Google has issued a warning to some Australian users after discovering eight high-risk bugs on its platform that could be exploited by cybercriminals to steal money and data. The tech giant recently released an update revealing that users on older versions of its web browser Chrome were at high risk of being hacked due to security vulnerabilities.  

One of the bugs reportedly opens access to users’ list of saved passwords, while another allows out-of-bounds memory access to human-interface devices like mice, touchscreens, and keyboards. Both possibilities pose a serious threat to data security. Until enough users have updated the platform, Google refrains from publishing details about the bugs identified by several teams of experts, to avoid alerting scammers.  

Users can protect themselves by updating their Chrome browser to its latest version – 111.0.5563.110/.111 for Windows or 111.0.5563.110 for Mac. To check if your browser needs to be updated, open Chrome, select “more,” head to settings, and then “About Chrome.” 

Cybersecurity breaches have been increasing in Australia, with hackers targeting Australian data.  

In December, research by data leak detection service Surfshark revealed that the personal information of Australians was being stolen at a rate more than 20 times higher than the global average.  

Financial firm Latitude was targeted earlier this month in yet another serious breach at an Australian company, with the data of approximately 333,000 people stolen, including Medicare numbers, copies of passports and passport numbers. Latitude has taken its platforms offline, and with the help of cybersecurity experts, is continuing its forensic review of its IT platforms to identify the full extent of the theft of customer information as a result of the attack. 

Australia has recently been alerted to a major cybersecurity warning for Google users in the country. This warning comes as a result of a widespread cyber attack that has affected millions of Google users worldwide. In this blog post, we will explore the details of this cyber attack, the risks it poses to Australian Google users, and what measures they can take to protect themselves. 

Google is one of the most widely used search engines and email providers worldwide, with millions of users relying on it for their daily communication and online activities. However, this popularity also makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in its security protocols. 

The recent cyber attack targeting Google users began in early 2021 and has continued to escalate in intensity and severity since then. The attack involves the use of sophisticated phishing techniques to gain access to users’ Google accounts, which can then be used to steal sensitive information or spread malware to other devices. 

The Risks for Australian Google Users 

Australian Google users are particularly vulnerable to this cyber attack because of the large number of people who rely on Google for their daily communication and online activities. The attack can potentially compromise their personal information, financial data, and sensitive business information, leading to identity theft, financial loss, and damage to their reputation. 

Furthermore, the attack can also spread malware to other devices, potentially infecting entire networks and causing widespread disruption to businesses and organizations. This can lead to significant downtime, loss of revenue, and damage to reputation, all of which can have serious consequences for the affected parties. 

The Measures that Australian Google Users can Take to Protect Themselves 

There are several measures that Australian Google users can take to protect themselves from this cyber attack. These include: 

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication:

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Google account by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to your mobile phone or a fingerprint scan. This makes it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your account even if they have your password. 

Being Vigilant for Phishing Attempts:

Phishing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to trick people into revealing their login credentials or other sensitive information. Be wary of any unsolicited emails or messages that ask you to click on links or provide personal information.  

Keeping Software and Security Protocols Up-to-Date:

It is important to keep your software and security protocols up-to-date to ensure that any known vulnerabilities are patched and that your system is protected against the latest threats. 

Using Strong Passwords:

Use strong passwords that are difficult to guess or crack. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts, and consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords. 

Regularly Checking Your Account Activity:

Regularly check your account activity to ensure that there are no suspicious logins or activities. If you notice any unauthorized access, immediately change your password and notify Google’s support team. 

Conclusion 

The recent cyber attack targeting Google users is a major cybersecurity warning for Australian Google users. The attack poses significant risks to users’ personal and business data, and can potentially cause widespread disruption to organizations and networks. However, by taking the appropriate measures, such as enabling two-factor authentication, being vigilant for phishing attempts, and keeping the software and security protocols up-to-date, Australian Google users can protect themselves from this threat and continue to safely use Google for their daily online activities.

Many big companies provide trustable and safe services to protect others’ personal and business data.
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