That google drive being one of the most used cloud storage services in the world also has a negative side: it is a platform increasingly targeted by hackers to distribute computer threats. Fortunately, Google has taken note of this and is working to improve its protection and security options.
Google Drive is now able to detect if a file you are about to download may try to steal your personal information. If you find a potential threat, the service will inform you so that you avoid falling into a malware, phishing or ransomware trap.
This new security measure is available from today, according to confirmed the Mountain View Company. However, the feature will roll out gradually and could take up to 15 days to reach all Google Drive users.
According to Google, the warnings will be displayed when the user clicks on a file to preview it within the cloud storage service; that is, before touching the option to download it. If Google Drive deems the document in question to be malicious, it will display an orange banner at the top of the screen with the phrase: “This file looks suspicious. It could be used to steal your personal information”.
Although this security measure is now added to Google Drive, it is not exactly new. Since last year it has been available in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drawings for Workspace users.
Google Drive adds tools to protect against malicious files
With this new feature, Google Drive expands its efforts to provide a more secure file storage environment. Since the middle of last year, the platform allows you to block other users who share spam with you, an option that was highly demanded by the public.
Google recently warned that During 2021, the sending of alerts for phishing and malware attacks increased by 33%; this represented more than 50,000 warnings, according to the Threat Analysis Group of the Californian company. Those in Mountain View had already raised concerns about the increased activity of hackers sponsored by countries like Russia and Iran.
It is also worth noting that Google ranked fourth in a recent ranking of the most used brands in identity theft campaigns. The company was only behind DHL, Microsoft and WhatsApp, and racked up 10% of phishing attack attempts. Therefore, it is not bad that Google Drive incorporates new security measures and helps users to be more careful with their files.