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04/25/2024 08:59:04 pm

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Google Increases Security Features for Gmail Users

Google has expanded an alert system that sends notification to Gmail users before clicking on suspicious links.

(Photo : Reuters) Google has expanded an alert system that sends notification to Gmail users before clicking on suspicious links.

Google once again is tightening its security protocol to protect its Gmail users.

The search engine giant has expanded an alert system that sends notification to Gmail users before clicking on suspicious links. Google said the warnings will now appear again after a user clicks such a link, and that the protection will extend beyond the Chrome web browser and Gmail app as well. This feature is also called Safe Browsing.

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Safe Browsing feature offers lists of URLs that contain malware or phishing content to Chrome, Firefox, and Safari browsers, and to Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The service can also be accessed via the public API or directly, by manually changing this URL to check whichever site. Google has been extending Safe Browsing to its various products over the years, including Android, Ads, Analytics, and so on.

Google is also continuing its take to standardize email encryption, another feature which is critical for activists and others who can be subject to hacking and surveillance. The company partnered with Comcast, Microsoft, and Yahoo to propose a new system for email that promises to increase message security.

The three partners of Google have submitted a new draft of Engineering Task Force (IETF) for “SMTP Strict Transport Security” (SMTP STS) specification that ensures emails will only be delivered through encrypted channels that will automatically report any failures.

“The security of our users and their data is paramount. We’ll continue to build new protections, and work closely with the broader email ecosystem to support and improve standards such as TLS, that keep users safe,” Google said in a blog post.

Google also wants to be even more helpful in fighting state-sponsored attacks. Similar to Safe Browsing, users will be able to receive a full-page warning about a potential state-sponsored attack. The page will also include links to instructions on how to stay safe from these types of attack. Users will be advised to set up two-factor authentication or a personal security key.

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