Google never rests, and is always mixing up something new to try out on its users. Some efforts have been failures and others have been welcomed by many. Recently, Google announced a seemingly one-time attempt at informing specific users of a possible malware compromise on their systems.
Currently they are a bit vague on the malware involved, but state in their blog that this particular malware uses a limited number of proxies to send traffic to Google. When a user compromised by this malware visits Google they are displayed a message at the top of their browsers saying, “Your computer appears to be infected.”
It must really be a very specific and limited means of terminating traffic that ends up at Google through these proxies for the company to display these messages with confidence. A wide range of malware utilizes Google in some way to carry out functions or as a form of communication. Some use Google resources as a way to spread malware, through fake Blogspot pages or highjacked web searches. Some malware just checks Google to make sure the compromised system has an internet connection.
This may only be a one time event, but I wouldn’t put it past Google that this is an introduction into future areas of exploration into the anti-virus field. Why not? They dip their fingers into every other internet pot. Google safe browsing is already a sight people have grown accustomed to and understand as well as embrace. Is Google going to capitalize on their already existing involvement in the malware world by taking the extra step toward their end users? Is Google AV on the horizon?
Matt Sully