How to Update Google Chrome to Protect Yourself From Cyberattacks

Everything happens for a reason. If Google Chrome asks you to update your browser, you might want to listen to it. As of late, the reason is quite alarming: Chrome confirmed the threat of a zero-day hack (CVE-2022-1096); in vernacular, the search engine is currently at risk of hacker attacks — and so are its users. Around 3.2 billion, to be specific, including you. 

Also read: Social Media Privacy: Easy Steps to Protect Yourself Online

“Google is aware that an exploit for CVE-2022-1096 exists in the wild,” Chrome recently revealed, after dropping a browser update on 25 Mar 2022. With this, the browser urges its users to update their browsers immediately to avoid the risks of the zero-day hack.

Now, what must you do? Obviously, you should update your Google Chrome. Don’t worry — it’s easy as pie.

How to update Google Chrome

1.  In the top-right corner of your Chrome window, click the three dots.
2.  Hover over “Help.” Then, click “About Google Chrome.”
3.  Chrome will then open a new tab for “Settings.” See if your “Chrome is up to date.” If it isn’t, update your browser immediately.

Also read: 15 Google Chrome Extensions We Wish We Knew About Sooner

Unfortunately, Edge users aren’t spared from the zero-day hack. Since the browser is Chromium-based, it is also vulnerable to hackers. Good news for Edge users, though: Microsoft has already released a fix for you. All you have to do is update your Microsoft Edge today.

How to update Microsoft Edge

1.  In the top-right corner of your Microsoft Edge window, click the three dots.
2.  Hover over “Help and Feedback.” Then, click “About Microsoft Edge.”
3.  Microsoft Edge will then open a new tab for “Settings.” See if your “Microsoft Edge is up to date.” If it isn’t, update your browser immediately.

Also read: The ‘Facebook Profile Lock’ and How Filipinos Can Do It Locally

Since the zero-day hack leverages browser security vulnerabilities that developers are not yet aware of, both Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are mum about the details of this exploit. To be safe against data breaches, make sure to update your browsers on all your devices. It won’t hurt to have your browsers update automatically, either.