Google developers have taken new steps to improve protection against unwanted software provided by the Chrome browser with a new banner, better search, and safer ads.
The web browser already issues a notification whenever a user tries to download a file that is marked as malicious. The protection consisted of stopping the download and securing the user's explicit consent to continue downloading the dangerous item to their computer.
Now, on top of that, Chrome also displays a prominent red warning before loading the page hosting the malicious downloads , informing the user of the lurking danger.
Furthermore, it lets the user know that the website could try to trick them into installing programs with negative effects, which could change the homepage or display popup ads on the websites they visit.
However, users are not denied access to the website and can return to the previous, secure page.
Also, part of the effort to make Google services safer for the user is improving the search function.
Details about the changes are scarce, but Google software engineer Lucas Ballard says the service now includes indicators that can identify deceptive websites. “This change reduces the chances of you visiting these sites through our search results,” he says in a blog post published Monday.
This measure complements Google's policy on Unwanted Software, published in mid-December 2014 and constituting a set of requirements that advertisers must adhere to.
Warning about suspicious websites and blocking malicious downloads come from Google's Safe Browsing API.
Ballard says website owners should register their sites with Google Webmaster Tools to stay up to date with the latest security findings from the company.
This way, the website can be verified for malware and the administrator will receive a notification about the infection, along with tips that could help resolve the problem.
