Indian Govt Warns Microsoft Edge Users About Major Security Risk, Should You Worry?

Microsoft Edge: The Indian government recently issued an urgent warning for Microsoft Edge users, raising concerns about potential security threats. This warning comes from CERT-In, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, highlighting serious vulnerabilities in the browser that could give hackers access to your personal data. If you use Microsoft Edge, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself from this security risk.

Here’s a quick overview of the important points you need to know:

Why Is This Important?

Microsoft Edge, the Chromium-based web browser, has become more popular recently, especially with the introduction of AI features like Copilot. These features make browsing more interactive and intelligent, which has drawn many users to install and use Edge. However, with popularity comes risk, and hackers are always on the lookout for ways to exploit security gaps.

According to the CERT-In bulletin dated October 7, 2024, Microsoft Edge has multiple security vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are dangerous because they can allow attackers to bypass your device’s security and access sensitive data stored on it.

What Are the Risks?

The warning talks about security flaws in areas like insufficient data validation, inappropriate implementation, and integer overflow in Microsoft Edge’s layout. This might sound technical, but the core issue is simple: hackers could trick your browser into running harmful code. Once they get past the security restrictions, they could gain control of your device, access your data, or even use it to attack others.

For anyone using an older version of Microsoft Edge, it’s like leaving your front door unlocked. You wouldn’t want strangers walking into your home, right? In the same way, you don’t want hackers to enter your computer or phone and steal your private information.

Who Should Be Worried?

If you use Microsoft Edge and haven’t updated it recently, you should be concerned. The warning specifically mentions that if you’re running any version of Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) prior to version 129.0.2792.79, your system is vulnerable. It doesn’t matter if you use it on a PC, laptop, or mobile device. If the browser is outdated, it can be easily exploited by cybercriminals.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

Now that we know there’s a security risk, let’s talk about how you can stay safe. The most important thing you can do is update Microsoft Edge to the latest version. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to do that:

1. Open Microsoft Edge on your device.
2. Click on the three-dot menu located in the top-right corner of the browser.
3. Scroll down to “Help and Feedback.”
4. Click on “About Microsoft Edge.”
5. Edge will automatically check for updates. If there is a new version available, it will prompt you to update.

After you’ve updated, restart your browser to ensure that the changes take effect. This will significantly reduce the chances of hackers exploiting these security gaps.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay

Some people might think, “Is this really that big of a deal?” The answer is a resounding yes. Hackers are constantly looking for weak spots to take advantage of, and an outdated browser is a perfect target.

Once they break into your system, they can steal passwords, personal files, and even financial data. In some cases, hackers use your computer to launch attacks on others without you even knowing it. So, not updating your browser doesn’t just put you at risk; it could also endanger other people.

Why Microsoft Edge Users Are at Risk

Edge is one of the few browsers that is based on Chromium, which powers Google Chrome. With Microsoft adding AI features like Copilot to the browser, it has become a more attractive option for users, especially those interested in AI-powered tools. However, this popularity also attracts cybercriminals who see the growing number of users as a bigger target.

More users mean more opportunities for hackers to exploit. As long as there’s a loophole in the system, these criminals will keep trying to break in. This is why the Indian government has taken this issue seriously and issued a public warning.

What Could Happen if You Don’t Update?

The consequences of not updating your browser can be serious. Here’s a scenario: imagine you’re browsing the internet, and you unknowingly visit a website that a hacker has compromised. Because your browser is outdated, it’s easier for them to get into your system. They could steal personal data, like photos or important documents, or even track your online activities.

In worse cases, they could lock you out of your own device and demand a ransom to give you access again. This is called ransomware, and it’s a growing problem globally. No one wants to deal with that, especially when it can be avoided with a simple browser update.

How Often Should You Check for Updates?

It’s a good habit to regularly check for updates, not just for Microsoft Edge but for all the software on your devices. Security patches are released to fix vulnerabilities as soon as they’re discovered. By staying updated, you can avoid most cyber threats.

Many browsers and apps have automatic updates turned on by default, but it’s still worth manually checking once in a while to make sure everything is up to date.