Hackers have been targeting Google Chrome users, and there’s one way you can protect yourself against becoming their next victim. The popular web browser is used on over 3.5 billion computers around the world, and if you have it installed on yours, you need to be wary.

You should update your browser quickly, which can help you avoid hackers. Google has said it has patched a high-severity issue that allowed criminals to infiltrate target computers. Some criminals have already exploited it, Google says.

A flaw was found in a system called Chrome V8, and hackers were able to create malicious webpages which could steal visitors' data and passwords.

However, it could also deploy viruses and ransomware. The tech giant says it has fixed the vulnerability, but you should update your browser to the latest version to be safe.

Jake Moore, global cybersecurity adviser at ESE said: “Updating your devices and apps is vital and browsers are no different and just as essential to fix security holes like this one.”

Google's security bulletin gave the vulnerability, dubbed CVE-2025-6554, a severity score of 8.1 out of 10 - ranking it as a high threat issue, reports MailOnline.

The tech giant confirmed that hackers had started to launch attacks after spotting the vulnerability.

The vulnerability was found by Clément Lecigne of Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG).

This cybersecurity organisation is usually responsible for tracking threats posed by nation-states and so-called advanced persistent threats (APTs).

While your Google Chrome should update automatically, you should install the latest version to ensure security.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends creating strong and secure passwords and not using the same password for everything.

Do not leave your devices unattended and unlocked in a place where someone could access your details.

Finally, make sure to keep your security software, operating system, and internet browsers up to date.

Express.co.uk has contacted Google for comment.