Google has acquired startup VirusTotal for an undisclosed sum to bolster the security offered to the search engine's users.
The security firm specialises in web-based malware scanning tools that allow end users to analyse attachments and suspicious URLs.
This is great news for you, and bad news for malware generators.
VirusTotal confirmed the deal in a blog post on Friday, and said Google's backing will allow the business to expand faster.
"The quality and power of our malware research tools will keep improving, most likely faster," said the post.
"Google's infrastructure will ensure that our tools are always ready, right when you need them."
The firm was also quick to confirm that VirusTotal will continue to operate as an independent company, once the Google deal is wrapped up.
"VirusTotal will continue to operate independently, maintaining our partnerships with other antivirus companies and security experts," the blog post stated.
"Google has a long track record working to keep people safe online and we look forward to fighting the good fight together with them."
