Technology

Emergency Chrome security update amid cyber espionage threats

Published

9 months ago

April 1, 2025

Emergency Chrome security update amid cyber espionage threats

Google Chrome is the most popular browser in the world, and it is used by billions of people. However, its widespread usage also makes it a prime target for bad actors who exploit various methods, such as malicious extensions, phishing links and fake websites. The latest attack involves hackers exploiting a browser vulnerability to conduct espionage. Google has acknowledged the security flaw and has released an update to fix it.

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A man using Google Chrome on his laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

About the attack

Cybersecurity researchers at Kaspersky recently discovered a sophisticated cyber espionage campaign exploiting a previously unknown vulnerability in Google Chrome. The attack was triggered when victims unknowingly clicked on a phishing link in an email, launching a malicious site in their browser. Shockingly, no further action was required. Simply opening the link was enough to infect the system.

According to Kaspersky’s report, the malware was based on a zero-day vulnerability, later identified as CVE-2025-2783. Researchers say they analyzed the exploit, reverse-engineered its logic and uncovered that it allowed attackers to bypass Chrome’s built-in security features as if they didn’t exist.

The vulnerability exploited Chrome’s inter-process communication framework, known as Mojo, which is crucial for the browser’s functionality. This allowed the attackers to execute malicious code across different processes within Chrome, effectively bypassing its security measures.

“We have discovered and reported dozens of zero-day exploits actively used in attacks, but this particular exploit is certainly one of the most interesting we’ve encountered,” Kaspersky noted.

The cybersecurity team also highlighted the stealthy nature of the attack, which primarily targeted media professionals, educational institutions and government agencies. Dubbed “Operation ForumTroll,” the campaign appeared to have espionage as its primary goal.

Google Chrome on a phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

CLICKFIX MALWARE TRICKS YOU INTO INFECTING YOUR OWN WINDOWS PC

Google’s response to the attack

Once Kaspersky reported the vulnerability, Google released an emergency fix. The company has updated Chrome’s Stable channel for Windows, with the update gradually rolling out to users over the next few days and weeks. Meanwhile, the Extended Stable channel has also been updated.

As with most security updates, Google is keeping the details under wraps until the majority of users have installed the fix. This is a standard precaution to prevent other hackers from exploiting the flaw, while some users are still unprotected. If the bug also affects third-party software, Google will continue restricting details until those platforms release their own patches.

HACKED CHROME EXTENSIONS PUT 2.6 MILLION USERS AT RISK OF DATA LEAK

How to update Google Chrome

While the malware is affecting the Windows version of Google Chrome, it’s a good idea for everyone who uses Google Chrome to update their browsers. Below, we’ve listed steps to update the browser on Windows and other devices. To learn more about how to update other browsers like Safari, see my guide here.

Windows

Open Chrome browser
At the top right, click More
Click Help, then About Google Chrome
Select Update Google ChromeNote: If you do not see the “Update Google Chrome” button, then your browser is already updated
Click Relaunch to complete

Google Chrome update on Windows (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

macOS

Open Google Chrome on your Mac
Click the three dots in the upper-right corner of the browser window
Navigate to Help > About Google Chrome from the dropdown menu
The browser will automatically check for updates. If an update is available, it will begin downloading immediately
Once the update is downloaded, click Relaunch to apply it
If the above steps fail, or you do not see the update option, visit google.com/chrome to download the latest version manually, then open the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Chrome

iPhone/iPad

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad
Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen
Scroll down to Available Updates and look for Google Chrome in the list of apps with pending updates
If you see Chrome listed, tap the Update button next to it
If you don’t see Chrome under Available Updates, use the search bar at the top of the App Store and type Google Chrome, then tap on Google Chrome in the search results and check if an Update button is available. If so, tap it
Once updated, a small blue dot will appear next to Chrome’s app name on your home screen, indicating that it has been recently updated
You can also confirm that Chrome is up to date by reopening the App Store, scrolling down to Updated Recently and checking if Google Chrome appears there with today’s date

Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.

Open the Google Play Store app on your device
Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen
Select Manage apps & device from the menu
Under Updates available, tap See details to view a list of apps with pending updates
Locate Google Chrome in the list and tap the Update button next to it
If you don’t see Chrome listed under updates, search for Google Chrome in the Play Store search bar, then tap on Chrome in the results and check if an Update button is available. If so, tap it
Once updated, tap Open to launch the latest version of Chrome

OUTSMART HACKERS WHO ARE OUT TO STEAL YOUR IDENTITY

3 additional ways to protect your privacy

While updating Chrome should fix the vulnerability, below are some security tips you can follow to further bolster your privacy and security.

