Category Archives: Google

Adware, Chrome, Google, Internet, Malware, Security, Spam and scams

Google beefs up protection against unwanted software

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A recent post on Google’s Online Security Blog describes security improvements to the Chrome browser, Google’s search engine, and Google’s advertising platform. The changes should make it easier for users to stay away from web sites known to contain unwanted (and presumed harmful) software.

Chrome now detects when you are about to visit a web site known to contain unwanted software, and displays a large red warning message.

Google’s search engine now decreases ranking for sites known to contain unwanted software. That means these kinds of sites should be less likely to appear in the first few pages of Google search results.

Google now checks all advertisements provided by its AdWords system, and disables any with links to sites with unwanted software. Additional details are available on Google’s Advertising Policies site. Google’s primary source of income is AdWords, so it’s comforting to see that they’re willing to take a financial hit (however small) to protect users.

Chrome, Flash, Google, Patches and updates, Security

Chrome 40.0.2214.111 fixes several vulnerabilities

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The latest version of Chrome fixes eleven security issues. Version 40.0.2214.111 also includes the latest embedded version of Flash (16.0.0.305).

The release notes for Chrome 40.0.2214.111 describe some of the changes in the new version. There’s a link to the ‘full list of changes’, but since the linked page is an automated change log from the version management software Git, it’s aimed at developers and not much use for regular users. A link to ’11 security fixes’ currently displays an empty page.

In any case, since the new Chrome contains security fixes and the new Flash, anyone using the browser is strongly encouraged to allow Chrome to update itself before using it for web browsing.

Chrome, Google, Patches and updates

Chrome 40.0.2214.94 released

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Another new version of Google’s web browser was announced on Friday. The release notes for version 40.0.2214.94 don’t provide any useful information on what’s different. There is only a link to the version control log entries for version 40.0.2214.94. And unfortunately, that log is both difficult to interpret (especially for non-technical folks) and extremely light on details. It looks like the new version fixes two minor issues, neither related to security.

Google, Microsoft, Security

Google vs. Microsoft disclosure debate continues

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You may recall Microsoft’s recent statements of displeasure at Google’s disclosure of unpatched security vulnerabilities in Windows 8.1.

This argument shows no signs of abating, because Google has disclosed more unpatched vulnerabilities in Windows.

Microsoft needs to understand that it’s on the wrong side of this battle. Vulnerabilities must be patched quickly, and absent any incentive, big companies like Microsoft, Oracle and Adobe will take increasingly long periods of time to produce patches. Ninety days is plenty of time.