How to use the built-in virus scanner on Chrome

Viruses and malware were once used to attack desktop computers, but now they are also very popular online. Surfing the web today requires a lot of caution, because you never know whether the next site you visit contains viruses.

Google Chrome provides an integrated antivirus scanner that comes with the browser itself, which you can use to scan your device for programs that can be harmful. Remember that this is not a multipurpose scanner, but specifically focused on threats directed at Chrome.

Run the Chrome virus scanner

1. Open Chrome on the device.

2. In the upper right corner of the browser, you will see three dots next to your profile picture. Click on the three dots.

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3. A pop-up window will appear below the dots. Scroll down the list and when you see the Settings option near the bottom, select it.

4. You will be taken to a new page containing a list of options related to how the Chrome browser works. Here, you'll find many customization options, from changing the browser layout to different permissions settings, to decide which online program can access your device.

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5. In the lower left corner of the page is the section titled Advanced. Selecting this option will display a drop-down menu.

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6. At the bottom of the drop-down menu is the 'Reset and clean up' option .

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7. Click this option and you will be redirected to the cleaning options, including 'Clean Up Computer' .

8. Click on this option and a new page will open, with the 'Find' button highlighted in blue. Clicking Find will launch the Chrome scanner. This tool will scan your device for malware. You can also choose whether or not to send details about any malware found during the scan to Google HQ.

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9. When the program starts running, it will scan not only the virus but also find any other unwanted applications you don't even realize is operating on your device. Google goes into details about the type of software classified as unwanted on this page.

 https://www.google.com/about/unwanted-software-policy.html 

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10. When the scanner has completed its task, you will see a report of all malware found on the device. You will then be given the option to remove unwanted software or quarantine it until you have a final decision about what to do with the software. When the operation is finished, you may be required to restart the computer.

Privacy issue

Google has faced some criticism about its scanner. Critics point out that scanning a user's personal file on their device could be considered a privacy breach. Google Chrome's privacy officer, Justin Schuh, made it clear that: The tool runs in accordance with the usual scanning privileges the user has granted to the browser. It cannot go too deep into a device during a scan and needs explicit user permission before deleting a potentially dangerous file.

Chrome's free virus scanner cannot replace a complete antivirus package, as it is a on-demand scanner and does not provide real-time protection. However, it can be a useful addition to the arsenal of tools against hackers and malware threats. However, there are privacy issues to be aware of while using this scanner.