Your security is essential to a positive web browsing experience, and Google is constantly sending updates to Chrome to keep you protected from malicious websites. Some security holes inevitably slip through the cracks – a reminder that you should always be using the latest version of Chrome. A recently discovered Chrome exploit is being actively exploited today, and while Google quickly released a patch, you may still be running an older, vulnerable version. Let’s take a look at what you need to do to make sure you’re safe.

Google recently rolled out Chrome 91.0.4472.164 to Android and desktop devices, fixing a number of security vulnerabilities. One of them, tagged CVE-2021-30563, is a zero-day exploit that hackers are already taking advantage of. While the company won’t disclose details of how the exploit works, a tracker reports zero-day capitalizing on a bug in Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. A remote attacker could execute arbitrary code tricking users into visiting a malicious website and triggering a type confusion error in V8. Successful exploitation could completely compromise a system.

How to update Chrome

Google made it clear in its announcement yesterday that Chrome users need to update now to stay safe. Your device should automatically recover Chrome 91.0.4472.164, but if it doesn’t, here’s how to update manually:

Chrome for desktop platforms

Since this vulnerability is rooted in JavaScript engine V8, the security exploit affects all Chromium based browsers (Brave, Microsoft Edge, etc.). Check with their respective developers for more details on this. With Chrome itself, here are the steps to follow:

  • Click on the three-dot menu on the right side of the browser.
  • Hover your cursor over “Help”.
  • Tap “About Chrome”.
  • Wait for Chrome to receive the update from Google. When it does, restart your browser.

Chrome for Android

You can update Chrome through the Google Play Store or by downloading the latest update from APKMirror. Here’s how to update the browser from the Google Play Store:

  • Launch the Google Play store.
  • Tap your profile picture in the search bar (With the old layout, tap the ‘hamburger’ button.)
  • Tap Manage apps & devices.
  • Tap “Update All”.

Google will soon release an updated version of Chrome OS 91 on Chromebooks with these security fixes. Stay safe there, folks.

Google Chrome: fast and secure
Google Chrome: fast and secure