Security News > 2022 > August > Chrome 'Internet Download Manager' adware has 200,000 installs
Google Chrome extension 'Internet Download Manager' installed by more than 200,000 users is adware.
Although the extension may install a known and legitimate download manager program, BleepingComputer observed unwanted behavior exhibited by the extension-such as opening links to spammy sites, changing the default browser search engine, and further hounding the user with pop-ups asking them to download more "Patches" and unwanted programs.
Tonec does offer Internet Download Manager extensions for Firefox and Chrome.
By contrast, the counterfeit 'Internet Download Manager' Chrome extension seems to be maintained by a website called "Puupnewsapp" that claims "It increases your download speed up to 500%" making it a "Super software" for downloading games, movies, music, and "Large files in minutes." Sounds promising.
The instructions provided by the knock-off extension are even more perplexing-why does one need to download and install multiple programs after installing the extension?
While not all of these extensions may be harmful, users should be cautious when installing new Chrome extensions and verify if these are official versions published by trusted software vendors.