Can a Linux OS be infected from a browser?

Linux support
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I just read this article from Tom’s Guide. Popular Chrome extensions hijacked by hackers in widespread cyberattack — 3.2 million at risk | Tom's Guide. The one thing I love about Linux is that anti-virus is not needed. In fact that was what prompted to move over the first time, I was getting frustrated by the intrusion of AV software.

However this article got me asking the question above. If my browser becomes infected with a virus, can this do harm to the OS and any other software? Is my data safe? If it can, what do I need to check on to make sure I am safe?

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hmm, your concern is valid. While modern browsers sandbox extensions to limit their reach and isolate them from the underlying OS; an infected extension can still access sensitive browser data like cookies, history, and saved passwords. So there’s a slim chance it could even be a doorway for more malware.

Even though Linux isn’t as prone to traditional viruses, the risk of data theft or additional malware remains. Al bit it very unlikely. A balanced approach is to regularly review your extensions—removing those you don’t use or that request too many permissions—and keeping your browser updated.

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I’m sure it works, but it’s certainly time-consuming and, given the still small target group, not in proportion to the effort involved.

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I agree with @hydn, the best practices includes:

  • Frequently update your web browser
  • Frequently updates at last critical OS security fixes
  • Stay away from hamefoul websites
  • Be carefoul with installed extensions (for exaple I knew a person who was using an extension for syncing all it’s password on web browser. I don’t thik this is a good practice)

That’s all.

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That’s one good thing about my browsing setup so far. No extensions. My main browser right now is Firefox and I use two accounts to share passwords and sites between computers. I use Chrome to access Google Workspace and Microsoft Edge for Office 365.

So I am supposing my lack of extension use would increase my security.

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