Secure Chrome PRO
The Secure Chrome PRO browser extension from Chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/secure-chrome-pro/balaejcnclfobnenddbghfljcjnkmfed is an ad-supported product by programmers associated with h[tt]p://defendsearch[.]com. The Secure Chrome PRO extension may be promoted on the Chrome Web Store as a cybersecurity layer tailored to the needs of Google users. The description given by Defendsearch.com suggests that the Secure Chrome PRO extension checks if a site is secure or not. Clicking on the 'Add to Chrome' button at Chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/secure-chrome-pro/balaejcnclfobnenddbghfljcjnkmfed brings up the following dialog box:
'Add "Secure Chrome PRO"?
It can:
• Read and change all your data on the websites you visit.'
There are no particularities given as to how the Secure Chrome PRO works and if it uses help from trusted cybersecurity vendors. Judging by its user base and lack of popularity, we are inclined to believe that the Secure Chrome PRO is not supported by leading security vendors in the field. There are no partnership logos of AV companies on h[tt]p://defendsearch[.]com/ and you might notice that the extension performs browser redirects to h[tt]p://defendsearch[.]com/?q=[search terms] every time you use the Omnibox for searches and launch a search from google.com directly. You should note that Secure Chrome PRO and h[tt]p://defendsearch[.]com are not services developed and maintained by Google Inc.
Secure Chrome PRO by h[tt]p://defendsearch[.]com is categorized as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) that may redirect users to a new tab titled 'Google Search -' and modify the way the Omnibox works. There is no indication on Chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/secure-chrome-pro/balaejcnclfobnenddbghfljcjnkmfed that the Secure Chrome PRO is supposed to redirect users. Also, the search lenses on h[tt]p://defendsearch[.]com are positioned the same way as on Google.com, and Web surfers may be lead to believe they are using a service by Google. We have tested the Secure Chrome PRO on a dozen insecure pages, and the app failed to generate an alert and block access to the pages. You might want to avoid using the Secure Chrome PRO program and chose to rely on a trusted cybersecurity product.
