Google Chrome now warns about risky password-protected archives

Google Chrome now warns about risky password-protected archives

July 24, 2024 at 12:12PM

Google Chrome has introduced a two-tier warning system to enhance user protection when downloading potentially risky password-protected files. It employs AI-powered malware verdicts from its Safe Browsing service to quickly assess the risk level of downloaded files. In addition, Enhanced Protection mode prompts users to enter passwords for deeper scan and additional protection.

Based on the meeting notes, the key takeaways are:

1. Google Chrome has implemented a two-tier download warning system using AI-powered malware verdicts from its Safe Browsing service to help evaluate the risk of downloaded files.
2. The new warning system distinguishes between suspicious and dangerous files and provides clear iconography, colors, and text to help users quickly assess the risk.
3. Users with Enhanced Protection mode enabled in Safe Browsing receive additional scanning for suspicious files, especially when downloading password-protected archives.
4. When prompted to enter a password for downloading password-protected archives, users in Enhanced Protection mode will have the file and password sent for additional scanning.
5. Users in Standard Protection mode will also be prompted to enter passwords for downloading archives, but in this mode, only the metadata of the archive contents are checked with Safe Browsing.
6. Google assures that files and file passwords uploaded to its servers will be promptly deleted after scanning, and all collected data will only be used to enhance download protection for all Chrome users.

These improvements in the Chrome download experience have led to significant changes in user behavior, including fewer warnings bypassed, quicker heeding of warnings, and overall better protection from malicious downloads.

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