Google Chrome is rolling out a smarter approach to protecting users from online scams, introducing a two-tier warning system that catches potentially harmful websites before they can do damage, according to Spider’s Web.
For years, the tech giant has used a red full-screen block to prevent access to fake or fraudulent websites. Anyone who has clicked a link from a questionable source has likely encountered this warning. Until now, however, the browser only blocked websites that were unambiguously dangerous. The update extends protection to sites that show warning signs but have not yet been confirmed as threats.
Two levels of risk detection
Google has announced new defences against rapidly evolving internet scams. The solution builds on the existing Enhanced Protection feature, which uses artificial intelligence to detect malicious websites, downloads and extensions in real time.
The system will now categorise sites according to two risk levels: suspicious sites with possible risk of harm to the user, and dangerous sites with high risk of causing damage. Previously, the system covered only the second category. When a user opened a dangerous page, a full-screen message appeared on a red background, blocking access due to a detected threat.
Enhanced Protection in Google Chrome will continue to warn against known malicious addresses on both mobile phones and computers. Thanks to the update, however, Chrome is introducing a second stage of verification. The browser will display a warning about a suspicious site when it exhibits behaviour patterns associated with online traps.
For such pages, a smaller notification will appear in the form of a window stating that the site looks suspicious. To ensure users do not miss it, the browser will grey out the rest of the screen. The message will appear in a prominent location – in the mobile version as a window in the centre of the screen, and on computers just below the address bar. Users retain the choice: they can mark the page as safe or leave it by clicking “Go back to safety”.
How to activate the feature
To take advantage of the additional protection, users must first activate the appropriate option in their browser settings. This requires going to the Privacy and Security tab and selecting Enhanced Protection (Standard Protection is set by default).
Google states that over 1 billion users already rely on this solution. The company frames it as a free, additional layer of protection online.
What this means for Poles in the UK
Polish residents in Britain are frequently targeted by online scams, including phishing attempts that mimic government services, banks or delivery companies. Poles navigating services in a second language may be more vulnerable to convincing fake websites designed to steal personal data or banking details.
Activating Chrome’s Enhanced Protection setting adds an extra safeguard when browsing unfamiliar websites – particularly useful when dealing with job offers, rental listings, remittance services or official-looking emails. The feature works on both desktop and mobile, covering the devices most commonly used for banking, shopping and accessing public services such as the NHS or HMRC.
To enable it, open Chrome, go to Settings, select Privacy and Security, and choose Enhanced Protection. The AI-powered system runs in the background and will warn you if a site displays suspicious behaviour, giving you the chance to leave before entering any sensitive information. This is especially valuable for anyone who regularly receives links via messaging apps or social media, where scam content is often shared.
