According to an analysis by WatchGuard, there was a 23% increase in malware attacks targeting Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer browsers in the second quarter of 2022, compared to the previous quarter. The report shows that attacks targeting Chrome have increased by 50%.

Browsers are a popular target for cybercriminals because of their crucial role; they are the guardians of the digital world and responsible for managing sensitive data such as passwords, cookies and even credit card details. This wealth of information makes browsers an attractive target for malware looking to steal data.

This stolen data is of great value to cybercriminals, both for direct use in attacks and for sale on the dark web. Corporate passwords can be used to launch large-scale cyber attacks, including ransomware campaigns, while stolen card details can lead to the draining of the bank accounts of unsuspecting users.

“In a scenario where Chrome is facing an alarming number of vulnerabilities, it is essential that users and system administrators are vigilant and keep their browsers updated and also follow a set of best practices to protect their data and information from the increasing cyber threats . ”, comments Camilo Gutiérrez Amaya, head of the ESET Latin America research laboratory.

One of the reasons behind this increase in Chrome attacks may be the persistence of zero-day vulnerabilities. In 2022, the ESET research team observed several cases of critical vulnerabilities in Chrome, and at the time Google issued a warning that they were being actively exploited in cyber attacks. They, in turn, urged Chrome users on Windows, Mac and Linux to apply the relevant security updates immediately.

Another reason, according to the research, could be the negligence of many users and system administrators towards security updates, without which browsers remain highly vulnerable to attacks. Ensuring that critical security updates are applied immediately is one of the most effective measures to protect against cyber attacks that target browsers and other types of software.

As the WatchGuard report says, “It only takes one unpatched vulnerability for an attack to discover a hole in your defenses. Keeping your software up to date with the latest security solutions is one of the best actions you can take to strengthen your cyber defenses.”

Tips to avoid becoming a victim of attacks

· Keep your browser up to date: Make sure you have the latest version as updates often include critical security fixes that address known vulnerabilities.

· Enable automatic updates: Set the browser to automatically apply security updates. This ensures that you are always protected against the latest threats.

· Use trusted security extensions that can help block malicious content and protect privacy while browsing the web. Avoid installing extensions and add-ons from unknown sources as they can be used as vectors for cyber attacks.

· Use an updated antivirus program: Make sure security software is up to date and running on the system. This can help detect and block malware before it infects the browser.

· Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for accounts wherever possible, including email and social media services. This adds an extra layer of security.

· Avoid clicking links and downloading files from unreliable or suspicious sources. This can prevent you from becoming a victim of phishing and malicious downloads.

· Make sure passwords are complex and unique for each online account. A password manager can help you keep track of your passwords securely.

· Stay informed about the latest cyber threats and how they can affect you. Further education is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

· Make regular backups of important data so that information can be recovered without significant loss in the event of a successful attack. (JO)