Android users: Never ignore this alert on your phone when browsing

If you are one of the 2.5 billion Android users, Google is warning you to never ignore an important alert when browsing. You may have come across a cautionary message when you try opening certain sites on your phone suggesting that the site you are trying to visit was unsafe. This is called Google Safe Browsing and was designed to protect users like you from your personal and banking information being stolen.

Google Safe Browsing

As the most widely used browser in the world, Google’s Chrome is quite popular among hackers seeking to steal data from unsuspecting users, according to an article in The Sun. Google, being aware of this security threat, has put in place various measures to protect users while they browse. One of such is the Google Safe Browsing alert.

When you try accessing a site deemed suspicious or unsafe, you will see a pop-up on your device which reads: ‘The site ahead contains malware’.

This warning should never be ignored as there may be hackers lurking on the site waiting to infiltrate your device, getting access to your login and account information. According to Google:

Google Safe Browsing lets you explore the web with confidence, defending you from dangerous websites and malicious files. We warn you if you try to navigate to a bad website or file. Getting you to safety so that you don't encounter malware or a phishing scam.

Activate safe browsing

You can ensure that this feature is active on your device by turning it on your Google Chrome app – More –Settings – Privacy and Security – Safe Browsing. There are three levels; No Protection, Standard Protection and Enhanced Protection which automatically warns you about ‘potentially risky sites and downloads’.The Sun article added:

It will send additional info to Google about your activity to boost general security. And it will inspect the safety of your downloads to see if a file might be dangerous.

Read more:

⋙ Android: Notorious malware that steals login info sneaks back on devices

⋙ Android users warned to check Wi-Fi settings to avoid serious privacy issue

⋙ Android users: Delete these 35 apps now to protect your financial information