May 3

May 3 Google suggests you Update Chrome Browser Immediately due to Security Flaws

New security flaws detected in Google’s Chrome web browser warrant an immediate update according to the tech giant.

A software update is being rolled out in the coming days and weeks for Chrome on PC, Mac and Linux – and other browsers that use Google code such as Microsoft Edge.

There are 30 security fixes in the update, seven of which have been deemed high level threats. Google hasn’t broken down the specifics of the bugs - or the hackers using them – at least not until most users have implemented the update.

Software updates happen regularly, but this one is alarming enough to cause users to initiate an immediate update, says Lotem Finkelstein, director of cyber intelligence and research for Check Point Software Technologies, headquartered in San Carlos, California and Tel Aviv, Isreal.

“Overall, Google keeps high standards for security and the safety of its users, but that alone is not enough and we, the end users, need to make sure we are using their most updated fixes,” he said in a statement to USA Today.

Security professionals have recommended that Americans should be on alert for a possible increase in cyberattacks, some coming from Russian retaliation for U.S. assistance to Ukraine. Americans should be on the lookout for phishing attempts, which try to get you to click on links that could steal personal data or install malware. Also, it is advised to use strong passwords.

Google also warned of an increase in zero-day attacks, or software weaknesses spread among hackers before developers can create a fix.

In addition to regular browser updates, it is recommended to avoid unfamiliar websites and clicking on links from unknown sources. Links may appear to come from legitimate organizations, but if you notice a suspicious URL, or a URL that ends with something other than .com, be cautious about clicking on the link.

“The cyber threat landscape expands all the time, new threat actors join constantly and hackers acquire new skills as we speak,” Finkelstein said. “We see an all-time high in cyberattacks, more than 50% vs. last year, so it is only natural that we see an increase in zero-days. We expect it to keep on growing.”

Not sure how to update your Google Chrome browser? Follow these steps: