Chrome Security and Passive Mode Risks

No, technically, a completely disabled (deactivated) Chrome extension cannot steal new information or monitor your current browsing activity. When an extension is disabled, it is not loaded into the browser’s memory and its background processes are terminated. support.google

However, there are two critical security nuances to consider:

Residual Risks in Open Tabs

If a malicious extension was active and you disabled it while having several tabs open, its “content scripts” might still be running in those specific pages until they are refreshed. stackoverflow

• These scripts could potentially leak data through indirect methods like hidden images or CSS if the site’s Content Security Policy (CSP) is weak. stackoverflow
• Solution: You must refresh all open tabs or restart your browser after disabling an extension to ensure all its scripts are fully cleared. stackoverflow

Previously Stolen Data

Disabling an extension only stops future data collection; it does not “undo” what was already stolen while the extension was active. youtube

• If a malicious extension captured your passwords, session cookies, or personal data while it was enabled, that information is likely already stored on the attacker’s server (C2 server). linkedin
• Attackers often use stolen session tokens to maintain access to your accounts even after the extension is deleted. thehackernews

Extension Status Comparison

The following table illustrates the capabilities of an extension based on its state:

If you suspect an extension is malicious, simply disabling it is not enough. You should remove it entirely, clear your browser cookies, and change your passwords for sensitive accounts. support.google

Which specific extension are you concerned about?