Google Chrome’s new Policy Ask to Disable Anti-Virus

Google Chrome started showing alerts asking users to remove applications that are considered “not compatible” with the Chrome Browser as they may inject additional code into a browser’s processes. The alerts are displayed after Chrome crashes and asks the users to remove any offending programs claiming these applications are preventing the browser from working properly.

A large number of users have seen the alert suggesting Bitdefender anti-virus should be removed from the PC. Google’s product telling uses to remove a security solution is preposterous. If the users uninstall the anti-virus it will open the computer up to malware and other bad actors, because of these alerts Bogdan Boteztu, a senior e-threat analyst at Bitdefender said that from 20th of August the anti-virus will stop monitoring Chrome 66 with their anti-exploit technology. This will be concerning for the users who are using Bitdefender and Chrome in parallel within their enterprises as Chrome will not be protected when browsing the web.

In some cases, Chrome is even recommending some Anti-virus vendors such as Symantec, AVG, Malwarebytes and Kaspersky to be removed from the PC as they are injecting code into Chrome’s processes.

“Kaspersky Lab is aware of Google Chrome showing alerts that the company’s applications are incompatible with the browser. We have contacted Google to find a solution and we are continuing to look for possible workarounds to resolve this issue.

Avast/AVG has said that they have fixed the issue by simply following Chrome’s new Policy. Pedro Bustamante of Malwarebytes said that there is no reason for Google’s approach as they should block all the code injection or allow verified security vendors before labelling them incompatible.

Anti-virus vendors are handling problems differently. They are either looking for a workaround or following Google Chrome’s new policy.

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