Google has issued an urgent warning to Australian users of its platform, following the discovery of eight weak spots that could be exploited by cybercriminals to steal personal data and money.
Chrome Browser Vulnerabilities
The vulnerabilities were identified on Google’s web browser, Chrome, and users on older versions of the browser are at high risk of being hacked. While Google has not revealed details of the bugs, fearing that it may alert scammers, it has confirmed that the bugs are high-risk and can be exploited by hackers.
Two High-Risk Bugs
One of the bugs identified opens access to users’ saved passwords, while another allows out-of-bounds memory access to human-interface devices, such as mice, touchscreens, and keyboards. Both vulnerabilities pose a serious threat to data security.
Update to Stay Safe
To avoid falling victim to these vulnerabilities, users should update their Chrome browser to its latest version. Users can check whether they need to update their browser by selecting “more” on Chrome, heading to settings, and clicking on “About Chrome”. If their browser needs updating, users will be prompted to relaunch.
Increasing Number of Security Breaches in Australia
The surge of security breaches in Australia continues to raise concerns, with hackers increasingly targeting Australian data. In fact, the personal information of Australians was being stolen at a rate more than 20 times above the global average in December 2022.
The recent breach at Latitude financial, which affected 14 million users, is a testament to the severity of the situation, as it marks the largest data breach ever reported on a financial institution in the country.
Google’s Latest Cybersecurity Warning: A Call to Action for Internet Users
As cyber threats continue to evolve, it’s important for internet users to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect their online security. With the recent discovery of eight high-risk bugs on its platform, Google’s warning serves as a reminder that even major tech companies are not immune to cyberattacks. While the bugs have been addressed with the latest Chrome update, it’s likely that cybercriminals will continue to look for vulnerabilities in popular platforms like Google.
This is why it’s crucial for internet users to regularly update their software and be cautious of suspicious emails or messages, as well as to use strong, unique passwords for all their accounts. By taking these measures, we can stay ahead of cyber threats and keep our online information safe
