Government Issues High-Severity Security Alert for Google Chrome Users in India

India’s national cybersecurity agency has issued a serious security alert for Google Chrome users, warning that older versions of the web browser have critical security flaws. This advisory highlights vulnerabilities that could put desktop security at risk, especially on Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

The alert comes from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), which operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and is responsible for handling major cyber threats and online safety issues.

What the CERT-In Advisory Says

In its latest advisory, CERT-In described the issue as a high-severity security risk that could potentially allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on a user’s system if the browser is not updated.

According to the agency, the flaw exists due to a technical weakness in Chrome’s CSS rendering component. This issue can let attackers manipulate how Chrome handles memory, making it possible to take control of the browser and affected system.

The advisory explains:
"A vulnerability has been reported in Google Chrome, which could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system."

Because of the way this flaw works, a hacker does not need physical access. They can trigger the vulnerability by tricking a user into visiting a malicious webpage or link that has been crafted to exploit this weakness.

Which Chrome Versions Are Affected

CERT-In pointed out that this security threat affects Chrome versions earlier than:

• 145.0.7632.75/76 on Windows and macOS
  
  

144.0.7559.75 on Linux systems

Users running these older versions remain exposed to security risks, including remote attacks, data theft, and potential system control by malicious actors.

Keeping your Chrome browser up to date is essential for secure web browsing and cyber safety. Many cyberattacks exploit outdated software, and a patched browser helps block known threats.

Easy Steps to Update Your Chrome Browser

To protect your device from these vulnerabilities, CERT-In has urged users to update their Google Chrome browser immediately.

Here’s how to update Chrome quickly:

1. Open Google Chrome.

Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.

Go to Settings.

Select About Chrome.

Chrome will automatically check for and download the latest updates.

Restart the browser after the update completes.

Updating your browser not only fixes known security issues but also ensures you benefit from the latest performance and stability improvements offered by Google.

Why This Security Warning Matters

Google Chrome is one of the most widely used web browsers in India, powering millions of web sessions, online transactions, and cloud services every day. Because of this widespread use, any security vulnerabilities in the browser can affect a huge number of people and businesses.

Cybersecurity officials have stressed that delaying updates increases the risk of exploitation. Hackers can take advantage of old vulnerabilities to steal sensitive data, install malware, or gain unauthorized access to systems.

Staying on the most recent version of Chrome is a simple but powerful way to strengthen your online security and keep your personal information safe.