Google has added a new security feature to its Advanced Protection Program ( APP). APP is the company's security program designed primarily for "high-risk" users, such as journalists, political organizations, and activists.
Google said that starting yesterday, APP users browsing the web through Chromehave the ability to send suspicious files to Google servers to be scanned for malware.
The APP was launched in 2017 and was created for specific categories of users. As mentioned above, the program was launched with “high-risk” individuals in mind, meaning those who are more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals. However, there is no restriction on who can apply and register for the APP.
To register, a user simply needs to have and link a hardware security key to their Google account. Once this is done, the Gmail will be protected by the security key, which will serve as a method 2FA. The user's incoming emails will be scanned for potential threats (e.g. malware, phishing links, and messages coming from known state-sponsored hacking groups).
Initially, APP was launched to provide additional security to a user's Gmail account. Two years later, the program was expanded to users browsing the Internet with the Chrome browser. Since last year, Google has been displaying warnings to APP users who use Chrome and download files that appear malicious.
Now, users will be able to upload a file to Google's servers and scan it through the Google Safe Browsingto check if it is malicious.
According to ZDNet, this new feature of Google APP is ideal for users who cannot afford to buy an antivirus program. For example, many activists, who are considered high-risk individuals, have low incomes. They may also be unable to use certain security programs for other reasons (e.g., due to US sanctions).
