Google gauges internet security

Recent research conducted by web giant Google has found that one in ten websites contain malicious code that could harm your computer. As part of their study they looked at billions of sites and millions of pages in detail; of those examined they found over a million pages that could potentially be harmful.

Their findings suggest that an increase in the number of user-managed sites has provided a new avenue for criminals to break into computers and in addition to the spam and email attachment tactics that have been used in the past, drive by downloads are now becoming more of a problem.

These are designed to automatically install malicious software on a users computer when they simply visit a corrupted website. This code can range from the annoying to those which hijack a users system or steal their passwords and other personal data.

While Google already employs tactics to try and safeguard internet users' privacy their research has really brought to light what a huge problem online security is. The measures they currently have in place do warn users if they are about to enter a potentially harmful site. However, these research findings highlight that the risk of internet security is perhaps even greater than that which Google anticipated.

In their own words they describe the task of policing the net that they have ahead of them as 'a significant challenge'. Lets hope that their vast awareness of the internet is enough to help eliminate the threats to our online security. In the meantime care, vigilance and a comprehensive security package will just have to do.