NewsPublished 2 Aug 2026

Google Chrome may soon block New Tab hijacker extensions by default

Source Bleeping Computer

Description

Google is preparing a new Chrome security feature that would block policy-installed extensions from hijacking the New Tab page or changing the default search engine. [...]

Impact

Malicious software can abuse Chrome's enterprise policy extension installation mechanism on unmanaged consumer devices to force-install extensions that hijack the New Tab page or change the default search engine, potentially redirecting users to suspicious sites and preventing removal or disabling of these extensions. This can degrade user experience and expose users to unwanted content or tracking. The new feature will mitigate this abuse by blocking such extensions, reducing the risk of persistent browser hijacking on consumer PCs.

Defensive guidance

This protection is not yet released but will be enabled by default once approved. Users should monitor Chrome updates for the availability of this feature. Legitimate administrators can disable the protection via an escape-hatch policy if necessary. No immediate action is required until the feature ships. Once available, the feature will automatically block and uninstall hijacking extensions installed via policies on unmanaged devices.

References

bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/google-chrome-may-soon-block-new-tab-hijacker-extensions-by-default/ (opens in a new tab)

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Description

AI analysisMachine-generated, updated 2 Aug 2026, 14:18 UTC

References

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