In this report, we would like to talk about Google Chrome’s Developer Mode feature and the so-called Developer Mode Extensions. It is quite obvious the mentioned feature was created for add-ons’ developers rather than their users. While it may seem like a useful tool for testing designed applications, the research shows this feature might be abused by unreliable programs to bypass the browser’s security. Therefore, if your default browser is Google Chrome and you have not yet heard about such settings, we would advise you to read this article carefully so you would know how to identify potential threats and protect the system from Developer Mode Extensions that could put your computer in danger. Those who encounter such applications could get rid of them manually as it is shown in the instructions located at the end of the article.
Why could Developer Mode Extensions be dangerous to the system?
As we mentioned earlier Developer Mode feature was created for extension developers so they could test their newly designed applications more efficiently. However, this feature can be enabled by anyone, all you have to do is launch Google Chrome, tap Alt+F to access Settings and click Extensions; on the top-right corner you should see a checkbox titled as Developer Mode. By enabling it the developer or the user can make all installed extensions or just the selected ones to run in such mode. This is how you can transform your current add-ons into Developer Mode Extensions.
According to our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com, there are potentially dangerous extensions that might find a way to enable this feature without the user’s permission to bypass the browser’s security. Fortunately, in such case, the user should see an alert from Google Chrome warning him to disable Developer Mode Extensions: “Extensions running developer mode can harm your computer.” At this point, it is important to mention that such extensions might be downloaded from suspicious sources. In other words the potentially dangerous applications could be those that are not available on Chrome Web Store. Usually, add-ons are not allowed to be distributed there if they include features that are not allowed in Google Chrome extensions since they can endanger the computer or user’s privacy. For example, the add-on could promote unreliable advertising content such as pop-ups, banners, or other ads promoting untrustworthy or even malicious software, fake surveys, lotteries, and so on.
How to remove Developer Mode Extensions?
If you see the mentioned warning claiming some extension is running in Developer Mode, you should click the pop-up and see which add-on it is. In case it is an application you downloaded from a file-sharing site or other unreliable web pages, we advise you to look more information about it or simply take no chances and get rid of it. Users should be able to remove Developer Mode Extensions just as usual add-ons. If you need any help, we advise you to take a look at the instructions placed below since they explain the process in detail. Also, if your downloaded extension is considered potentially dangerous, e.g. categorized as a browser hijacker, potentially unwanted application, adware, and so on, it could be erased automatically with a legitimate antimalware tool.
Eliminate Developer Mode Extensions
- Press ALT+F and select Settings.
- Click on More tools and pick Extensions.
- Find the suspicious extension running in the Developer Mode.
- Press the trash bin button near it.
- Select Remove.
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