A tidal wave of cybercrime is sweeping the globe. In a bid to curb it, Google has announced increased security in new upgrades for its chrome browser. Find out why you must update immediately in the article below.
As the worlds most popular search engine, Google is fighting an eternal war for security. Yet even they can make mistakes, and this weak their stalwart defences fell. An inroad for nefarious activity. It is vital that you update it to fortify your information. This Google update and its importance at discussed in depth in the piece below.
You Must Update Chrome Swiftly
Three billion inhabitants on this planet have Chrome as their browser of choice. It a lucrative target, and a prime place for hackers to launch daring cyber attacks. An update in August noted that one weakness had allowed a remote hacker to exploit heap corruption via a crafted HTML page. This impacts the memory of a program, and the crafted HTML page was the way the attacker could gain access to this. Am update supposedly then came under attack.
All known threats are tracked by the US Government in its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities database. These were promptly added and all federal employees were instructed to follow the updates or cease using the browser. If you are a Chrome user, you should also update.
Cybercrime at Record High
Those involved in cybercrime have had a record year for heists. The world is going to be splurging $10.5 trillion a year by 2025 on it according to some estimates. Hackers are scouring every corner of the web for ways to exploit data. Usually, it is sold on the dark web where people can use it for financial fraud and to identity theft.
Sleepless nights should be had over the level of this aimed at companies who are squarely in the crosshairs. Even small businesses now hold a large volume of data on customers, colleagues, and staff. In 2023 alone, 50% of businesses in the United Kingdom experienced some form of cyber attack. The most common threat to them has been phishing, where hackers will send emails posing to be customers or others in the company to gain illicit access.
Network security should be topping the agendas for all businesses. Network security is the early spotting, prevention, and clean up of attacks on a network used by a business. A range of tools can assist with this. They may include software, firewalls, network access control, and education on the dangers for those using the network itself.
It is estimated that the cost of a breach is well over $4 million, Not only that, but it can shake the faith of your customers and partners. This may be a loss of reputation your business will never recover from.
Kiosk Mode Malware Attack
One current and fairly new Malware attack to be aware of, and one you can educate your staff on if you are protecting a network, locks Chrome into kiosk mode. This mode shuts off the windows within your computer, allowing it to be used only in one browser. It is a great way to lock devices used by the public, as they can only access the web and not the rest of the device.
Of course, if this happens on your device it can be very annoying. The Malware then tricks people into typing in their Google credentials to remove kiosk mode, and these are stolen. As well as locking in the browser, it also blocks the F11 and ESC keys so they can’t make a quick exit. When the details are typed in, StealC information-stealing malware takes what it needs.
However, there is a way to get out of this without typing in your details. The Malware has been used since August 22 and is deployed by Amadey, a tool used by hackers since 2018. It will launch an AutoIt script that launches kiosk mode then a second script that tells the system to ignore F11 and escape keys.
Myriad differing hotkey combos can get you out of kiosk mode. They can include the trusty ‘Ctrl + Alt +Delete‘, ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc‘, or ‘Alt +Tab.’ Each will whisk you away back to the desktop. When you arrive at your destination you can attempt to close the browser and get assistance in removing the malware.
Google Chromes Outstanding New Features for Enhanced Safety
Google Chrome has added a raft of new features. Many of these are aimed at increasing the safety of its browser.
You may not have noticed the safety check on your browser. Yet it is always there in the background working away. While it has always kept you safe, it has now some tremendous features to take this one step further. It includes flagging unwanted notifications and protecting against sites that send abusive notifications. Not only that but permissions will automatically be revoked for sites you don’t use.
With one-time permission added, managing who you grant access to has changed. You now get more control over how much access websites have to your microphones and camera.
Finally, one of the most useful features is one-tap notification subscriptions. We have all subscribed to something by accident, and find ourselves constantly harassed by a site we have no interest in. Now you don’t have to trek through settings, but can unsubscribe with one click of a mouse.
Updating Your Google Chrome
Updating Chrome is easy. On the top right of the browser navigate to the ‘more‘ section. Scroll down to help and click about. It will tell you if an update is available. Simply download it then re-open the browser.
All of this will help protect you when you are online. Of course, it is not enough on its own. You need quality virus protection and if you are a business, you probably need a professional dealing with your internet security. Stay educated on current malware scams so you know what to look out for. By being proactive you can protect your data and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
