Google has given an already-known security vulnerability a new rating of ‘highest severity level’. This threat can potentially affect anyone with a computer or device! ANYONE! The reason for this is that the vulnerability, originally classified as a Chrome bug, affects significantly more applications (programs).
Because of this, many software tools (programs) have a serious security problem.
The first things to do:
- Updating any/ all Web Browsers on your computers and devices.
- Note that there are other software programs known to be at threat. Some are listed below.
- Read this article [click here] on the PC World website for more information
- Keep informed about this security threat
- Please be VERY careful of opening emails with embedded images or links – double-check with anyone via telephone before opening an unexpected email.
If you use any of these software tools (listed below), contact their creators to find out what you should do about the ‘vulnerability is in the libwebp library’:
- 1Password
- Bitwarden
- CrashPlan
- Discord
- Gimp
- GitHub Desktop
- Libre Office
- Logitech Options+
- Microsoft Teams
- Notion
- Shift
- Signal
- Slack
- Skype
- Telegram
- Visual Studio Code
- Yammer
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Side note: In addition to the above steps, it is also a very good idea to regularly do the following:
“We’re encouraging you to take 4 simple steps to be cyber-wise:
- Update your devices regularly
- Turn on multi-factor authentication
- Backup your important files
- Use passphrases and password managers.
Even these small steps can make significant improvements to your cyber security. Most cybercriminals exploit knowledge gaps to compromise your devices and information, so becoming more cyber wise, and sharing your knowledge with friends and family, can help us all stay more secure online.
Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility. We can all do our bit to be cyber-wise. Take these simple steps to improve the security of our devices, accounts and computers.”
The above quote is from the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
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Update 3/10/23: One of our clients just asked us, “How do they update their web browsers?”. I have included instructions below:
How do you update your web browsers?
Write a list of all Web Browsers you use on:
- Each of your computers
- Each mobile phone
Common Web Browsers used on computers are:
- Edge
- Firefox
- Chrome
- Safari
- Internet Explorer 11 << This web browser is outdated and no longer security-supported by Microsoft. Therefore if it is still installed on any of your computers, it should be deleted asap, unless you need it for a specific reason.
Then go to YouTube and search: “how do I security update [insert the name of web browser here] web browser”.
You’ll find video tutorials to guide you through the process.
Do this for each web browser that is installed on each of your computers.
It’s an easy process.
If you need a hand, let us know. Your computer IT person will also be able to easily help with this.
Updating your mobile phone and its apps (including Web Browsers) is also important.
Jay Daniells has been doing advanced Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) work for clients since 2010. He is an SEO specialist. He first started doing SEO work in 2005. He has also been creating websites full-time since 2003. Amongst things Jay is also a graphic designer, digital marketing consultant and creative person. His focus is helping businesses, community groups, clubs, charities, organisations and other entities achieve their goals. He is the owner of Green Valley Digital.