Manage warnings about unsafe sites - Computer (2024)

You may get a warning if the site you try to visit is unsafe. These sites are often called phishing or malware sites.

Get warnings about unsafe sites

Phishing and malware detection is turned on by default in Chrome. When you encounter phishing, malware, unwanted software, or social engineering sites, you may get a red warning that says "Dangerous site." If you see this warning, we recommend that you don't visit the site.

To protect you from unsafe websites, Google Safe Browsing maintains a list of websites that might put you at risk for malware, abusive extensions, phishing, malicious and intrusive ads, and social engineering attacks.

To detect and warn you about known and new unsafe sites in real time, you can also turn on Enhanced Safe Browsing. Learn about Safe Browsing protection level in Chrome.

Tip: Download with caution. Some sites may tell you that you have a virus to get you to download harmful software. Be careful not to download any harmful software.

What warnings about unsafe sites mean

Unsafe sites are usually websites that trick you to do something dangerous online, like try to make you give away your passwords or personal information. They can harm your device or cause problems when you browse online.

These sites may be:

  • Phishing
  • Social engineering
  • Trying to install malware or unwanted software on your computer

Manage warnings about unsafe sites

If you don't want to be warned about unsafe sites, you can turn off Safe Browsing in Chrome. This also turns off download warnings.

Important: We do not recommend turning off Safe Browsing.

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More Manage warnings about unsafe sites - Computer (1)Manage warnings about unsafe sites - Computer (2) Settings.
  3. Click Privacy and securityManage warnings about unsafe sites - Computer (3)Security.
  4. Under "Safe Browsing," choose No protection (not recommended).

Tip: If you use Chrome at work or school, your network admin may set up phishing and malware protection for you and you can’t change this setting yourself.

When you visit an unsafe site

If you understand the risks to your security, you can visit a pagethat shows a warning. This isn't recommended.

Visit an unsafe page

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. On the page where you get a warning, selectDetailsManage warnings about unsafe sites - Computer (4)Visit this unsafe site.
  3. The page will load.

Download an unsafe file

You can download a file that shows a warning. This isn't recommended.

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click More Manage warnings about unsafe sites - Computer (5) Manage warnings about unsafe sites - Computer (6) Downloads.
  3. Find the file you want to download.
  4. Click More Manage warnings about unsafe sites - Computer (7) Manage warnings about unsafe sites - Computer (8) Download dangerous file.

Did you mean [site name]?

If you get this message, Chrome thinks that the web address may be for a different site than the one you expected.

The message may also say “Is this the right site?” or “Fake site ahead.”

You get this message when the site you try to visit:

  • Appears similar to a safe site you usually visit.
  • Tries to trick you with a URL that is slightly changed from a known safe site.
  • Has a URL that is slightly different from a URL in your browsing history.

If you think a page was flagged in error and you want to proceed to the site, selectYes, continue.

My site or software is marked dangerous or suspicious

  • Site owner:
    • If you own a site marked as dangerous: Follow the instructions to fix the problem and request a review.
    • If you own a site that has been marked with a “Did you mean,” “Is this the right site, ” or “Fake site ahead” warning:Follow the instructions to fix the problem and request a review.
  • Software owner:
    • If you're a software publisher and Chrome flags your downloads: Learn how to resolve malware issues with your downloads.

Related resources

  • Check if a site's connection is secure
  • Manage Chrome safety and security

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Manage warnings about unsafe sites - Computer (2024)

FAQs

What is the unsafe site warning? ›

What warnings about unsafe sites mean. Unsafe sites are usually websites that trick you to do something dangerous online, like try to make you give away your passwords or personal information. They can harm your device or cause problems when you browse online.

