Google Chrome, a multifunctional web browser relied upon by millions, recently addressed its first actively exploited zero-day vulnerability of 2024, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by users. As the gateway to the internet, Chrome remains susceptible to hackers exploiting unknown security flaws before vendors can patch them.

What Is the Zero-Day Vulnerability? How Was Google Chrome Exploited?

A zero-day vulnerability is a critical flaw that is unknown to the vendor and can be exploited by attackers before it is patched. The current exploit, CVE-2024-0519, is a high-severity “out-of-bounds memory access” issue in Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine. Attackers can exploit it to access data, potentially stealing and leaking sensitive information, causing the browser to crash, installing malware, and other malicious actions.

How Did Google Address this Vulnerability?

Google responded promptly to this security threat by releasing an update for Google Chrome users. The update includes crucial security fixes aimed at neutralizing the zero-day vulnerability.

Users are strongly advised to update their Chrome browsers immediately to ensure protection against potential exploits.

What Should You Do?

To protect yourself from the zero-day vulnerability, you should install updates on your Chrome browser to the latest version as soon as possible. Follow the steps below to update Google Chrome.

On Desktop:

1. On your device, open the Chrome browser.
2. At the top right, click the three-dot menu icon and then click Settings.
3. On the left, click About Chrome.
4. Chrome will check for updates and download them automatically.

5. When the update is ready, click Relaunch to apply it.

6. After relaunching the browser, you will see the below status — meaning you’re good to go.

• Windows Chrome version: 120.0.6099.224/225

• Mac Chrome version: 120.0.6099.234

On Android:

1. Open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu iconor a red arrow icon at the top right of the screen.
2. Look for a message like Update Chrome or Newer version is available.
3. Click the message, which will redirect you to the Google Play Store app.
4. From the Google Play Store, tap the Update button.
5. Wait for the update to finish and then open the Chrome app with the latest version, as below:
   • Android Chrome version: 120.0.6099.230

Note that these steps can be skipped if your Google Play Store settings are set to automatically update apps because it will install the available updates on all your apps on your device.

How to Protect Yourself?

Besides updating your Chrome browser, you should also follow some security best practices to protect yourself from security vulnerabilities and other cyber threats. Here are some tips:

• Regular updates: Be sure to update installed applications and install the latest system updates to keep your devices protected. 
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA):  Enable 2FA for your online accounts, especially for those that contain sensitive or personal information.
• Think before you click: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown sources.
• Install antivirus software: Make sure that your device is protected with an antivirus product and ensure that you regularly update it. Why not install Trend Micro Maximum Security, which can protect you against viruses, dangerous websites, ransomware and other cyber threats?
• Protect your identity and personal info: We would encourage readers to head over to our new ID Protection platform, which has been designed to meet these challenges. 

With ID Protection, you can:  

1. Check to see if your data (email, number, password, credit card) has been exposed in a leak, or is up for grabs on the dark web;  
2. Secure your social media accounts with our Social Media Account Monitoring tool, with which you’ll receive a personalized report;  
3. Receive the strongest tough-to-hack password suggestions from our advanced AI (they’ll be safely stored in your Vault);  
4. Enjoy a safer browsing experience, as Trend Micro checks websites and prevents trackers.  

By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to zero-day exploits and other cyberattacks. Stay safe and secure online!