Highlights:

  • Google anticipates blocking 25 percent more phishing attempts by continuously monitoring websites.
  • As the Safe Browsing server is not limited in the same manner that user devices are, it can also expand to any required size.

Google LLC updates Chrome Safe Browsing feature with new real-time protection.

Google introduced Safe Browsing in 2005 to shield users from phishing and identity theft by alerting in the browser when they navigate to unsafe websites. With Google adding new password safeguards and real-time protection to Safe Browsing, that protection is now receiving a significant boost.

In its previous iteration, the Standard protection mode of Safe Browsing assessed the potential peril of a site or file by examining a list stored on the user’s device. As opposed to the 30- to 60-minute intervals at which the list was updated, Google has discovered that the average duration of presence for a malicious site is under 10 minutes.

Chrome’s Standard protection mode on desktop and iOS is now capable of conducting real-time site assessments against Google’s server-side inventory of recognized malicious websites. Users who attempt to access a malicious website from the aforementioned list will be presented with a warning that provides additional details. Through real-time site inspections, Google anticipates thwarting 25% more phishing attempts.

The server-side list promptly incorporates malicious websites upon their detection, enabling the recording of sites that undergo rapid transitions. Additionally, it can expand to its maximum capacity because the Safe Browsing server is not limited in the same way that user devices are.

Johnathan Li and Kasika Bawa of Google explained in a blog post, “The new capability, which will also be available on Android later this month, employs encryption and other privacy-enhancing techniques to ensure that no one, including Google, knows which website you are visiting.” Although this does necessitate a slight increase in the browser’s processing capacity, every effort has been made to ensure that your experience remains fluid and quick.

An update for Chrome’s Password Checkup feature on iOS was also revealed. The functionality will now highlight weak and repeated passwords in addition to hacked passwords. If Chrome finds a problem with a user’s password, it will inform the user.