Photo: In Green / Shutterstock.com
Google has unveiled a series of updates aimed at bolstering cybersecurity measures for Chrome browser users on desktop and iOS devices. These enhancements include real-time protection through Safe Browsing and improved password security features.
Safe Browsing feature has been upgraded to provide real-time protection against phishing, malware, and other online threats. Previously, Safe Browsing relied on the locally stored list updated every 30 to 60 minutes.
However, Google found that malicious sites often exist for less than 10 minutes, highlighting the need for a more responsive approach.
With the latest update, Safe Browsing on Chrome for desktop and iOS now checks websites against Google’s server-side list of known harmful sites in real time. This shift to real-time scanning is expected to improve protection by promptly identifying and warning users about potentially risky sites.
“If we suspect a site poses a risk to you or your device, you’ll see a warning with more information. By checking sites in real-time, we expect to block 25% more phishing attempts,” said Google.
Moreover, Google has emphasised that this real-time scanning process prioritises user privacy by implementing encryption and other privacy-enhancing techniques.
In addition to real-time URL protection, Google has enhanced its Password Checkup feature on Chrome for iOS. This update detects compromised passwords and flags weak or reused passwords, encouraging users to adopt stronger security practices.
To use these settings, users must enable the Safe Browsing Enhanced Protection mode via the Chrome settings. Using this mode, users can protect themselves from online attacks as this mode uses artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to scan files and create additional defences against malicious Chrome extensions.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, these protection measures provide an umbrella of relief to the users employing robust tools.
In the News: Will Devin replace human software engineers?
