Google has significantly improved Chrome’s phishing detection capabilities, claiming to block 25% more dangerous attempts while maintaining user privacy. This update is currently included in Chrome’s “Standard protection” mode for both desktop and iOS users, with Android support rolling out soon.
Previously, Standard protection in Chrome relied on locally stored lists of unsafe websites, updated every 30-60 minutes. This approach was ineffective against rapidly changing phishing tactics.
Now, Chrome instantly checks the safety of URLs upon visiting a site. If the URL isn’t immediately determined safe, the browser sends an obscured version to Google’s Safe Browsing servers for a thorough check. Privacy is preserved as personal identifiers like IP addresses are removed during the process.
This change means you might encounter more warnings while browsing, but the increased protection is essential in the ever-evolving fight against phishing scams.
For even greater security, Google still recommends the “Enhanced Protection” mode in Safe Browsing. This offers AI-powered threat detection and deeper scans to protect you from malicious files and dangerous Chrome extensions.
Additionally, Google has improved the Password Checkup tool for iOS. Now, it doesn’t just warn you about compromised passwords, but will also alert you if your passwords are weak or reused across sites.
