Attention Chrome Users: Google Issues Warning
Table of Contents
- By Steven
- Published: Mar 29, 2022
- Last Updated: Mar 29, 2022
If you use Google Chrome to surf the internet, you should be aware the tech giant has issued a warning. Google’s public relations specialists are adamant that Chrome users need to upgrade the browser due to a zero-day hack. The hack is Google’s second zero-day attack in the new year.
Why is Google Issuing the Warning?
Google’s tech team insists there is a breakthrough “zero-day” elevated threat identified within Google Chrome. The tech powerhouse highlighted the digital security flaw through its Chrome blog. Google states Chrome browsers used in Windows, Linux, and macOS are vulnerable.
What is Zero-Day all About?
Zero-day hacks are especially dangerous digital threats as they indicate there is a digital security weakness that hackers are taking advantage of. Google is aware of the issue yet has not implemented a lasting fix. In short, every single user of Chrome is susceptible to the zero-day hack.
Is the Zero-Day Hack Limited to Chrome?
An update provided on Monday revealed Google’s Chrome browser is not the only browser affected by the zero-day hack. Microsoft’s Edge browser is also affected by the hack. Microsoft recently published an update about the hack on its Security Response Center, stating the exploit compromises Chromium-based browsers.
Examples of additional browsers vulnerable to the hack include Opera, Brave, Amazon Silk, and Samsung Internet on Galaxy phones. There is also a good chance the Yandex and Vivaldi browsers are also susceptible.
How is Microsoft Responding to the Hack?
Microsoft representatives have stated they are releasing a repair for the Edge browser. This remedy is centered on the latest update for Chromium that Google previously provided for users of Chrome. If you use Microsoft’s Edge browser, you can obtain the fix to safeguard your web surfing by clicking the ellipses on the far-right side of the window.
The patched version of the browser is available for the browser with 99.0.1150.553 and lower. If your Edge browser is lower than this number, you are susceptible to the hack. You can do your part to protect your browser, computer, and personal information by implementing the latest digital security protections.
Why Isn’t Google Providing Much Information About the Exploit?
Google’s public relations specialists are limiting the information they provide about the hack as they need as much time as possible for users of Chrome to implement the update. The tech giant has merely noted that the current threat level is elevated. Google representatives have specified the area of the attack and stated that the individual who discovered it was an anonymous tipster. Google has also noted that the anonymous tipster provided the information on March 23 of this year.
What is V8 all About?
V8 is the Chrome browser’s feature that runs JavaScript. JavaScript is the metaphorical engine that powers the browser.
The hack described above makes the browser operate the harmful code, setting the stage for the attack to be executed.
How Should Chrome Users Proceed?
Google is providing an emergency update for the browser. You can check to see if your browser version needs the update by clicking settings, help, and about. This series of clicks triggers the browser to check for updates. If your browser is eligible for the update, be sure to restart it to activate protection.