Google seems to be taking further steps to protect its users from viruses and malware. Aside from providing warnings when users click on links believed to lead to suspect websites, Google has acquired GreenBorder, an Internet security company that helps protect web users against malware.

“We were impressed by GreenBorder’s small team of talented engineers and believe they can help to build products and features that will benefit our users, advertisers and publishers,” said Google spokesman Aaron Zamost.

GreenBorder’s anti-malware software creates a “sandboxed” web browsing environment that isolates each internet session from the rest of the computer to prevent malicious code infection. It allows users to safely connect anywhere, go to any website, open any Internet email or attachment, and use any downloaded files without worry.

If you go to a website that is trying to maliciously infest your PC with malware, GreenBorder will keep the malware contained to the protected environment and simply discards it at the end of the session.

The best thing about GreenBorder software is that it doesn’t need to be updated to guard against new virus signatures or new types of malware.

The acquisition, according to a posting on the Google Operating System blog, should provide the Internet giant with a Web “sandbox” for its users. Basically users could enter the sandbox, search and interact with various Web sites, and leave any viruses they encounter back in the sandbox when they exit.

When asked how Google plans to incorporate GreenBorder software into its own Web services, Zamost, declined to comment but said it could be used across a range of Google products

Industry experts do not believe the purchase signals Google is planning to further flex its muscles in the IT security marketplace. Instead, experts told SCMagzine.com, the search giant likely will use the purchase to secure its recently unveiled business application suite, not as the kick-off to a portfolio that would compete with the likes of Symantec and McAfee.

Still, given the GreenBorder purchase, the recent launch of the Google Online Security Blog, and a new white paper analyzing web-based malware, some believe the search giant is ready to join a trend.

Security seems to be increasingly becoming a game for the big boys and Google is seen to be getting ahead.

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Entry was posted on Tuesday, May 29th, 2007 at 9:56 pm under Google.

Read more entries by Ruben Francia.
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