Google offers a simple online form for reporting malicious websites and is joined in its efforts by StopBadware.org, which is billed as a neighborhood watch campaign aimed at fighting badware.
“We are now able to display warnings in search results when a site is known to be malicious, which can help you avoid drive-by downloads and other computer compromises,” said Ian Fette, a Google security blogger. “We are already distributing this data through the Safe Browsing API, and we are working on bringing this protection to more users by integrating with more Google products.”
According to the StopBadware website, which serves as “a central clearinghouse for research on badware and the bad actors who spread it,” the organization seeks “to provide reliable, objective information about downloadable applications in order to help consumers make better choices about what they download onto their computers.”
“Now, users can get infected by simply browsing a reputable website or clicking on links posted to their favorite blogs or social networks,” StopBadware co-director John Palfrey said. “We want to make sure that consumers have up-to-date information on emerging trends so they know what to look for when online.”
“Currently, we know of hundreds of thousands of websites that attempt to infect people's computers with malware. Unfortunately, we also know that there are more malware sites out there,” Fette said. “This is where we need your help in filling in the gaps. If you come across a site that is hosting malware, we now have an easy way for you to let us know about it. Help us keep the Internet safe, and report sites that distribute malware.”
Surfers and site owners can search the StopBadware.org website to see if any reports about their properties, sites they wish to visit or software they wish to download are listed — a wise precaution against erroneous reports by foes of legitimate adult entertainment sites.