Yahoo search to 'battle spyware'

by stvalentine | May 6, 2008 at 04:52 am | 199 views | add comment

Yahoo is introducing new technology to its search engine which willwarn users if they are about to click on a website that hosts viruses,spyware and spam.

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.

SearchScan uses security firm McAfee's SiteAdvisor technology to warn users about "potentially risky sites". The service, which is switched on by default, produces an on-screen alert.
Rival firm Google introduced similar technology in 2006.