Update Your Browser! Google Patches 8 High-Risk Security Issues in Latest Chrome Release for Desktop and Mobile

Google this week is rolling out updates for Chrome users across desktop and mobile platforms to address a series of security flaws deemed high-risk by the web giant.

On Tuesday, Google introduced the latest security fixes to Chrome 126 as part of the last “stable” update issued to the masses on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS.

In addition to the stability and performance improvements included with virtually every release, the latest updates also pack important security fixes – especially for desktop and Android users.

High-risk bugs

A total of 10 security weaknesses are addressed, including eight tagged “high risk.” Three issues affect the browser’s V8 JavaScript and WebAssembly engine, while others impact components like Screen Capture, Media Stream, Audio and Navigation.

Google is awarding some $45,000 in bug bounty cash to the researchers who helped uncover and address these vulnerabilities.

To plug these holes on their end, users must update to version 126.0.6478.182/183 on Windows and Mac, and 126.0.6478.182 on Linux computers. Android users receive the same fixes as part of Chrome 126.0.6478.186 for Android. On iOS, Chrome 126.0.6478.190 delivers the typical mix of “stability and performance improvements,” with no mention of any security flaws being addressed.

While these updates ensure you’re patched against the latest security issues that hackers might try and exploit, Google is already offering Chrome 127 (which also includes these fixes) as part of its “early stable [rollout] to a small percentage of users” across desktop and Android devices. On iOS, Chrome 127 is immediately available in the App Store to everyone with an Apple device.

Be proactive

As always, Bitdefender recommends deploying the latest software updates issued by the software/hardware vendor as soon as they’re available. Staying up to date greatly reduces hackers’ attack surface, as most software updates include important security fixes. Unpatched flaws in Google Chrome have been known to lead to spyware infections in targeted attacks.

According to the Bitdefender 2024 Consumer Cybersecurity Assessment Report, few people consider themselves an actual target for cybercriminals yet they still engage in complacent cybersecurity practices, making it imperative to employ dedicated security on their personal devices.