Microsoft Removes 119 Edge Extensions That Hid Malware in Images and Fonts
Microsoft's removal of 119 malicious Edge extensions has raised concerns about browser security.
Velocity
How fast coverage is spreading — measured hourly from article rate × source diversity. How this works →
📍 How it ended
Microsoft removed 119 Edge extensions that used images and fonts to hide malware, disrupt the StegoAd operation, and steal credentials. The campaign affected up to 2.6 million users and ran for two years.
Following the removal of the extensions, Microsoft stock slipped.
Epilogue added 13d ago, after coverage quieted.
The brief
Microsoft has removed 119 Edge browser extensions that were found to hide malware within images and fonts. The extensions, part of a campaign known as StegoAd, were designed to steal user credentials and conduct ad fraud. Coverage from Redmondmag.com, Malwarebytes, Security Affairs, Risky Business Newsletters, and The Hacker News emphasizes the scale of the operation, which affected up to 2.6 million users over two years.
TipRanks reports that Microsoft's stock has slipped following the announcement. Next, watch for updates on the impact of the removed extensions on affected users. Coverage does not yet specify the extent of the damage or the measures Microsoft is taking to assist users.
Additionally, monitor for any further developments in browser security as a result of this incident.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 21d ago.
Quick answers
What were the 119 Edge extensions used for?
The 119 Edge extensions were used to hide malware within images and fonts, steal user credentials, and conduct ad fraud.
How many users were affected by the StegoAd campaign?
The StegoAd campaign affected up to 2.6 million users.
What is the current status of Microsoft's stock?
According to coverage from TipRanks, Microsoft's stock has slipped following the removal of the malicious extensions.
Coverage (6)
- Microsoft Disrupts StegoAd Extension Campaign Affecting Up to 2.6 Million Users Redmondmag.com · 22d ago
- 119 Edge extensions promised useful tools, instead downloaded malware Malwarebytes · 22d ago
- Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Slips After Pulling 119 Edge Extensions TipRanks · 22d ago
- StegoAd: How 119 Fake Browser Extensions Stole Credentials and Ran Ad Fraud for Two Years Security Affairs · 22d ago
- Microsoft takes down StegoAd operation Risky Business Newsletters · 22d ago
- Microsoft Removes 119 Edge Extensions That Hid Malware in Images and Fonts The Hacker News · 22d ago
Topics
Related trends
A Device Hidden in Cars Across the US Leaves Them Vulnerable to Hacking and Paralysis. Patch It Now
Millions of US vehicles are vulnerable to remote hacking and paralysis due to hidden anti-theft devices installed by dealers.
Lockscreen bug can let hackers bypass security via Gemini AI on Android phone; Google to roll out security fix soon
A security vulnerability in Android allows Gemini AI to send messages from locked devices without requiring a PIN.
'ClickLock' Malware Coerces Mac Users Into Giving Up Passwords
A new strain of Mac malware known as 'ClickLock' is rendering systems unusable to coerce users into surrendering their passwords.
RedHook Android malware can quietly hijack your phone
An upgraded version of RedHook Android malware is hijacking devices and stealing banking credentials, primarily targeting users in Southeast Asia.
Microsoft rushes out Windows fix for Dell's hot and bothered PCs
Microsoft has released an emergency Windows 11 update to resolve critical reliability issues and shutdowns affecting certain Dell computers.
RIP bargain bin: The price impact of Sony’s disc-free PlayStation plan
Sony's move to scrap game discs is sparking a consumer backlash over the loss of physical media and the end of the second-hand bargain bin.