Incident Response, TDR

Chrome to warn users when downloaded software will make unexpected changes

Google is expanding its Safe Browsing service by ensuring Chrome users do not download and install “deceptive” software that makes unexpected changes to a computer, such as changing the default homepage and other browser settings.

The changes should be implemented this week, according to a Thursday post by Moheeb Abu Rajab, staff engineer with Google Security, who explained that a warning will show up in Chrome whenever an “attempt is made to trick you into downloading and installing such software.”

Users who want to continue with the download can do so from the Downloads list, the post indicates.

Safe Browsing already protects Chrome users from malicious websites and downloads, Rajab wrote, adding that Google sees more than three million download warnings per week. 

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