An example of Human Error was just witnessed and was from none other than the big brother Google!
Well, on Jan 31, 2009, every Google search performed resulted in links to sites which were, according to Google, potentially harmful to your computer. As it turns out, Google’s malware detection system got a glitch due to a human error.
Why did the malware glitch happen?
Google’s malware detector works via a partnership with the non-profit organisation StopBadware.org, who aid Google by supplying them with a list of sites known to install malware. Google updates these lists regularly, to prevent malware. but sadly, the URL “/” got accidentally added to the list- effectively blacklisting every site on the internet (except YouTube, actually).
The error was quickly fixed by Google, and the company has promised to review their policies regarding the malware detector blacklists, and assures us it won’t happen again.Sure, Google will come up with better human error management system after all, who will survive without Google services?
