Chrome preps psychic powers, security changes

Chrome's Omnibox is about to get precognitive powers

Google is preparing some important changes to Chrome’s browsing behavior, with predictive powers and better download scanning protocol landing in the latest beta update.

Released today, Google Chrome 17 beta for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome Frame.

Of the multiple improvements and fixes noted in Google’s Chrome 17 beta changelog, these two have the potential to affect users the most. The change in security behavior expands Chrome’s safe browsing technology to scan not only Web sites visited, but downloads as well. It will analyze installation files downloaded with the browser, starting with Windows-based EXE and MSI. Google hasn’t clarified if the scan will also include other Windows-based file types or installers from Mac and Linux operating systems. The feature is important for blocking the threat of ransomware “fake antivirus” program… [Read more]