Emergency Google Chrome update issued as hackers actively 'exploit' security flaw

All Google Chrome users have been warned about an important update that fixes 11 security issues including one that hackers are currently exploiting.

The high risk security issue has been patched by Google, but users should download the update as soon as possible.

Google has just issued an update for their estimated 3.2 billion users that includes an emergency fix for a problem dubbed a 'zero-day warning'.

Zero-day warning refers to when a security issue already known to hackers which they could be actively exploiting right now, The Express reported.

The update is numbered 98.0.4758.102. and you may already have it installed - read on for how to check your version of Google Chrome.

Google Chrome's emergency update fixes a high risk security issue (Getty Images)

In a message on its security page, Google said: "This update includes 11 security fixes. Google is aware of reports that an exploit for CVE-2022-0609 exists in the wild.

"We would also like to thank all security researchers that worked with us during the development cycle to prevent security bugs from ever reaching the stable channel."

News of the update follows Google's recent 'critical' Android security update.

The firm says that it will upgrade all users automatically in the coming days and weeks but there is a simple way to make sure your PC is protected today.

How to check your version of Google Chrome

If you use Chrome then it's worth checking that your Windows 10 PC, Mac or Chromebook is running the latest software which is named version 98.0.4758.102.

To do this simply launch your browser, head to Chrome in your menu bar and tap "About Chrome."

Here you'll see which version of Chrome you are running and if your browser is ready to be upgraded or not.

There's currently no word on what this Chrome bug is capable of in the wrong hands with Google saying that access to full details and links are likely to be kept restricted until a majority of users are updated with a fix.

How to download Google Chrome updates

How to check if an update is waiting to be installed

If you haven't closed your browser in a while, you might see a pending update:

1. On your computer, open Google Chrome.
2. At the top right, look at More (the three dots in the upper righthand area) .
3. If an update is pending, the icon will be coloured:
   1. Green: An update was released less than two days ago.
   2. Orange: An update was released about four days ago.
   3. Red: An update was released at least a week ago.

How to update Google Chrome

1. On your computer, open Google Chrome.
2. At the top right, click More.
3. Click Help, then click About Google Chrome.
4. Click Update Google Chrome.
   1. Important: If you can't find this button, you're on the latest version.
5. Click Relaunch.