Google has found a major security problem in its Chrome browser and is calling on everyone who uses it to update as soon as possible to avoid falling victim to hacks.

Google says that the vulnerability is publicly known and could therefore be exploited for attacks on anyone using the browser. With several billion Chrome installations worldwide, there are many potential targets.

If you're not sure whether your installation of Chrome automatically keeps itself up to date, then you go be on the safe side and start the update manually. Users of Chrome on smartphones, tablets and computers should update to version 91.0.4472.114 as soon as possible.

This can be done on Windows and Mac by clicking on the three-dot menu at the top right of the screen. On Android and iOS, visit search for Chrome on the App Store or Play Store and see if there is update waiting to be installed.

You can also find out which Chrome version is installed in the browser's menu or in your app store. On Windows you'll see the version number if you go to the menu and then "Help" and "About Google Chrome."

If you have a computer provided by your employer, you can also see here whether Chrome is maintained by the company's own IT department. If there is a version number lower than 91.0.4472.114, it may be worthwhile to point out the problem.

 - dpa