Yahoo is introducing new technology to its search engine which will warn users if they are about to click on a website that hosts viruses, spyware and spam.
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The service, which is switched on by default, produces an on-screen alert.
"Our goal is to protect users by allowing them to make a more informed decision about the sites they visit," said Yahoo's Priyank Garg.
Rival firm Google introduced similar technology in 2006.
Yahoo's service will warn users about three types of risk:
- Browser exploits: Sites that can harm a user's computer or install malware simply by visiting the site. Any such sites or pages included in McAfee's data will be removed from search results automatically.
- Dangerous downloads: SearchScan will display warnings next to search results for sites that offer potentially dangerous software, such as viruses, spyware or adware.
- Unsolicited e-mail: SearchScan will alert users to scanned sites that send unsolicited e-mails or inappropriately share e-mail addresses with third parties.
Viruses, spyware and adware programs are often "hidden" inside innocuous-looking programs such as screensavers and toolbars.
Industry analysts IDC estimate that 67% of all computers have some form of spyware installed without a user's knowledge.
(BBC)
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