7 May 2008
Google has recently started warning users if they are about to visit a webpage that could harm their computer. The warning appears if users click on a link to a page known to host spyware or other malicious programs.
The initiative is part of a larger project cataloging programs that plague people with unwanted ads, spy on web habits or steal personal data. Google is one of several companies trying to act as a "Web-Guardian" to ensure people stay safe online.
The warnings will be seen by anyone using the search engine who clicks on a link to a site identified as harmful by the Stop Badware coalition.
This initiative was set up in January 2006 by Google’s PC maker, Lenovo and Sun to identify dangerous software and the websites that try to trick people into installing these malicious programs.
Initially warnings will be seen via the search site and will be generic and simply alert people to the fact that a site has been flagged as dangerous. Eventually the warnings will become more detailed as Stop Badware researchers visit harmful sites and analyse how they try to subvert users' machines.
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