Major Security Flaws Exposed in Google Chrome OS - What You Need to Do

Attention all Google Chrome OS users! A recent alert from CERT-In, India's Computer Emergency Response Team, has identified critical security vulnerabilities in older versions of the operating system. These vulnerabilities could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorised access to your device, steal your data, or even run malicious code. Don't wait; updating your Chrome OS is crucial to staying protected.

What are the risks?

The vulnerabilities identified by CERT-In are classified as "high severity," meaning they pose a significant threat to your security. Attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to:

• Execute arbitrary code: This could allow them to install malware, steal sensitive information, or even take complete control of your device.
• Gain elevated privileges: Attackers could potentially gain access to areas of your device normally restricted to administrators, giving them even more control.
• Bypass security restrictions: This could allow them to circumvent security measures put in place to protect your data and privacy.
• Cause denial-of-service (DoS) attacks: These attacks could render your device unusable by overwhelming it with traffic.

Which versions are affected?

The vulnerabilities affect all versions of Chrome OS prior to 114.0.5735.350 on the LTS channel. If you're unsure which version you are using, you can check by following these steps:

Click on the clock in the bottom right corner of your screen.

Click on the Settings icon (gear).

Scroll down and click on "About Chrome OS."

Your current version number will be displayed under "Chrome OS version."

What should you do?

If you are using an affected version of Chrome OS, update to the latest version immediately. To do this:

• Click on the clock in the bottom right corner of your screen.
• Click on the Settings icon (gear).
• Click on "About Chrome OS."
• Click on "Check for updates."
• If an update is available, click on "Download and install."

In addition to updating your Chrome OS, you can also take other steps to protect yourself from these vulnerabilities:

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
• Be wary of downloading files from untrusted sources.
• Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication.
• Keep your other software and apps up to date.
• By taking these steps, you can help keep your Chrome OS device safe and secure.