Google Chrome now warns you if you’re about to install a dodgy extension

Warnings now appear in Chrome when downloading untrusted extensions and risky files

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Googleis bolstering its Enhanced Safe Browsing feature with new protection capabilities inChromewhich will help protect users when they try and download untrusted extensions.

The search giant first launched itsSafe Browsingfeature back in 2007 to warn users if they tried to visit a malicious website by checking URLs against a list of unsafe sites stored in itsbrowser.

Last year though, Google madeEnhanced Safe Browsingavailable to Chrome users and this feature takes things a step further by protecting users from malicious downloads and extensions in addition to dangerous sites with new proactive safeguards and password breach warnings.

With the release ofChrome 91last month, the company began rolling out a new feature to Enhanced Safe Browsing that warns users via a prompt if they try to install aChrome extensionfrom an untrusted developer.

Developers that follow the Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policies are considered trusted by Enhanced Safe Browsing according to a new Google Securityblog postwhile new developers will need to build up trust over a few months to be added to the list.

Download protection

In addition to protecting users from untrusted extensions, Chrome’s Enhanced Safe Browsing feature will also provide them with better protection against risky files.

When a user downloads a file, Chrome will perform a first level check using metadata about the downloaded file including information on its contents and the source of the file to determine whether it is suspicious. For downloads that have been deemed risky but are not unsafe, Enhanced Safe Browsing users will now see a warning and will also be able tosend the file to Googlefor additional scanning.

Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!

Google Safe Browsing will then scan the file using static and dynamic analysis classifiers in real time and after a short wait, Chrome will display another warning if Safe Browsing determines the file to be unsafe.

If you’re concerned about your security online whileworking from home, enabling Safe Browsing or Enhanced Safe Browsing is quite simple and can be done by opening Chrome’s settings and heading to the Security menu.

ViaBleepingComputer

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.

This dangerous new malware is hitting Windows devices by hiding in games

Windows PCs targeted by new malware hitting a vulnerable driver

Steps to take when your phone number is publicly listed online