How To Fix ‘The site ahead contains harmful programs’ message

Google Chrome and Firefox browsers have a unique security feature that will prevent you from visiting potential harmful websites that might try to install malware (viruses, trojans, spyware add-on search bars etc.) without your knowledge and consent. However, this feature might sometimes be too restrictive and target even your own websites for some reason.

The site ahead contains harmful programs

Attackers on example.com might attempt to trick you into installing programs that harm your browsing experience (for example, by changing your homepage or showing extra ads on sites you visit).

How To Fix The site ahead contains harmful programs message in Google Chrome

Google Chrome - The site ahead contains harmful programs

Google Chrome – The site ahead contains harmful programs

Above warning is how it looks like inside Google Chrome. You can over-ride it once manually by clicking on the Details link to expand the explanation:

Google Chrome - The site ahead contains harmful programs (details)

Google Chrome – The site ahead contains harmful programs (details)

Click on above visit this site link to bypass this security block once. However, next time you visit the troubled website, warning will be shown again and the procedure must be repeated.

Is there a way to solve this permanently? Yes, you can disable this security feature for good, by visiting Advanced Settings page in Google Chrome:

Google Chrome - How To Fix 'The site ahead contains harmful programs' message #1

Google Chrome – How To Fix ‘The site ahead contains harmful programs’ message #1

And then turn-off / uncheck option Protect you and your device from dangerous sites :

Google Chrome - How To Fix 'The site ahead contains harmful programs' message #2

Google Chrome – How To Fix ‘The site ahead contains harmful programs’ message #2

However, this option should be used only by advanced users, who are aware of all the risks by turning this protection OFF. You should never click on suspicious ads, banners, free offers too-good-too-be-true, and alike. Even if you do not click on anything, rogue scripts may install some code on your computer/phone without your knowledge (this depends on complex security of your system, firewall(s), anti-virus etc.).

And, if you are sure that website you try to visit is OK and that this might be a false positive, than you may proceed with above step.

How To Fix The site ahead contains harmful programs message in Mozilla Firefox

In Firefox: click on  Menu Icon > Options > Security settings tab and uncheck security features built inside your browser:

Mozilla Firefox - How To Fix 'The site ahead contains harmful programs' message

Mozilla Firefox – How To Fix ‘The site ahead contains harmful programs’ message

Again, you should be really careful about disabling this security features, they might protect you from really harmful websites out there.

For Website Admins & Webmasters

If you are the owner of a website that has been blocked because of malicious content that you are not aware of, you should visit Google Webmasters console and see in detailed message why your particular website has become blocked. The above “fix” will only work for a single user (e.g. you and on your computer) but it will not work for general audience and your website visitors.

Sometimes, your website may become compromised if you host a 3rd party script, widget or any code that you do not have full control of, but it may also be a victim of a hacking activity, phishing your audience to visit other malicious websites, install unauthorized add-ons etc. If you use an SSL certificate (https) make sure that it is still valid and not expired.

Also, you can use many free online scan tools that will, hopefully, report the exact section of your website which is infected by malicious code and you will know how to easily fix it.

 

Comments


  1. comments

    1 Comment

    Add Your Comment
  2. 1. Truman

    THANK YOU! Very cool!

Post A Comment

I have read and consent to Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions