Google Chrome Now Protects Against Attempts to Change the Default Search Engine

Google Chrome is getting a very cool new feature. The latest Chromium/Google Chrome 17 builds now come with protection against third-party software changing the default search engine.

Anyone having to fix their parents' computers knows that this is one of the most common problems that comes from installing all sorts of fishy toolbars or apps.

However, in the latest Google Chrome, if an external application changes the user settings and the default search engine options, by altering the configuration files, Google Chrome will notice and warn you that something tried to change your settings.

It then reverts the search engine option to the previous one and enables you to select a different search engine if you want.

It's a small feature, but it's one that will mean a lot less hassle for millions of people out there.