Why this matters to SMEs
For SMEs, browser risk is often underestimated because Chrome feels familiar and low-friction. But browsers sit at the front line of day-to-day exposure. If staff click a malicious link, browse a compromised site, or use outdated extensions, an unpatched browser can become the entry point for malware, data theft, or account compromise.
One of the flaws flagged by Malwarebytes is CVE-2026-79282, a critical vulnerability in ANGLE, which the article says could allow a remote attacker using a crafted HTML page to execute arbitrary code outside the browser sandbox.
In practical terms, that means normal browsing activity can become the trigger. No dramatic hacking scene required, just one bad page and a delayed patch cycle.
Practical actions for UK SMEs
1. This is a high-impact, low-effort fix. SMEs should:
2. check Chrome versions across business devices
3. restart browsers so pending updates can complete
4. ensure automatic updates are enabled
5. reduce reliance on unnecessary browser extensions
6. include browsers in routine patch management, not just operating systems
7. remind staff not to ignore restart prompts indefinitely
Malwarebytes explains that users can manually update Chrome through Settings > About Chrome, where the browser will download the latest version if available and then require a restart.
This aligns with practical guidance from the NCSC and Cyber Essentials, both of which emphasise patching and secure configuration as basic but essential Cybersecurity controls.
FAQs
Why is updating Chrome urgent for SMEs?
Browsers are used for banking, email, payroll, document sharing, and cloud systems, so they are a frequent attack path. When a Chrome release fixes hundreds of vulnerabilities, including critical ones, delaying the update increases exposure unnecessarily. For SMEs, prompt patching is one of the simplest and cheapest risk reduction measures available.
What version of Chrome should businesses be using?
Based on the Malwarebytes report, the relevant updated versions are 152.0.7977.64 or .65 on Windows and Mac, and 152.0.7977.64 on Linux. In practice, the safer approach is to ensure Chrome says it is fully up to date rather than relying only on remembered version numbers.
Can attackers exploit Chrome flaws just by getting someone to visit a website?
Yes. Malwarebytes specifically notes that two of the highlighted vulnerabilities could be triggered by simply visiting a malicious website. That matters because users do not always need to download a file or install software for exploitation attempts to begin. Browsing itself can be enough.
What should SMEs do beyond this one update?
Treat browser patching as part of normal Cybersecurity operations. Keep automatic updates enabled, review extensions, restart browsers regularly, and include browser health in IT checks. SMEs should also combine patching with phishing awareness, endpoint protection, and access controls so one missed update does not become a larger incident.
FAQ note: These FAQs are based on recurring live audience questions and discussion themes from Reddit and Quora, helping ensure each article answers what SME readers are actively asking in the real world.
Conclusion
This Chrome update is a useful reminder that routine patching remains one of the most effective defences available to SMEs. The risk is not abstract, and the fix is not complicated. Update the browser, restart it, and make sure the same discipline applies across the business. In Cybersecurity, the boring jobs are often the ones that save you.
