Google Chrome blocks software designed to trick you

Beginning next week, Google will be increasing the security of its Chrome browser by automatically blocking software that is designed to trick users. Yes, that includes those annoying toolbars that your parents keep accidentally installing.

Chrome already blocks malicious software and sites. If you download an infected executable file, the browser will stop the download and warn you. Phishing sites or sites known to contain malware are also blocked automatically.

While it’s nice of Google to block software designed to deceive users, it’s unclear what the company defines “deceptive.” In a blog post, Google Staff Engineer Moheeb Rajab defines it as “programs disguised as a helpful download that actually make unexpected changes to your computer – for instance, switching your homepage or other browser settings to ones you don’t want.”

But what if a user actually wants to use a toolbar? Will Adobe Flash Player downloads be blocked since its downloader offers users the option to download Macaffee antivirus?

I’ve reached out to Google for more information and will update this post if I receive a reply.

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Source: Google Chrome Blog

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