The Indian government has issued a high-risk alert for Google Chrome users. CERT-In reported that critical security vulnerabilities have been found in older versions of Chrome, which could allow hackers to gain system access and steal data. Windows, macOS, and Linux users have been advised to update their browsers immediately.
Google Chrome Security Alert: On Monday, the Indian government issued a serious warning for users running older versions of Google Chrome. CERT-In stated that several vulnerabilities have been discovered in outdated versions of Chrome running on Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. These vulnerabilities could be exploited by cybercriminals to take control of systems and access sensitive data. The government has advised users to update Chrome immediately to prevent potential cyberattacks and data theft.
Which Versions Have Security Flaws?
According to CERT-In, older versions of Chrome than 142.0.7444.59 on Linux, and older versions than 142.0.7444.59/60 on Windows and macOS, are at the highest risk. Chrome running on these systems could become an easy target for hackers.
The agency reported that these vulnerabilities have led to issues such as type confusion, policy bypass, spoofing, and out-of-bounds read. These issues could break the security layer and allow a malicious user to interfere with the system.
How Cyberattacks Can Occur
Through these flaws, cybercriminals can bypass security measures and gain access to your computer. They can then carry out attacks such as data theft, spoofing, and malware installation. The risk further increases if the system is connected to an organizational network.
CERT-In has clearly stated that sensitive information, passwords, and banking data could also be at risk. Therefore, updating Chrome and maintaining cyber hygiene are crucial.
What Users Should Do
Google has released a patch to fix these security vulnerabilities. Users should update Chrome immediately. On desktop, go to the Chrome menu, click Help, and select About Google Chrome. Restart the browser after the update is installed.
Cybersecurity experts advise users to keep their browsers and systems updated, avoid unknown links, and install extensions only from trusted sources.
