Google Chrome Flaw Puts 2 Billion Users At Risk
By: Jim Stickley and Tina Davis
September 16, 2019
Google Chrome browser users, all 2 billion of them, may be at serious risk of hacking. This vulnerability affects Windows, Chromebook, and Linux computers and laptops, as well as Apple users. Currently, it’s believed that mobile device and tablet users are not at risk. The Center for Internet Security recently published an alert for Chrome users, saying they can be redirected to websites where hackers are ready and waiting. The flaw could allow personal data to be manipulated by deleting it, changing it, or simply allowing it to be viewed. Bad actors can also install programs or create new accounts with total user rights. Currently, no abuse has been reported, but because it’s a browser attack everyone using a desktop version of Chrome is vulnerable.
The Chrome browser attack is part of a security vulnerability with the Blink engine that drives the browser. The flaw was discovered by two developers as part of the Google Bug Bounty program which offers rewards to engineers who discover security issues. Google rolled out an emergency update for all Chrome users to apply immediately. Follow the steps and advice below to quickly update your browser and stay safer online.
Chrome Update:
- Click on the three dot menu at the top right corner of the browser window.
- Click on Help, then go to About Google Chrome. This will automatically search for the update and launch it, if it’s not already updated. You’ll get a prompt to relaunch Chrome, which installs the update.
- Double check the update was successful. You should see Chrome version 76.0.3809.132.
- Check your software privileges and always choose to run them as “non-privileged.” This greatly reduces a hacker’s ability to take charge with full access privileges.
- Don’t visit untrusted sites, follow links, or open attachments–especially with emails from questionable sources.