{"id":42372,"date":"2015-03-30T09:00:46","date_gmt":"2015-03-30T16:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.mcafee.com\/?p=42372"},"modified":"2025-08-19T10:32:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T17:32:04","slug":"google-safe-browsing-api","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/internet-security\/google-safe-browsing-api\/","title":{"rendered":"Google Brings Safe Browsing to the Masses With Its Safe Browsing API"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best way to protect yourself from the malicious programs (often called malware<\/a>) hidden across the Internet, is to have the latest and greatest tools at your disposal. That includes your Web browser, the very software application you\u2019re using right now to read this blog.<\/p>\n

Now not all web browsers are created equally. Some are faster, some require less memory from your computer and some are safer to use online. And it\u2019s in that last element where Google\u2019s product, Google Chrome, shines.<\/p>\n

Google just updated its Safe Browsing API<\/a> (Application Programming Interface)\u2014the element of its Chrome browser which checks and monitors websites for malicious activity\u2014to include the latest malware threats and phishing attacks<\/a> (a phishing attack, by the way, is an attack designed to trick you into giving up sensitive information). Basically, Google has updated their list of bad sites, and will alert you<\/a> if you happen to come across a website infested with malicious code while cruising the Internet.<\/p>\n

This is good news for users everywhere for a few reasons. First, Google\u2019s API helps users detect potentially dangerous links, which could lead unwary victims to a malware infested website, before they click on them. Second, since Google Safe Browsing\u2019s API is open, most other browsers, like Firefox, can use Google\u2019s list of known bad sites to protect their users as well. This protection can also be extended to other applications\u2014meaning Google\u2019s protection extends beyond dedicated browsing and encompasses pretty much any application capable of navigating the web.<\/p>\n

This is great news. By helping developers protect their users, Google is making the Internet a safer place to browse, shop and explore. And that\u2019s critically important, especially during tax season when phishing attacks go into overdrive in an attempt to steal tax returns.<\/p>\n

How to Protect Yourself from Online Dangers<\/h2>\n

So, what can you do to protect yourself from online dangers, such as phishing sites? Quite a few things, actually. Let\u2019s take a look:<\/p>\n