The critical Chrome update you must install immediately and its reasons.

In 2024, Google Chrome faced several vulnerabilities, but Google promptly fixed them.

Google admitted that hackers are exploiting a recently discovered vulnerability in Chrome, which Microsoft found.

If you haven't updated your browser yet, you should do it now as the search giant released an update to fix the issue just two days ago.

Google remains tight-lipped about the vulnerability

Google is not disclosing how the vulnerability affects users or how hackers are exploiting it, likely due to the company's desire to prevent threat actors from gaining additional information and to give users ample time to update their Chrome browser.

The company stated that they will retain restrictions until a majority of users are updated with a fix for a bug in a third-party library that other projects have not yet fixed.

A type confusion bug in the V8 JavaScript and WebAssembly engine has been described by Google and assigned the CVE-2024-7971 identifier.

The NVD describes a bug in V8 in Google Chrome prior to 128.0.6613.84 that allowed a remote attacker to exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page.

Hackers can control your Chrome browser on your desktop by tricking it with a fake HTML page, which could steal your data or install malicious software without your knowledge.

The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC) and Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) discovered and reported the vulnerability on Aug. 19.

Google has confirmed that it has released an update to fix this issue after we reached out to them for comment.

Update Google Chrome to stay protected

The Chrome stable channel has been updated to 128.0.6613.84/.85 for Windows and Mac, and 128.0.6613.84 for Linux. To ensure the update installs, check and restart your browser after it downloads automatically. Follow the steps below for instructions.

How to update Chrome

• Open Google Chrome on your computer
• Click on the three dots in the top-right corner
• Select Help
• Click About Chrome
• Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
• Click Relaunch to complete the update process.

You can update Chrome on mobile devices through the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) by searching for Chrome and tapping Update if available.

3 additional ways to protect your privacy

To further enhance your privacy and security, here are some security tips you can follow in addition to updating Chrome to fix the vulnerability.

Installing strong antivirus software is crucial to prevent hackers from gaining access to your devices through infected emails, documents, or links that download malware.

To safeguard yourself from malicious links and protect your private information, it is essential to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This software can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Discover my top picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Be cautious when someone urgently asks for personal information, money, or a click on a link, as it may be a scam.

To keep your accounts and devices secure, create strong passwords and avoid using the same password for multiple online accounts. Utilize a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords, making it easier to create unique and difficult-to-crack passwords. Additionally, a password manager keeps track of all your passwords in one place and fills them in for you when logging into an account, reducing the likelihood of reusing passwords. For more information on the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2024, click here.

Kurt’s key takeaway

Google's quick response to the latest security vulnerability demonstrates its dedication to safeguarding its users. However, it also underscores the importance of keeping software up to date. Don't delay updating Google Chrome any longer. Cybersecurity is a race against time, and every second counts.

Do you update your browser manually or wait for a prompt? Please let us know by writing to Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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