Chrome warns users about password-protected archives’ risks

Google Chrome warns users about downloading malicious password-protected files and gives alerts with additional information about potentially dangerous downloaded archives. These detailed warning messages help consumers easily understand the nature of the threat posed by any file downloaded from the Internet.

The company launched a two-tier download warning system that relies on AI-powered malware verdicts from its Safe Browsing service to swiftly assess the real danger and address the risk of these entities. Users will receive warnings indicating whether files are suspicious or harmful.

 

The Chrome Security team added user-friendly features to help users understand the warnings easily.

 

The Chrome Security team notes that these two tiers of warnings are classified by iconography, colour, and text, allowing users to quickly select the best choice based on the severity and nature of the dangers of the threats.

Additionally, the Chrome browser now sends questionable files to the company’s servers for a more thorough inspection of users with the enhanced security mode activated in Safe Browsing.

Once users download a password-protected archive, such as ZIP or RAR, if they activate the Enhanced Protection feature, they will receive a request to enter the password before the file is sent for further inspection via Google’s Safe Browsing service.

The business also claims that files and file passwords given to its servers will be erased immediately after scanning and that all collected data will be utilised exclusively to improve download protection for all Google Chrome users.

Those using Chrome in Standard Protection mode will also be instructed to provide the passwords for the downloaded archives. However, the file and password remain on the local device, and Safe Browsing only checks the metadata of the archive contents. Hence, users are protected if Safe Browsing has identified and classified the virus.

Despite these guarantees, many businesses will most likely not take Google’s assurances and will instruct employees to refrain from giving Chrome a password for password-protected archives containing corporate data to avoid potential data breaches.

These latest updates benefit Google Chrome users, especially when downloading unknown files. However, users will still be sceptical about these improvements as they feature sensitive privileges.