Google Chrome Adds Deep Scanning for Encrypted Files

Google recently rolled out a significant update to its Chrome web browser to bolster user security as part of its Safe Browsing enhanced protection mode. The new feature enables the browser to scan password-protected files for malicious content.

Chrome users can now input passwords for encrypted files, allowing the browser to conduct thorough scans and identify potential hidden threats.

Chrome Can Scan Encrypted Downloaded Files

This  change addresses a common cybersecurity challenge, ensuring that even documents within encrypted archives are scrutinized for safety.

“Users who have opted-in to the Enhanced Protection mode of Safe Browsing in Chrome are prompted to send the contents of suspicious files to Safe Browsing for deep scanning before opening the file,” reads Google’s advisory. “Suspicious files are a small fraction of overall downloads, and file contents are only scanned for security purposes and are deleted shortly after a verdict is returned.”

Enhanced vs Standard Protection Modes

According to Google, these scans have a high success rate by detecting novel malware strains and malicious documents hosted on newly created websites.

Enhanced Protection users who input the file’s password automatically send the file and its password to Safe Browsing, where it is opened and deep-scanned. After the scan, both the file and password are deleted for privacy.

Standard Protection mode users will have similar protection; upon detecting a suspicious encrypted archive, Chrome will prompt the user to type its password. However, instead of sending the entire file and its password to Safe Browsing, the metadata of the archive contents gets checked instead.

Pre-scanning Files Could Reduce Cyber Incidents

This feature is particularly noteworthy, considering that many cyberthreats leverage encrypted files to bypass traditional security measures.

By pre-scanning these files, Chrome aims to give users an additional layer of protection.

Dedicated Software Could Boost Your Digital Defenses

However, in the ever-evolving digital landscape, relying solely on basic security features built into web browsers can expose you to various cyber risks. Diversifying your cybersecurity approach by opting for dedicated security software is crucial.

Specialized software like Bitdefender Ultimate Security provides comprehensive protection against a broader range of threats, including worms, viruses, Trojans, spyware, ransomware, rootkits, and zero-day exploits.