NITDA Issues Warning to Nigerians on Critical Security Threat in Google Chrome Browser
- The NITDA has notified Nigerians about a critical security issue identified in the Google Chrome browser
- The agency cautioned that this vulnerability could pose significant risks, potentially enabling attackers to take control of affected systems
- It advised users of Google Chrome to frequently update their browsers to protect themselves from possible security breaches
Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology and the Stock Market.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has alerted Nigerians to a significant security flaw found in the Google Chrome browser.
In a post shared on X, NITDA explained that Google uncovered the vulnerability, labelled ‘CVE-2024-79’, and cybercriminals are actively exploiting it to target users online.
Source: UGC
NITDA flags severe Google Chrome vulnerability
NITDA's emergency readiness and response team (CERRT) warned that the vulnerability could have serious consequences, potentially allowing attackers to gain control of compromised systems.
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The agency said:
“This vulnerability is classified as a type confusion flaw in Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine, related to how Chrome handles JavaScript files, which could allow attackers to run harmful programs on devices that haven’t been updated.”
NITDA further explained that the vulnerability allows attackers to gain full control of compromised systems by exploiting memory corruption due to incorrect data type interpretation.
This could enable attackers to bypass security defences, run harmful code, and even cause systems to crash.
The threat is especially serious as it can be activated by merely visiting a malicious website.
NITDA urged Google Chrome users to regularly check for updates to safeguard against potential attacks.
The agency added:
“The recommended versions are 128.0.6613.84/.85 for Windows and macOS, and 128.0.6613.84 for Linux.”
NITDA advised users to update their browsers by going to the Chrome menu, selecting "Help," and then choosing "About Google Chrome" to install any available updates.
The agency emphasized that keeping the browser up-to-date is essential for safeguarding personal and organizational systems from potential exploits and ensuring continued security.
NCC says WhatsApp is now main target for hackers
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the NCC warned WhatsApp users that the platform has become the primary target of hackers and scammers looking to gain unauthorized access to users' accounts.
The Commission disclosed this in an advisory to Nigerian users, asking them to be security conscious while on the platform.
It recommended that users activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to become hackproof.
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Source: Legit.ng
