The threat of malware and phishing scams from online attackers is greater than ever. Google has responded by adding new updates to its safe browsing feature. In this article, we discuss what they have added and if they have done enough.
It is now estimated that around 50% of online traffic is made up of bots, with well over half that amount being ones with malicious intent. These bots can steal personal information and even take over your device. While this can be done in several ways, many arrive when you visit unsafe websites. Google has recently made changes that will protect those browsing the web. But have they done enough and what can you do to protect yourself further?
Googles New Changes
Google currently has two versions of its Safe Browsing API, standard and enhanced. Standard has not included real-time data updates in the past but has instead used a list of locally stored suspect sites. However, it will now offer real-time checking in its standard format.
The search engine has done this in response to the rising number of suspect websites. Their database is updated every thirty to sixty minutes. Yet this is not enough time and by the time many sites are identified, they have already done damage.
Ways to Protect Yourself Online
While this update is welcome, the problem lies in the fact that not everyone wants to use Google Chrome, especially as it could be seen as one way the tech giant increases its monopoly on the internet. It is worth noting that Google’s real-time enhanced API in its enhanced version sends your data back to the search engine if you are outside the EU, making privacy an issue.
There may also come a time when you want to visit a perfectly safe website that Google has deemed unsafe. It is also helpful to always have extra protection regardless, as it is not guaranteed every unsafe website is on their database.
One way to check if you have been compromised in the past is with an independent website trust check. This will scan your browsing history and let you know if you have been on any exposed sites. The security of these sites is decided using community ratings, ML algorithms and reviews so it will provide different results to Google, and more protection. Not only does it check previous websites, but it can also work in real time. This will block phishing scams and malware downloads in seconds.
Another option is to install a virtual private network, known as a VPN. It hides your IP address by connecting you to a remote server. It also encrypts your data, making it hard for potential attackers to see what you are doing online. If you visit a dangerous website using a VPN, it will prevent tracking and can help you avoid attacks on your device.
How to Identify Unsafe Websites
As well as letting software do the bulk of the work for you, it also helps if you can identify malicious websites yourself. There are a few hints and clues that may point to a website being unsafe.
The first is the URL. If it has an incorrect spelling or is a random series of numbers and letters, then it should raise suspicion. Many also try to replicate a legitimate website or business in their URL. So you may find URL links such as hsbcbank.tv and dizneyplus.io. These can also help you identify fraudulent links in phishing scams.
Another is the actual design of the website itself. Suspect websites either follow two paths. The first is that they will put time and effort into looking exactly like a website they’re trying to impersonate, such as a financial institution. However, most follow the second path, a website that looks amateurish and has a spam-like character of its own. They will have adverts for niche services and products, stretched and pixelated logos, pop-ups and a generally poor design.
Finally, any website that redirects you without your consent should be closed. These sites can contain malware that is downloaded if you proceed. Do not enter these websites for any reason.
Attacks on the Increase
Cyber attacks and online fraud are on the increase. Last week a huge attack was launched across Europe, showing it is a global problem. Yet even in smaller communities, it can have a marked impact. In the same week, a council in the UK town of Tewkesbury was forced to close due to a ransomware attack. Charles Darwin School in London had to send pupils home due to an unrelated ransomware attack.
Readings for how much internet traffic is actually dangerous can differ. Cloudflare, a major tech company that provides security services, recently conducted a study that said 7% of internet traffic is malicious. However, this is a low figure compared to others. One network reports it as being as high as a third of all internet traffic. Safeguarding yourself online has never been more important, so start today with the tips above and ensure the safety of your personal information and devices.
