Please update your Chrome browser. A ‘High Severity’ zero-day exploit was discovered that is already active in the wild.
On Halloween, when kids were dressing up to score some candy and scare their friends, Google engineers generated their own fear when they released information about two security issues with the popular Chrome browser. One of them is a zero-day exploit that is already being used to attack computers in the real world.
Please follow the simple steps below to update your Chrome browser and protect yourself against this very real threat.
More information:
New Google Chrome Security Alert
Forbes.com article
On Halloween night, Google discloses Chrome zero-day exploited in the wild
ZDNet article
Use Chrome? Update Your Browser Immediately
PCmag.com article
How to fix Chrome update loop
If you can’t update Chrome and it keeps showing the old version number, try this fix.
Open Google Chrome and do the following:
How do I update Chrome?
Just open the Google Chrome browser and then follow the three steps in the picture above. Once you click “About Google Chrome”, it will automatically look for updates and start installing them.
How do I know if my Chrome is up-to-date?
Follow the steps above to update your Chrome browser. It will tell you which version you are currently on. It should say: 78.0.3904.87
I performed the steps to update Chrome, but I’m not at version 78.0.3904.87
They are rolling this update out. It may not be available to you yet. If not, then try again later today, and keep trying until you get it.
Will I need to reboot my computer?
No.
Will I need to restart Chrome?
Most likely. If necessary, it will ask you to do so and provide you with a “Relaunch” button. Relaunching Chrome will close all of your browser windows and then reopen them for you.
I have a Mac computer.
This warning affects all computers using Chrome (Windows, Mac & Linux)
I don’t use Chrome.
You probably should. But if you don’t then you don’t need to do anything.
Should I do update Chrome on both my office and home computer?
Yes. Please do so on every computer.
I’ve updated Chrome, but it keeps showing the old version number!
If you have gotten caught in this loop, then please let us know. We can help you with that. Alternatively, follow the link to “Fix chrome update loop” above.
What is a “Zero-Day” exploit?
Zero-Day means that a vulnerability was discovered and is already being exploited. Some zero-day exploits may not have a patch. In this case, Chrome has released a patch and is encouraging people to install it.
Did Google discover this exploit?
No. It was discovered by Anton Ivanov and Alexey Kulaev, two Kaspersky researchers, on October 29. They relayed the information to Google, who quickly created a patch.
If you have questions about this, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.
Take care,
