Google Inc. (GOOG) Buys Malware Scanner VirusTotal

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is apparently still expanding its service empire to try to provide3 the complete Internet experience for users. The latest move is expected to enhance Google’s security, as it acquired malware scanner VirusTotal as part of its portfolio. Details of the acquisition were not made immediately available, but the deal was announced Monday morning.

Under the deal, VirusTotal will be integrated into all of the services Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) currently offers, providing a scan of  files and suspicous URLS for malware, worms, trojans, etc., that current security programs might miss. VirusTotal uses 44 different program to scan for malicious items and has provided its service free online. VirusTotal is expected to work independently from Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), which means it will not become proprietary and likely will continue to offer its tools and services in cooperation with other antivarius programs and security experts.

The goal for Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is likely to clean up Gmail, Google+ and page displays on its Chrome browser to make for a safer experience for users. Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has brought on some mistrust onto itself with some of its recent shenanigans – including the well-documented tracking scheme on the Safari browser by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and some recent hack-a-thons that have exposed some vulnerabilities. Clearly the expectation here is to show a commitment to users that Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) cares about their security when online, and this might be a small step in bringing back some user confidence and trust.

Certainly keeping users involved with Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is important for investors in Google stock – including hedge-fund manager Chase Coleman of Tiger Global Management LLC, who had $524 million invested at the end of June.