Internet security is a big issue these days. More and more people find themselves visiting websites that are harmful to their computer, or their personal information. Software that is downloaded fromwebsites is also a huge concern.

Many times free software that is downloaded contain viruses or spyware and adware that affect not only your computer but also your private information.

Google has now released a new incentive to protect its visitors to malicious websites.

Let’s say you search for a term and click on a website you think is safe. Google will place a page between the search page and the site itself that states:

Warning - the site you are about to visit may harm your computer!

You can learn more about malware and how to protect yourself at StopBadware.org.

Suggestions

• Return to the previous page and pick another result
• Try another search to find what you’re looking for.

It’s a very smart move by Google and it may even encourage more users from other search engines like MSN or Yahoo! I think that you should be warned if a website is distributing material or software that could damage your computer.

The only downside, would be if Google or StopBadware.org got it wrong. The effect on a website would be massive. While the chances of that happening are slim if it did happen it would cause a great deal of reputation being lossed in an honest website.

However, good move and two thumbs up to the people at Google and StopBadware for puttin this feature together.