Google has updated Chrome's policy on handling files that could be risky or unfamiliar. The browser will now prompt users to explain why they are downloading a file flagged as "malicious."
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Currently, Chrome shows a special page in red when you try to download some file that didn't pass browser's checks. It uses its very own Safe Browsing technology to protect users from online threats. It does a real time check against the online file database, instantly halting downloads if a threat is detected.
ℹ️ Google's browser uses Safe Browsing technology to protect against online threats. Files are scanned in real time, and downloads are immediately interrupted when the browser detects a threat.
The updated technology is quite different. The protection algorithm includes an auto-open download list with a "dangerous download blocked" note for the blocked file.
Clicking it will display a few more details, again in the download list, without opening the full-page notification. Specially, you will see the reason why the file is being blocked. The annoying change is that none of these options allow you to continue the download!
To get the file downloaded, you need to navigate to the menu and select the Downloads item. There, you will finally find the button to continue, but it will open a familiar full-page warning on the red background with three new options. The options require you to specify why you are downloading the file Chrome doesn't like. You can pick from:
- I created this file.
- I trust the site.
- I'm willing to accept the risk
After that you will access the Download button.
The change will make it harder to download utilities that access Windows registry, system files, and various databases. It doesn't mean that such apps are dangerous, but it can be an OS customization app, a recovery tool, and so on.
The addition of the "reason" selection looks pretty odd, as any of the options allow you to download the file, and the survey is just wasting your time.
Image and credits: ghacks.
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I still use the Windows 10 O.S. – I think Windows Defender does a great job. I have used many other antivirus software, but nothing beats Windows Defender. I do not need a built in antivirus software in my browser. I have had a few occasions where Google Chrome has blocked downloads for no reason. Ever since the Microsoft Edge browser “Fiasco”, remember that ? – I always have 2 browsers installed, sometimes 3. This solves all my problems. –