Google Adding Automatic Malware Blocking to Chrome

November 1, 2013 – 5:42 PM

Google is adding several security updates to its Chrome browser, including automatic malware blocking and the option to reset browser settings.

Newer, stealthier browser malware is released through things like free screensavers, video plug-ins, or fake security updates. It then hides, making it difficult for users to find and uninstall the programs themselves.

As a result, the stable version of Chrome now has a “reset browser settings button.” Located under the advanced settings, it returns Chrome to a factory-fresh state. Google said it was one of the most requested additions on the Chrome help forums, and is designed to clear the browser of any potential malware.

Going forward, Google will also “automatically block downloads of malware that we detect” in Chrome. At this point, the feature is only available in the Canary build version of Chrome – the earlier, test version of the browser that comes before dev, beta, and stable. But it will eventually hit the stable channel.

If Chrome blocks something, a message will appear in the download tray telling you the browser has blocked something. “You can click ‘Dismiss’ knowing Chrome is working to keep you safe,” Google said in a blog post.

The new option joins Chrome’s existing security features such as “Safe Browsing.” Google claims to flag over 10,000 websites a day searching for potential threats and steers users away from them using Safe Browsing.

Source:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426682,00.asp?kc=PCRSS03069TX1K0001121