Google Chrome now comes with a ‘rest browser settings’ button enabling users and administrators of large computer networks to reinstate the browser to a ‘factory-fresh’ state in case of suspicion of browser hijack or other similar issues.
According to a Google Chrome help page, the ‘reset browser settings’ button will restore the default search engine in the browser; remove homepage button and any pinned tabs; clear startup and new tabs; clear cookies, site data and other content settings; and disable themes as well as extensions.
Linus Upson, Vice President at Google Engineering, revealed in a blog post that online criminals are increasingly using browser hijack mechanisms to change browser’s home page or inject ads into the sites opened using the browser. “Worse, they block your ability to change your settings back and make themselves hard to uninstall, keeping you trapped in an undesired state”, notes Upson.
“We’re taking steps to help, including adding a “reset browser settings” button in the last Chrome update, which lets you easily return your Chrome to a factory-fresh state”, added Upson.
The Chrome team has also rolled out automatic malware blocking feature to Chrome’s Canary build. “If you see this message in the download tray at the bottom of your screen, you can click “Dismiss” knowing Chrome is working to keep you safe”, added Upson.
