Yahoo To Catch Up With Google In Blocking Malware Sites

[GhostShip]

This is a great move for Yahoo and will help get them past the share slump caused by a recent failed Microsoft takeover.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7385285.stm

Yahoo is introducing new technology to its search engine which will warn users if they are about to click on a website that hosts viruses, spyware and spam.
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.
"Our goal is to protect users by allowing them to make a more informed decision about the sites they visit," said Yahoo's Priyank Garg.

Viruses, spyware and adware programs are often "hidden" inside innocuous-looking programs such as screensavers and toolbars.
Industry analysts IDC estimate that 67% of all computers have some form of spyware installed without a user's knowledge.

Whilst I never use this search engine I do think this is a good thing for them to add in terms of features, many fall prey to the same exploits time and again through lack of knowledge regarding the point of infection. Lets hope more toolbars incorporate this useful aid.

[Trestor]

I've been using McAfee's Site Advisor on IE and Firefox for a long time and am mostly pretty happy with it. The only downside is that once in a while sites can be put into the 'red' zone that I know don't deserve to be there. Other than that I really appreciate both the warnings I have had when using Google that show me that a site is unsafe, and the warnings that show on the web site itself.