Between Sept 2015 and Sept 2017, the number of ransomware attacks detected had increased by a whopping 1,988.6%.. Source: Shutterstock

Google Chrome collaborates with ESET to halt dangerous malware

ESET, a leading cybersecurity company, has partnered with Google to launch “Chrome Clean-up”, a new scanner and cleaner software for Google Chrome designed to help users browse the web safely and without interruption.

Millions of web users are being affected by unwanted software every day. These impacts are often subtle, involving inconveniences such as unwanted ads. Yet, in some cases the impacts are so severe that it can lead to users being unable to use their browsers at all.

Chrome already has some tools in place to help users avoid unwanted software. The “Safe Browsing” feature issues warnings to users when they attempt to enter dangerous sites or download dangerous files. This feature has prevented many infections from taking place by warning millions of users. Despite this, harmful software does, at times, slip through.

Google Chrome have enlisted the help of ESET to combine their detection engine with Chromes sandbox technology. This collaboration means that they can now detect and remove more unwanted software than ever before, allowing a safer and speedier experience for Chrome users.

Source: Google

Unknown to many users, malicious software is commonly hidden within their downloads. The Chrome Cleanup will alert users to potential threats upon detection. Users will then be given the option to remove the software, cancel downloads, or further examine the details of an identified threat.

With Chrome Cleanup operating in the background, users can carry on with their web activities without any interruptions. The Cleanup engine will then delete the unwanted software, alerting users upon completion.

“Using the internet should always be a smooth and safe experience for everyone,” said Malcho, Chief Technology Officer at ESET, in a statement.

“For three decades, ESET has developed a number of security solutions that allow users to safely enjoy their technology and to mitigate a variety of cyber threats. Chrome Cleanup addresses unwanted software that can negatively influence a users’ experience on the internet.”

 

Source: Google

Source: Google

Aside from their partnership with ESET, Google has also made other changes to the Chrome Cleanup Tool. Previously offered as a standalone app, the tool is now included with Chrome by default and runs automatically to detect whenever users install intrusive software.

Google has completed a full redesign of the tool, with the aim of making it more straightforward to use with the help of clearer popups

The company have also introduced a ‘Hijacked Settings Detection’. This notifies users when an extension has made changes to the user’s default settings without their permission. Users will then be to either disable or accept the extension’s changes.

Chrome for Windows commented in a blog post, that the updates will impact “tens of millions” of Chrome users over the next few days.