Apply updates': Govt issues high-risk warning for Google Chrome users

Government issues high-risk warning for Google Chrome users, asks users to update browser immediately

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers in the world, with billions of users across various platforms. However, it is also a frequent target of cyberattacks, especially those that exploit security vulnerabilities in the browser. Recently, Google has released several emergency security updates for Chrome to patch critical zero-day flaws that are being actively exploited by hackers.

What are zero-day vulnerabilities and why are they dangerous?

Zero-day vulnerabilities are security flaws that are unknown to the software developers and the public, but are discovered and exploited by hackers before they can be fixed. These vulnerabilities can allow hackers to execute malicious code, steal sensitive data, or take over the device remotely. Zero-day attacks are very difficult to detect and prevent, as there are no patches or antivirus signatures available to protect the users.

What are the recent zero-day vulnerabilities in Chrome and how do they affect users?

According to Google's security blog¹, the company has fixed eight security vulnerabilities in Chrome version 98.0.4758.102, which was released on February 15, 2023. One of these vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2023-21166, is a zero-day flaw that affects the V8 JavaScript engine in Chrome. This flaw can allow hackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the browser, potentially compromising the user's device and data.

Another zero-day vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-21193, was fixed in Chrome version 99.0.4844.84, which was released on March 25, 2023. This flaw affects the audio component in Chrome and can also allow hackers to execute malicious code on the user's device.

Google has confirmed that both of these zero-day vulnerabilities are being exploited in the wild by attackers. However, the company has not disclosed any details about the nature or origin of these attacks, or how many users have been affected by them.

How can users protect themselves from these zero-day attacks?

The best way to protect yourself from these zero-day attacks is to update your Chrome browser to the latest version as soon as possible. Google has already released patches for these vulnerabilities and has urged all Chrome users to update their browser immediately.

To update your Chrome browser on your computer, follow these steps:

- On your computer, open Chrome.

- At the top right, click More .

- Click Update Google Chrome. If you don't see this button, you're on the latest version.

- Click Relaunch.

To update your Chrome browser on your Android device, follow these steps:

- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Play Store app .

- At the top left, tap Menu My apps & games.

- Under "Updates," find Chrome .

- Next to Chrome, tap Update.

To update your Chrome browser on your iOS device, follow these steps⁴:

- On your iPhone or iPad, open the App Store.

- At the bottom right, tap Updates.

- Look for Chrome .

- Next to Chrome, tap Update.

## Conclusion

Google Chrome is a widely used web browser that offers many features and benefits to its users. However, it is also vulnerable to cyberattacks that exploit security flaws in the browser. Recently, Google has fixed two critical zero-day vulnerabilities in Chrome that are being actively exploited by hackers. To protect yourself from these attacks, you should update your Chrome browser to the latest version as soon as possible. Stay safe and secure online!

Source:

(1) Manage Chrome safety and security - Computer - Google Help. https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/10468685?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop.

(2) Google Chrome switching to weekly security patch updates. https://9to5google.com/2023/08/08/google-chrome-weekly-updates/.

(3) Update Chrome Browser Now - Google Releases Emergency Security Update. https://www.hackread.com/google-releases-emergency-security-update-chrome/.

(4) Google Updates Chrome To Fix In The Wild Exploit - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2022/02/15/google-chrome-emergency-security-update-for-32-billion-as-attacks-underway/.

(5) Google Chrome's latest critical security update is now available. https://www.ghacks.net/2023/02/23/google-chromes-latest-critical-security-update-is-now-available/.

FAQ's

Why is Chrome giving me a security warning?

You'll see a warning if the content you're trying to see is dangerous or deceptive. These sites are often called "phishing" or "malware" sites.

क्रोम मुझे सुरक्षा चेतावनी क्यों दे रहा है?

यदि आप जिस सामग्री को देखने का प्रयास कर रहे हैं वह खतरनाक या भ्रामक है तो आपको एक चेतावनी दिखाई देगी। इन साइटों को अक्सर "फ़िशिंग" या "मैलवेयर" साइटें कहा जाता है।

What is the warning about Chrome?

Google Chrome users are being urged to check and update their web browser over several “high” risk security issues that can be exploited by cyber criminals. The major vulnerabilities put Chrome users at risk of malicious attacks unless their browser was up to date, Google warned in a recent update.

What is the name of technology that Chrome browser uses to keep you safe from malware and phishing?

With Safe Browsing, you get alerts about malware, risky extensions, phishing or sites on Google's list of potentially unsafe sites.