Google Safe Browsing

API

API for detecting malicious links and domains

Overview

The Google Safe Browsing API checks URLs against Google’s database of unsafe resources (malware, phishing, unwanted software). Key endpoints include URL lookup (verify if a link is flagged) and threat list updates (fetch latest unsafe indicators). Responses are in JSON, providing threat type and metadata. Use cases: Integrate into browsers to warn users of risky sites, email clients to scan links in messages, or content platforms to filter harmful user-submitted URLs before publication. It supports real-time checks and batch processing for efficiency.

Example Integration (JavaScript)

script.js JS


fetch('https://developers.google.com/safe-browsing/')
  .then(res => res.json())
  .then(data => console.log(data))
  .catch(err => console.error(err));

Key Features

RESTful
JSON Support
Real-time URL Checks
Batch Processing
Threat List Updates
Multi-Threat Detection (Malware, Phishing)

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Google Safe Browsing free to use?

Yes, it offers a free tier for low-volume usage; paid tiers are available for higher request limits and advanced capabilities.

? Does it require an API Key?

Yes, you need to obtain an API key from the Google Cloud Console to authenticate all requests.

? What is the response format?

Responses are in JSON format, including details like threat type (malware, phishing) and confidence level if a URL is flagged as unsafe.

Top Alternatives

Tool Info

Pricing Freemium

Category Anti-Malware

Platform Public API

Pros

⊕ Trusted global threat database
⊕ Scalable for high-volume use cases
⊕ Supports multiple threat categories
⊕ Regular database updates

Cons

⊖ Requires API key authentication
⊖ Rate-limited free tier
⊖ Paid tiers needed for advanced features
⊖ Complex setup for threat list sync