A Google Chrome security breach has enabled a North Korean threat actor to potentially attack over 2 billion users worldwide.
Last month, the US government ordered all federal employees to update their Google Chrome browser within 21 days. The latest iteration to this notice has surfaced as the tech giant has resolved the Google Chrome security breach, eliminating vulnerabilities for two specific risks.
Two vulnerabilities, namely - CVE-2024-7971 and CVE-2024-7965, were actively exploited by a North Korean threat actor under the alias Citrine Sleet. Microsoft was the first to identify and blow the whistle on Chrome’s two high-risk vulnerabilities, which helped the threat actor conduct cryptocurrency scams and frauds. Microsoft says the actor “primarily targets financial institutions… and individuals managing cryptocurrency, for financial gain.”
Microsoft also explained the nature of the threat, stating that the actor “creates fake websites masquerading as legitimate cryptocurrency trading platforms and uses them to distribute fake job applications or lure targets into downloading a weaponized cryptocurrency wallet or trading application based on legitimate applications.”
While Google resolved both security vulnerabilities in its latest September 2, 2024 update, Microsoft witnessed pushing its global users to quit Chrome permanently. The owner of Google’s rival browser, Edge, has also encouraged users to use Microsoft Edge and other web browsers that support Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which identifies and blocks malicious websites, including phishing sites, scam sites, and sites that host malware.
Microsoft claims Edge is a better and safer browser than Chrome, especially for safeguarding enterprises and individuals from malware, phishing attacks, malicious website promotions, and much more. Edge supports Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, a protective layer that identifies and blocks phishing sites, scam sites, and sites that host malware.
This is not the first time users have witnessed Microsoft pushing Edge over Chrome. Every Windows user who has set Google Chrome as their default browser has, at least once in their life, seen a hoard of aggressive notifications and ads compelling users to switch. However, Chrome’s domination remains a far-fetched ladder to climb. Microsoft Edge is the second most popular browser after Chrome, but the market share differs dramatically. While Chrome has 13.78% of consumers, Chrome has undefeatedly captured 65.18% of the global consumer base. Some of the best web browsers available online are still struggling to match the UX and customer loyalty of Chrome users.
