Google, the search engine giant is using data from the Stop Badware coalition to offer warnings about potentially harmful sites. This initiative of Google aims to offer users with a safer searching experience.

he warnings that are issued link to a general page on StopBadware.org. However, once research on hacker sites is finished, StopBadware.org will change this general alert with a specific report on a site.

Launched in January by Harvard University's Berkman Centre and the Oxford Internet Institute, StopBadware.org has a goal of establishing a neighborhood watch-style scheme that will keep an eye and capture purveyors of unsavory programs that snoop on consumer's net habits.

Internet users will be able to verify the site to see whether programs they encounter are potentially damaging. They will also be able to report suspicious sites to StopBadware.org.

Google, Sun and Lenovo support this initiative. By using StopBadware.org warnings within search results, Google will be able to deepen its relationship with its users. StopBadware.org also aims to coordinate with other search engines and Internet providers.

By M. Sese
www.jump2top.com