Google Chrome has launched a major security upgrade, integrating artificial intelligence into its Enhanced Protection feature across all supported platforms. The rollout follows a successful three-month testing period in Chrome's Canary version.
The new AI-powered system enhances Chrome's Safe Browsing capabilities by analyzing potential threats in real-time. This advancement allows the browser to identify and block malicious websites that haven't yet been logged in Google's threat database.
Beyond website scanning, the system also monitors downloads and browser extensions for suspicious activity, providing broader protection against emerging cyber threats. This update comes at a critical time, following a recent phishing attack that compromised 35 Chrome extensions and potentially affected 2.6 million users.
The Enhanced Protection feature is now available on Windows, Android, and iOS devices. Users can activate it through Chrome's security settings menu under the Privacy and Security section. However, users should note that enabling this feature requires sending browsing data to Google's servers for analysis.
This security enhancement reflects Google's ongoing efforts to strengthen its browser protection mechanisms. The timing is particularly relevant given recent security challenges, including the extension developer phishing scheme that allowed attackers to inject malicious code into popular extensions.
While this update strengthens Chrome's security infrastructure, it arrives amid broader discussions about Google's market position. The company currently faces antitrust scrutiny, with the US Department of Justice considering potential actions regarding Chrome's market dominance.
The new AI-powered security feature represents a technological step forward in browser protection, offering users advanced real-time defense against evolving online threats.