On January 15th, a tweet from WhaleChart.org jolted the crypto community, warning of a vulnerability in Google’s Chrome browser that could have potentially compromised the wallet addresses of millions of users. This news echoes similar reports of vulnerabilities in Brave Browser that surfaced in 2022, leading to a number of hacked and drained crypto wallets.
BREAKING: Google Chrome security vulnerability detected could lead to crypto wallet stealing
— whalechart (@WhaleChart) January 15, 2023
Thankfully, WalletGuard, a well-known crypto-themed account known for providing news and solutions to popular DeFi-related problems, quickly replied to the tweet, informing the community that the vulnerability had already been fixed as of November 29th of last year. The cause of the problem was identified as the downloading of fake recovery phrases from fake crypto wallet websites, which then allowed access to Symbolic Link files. So, while the news is pretty much outdated, it’s not FUD.
Both Chrome and Brave use the same Chromium engine, making them vulnerable to similar security issues. While the vulnerability has been resolved, it is crucial to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect your wallets. This includes being cautious when visiting unfamiliar websites, avoiding downloading unknown files, and using reputable hardware or mobile wallets when storing large amounts of cryptocurrency.
The crypto community heavily relies on Chrome and Brave browsers for their transactions and the management of their crypto wallets. For one, Chrome, being the most widely used browser in the world, is a popular choice for many crypto enthusiasts. Brave, on the other hand, has been gaining popularity in the crypto community for its built-in wallet and its focus on privacy and security.
However, the recent vulnerability has raised concerns among crypto users about the safety of their wallets when using these browsers. It’s important to note that the vulnerability has been fixed, and both Chrome and Brave have taken the necessary steps to ensure the security of their users. Furthermore, you can stay ahead of the game by always using the most recent browser version and exercising caution when visiting unfamiliar websites.
This is not the only vulnerability that has been found in the past, and there will likely be more in the future. Hackers often try to access people’s accounts using a variety of cunning means. So, it’s best to stay informed about the latest developments and take the necessary precautions, especially those aforementioned, to protect your data and your DeFi assets.
