Browsing websites can be more dangerous to the health of your PC than most users realize. This is especially so if you access fringe sites with questionable content. Some of them can contain various types of malware. Google is trying to address the issue of these sites and improve safe browsing by adding a repeat offender tag.
Google already has implemented a comprehensive browsing policy for users as well as the sites. Previously, the system Google has in place for sites on its search engine already flags sites that contain malware, trick users with phishing exploits, and other types of exploits. However, if the administrators of the site stop their activities for a short period, the flag will be removed and they can resume their ill intent actions.
The new Safe Browsing anti-malware system known as repeat offender tag will address this loophole in Google’s policies. If a site that has already been flagged as harmful will receive the notification again, then they will automatically be tagged as a repeat offender. The tag will remain on the site for a period of at least 30 days. Only after that time, will Google be willing to review the site and make sure the problem and behavior of the site have been addressed.
There are some exceptions to the new repeat offender system. Hacked websites initially flagged as harmful will not be classified as such. The tag will be applied only to sited that have demonstrated harmful intent in either posting content or their attempt to access users’ confidential information.
The repeat offender system is meant to warn users about the dangers of visiting a specific site. However, users still have the autonomy to decide whether to enter it or not. Google’s browser Chrome won’t automatically block the site, it will just display the warnings in hopes that they will suffice to convince the majority of users.
Google’s Safe Search combined with the new Safe Browsing system will improve the security of many users. However, one other major security exploit that needs to be addressed are the phishing attacks through email. They have been the cause of some of the largest breaches of security on the internet