The national cybersecurity agency has issued a high-risk security alert for users of google Chrome across India, warning that serious vulnerabilities in older versions of the browser could leave millions of systems exposed to cyberattacks. Users have been urged to install the latest updates immediately to safeguard their devices.

Who Issued the Alert and Why It Matters

The advisory was released by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)—India’s nodal cybersecurity authority under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Officials stated that multiple critical security flaws in Chrome may allow attackers to take control of affected systems or steal sensitive data if exploited.

These warnings are classified as high-risk, meaning that the vulnerabilities could result in remote code execution—a situation where an attacker can run malicious programs from afar without user permission.

What Versions Are Affected

CERT-In’s advisory highlights that users running older Chrome versions—specifically versions prior to 145.0.7632.75/76 on Windows and macOS, and 144.0.7559.75 on Linux—remain vulnerable.

The flaws are rooted in the browser’s CSS rendering component, which, when exploited, could allow attackers to manipulate memory handling, potentially enabling unauthorized access to devices and data.

How Users Can Protect Themselves

CERT-In has stressed that the quickest and most effective protection is to update Chrome to its latest version as released via the official Stable Channel.

Steps to Update Chrome

Open Chrome on your device.

Click the three-dot menu in the top right.

Go to Help → About Chrome.

Allow Chrome to check for and install updates.

Restart the browser to complete the update.

Keeping software up to date not only addresses known vulnerabilities, it also enhances performance and adds new features.

Why Immediate Updating Is Important

Security experts warn that cybercriminals often exploit publicized flaws quickly once details are out. In this case, the weaknesses could be leveraged simply by tricking users into visiting malicious webpages or clicking harmful links, without needing physical access to the device.

Because Chrome is one of the most widely used browsers in India—for personal use, work, online transactions, and education—the potential impact of unpatched systems is significant.

Official Advice for Individuals and Organisations

In addition to updating Chrome:

• Enable automatic updates so future patches are installed without delay.
• Avoid opening suspicious links or visiting untrusted websites.
• Ensure all devices on your network are updated—not just primary computers.

Organisations should also consider broader cybersecurity hygiene measures, such as firewalls, up-to-date antivirus tools, and security training for staff.

Looking Ahead

While the alert focuses on Chrome, cybersecurity agencies routinely monitor threats across software and platforms. Users are encouraged to apply updates as soon as they’re released, not just in this case, but as a routine part of safe computing.

Staying vigilant and proactive is crucial in a landscape where cyber threats continue to evolve rapidly.

 

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