Users on older iterations of the web browser Chrome may be at high risk of being hacked due to security weak spots.
In today’s digital age, where we rely heavily on the internet for work, communication and entertainment, it is crucial to prioritise online safety and cybersecurity. With the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks and scams, it is vital to remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect yourself from malicious threats.
Cyber threats can take various forms and can result in severe consequences, such as financial loss and identity theft.
Recently, Google alerted its users about eight high-risk vulnerabilities that were detected on its Chrome platform. The exploitation of these vulnerabilities by cybercriminals can lead to the theft of sensitive information and money from unsuspecting users.
Users on older versions of Chrome are at a higher risk of being hacked due to security weak spots, which is why Google is urging its users to update their browsers to the latest version as soon as possible.
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Google is taking steps to address the issue, but they are being cautious not to release too much information about the bugs just yet. This is to avoid alerting scammers about the security weaknesses, which could lead to even more attacks.
According to recent reports, one of the bugs is believed to allow cybercriminals to access users’ lists of saved passwords, which could result in significant financial loss or identity theft. Another vulnerability involves ‘out-of-bounds memory access in WebHID’, which could potentially enable hackers to execute code on a user’s device.
Several teams of experts, including researchers at Google’s Project Zero, Seoul National University, and the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, have identified the bugs. Collaborations by skilled professionals such as these are essential in preventing security bugs from causing widespread damage. Google has expressed its gratitude towards the security researchers who collaborated with them to identify and address the vulnerabilities before they could cause significant harm.
How do I update my Chrome browser?
Keeping your web browser up to date will ensure you benefit from the latest security updates. You can configure Google Chrome to automatically update to the latest version whenever it becomes available on your device.
When your browser updates, you may notice some changes to its appearance or functionality. This is a normal occurrence, and it indicates that your browser is being kept up to date with the latest features and security improvements.
Typically, updates occur in the background while you’re using your browser, and they become active the next time you close and reopen it. However, if you haven’t shut down your browser in a while, you may see a notification or a request to update.
To update Google Chrome:
- on your computer, open Chrome
- at the top right, click More (vertical ellipsis icon)
- go to Help, then click About Google Chrome
- click Update Google Chrome (Note: If you can’t find this button, you’re on the latest version.)
- click Relaunch.
For iOS device users, click here to learn how to update your browser. For Android device users, go to this link.
If you have opened tabs, they are automatically saved and will reopen when you restart your browser. However, if you’re using incognito windows, the tabs won’t reopen when you restart your browser.
If you’re prompted to restart your browser after an update, you can click ‘Not now’ if you’d prefer to keep your browser open for a little longer. The update will still be applied the next time you restart your browser, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on any important security updates.
Which internet browser do you use? Are you using the most up-to-date version? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: There is, in fact, a ‘wrong’ way to use Google. Here are five tips
