Google’s ‘yellow banner’ warning for MILLIONS of users shouldn’t be ignored – what to do when new security alert pops up

GOOGLE is rolling out a new security feature aimed at preventing users from unknowingly downloading a malicious file.

Users will be met with a warning banner if they tangle with bad data.

Google is adding interactive layers of security

The yellow warning bar is subtle but noticeableGoogle

Google boasts over one billion users on the Workspace platform.

They serve countless institutions and media teams with multi-user capabilities in Google Docs, Google Slides and Google Sheets.

In the interest of user protection, the tech giant has added a yellow bar that warns against engaging with Google Drive files downloaded from the internet.

Google’s Workspace Updates blog wrote “If a user opens a potentially suspicious or dangerous file in Google Drive, we will display a warning banner to help protect them and their organization from malware, phishing and ransomware.”

Google Forms, part of the Workspace family of apps, was used in a phishing ploy to extract American Express card numbers from users – this is the type of scam Google is hoping to shut down.

Google’s warning banner does not prevent users from working with the potentially corrupt file – a user could simply ignore the warning and risk exposure.

The smarter play would be to exit the page or stop the download.

The warning banner has an unmistakably clear message: “This file looks suspicious. It might be used to steal your personal information.”

Identity theft and fraud claims are on the rise as the internet becomes a hotbed for illicit cyber-activity.

Tech giants are most at risk because they offer cybercriminals access to larger databases of targets.

Facebook announced in April that they are grappling with a spike in hack attempts stemming from the war in Ukraine.

Fortunately, Google’s warning banner not as flippant as a long terms and conditions sheet.

The warning banner rollout is schedule for rapid release.

Google said the feature would be visible for all users within 15 days of the measure’s April 27 kickoff.