The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is alerting Nigerians to multiple security vulnerabilities detected in Google Chrome, warning that the flaws could allow cybercriminals to take complete control of affected systems.
According to the regulator, the most severe of the vulnerabilities could enable attackers to remotely execute arbitrary code. This capability means attackers could install malicious programs, view, delete or modify user data, and even create new accounts with full administrative rights.
“Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to install programs on a user’s system, view, delete, or alter data, and create new accounts with full administrative rights,” the NDPC warns in its latest advisory seen by Technology Times.
According to the regulator, the most severe of the vulnerabilities could enable attackers to remotely execute arbitrary code. This capability means attackers could install malicious programs, view, delete or modify user data, and even create new accounts with full administrative rights.
Google Chrome flaw: Urgent update required
The Commission has advised Nigerians to immediately update their Google Chrome browsers to the latest version to mitigate the risks. Users are further encouraged to operate with standard user rights, instead of administrative privileges, to limit potential damage if an attack occurs.
As part of wider digital safety practices, the NDPC cautions the public against clicking suspicious links, opening unsolicited attachments, or visiting untrusted websites — common tactics exploited by attackers to gain access to vulnerable systems.
Google Chrome: Why Nigerians should be concerned
With Google Chrome ranking among the most widely used browsers in Nigeria and across the world, the newly-discovered vulnerabilities pose significant risks to individuals and businesses alike.
For everyday users, this could mean stolen personal data, compromised emails, or hijacked online banking sessions. For organisations, the risks are far greater, ranging from data breaches and corporate espionage to disruption of business operations.
The NDPC stresses that timely software updates remain one of the most effective defences against cyber threats, particularly for applications like Chrome that are high-value targets for attackers.
Cybersecurity experts say the advisory highlights a growing trend: widely-used applications are prime targets for exploitation because they offer attackers a broad pool of potential victims. Nigeria’s rising internet population and dependence on digital services make such vulnerabilities particularly critical to address.
By urging proactive action, the NDPC is reinforcing its mandate to safeguard the privacy and security of Nigerian users in an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated and disruptive.
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