1) Have strong antivirus software: Hackers often gain access to devices by sending infected emails or documents or by tricking you into clicking a link that downloads malware. You can avoid all of this by installing strong antivirus software that will detect any potential threat before it can take over your device. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Many online accounts, including Google, offer two-factor authentication as an extra security measure. Enabling 2FA ensures that even if a hacker obtains your password, they still need a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, to access your account. This simple step significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access.

3) Use a secure password manager: A strong password is crucial, but remembering multiple complex passwords can be difficult. A password manager generates, stores and autofills strong passwords for your accounts, reducing the risk of password-related breaches. Avoid using the same password across different sites and always opt for long, unique passwords. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.

Kurt’s key takeaway

This incident serves as yet another reminder that even the most secure systems are never truly invulnerable, especially when state-backed or highly skilled actors are in play. While Google’s quick response is commendable, it also highlights the never-ending cat-and-mouse game between security teams and cybercriminals. If you are using Chrome, update it now.

Do you think Google is doing enough to protect users from security threats? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Brendan Carr is a dummy

Published

6 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

All year on The Vergecast, we’ve been tracking the many bizarre and problematic actions of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. There has been a lot to discuss! Then, this week, ahead of one of our last episodes of the year, Carr appeared in front of the Senate Commerce Committee and spent three hours explaining how he thinks about his job, the FCC, and the state of online communication and entertainment. It was a lot.

On this episode of The Vergecast, we begin with a dissection of Carr’s testimony, his threats against broadcasters, and the ways in which he’s using old ideas about content delivery to get his political way. Nilay and David walk through some of Carr’s most important quotes, explain the history of broadband regulation, and look ahead to how Carr might bring these same tactics to internet regulation next year.

Also, an important housekeeping note: The Vergecast will be live at CES! We’ll be at the Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas, at 3:30PM on Wednesday, January 7th. There will be podcasting, and hanging out, and bowling. It’s going to be great, and if you’re going to be in Vegas we’d love to see you there.

Until then, if you want to know more about everything we discuss in this episode, here are some links to get you started, first on Brendan Carr:

And in the streaming wars:

And in the lightning round:

Technology

AI photo match reunites Texas woman with lost cat after 103 days

Published

7 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Press Room

AI photo match reunites Texas woman with lost cat after 103 days

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Holiday gatherings and year-end travel often lead to a spike in missing pets. Doors open more often, routines shift and animals can slip outside in a moment of confusion.

New Year’s Eve creates loud fireworks, and shelters report some of their busiest nights of the entire year. Amid all that, one Texas family just experienced a heartwarming reunion thanks to an AI photo matching on Petco Love Lost.

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FIND A LOST PHONE THAT IS OFF OR DEAD

An AI photo-matching on Petco Love Lost helped reunite a Texas family with their missing cat after 103 days. (ULISES RUIZ/AFP via Getty Images)

How AI photo matching kept the search going

Pam’s 11-year-old indoor cat, Grayson, had never been outside alone. She believes he slipped out while she unloaded groceries at their home in Plano, Texas. The moment she realized he was gone, she acted fast.

She said, “We went up and down the streets day and night. We went online in the neighborhood and on Love Lost. We put up flyers all over the neighborhood. Friends and neighbors were looking for him. I went to the animal shelter, posted him there, and went every day for over a month, hoping to find him.”

Pam uploaded Grayson’s photo to Petco Love Lost right away. She checked her daily match alerts and hoped she would see his familiar face pop up. She told CyberGuy, “I received match alerts almost every day from Lost Love, but never saw Grayson. His profile had been on their site for over 90 days.”

The moment everything changed

Missy, a nearby resident, spotted a thin cat in an alley near her home. She brought him inside, took a picture of him and then turned to Love Lost to see if anyone had reported a missing cat like him.

Missy explained how simple the process felt. “I used Lost Love to reunite them,” she said. “I uploaded a photo of the cat that we found, and it was matched through AI with the photo that the owner uploaded.”

She soon received an AI match alert and learned that the cross street Grayson’s owner, Pam, had listed in her lost post was only a mile from her home. Missy contacted Pam right away.

That message changed everything. “I am sure that if we had not posted his picture and enabled the ability to match the images, we would never have known what happened to Grayson,” Pam said. “And we would not have connected with Missy.”

AI TECH HELPS A SENIOR REUNITE WITH HER CAT AFTER 11 DAYS

Grayson, an indoor cat from Plano, Texas, was finally found thanks to a neighbor who uploaded his photo to an AI search tool. (DANIEL PERRON/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

A long road for an aging cat

Grayson is almost 12 and has never lived outdoors. That made this reunion feel even more emotional, Pam said.

