Keep Your Browsers Updated: A Business Security Essential

Outdated browsers are one of the easiest targets for attackers. Security vulnerabilities are discovered in browser software regularly, and each one is a potential entry point for data theft, ransomware, or full network compromise. Updating your browsers is one of the simplest and most effective security steps you can take.

Why Browser Updates Matter

When security researchers (or attackers) find a vulnerability in browser code, it can allow:

• Remote code execution – an attacker can run malicious code on your computer through a specially crafted web page
• Data theft – passwords, session cookies, and browsing data can be intercepted
• Denial of service – your browser or system can be crashed, disrupting operations
• Identity spoofing – attackers can impersonate your business to customers or partners

Browser vendors release patches for these vulnerabilities regularly. If you’re not updating, you’re running software with known, publicly documented security holes.

How to Check and Update Each Browser

Google Chrome

1. Click the three-dot menu (top right)
2. Go to Settings > About Chrome
3. Chrome checks for updates automatically and downloads them
4. Click Relaunch to finish the update

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines, top right)
2. Go to Help > About Firefox
3. Firefox checks and downloads updates automatically
4. Click Restart if prompted

Microsoft Edge

1. Click the three-dot menu (top right)
2. Go to Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge
3. Edge checks and downloads updates automatically
4. Restart if prompted

Safari (macOS)

1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings
2. Go to General > Software Update
3. Safari updates are bundled with macOS updates
4. Install any available updates

Brave

1. Click the hamburger menu (top right)
2. Go to Settings > About Brave
3. Brave checks and downloads updates automatically
4. Relaunch if prompted

Opera

1. Click the Opera logo (top left)
2. Select Update & Recovery
3. Click Check for Update
4. Restart after downloading

Business Browser Management Checklist

• [ ] Enable automatic updates on all company-managed browsers
• [ ] Pick a single supported browser as the company standard (simplifies management and patching)
• [ ] Use Group Policy (Windows) or MDM profiles (macOS) to enforce automatic updates
• [ ] Check browser versions across your fleet monthly at minimum
• [ ] Remove unsupported browsers from company machines
• [ ] Block access to business applications from outdated browser versions if your tools support it
• [ ] Include browser updates in your patch management process
• [ ] Train employees to accept update prompts rather than deferring them

Chromium-Based Browsers Share Vulnerabilities

Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi all share the Chromium engine. When a vulnerability is found in Chromium, all of these browsers are potentially affected. A Chrome security patch often means Edge, Brave, and Opera need updates too. Don’t assume only one browser needs attention.

The Two-Minute Rule

If a browser prompts you to update and restart, do it. It takes about two minutes and closes security holes that attackers actively scan for. There’s no good reason to defer browser updates, and plenty of bad reasons not to.