Google Chat Launches New Feature, Warns Users From Phishing And Malware Attacks

JAKARTA - Google Chat has now replaced the Hangouts app and they will now display a banner warning you of potential phishing and malware attacks coming from personal accounts. This new feature was announced by Google on Thursday, May 19. This tweak for Google Chat is the latest expansion of Google's efforts to prevent phishing on its platform.

During the 2022 I/O developer conference, Google discussed some of the security measures it has implemented to improve user safety. This includes warnings of potential security issues and recommendations for fixing them.

Google is also drawing up other plans for security measures, such as expanded two-step verification, ad customization, and more data security.

Google's new warning banner first appeared in Gmail on Workspace accounts to indicate an attempt to lure someone with a link that could be used for malware, phishing, or ransomware.

In late April, Google extended the banner to Google Docs, to warn users of suspected malicious files in some Google Workspace applications (Documents, Sheets, Slides, and Drawings) wherever they opened the link.

This new feature will roll out over the next few weeks, and will be available for personal Google accounts and for all Google Workspace customers.