Stay Safe with Google’s Emergency Chrome Security Update

As cyberattacks continue to grow in number and ferocity, it’s crucial to stay on top of software updates to protect your business and personal information. The latest security update comes from Google, who has just released an emergency Chrome security update to address a zero-day vulnerability. This is the first of its kind exploited in attacks since the start of the year, and it affects both Windows and Mac users. In this blog post, we’ll outline the details of the update and explain why it’s important for you to act quickly.

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-2033, is classified as a ‘use after free’ flaw, which can allow bad actors to execute arbitrary code on your device by having you access a specially crafted webpage. This can lead to malware infections, data theft, and other forms of cybercrime. As such, it’s crucial that you update your browser to ensure the patch is applied.

To do so, go to the Chrome menu and select Help > About Google Chrome. If you haven't received the update yet, click "update" and wait for the browser to download and install the new version. Once the update is complete, Chrome automatically prompts you to relaunch the browser. If you don’t see an update, try restarting your browser; it should trigger the automatic update.

The emergency security update is available to users in the Stable Desktop channel. While the update may take days or weeks to reach every user, Google has advised that you should update to the new version, 112.0.5615.121, as soon as possible. The update applies to all Chrome users on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Additionally, IT managers should install the update on any corporate assets to prevent exploitation.

Google has a strong track record of releasing timely security updates to address vulnerabilities, and this is no exception. However, it’s important to keep in mind that new vulnerabilities can arise at any time. As such, it’s best to exercise caution when browsing and to keep your software up to date.

If you’re unsure of how to update your version of Chrome, reach out to your IT team for assistance. They can ensure all business-owned assets are updated, and they can advise you on best practices to reduce the risk of future attacks. Don't give cybercriminals a chance to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities.

Google’s emergency Chrome security update is a reminder that we need to stay vigilant against cyber threats. Updating your software to the latest version ensures security patches are applied, which helps to reduce your exposure to potential threats. While this particular vulnerability has been addressed, it's important to keep your eyes peeled for future updates and to stay up to date with the latest cybersecurity news. As always, we recommend that businesses and individuals securely store sensitive data, enable two-factor authentication wherever possible, and be on the lookout for phishing emails and suspicious activity. Stay safe out there!