Google Chrome, the world’s most popular web browser, just got an upgrade to its Safe Browsing feature. This new update brings real-time URL protection that safeguards your security while also prioritizing your privacy.
What is Safe Browsing?
Safe Browsing is Google’s built-in security system that helps protect you from phishing scams, malware, and other online threats. It works by constantly checking the websites you visit against an extensive list of known unsafe sites. If a match is found, Chrome will warn you before you can load the potentially dangerous page.
What’s New with Real-Time, Privacy-Preserving Protection?
The latest Safe Browsing update offers a significantly faster defence against emerging threats. Here’s how it works:
- Real-time Checks: Instead of checking websites periodically against a local list, Chrome will now check URLs against Google’s servers in real time. This ensures you’re always protected against the very latest threats.
- Preserving Your Privacy: Chrome accomplishes this while using advanced encryption techniques to ensure your browsing history remains private. Even Google won’t know the specific sites you visit.
- Opt-in Enhanced Protection: For those who want maximum security, Chrome’s “Enhanced Protection” mode offers even more robust safeguards and proactive threat detection.
Cyberattacks are constantly evolving. This new approach keeps Safe Browsing a step ahead, providing stronger and more immediate protection without sacrificing your privacy.
How to Benefit
The “Standard protection” mode of Chrome on desktop and iOS now includes this feature. To check your Safe Browsing settings:
- Open Chrome and go to Settings.
- Navigate to “Privacy and Security.”
- Choose your desired Safe Browsing protection level.
