Google Chrome warning over ‘high severity’ bug that lets hackers attack your PC – update your browser NOW

GOOGLE has released a crucial Chrome security update to fix a software vulnerability that was being actively exploited by criminals.

Users of Chrome and Chrome OS are advised to install the update right now.

The update includes a fix for a "memory corruption bug" — The update includes a fix for a “memory corruption bug”Credit: Alamy

The issue was picked up on by Sergei Glazunov of Google’s Project Zero.

Last week, the Chrome Releases Google blog revealed: “Google is aware of reports that an exploit for CVE-2020-15999 exists in the wild.”

CVE-2020-15999 refers to the memory corruption bug that Glazunov spotted in the FreeType font rendering library of the standard version of Chrome.

Google hasn’t explained exactly what hackers could do if they exploited the vulnerability for security reasons.

Luckily, updating Chrome is very simpleCredit: Alamy

Usually, we don’t get to know the finer details of attacks for months so that users have time to update and criminals cannot copy others.

However, a cybercriminal was spotted abusing the FreeType bug to try and mount attacks against Chrome users.

The issue was referred to as a zero-day vulnerability, which means there was a time when Google knew it existed and could be exploited but did not have a fix avaliable.

It’s never a good idea to use flawed software because it could lead to you having your personal data stolen or leave your device vulnerable to viruses.

Chrome and Chrome OS should update automatically if a patch for a security issue is released.

To double check you’re updated you can follow the steps below.

How to update Google Chrome

Follow these steps…

On your computer, open the Google Chrome browser and click the More icon (three vertical dots) in the top right.

Click Update Google Chrome, or if that option isn’t there, it means you’re already using the latest version.

Once you’ve updated, click Relaunch.

The browser will save your open tabs and windows and re-open them when it restarts.

You can also restart your browser later on by clicking Not Now.

This will cause the update to be applied the next time you restart your browser.

The More icon will be coloured (1) green if an update has been available for two days, (2) orange if an update has been available for four days, or (3) red if an update has been available for seven days.

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