Say goodbye to fake buttons' with Google Safe Browsing
Google is taking action to counteract fake buttons that attempt to trick users into clicking on something they don't want.
Melbourne: Those fake links, which pretend to be a download button for a file but turn out to be a scam, may soon wane as Google has launched a war against them.
The tech giant said it would take action to counteract fake 'download' and 'play' buttons that attempt to trick users into clicking on something they don't want, News.com.au reported.
On being clicked, these ads, most commonly found on file sharing and video streaming sites, take users to sites that offer get-rich-quick schemes or even malicious software.
Google announced the move, which is an extension of its 'Safe Browsing' initiative launched eight years ago and revamped in November, in its online security blog under the title 'No More Deceptive Download Buttons.'
The post read, "You may have encountered social engineering in a deceptive download button, or an image ad that falsely claims your system is out of date. Today, we're expanding Safe Browsing protection to protect you from such deceptive embedded content, like social engineering ads."
For those receiving protection from Google and its Chrome browser, if you click on those fake buttons, you will be directed to a screen with a message "Deceptive site ahead."
Google noted, "Our fight against unwanted software and social engineering is still just beginning. We'll continue to improve Google's Safe Browsing protection to help more people stay safe online."