“I am still amazed at Grayson’s journey,” she added. “I look at him and cannot believe he made it through those 103 days. He is almost 12 years old, so he is not a young kitty.”

Pam said she still thinks about what those months were like for him. “[I] guess I will always wonder where he was and how many stops he made before he reached Missy’s loving home,” she said. “He must have known she would take care of him. It takes a special person to take the time to reunite a beloved pet with their family. Missy and her family went above and beyond to reunite us with Grayson.”

Why pet tech matters during the holidays

This season brings joy but also risks for pets. Visitors, travel and loud celebrations create more chances for animals to slip out or feel spooked. Tools like AI photo matching help families act fast when a pet goes missing. Love Lost connects shelters and neighbors in one place so that people like Pam and Missy can find each other.

What to do if your pet goes missing

Losing a pet can feel overwhelming, but taking fast action helps. These steps guide you through what to do right away.

1) Search your home and neighborhood right away

Look in closets, garages and under furniture. Walk your street and ask neighbors to check yards and sheds.

2) Upload your pet’s photo to Petco Love Lost

Take a clear photo and post it on the site. AI photo matching alerts you when a possible match appears. It also helps others contact you fast.

3) Visit your local shelters in person

Shelters update kennels throughout the day. Staff can guide you and help flag your pet’s profile. Go often until you get updates.

4) Post on local community groups

Use neighborhood apps, local Facebook groups and community forums. Include your pet’s photo, last known location and your contact info.

5) Put up flyers right away

Use a large photo and simple details. Place flyers at busy intersections and near schools, parks and businesses.

6) Contact your pet’s microchip registry

If your pet is microchipped, call the registry or log in to your account. Make sure the chip is registered to you, update your contact info and mark your pet as missing so shelters and vets can reach you fast.

7) Stay consistent with your search

Check Love Lost alerts often. Visit shelters and follow up on every lead. Persistence made the difference for Pam and Grayson.

LOST DOGS ON FOURTH OF JULY: HOW TO KEEP YOUR PET SAFE

A pet owner is seen cradling a cat on their lap. (Diego Herrera Carcedo/Anadolu via Getty Images)

How AirTags can help you find a lost pet faster

While tools like AI photo matching are invaluable after a pet goes missing, prevention and real-time tracking can make an enormous difference during the first critical hours. That’s where Apple AirTags come in. An AirTag isn’t a GPS tracker, but it can still be a powerful recovery tool when used correctly. When attached securely to your pet’s collar, an AirTag uses Apple’s vast Find My network. That network consists of hundreds of millions of nearby iPhones, iPads and Macs that can anonymously and securely relay the AirTag’s location back to you.

If your pet wanders into a neighborhood, apartment complex or busy area, the chances are high that another Apple device will pass nearby and update the location automatically. You won’t know who helped, and they won’t know it was them, but the location can show up on your map within minutes. For indoor cats or dogs that don’t usually roam far, this can be especially helpful. Even a rough location can narrow your search area and save precious time.

Important limits to know: AirTags work best in populated areas. They rely on nearby Apple devices, so coverage may be limited in rural or remote locations. They also don’t update continuously like true GPS pet trackers. That’s why AirTags should be seen as a backup layer, not a replacement for microchipping or dedicated pet trackers.

How to use an AirTag safely with pets

Use a secure, pet-specific AirTag holder that won’t break easily.
Attach it to a breakaway collar for cats and dogs to reduce injury risk.
Make sure Find My notifications are turned on so you get alerts quickly.
Combine it with microchipping and ID tags for the best protection.

Used together, these tools give you multiple ways to reconnect with your pet, whether minutes or months have passed.

For a list of the best pet trackers, go to Cyberguy.com and search “best pet trackers.”

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Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Grayson’s reunion is a reminder that tech works best when caring people put it to use. AI matched the photos, but Missy took action, and Pam never stopped looking. Their persistence helped a senior cat get home after a long and risky journey.

If your pet went missing today, would you know the first step to bring them home fast? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

Technology

TikTok ban: all the news on the app’s shutdown and return in the US

Published

19 hours ago

December 18, 2025

Press Room

TikTok ban: all the news on the app’s shutdown and return in the US

After briefly going dark in the US to comply with the divest-or-ban law targeting ByteDance that went into effect on January 19th, TikTok quickly came back online. It eventually reappeared in the App Store and Google Play as negotiations between the US and China continued, and Donald Trump continued to sign extensions directing officials not to apply the law’s penalties.

Finally, in mid-December, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew told employees that the agreements to create TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, which includes Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX as part owners, have been signed, and the deal is expected to close on January 22nd, 2026. His letter said that for users in the US, the new joint venture will oversee data protection, the security of a newly-retrained algorithm, content moderation, and the deployment of the US app and platform.