Government advisory on heightened risks in Google Chrome: Strategies for user security
In the digital world we live in, keeping our devices secure is paramount. Recently, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued an urgent warning for millions of Google Chrome desktop users due to multiple vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to run malicious code, crash systems, or steal sensitive personal data [1].
Fortunately, Google has already released security patches to protect its users. To ensure you're protected, here's how to update Google Chrome on your device:
For Windows Users
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click on the three vertical dots (menu) at the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Select About Chrome on the left sidebar. Chrome will automatically check for updates and download any available version.
- After the update completes, you may need to restart Chrome to apply the changes [2].
If auto-update does not work, you can manually download and reinstall the latest version from the official Google Chrome website or a trusted source like Uptodown [3].
For Linux Users
While the process may vary depending on your Linux distribution, the general approach is to use your package manager commands. For example, on Debian/Ubuntu-based systems:
Alternatively, you can download the latest .deb or .rpm package for Chrome directly from Google's website and install it, which will upgrade to the newest version [4]. This manual approach ensures Chrome is updated if automatic updates are disabled or non-functional in your Linux environment.
It's essential to enable automatic updates for Google Chrome to ensure you receive security patches as soon as they're released. This will help protect your device from potential threats.
Himani Jha, a tech news writer at our platform, emphasises the importance of keeping your device secure. When not immersed in gadgets, Himani Jha enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants. With contributions to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years, Himani is dedicated to keeping you informed about the latest tech news [5].
Google has confirmed five security bugs in total, three rated as "high risk" and two as "medium risk" [6]. Signs of a compromised system include sudden slowdowns, unexpected pop-ups, or programs running without permission. If you suspect your system has been compromised, it's crucial to update to the latest versions to ensure protection.
(Additional Information: Also read: Google Messages now auto-blurs sensitive images, adds privacy-focused warnings before sending.)
Stay safe and secure in the digital world.
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/business/Information-Technology/google-chrome-users-urged-to-update-their-browsers-immediately/article32578722.ece [2] https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/15/22998886/google-chrome-update-stable-channel-linux-windows-macos-bug-fixes [3] https://www.uptodown.com/en/google-chrome [4] https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2022/03/google-chrome-91-0-4472-124-stable-update-ubuntu [5] https://www.timesnownews.com/tech/article/himani-jha-tech-news-writer-at-the-betterindia/770903 [6] https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-patches-five-high-severity-bugs-in-chrome-91-0-4472-128/
- To protect your smartphone from potential cybersecurity threats, make sure to keep your Google Chrome app updated, especially after Google's recent patch for five security bugs.
- In the context of technology, enabling automatic updates for Google Chrome not only ensures a smooth browsing experience but also safeguards your smartphone from falling victim to cybersecurity risks.
