Browser updates are out and they include a ton of fixes
The first browser update of 2019 is officially out. Both Google's Chrome and Mozilla's Firefox browsers are getting a raft of security fixes that will help make Mac, Linux and Windows users safer and more secure.
The latest build of Chrome addresses nearly sixty CVE-level flaws, seventeen of which are rated as being "high" severity, and one rated as 'critical.'
In addition to simply shoring up security, however, this latest Chrome build has a new experimental feature on offer.
You'll need to enable it to test it out, but Google is now experimenting with a feature that will give you a visual warning in the event that you mistype a URL. Hackers are in the habit of buying up popular misspellings of mainstream URLs, creating clones of legitimate sites then loading them with malware. So, the new feature is generally seen as a very good thing.
Some other than fixes too
Eventually, you can expect to see it become a standard feature of Google's browser, but for the moment, it's entirely opt-in. If you enable it and mistype a web address, you'll get a dropdown box that displays several possibilities you may have meant instead, allowing you to correct on the fly.
Where Mozilla is concerned, the latest Firefox builds patches seven CVEs, three of which are listed as critical with another two listed as high.
Our perspective
While software security is always a big deal, the latest updates for these two browsers address such a wide range of issues that they belong on the must-have list. Even if you're prone to waiting a bit to install, these two should be given a higher priority if you use either Chrome or Firefox at your company. The new redirect feature in Chrome is well worth testing out. You'll be impressed.
The author
Thanks for reading this short post. For more tips on thriving with small business technology, check out the other blog posts at DWPia Blogs. I am also available at dwpia on LinkedIn, at dwpia on Facebook, and @dwpia on Twitter.
Denis S Wilson
I am President and Principal Consultant for DWP Information Architects: specializing in managed IT support for smaller healthcare practices, clinics, insurance companies, law firms, and construction companies in Ventura County and San Fernando Valley. And have created cost-effective IT solutions, for over 20 years, specializing in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.
I am also a published author and speaker, working extensively with organizations that include: the State of California, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, Women's Business Centers, and Small Business Development Centers. As well as providing small business technology education programs through business and professional associations.
Contact me if you would like me to speak at your meeting.
Meanwhile, check out this report
Executive Report: 10 Hidden IT Risks That Might Threaten Your Business
