If you use Google Chrome, you need to check for an update right now. Google has issued a “high alert” warning and released a new version of the browser—Chrome 144—to patch ten security holes.
Some of these vulnerabilities are rated as “high severity,” meaning they could potentially leave your computer or data exposed to attacks if left unfixed.
The danger inside the engine
The most critical fixes in this update focus on the engine that powers Chrome. The biggest issue (labeled CVE-2026-0899) is a memory flaw in the V8 JavaScript engine.
To put it simply, this bug involves “out-of-bounds” memory access. If a hacker were to exploit this, they could trick the browser into reading or interfering with parts of your computer’s memory that should be off-limits. This can lead to crashes or potentially allow malicious code to run on your machine.
Another high-risk flaw was found in the “Blink” component, which is responsible for drawing websites on your screen.
Cleaning up other risks
It isn’t just the core engine that needed repairs. The update also fixes several medium-risk issues that were sloppy rather than dangerous.
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Downloads: One bug meant Chrome wasn’t checking untrusted inputs carefully enough during downloads.
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User Interface: Another glitch caused the “Digital Credentials” feature to display incorrect security information to the user.
Market Impact & Context
This update highlights the never-ending battle to keep browsers safe. With over 3 billion users, Chrome is the world’s biggest target for cyberattacks. The V8 engine—which makes modern, interactive websites possible—is incredibly complex, making it a frequent hiding spot for memory bugs. By patching these quickly, Google is trying to close the doors before bad actors figure out how to walk through them.
How to stay safe
Google says the update is rolling out to Windows, Mac, and Linux users right now. While Chrome usually updates itself in the background, you shouldn’t wait for it.
To force the update manually:
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Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser.
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Go to Help and select About Google Chrome.
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The browser will automatically check for Version 144 and start downloading.
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Restart the browser to finish the process.