How do I get rid of the security warning pop-up on Google Chrome? ›

To remove the “Chrome Browser: Security Alert” pop-ups from Windows, follow these steps:
  1. STEP 1: Uninstall malicious programs from Windows.
  2. STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings.
  3. STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove malware and unwanted programs.
  4. STEP 4: Use HitmanPro to scan your computer for badware.
Apr 13, 2023

What should you do if a warning pops up while browsing the web? ›

How to avoid pop-up viruses
  1. Pop-up viruses often trick people by posing as legitimate security software such as an antivirus program. ...
  2. The first thing you should do is scan your computer for viruses. ...
  3. In many cases, clicking on a pop-up virus will trigger a malware download. ...
  4. Some website pop-ups are harmless.
Sep 12, 2023

How to fix an unsafe website? ›

My website is not secure, how can I fix it?
  1. Install Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate. ...
  2. Ensure that internal and external links use HTTPS. ...
  3. Verify your website in Google Search Console. ...
  4. Ensure that HTTP URLs are redirected. ...
  5. Update XML sitemap.

How do I allow unsafe websites on Chrome? ›

Enabling mixed content in Google Chrome
  1. Click the lock (caution) icon, then click Site settings.
  2. Scroll to Insecure content, then use the drop-down list to change “Block (default)” to “Allow.”
  3. Reload the VEC page.
Oct 10, 2023

How do I get rid of unsafe apps? ›

Uninstall any apps that are unnecessary, untrusted, or from sources outside the Google Play Store.
  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app .
  2. Tap Apps & notifications. See all apps.
  3. Tap the apps you want to uninstall. Uninstall.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Why is my website saying its unsafe? ›

A website is not secure when it doesn't have adequate protection against cyberthreats, such as data theft, hacking, and malware infections. The lack of encryption, outdated software, or vulnerabilities in the code puts you and your site visitors at risk.

What happens if I open an unsafe website? ›

JavaScript malware will install itself onto your computer and then run malicious code on your machine. It could scrape sensitive information or even redirect your computer to even more malicious sites, creating a chain reaction that could impact your life.

How to check if a website is safe? ›

Here's how to check if a website is safe:
  1. Use a website safety checker. ...
  2. Use your browser's safety tools. ...
  3. Double-check URLs. ...
  4. Check for HTTPS. ...
  5. Look for a privacy policy. ...
  6. Don't blindly trust “trust” badges. ...
  7. Learn the obvious signs that a site is fake. ...
  8. Use “whois” to look up the domain owner.
Jan 24, 2024

What does a fake Google security alert look like? ›

Google alert scams usually come from fake email addresses with random numbers or letters and misspellings. Real Google critical security alert emails we've seen were mostly sent from no-reply@accounts.google.com. If you received an email from a different address or a suspicious one, it's likely to be a scam.

How to remove unwanted ads from phone? ›

Disable website pop-ups and notifications on Android

To stop website ads and pop-ups, open Android settings, tap Apps, then choose the browser you want to customize permissions for. Tap Permissions, then select Notifications. Toggle off to block notification permissions for the Android browser.

How do I remove ads on my phone? ›

To block apps from suggesting ads:
  1. On your Android device, open Settings .
  2. Tap Privacy and security. More privacy settings.
  3. Tap Ads. Ads privacy. Ad topics. App suggested ads.
  4. Choose the ads you want to block.

Why is my website flagged as unsafe? ›

Your website contains malware.

Once a site or computer has been compromised, it can be used to host malicious content such as phishing sites (sites designed to trick users into parting with personal and credit card information). Some hackers may even take administrative control over a hacked site.

Why does Google keep saying sites are unsafe? ›

When you encounter phishing, malware, unwanted software or social engineering sites, you may get a red warning that says 'Dangerous site'.

How do I remove a Google warning from my website? ›

How to Remove your website from blocklists
  1. 1 - Get Google Search Console. To remove the blocklist warning, you need to let Google know that you have completely cleared the infection. ...
  2. 2 - Check Other Website Blocklists. ...
  3. 3 - Request a Security Review. ...
  4. 4 - Wait & Protect Your Brand. ...
  5. 5 - Remove Spam URLs.

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