To ensure the security of your browsing experience, it is recommended that Chrome users promptly verify their browser version and restart the application if necessary. This precautionary measure follows Google’s recent release of an update addressing six security vulnerabilities in the Chrome browser, with one of these vulnerabilities classified as a zero-day threat. This designation signifies that cybercriminals are actively exploiting the flaw.
Users are advised to confirm they are using the latest Chrome version, specifically versions 138.0.7204.157/.158 for Windows and Mac, and 138.0.7204.157 for Linux. According to security experts at Malwarebytes, this update is crucial as it mitigates a vulnerability that can be exploited when a user visits a malicious website, without requiring any additional user interaction to compromise the system.
To check for updates in Chrome, users can click on the menu bar and select “About Chrome.” If any pending updates are found, restarting the browser promptly is recommended. This alert comes on the heels of a previous advisory urging users to update their browsers due to another zero-day vulnerability. Additionally, security experts have highlighted concerns about fake extensions targeting millions of Chrome users, potentially exposing them to security risks.
Users impacted by fake extensions are encouraged to reset their Chrome software and clear browsing data. Google has removed the malicious extensions, alleviating concerns for new users.