Google is clamping down on deceptive download buttons

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The darker corners of the internet are littered with malicious ads like the above - each threatening to pump an unwanted piece of software, malware or worse down your internet connection with the briefest of clicks.

Mercifully, Google is stepping in to help. The company's online security branch has announced its intentions to flag up major warnings to browsers at risk of heading to a site filled with deceptive download links.

Google Chrome users will be shown the following warning page whenever they point their browser towards a page that contains social engineering ads - links that:

• Pretend to act, or look and feel, like a trusted entity - like your own device or browser, or the website itself. 
• Try to trick you into doing something you’d only do for a trusted entity - like sharing a password or calling tech support.

"Our fight against unwanted software and social engineering is still just beginning," declares Google's announcement, making it sound like they're about to take up arms in a great cyber war. "We'll continue to improve Google's Safe Browsing protection to help more people stay safe online."

Thanks Google. 

Now, about that tax payment...

(Image: Shutterstock)