An urgent warning has been issued to all Chrome users, and if this web-surfing software is installed on your PC, then it’s a good idea to restart and update things as soon as possible. Google has just confirmed the release of patch that fixes a whopping 21 bugs in this popular application. If that wasn’t bad enough, one of the flaws – named CVE-2026-5281 – has been given the dreaded zero-day rating.

For those not up to speed with the latest tech jargon, a “zero-day” threat means the bug has already been spotted by cyber cooks and is being used in the wild to target Chrome users.

“Google is aware that an exploit for CVE-2026-5281 exists in the wild,” the tech giant confirmed in an update on its Chrome security pages.

More details about how or who has been affected are yet to be released; all that we know is that the bug was spotted and reported to Google last month.

Explaining more, Google said: “This update includes 21 security fixes.

“Access to bug details and links may be kept restricted until a majority of users are updated with a fix. We will also retain restrictions if the bug exists in a third party library that other projects similarly depend on, but haven’t yet fixed.”

One thing all Chrome users must now do is make sure they are running the latest version to keep their devices and data safe.

“The Stable channel has been updated to 146.0.7680.177/178 for Windows/Mac and 146.0.7680.177 for Linux, which will roll out over the coming days/weeks,” Google confirmed.

It’s easy to see what version of Chrome is installed on your device. Simply head to the Chrome menu, then select “About Chrome,” and a window will launch showing the version you’re running.

If a pop-up says you need to relaunch the browser, you are not using the latest version and need to update it as soon as possible.

Once the update is installed, your device will be safe from this latest threat.