Pop up ads? Malware? Unwanted viruses? These are all issues that come with the wonderful world that is the internet.
People create these programs to steal your information or gain access to your computer system. This can not only be annoying but dangerous, and so there are many options to combat this.
One of these is a Chrome extension called Malwarebytes. In this review, we look at everything from what it is to how it works so that you can decide if this extension is the right option for you.
What is the Malwarebytes Extension?
There are a lot of tools and apps that you need in your everyday life and your business. One of the most used tools will be your internet browser, but there are dangers lurking around every corner.
The Malwarebytes extension blocks potentially dangerous websites and filters through content to ensure you see what you want to see. Because it does this, your browsing experience is faster and safer.
Features of the Malwarebytes Extension
Malware, as you can tell, is everywhere and is invasive. It can help steal your personal information, which can lead to a whole world of problems. So in order to protect you from this extension comes with the following features.
- Malware protection
- Scam protection
- Advertising/tracker protection
- Clickbait protection
- PUP protection
Malwarebytes Extension Benefits – Why You Should Use it
So that all sounds great, but what does that do for you and your online security? Malwarebytes has a lot of great benefits.
The built-in systems help protect you from tech support scammers. This will keep your browser safe from programs that are designed to send you to fake call centers to fix a problem that doesn’t exist.
It also protects you from malicious sites. You never know if the site you are clicking on or are being directed to is safe. This extension will filter through and send an alert if it seems like a potential risky site.
Malwarebytes also helps protect your personal information and online identity. It blocks third-party trackers that latch onto you and follow you no matter what site you visit.
Chrome – How to Download & Install
In order to download the extension, you will need to go to the Chrome Webstore. There you will search up the extension by its name.
After that, it takes just a few clicks to be up and running. You will first click the Add extension button. The Chrome store will then ask you to confirm that you want to download and install the extension.
Then you should get a notice that it has been added to your Chrome browser. If you are unsure, you can check the settings by clicking on the dots and navigating to more tools and then extensions. It has been successfully installed if you see it on your list of extensions.
Adjusting the Extensions Settings
Now that you have it installed, you will need to adjust the settings to your preferences. To do this, you will need to click on the extensions and then on the Malwarebytes logo. You should see two protection status options as well as two other lines and a setting button.
You will want to click on the settings button. There will be a menu that appears, and you can go through and select sites that you want to allow access to your information and remove the ones you don’t.
How Does it Work?
This extension will block websites, and you will get a warning that pops up on the screen. Typically it will say something like “Website blocked due to riskware”. This site is blocked for any number of reasons including the following.
- Phishing
- Malware
- Fraud
- Hijacking
- Spam
- Etc.
You will then be given the option of leaving the site or continuing on.
Summary
There are a lot of shady characters out there using technology to steal from you or target ads. This can be annoying and potential life-altering if they succeed. That is why having the right malware protection in this day and age is so important.
Most computers come with some form of security and malware protection, but it never hurts to have extra, and that is why Malwarebytes is such a great idea.
