Chrome warns users of devious software that could impact Google's business
Google has added an early warning alert to Chrome that pops up when users try to access a website that the search giant suspects will try to dupe users into downloading underhanded software.
The new alert pops up in Chrome when a user aims the browser at a suspect site but before the domain is displayed. "The site ahead contains harmful programs," the warning states. Google emphasized tricksters that "harm your browsing experience," and cited those that silently change the home page or drop unwanted ads onto pages in the warning's text.
The company has long focused on those categories, and for obvious, if unstated, reasons. It would prefer that people -- much less, shifty software -- not alter the Chrome home page, which features the Google search engine, the Mountain View, Calif. firm's primary revenue generator. Likewise, the last thing Google wants is to have adware, especially the most irritating, turn off everyone to all online advertising.
