Google developing better malware-blocker for Chrome

Citing instances where users can easily be tricked into downloading malware, Google is building a stricter malware-blocking mechanism into its Chrome browser.

 

Vice president for engineering Linus Upson said the feature is still in the works, in Chrome's Canary (early test) build.

 

Upson has stated that Google flags an average of about 10,000 new websites a day with its Safe Browsing, which is used by Chrome and other browsers to keep more than a billion web users safe.

 

"Bad guys trick you into installing and running this kind of software by bundling it with something you might want, like a free screensaver, a video plugin or — ironically — a supposed security update. These malicious programs disguise themselves so you won’t know they’re there and they may change your homepage or inject ads into the sites you browse," Upson said in a blog post.

 

In worst-scenario cases, some malware can even prevent a user from changing Chrome's settings back, while making themselves hard to uninstall, he said.

 

"Online criminals have been increasing their use of malicious software that can silently hijack your browser settings. This has become a top issue in the Chrome help forums; we're listening and are here to help," he added.

 

Upson said the most recent Chrome update now includes a button to "Reset browser settings" to factory condition. But the more radical feature is a message that Chrome is blocking the download of a suspected malicious file – without any apparent button to override the block.

 

"Content.exe is malicious, and Chromium has blocked it," said the text in a message box if Chrome blocks a download.

 

In its present form, the message box only allows a user to dismiss the warning – and not much else.

 

"In the current Canary build of Chrome, we’ll automatically block downloads of malware that we detect. If you see this message in the download tray at the bottom of your screen, you can click 'Dismiss' knowing Chrome is working to keep you safe," Upson said in his post.

 

"Keeping you secure is a top priority, which is why we’re working on additional means to stop malicious software installs as well," he said. — KDM, GMA News