FBI alert: Fake Chrome updates used to spread malware
Malware included in fake Chrome updaters can bypass system protections and maintain covert control over devices.
The FBI has warned Windows users about the rising threat of fake Chrome update installers quietly distributing malware when downloaded from unverified sites.
Windows PCs remain especially vulnerable when users sideload these installers based on aggressive prompts or misleading advice.
These counterfeit Chrome updates often bypass security defences, installing malicious software that can steal data, turn off protections, or give attackers persistent access to infected machines.
In contrast, genuine Chrome updates, distributed through the browser’s built‑in update mechanism, remain secure and advisable.
To reduce risk, the FBI recommends that users remove any Chrome software that is not sourced directly from Google’s official site or the browser’s automatic updater.
They further advise enabling auto‑updates and dismissing pop-ups urging urgent manual downloads. This caution aligns with previous security guidance targeting fake installers masquerading as browser or system updates.
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