Beware Fake AI Tools Hidden in Your Browser

We've all heard about the amazing things AI can do, and many of us are trying out new AI tools to help with daily tasks, research, or even just for fun. But just like with anything popular online, scammers are quick to try and take advantage. There's a new warning circulating about fake AI browser extensions – little add-on programs for your internet browser like Google Chrome – that are designed to spy on you.

Recently, an extension pretending to offer access to 'Perplexity AI', a popular AI search tool that summarises information, was found to be doing something quite different. Instead of helping users search, it was secretly watching what they were looking for online. This is a big problem because it means personal details, private searches, or even sensitive business information could be sniffed out by criminals.

Think about it: many small business owners use their browsers all day for banking, client communications, or researching market trends. Parents might be searching for health information or school supplies. If a fake extension is watching, that information isn't secure anymore. It's like inviting a stranger into your home and letting them read over your shoulder while you do your banking.

The key takeaway here for everyday Australians is to be extremely careful about what you download. Before adding any browser extension, especially those boasting AI features, check who made it. Look for official developers, read reviews, and be wary of anything that seems too good to be true, or doesn't have a clear, reputable source. If you suspect you've downloaded something dodgy, remove it straight away and consider running a security scan. Keeping your online life safe means being clever about what you install.