later, a new custom algorithm is used to remove the LegionLeader shellcode loader. 

In the final stage, the hackers install a malicious browser extension that can steal sensitive info across different browsers, such as Opera, Chrome, Brave, and Edge. Netscope warns of an alarming trend where hackers are targeting users searching for PDF docs online via sophisticated tactics to install malware.

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MPIC
Chrome Cyber Security Google https Linting MPIC

Google sets new rules to improve internet safety through better website security

 




Google is taking major steps to make browsing the web safer. As the company behind Chrome, the most widely used internet browser, Google’s decisions shape how people all over the world experience the internet. Now, the company has announced two new safety measures that focus on how websites prove they are secure.


Why is this important?

Most websites use something called HTTPS. This means that the connection between your device and the website is encrypted, keeping your personal data private. To work, HTTPS relies on digital certificates that prove a website is real and trustworthy. These certificates are issued by special organizations called Certificate Authorities.

But hackers are always looking for ways to cheat the system. If they manage to get a fake certificate, they can pretend to be a real website and steal information. To prevent this, Google is asking certificate providers to follow two new safety processes.


The first method: double-checking website identity (MPIC)

Google is now supporting something called MPIC, short for Multi-Perspective Issuance Corroboration. This process adds more layers of checking before a certificate is approved. Right now, website owners only need to show they own the domain once. But this can be risky if someone finds a way to fake that proof.

MPIC solves the issue by using several different sources to confirm the website’s identity. Think of it like asking multiple people to confirm someone’s name instead of just asking one. This makes it much harder for attackers to fool the system. The group that oversees certificate rules has agreed to make MPIC a must-follow step for all providers.


The second method: scanning certificates for errors (linting)

The second change is called linting. This is a process that checks each certificate to make sure it’s made properly and doesn’t have mistakes. It also spots certificates that use outdated or weak encryption, which can make websites easier to hack.

Linting helps certificate providers stick to the same rules and avoid errors that could lead to problems later. Google has mentioned a few free tools that can be used to carry out linting, such as zlint and certlint. Starting from March 15, 2025, all new public certificates must pass this check before they are issued.


What this means for internet users

These changes are part of Google’s ongoing plan to make the internet more secure. When websites follow these new steps, users can be more confident that their information is safe. Even though these updates happen in the background, they play a big role in protecting people online.



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