Google has just released .

The Toolbar checksum

As you may know, the Google Toolbar has a built in code (in a DLL) for computing the checksum associated to each URL viewed in the browser. This checksum depends only on the URL and is needed to retrieve the PageRank displayed in the toolbar.

In September 2004, we already reported that Google has changed this checksum algorithm. On the same day, it was cracked and the code of this algorithm was released all over the web.

The new algorithm

Our tests show that Google has just changed this algorithm. Once again! :-)

Let's see some examples:

Tested URL: https://prweaver.com/

• With the last version (2.0.114), the checksum is
• With the new version (3), the checksum is 7163426257

Tested URL: https://prweaver.com/blog/

• With the last version (2.0.114), the checksum is 6831794505
• With the new version (3), the checksum is 4

Comments

I have noticed that the new checksums begin with '7', whereas the checksum of toolbar v2 begins with '6'.

At the time I'm writing this post, I can't find yet any other blogger reporting this change. I'm sure there is already a new crack somewhere on the web...

Why do you think Google is changing its checksum algorithm?

Chris and Gurtie at Search Guild have published a working script that webmasters can insert into their webpages that kills Google AutoLink links.

What you need to do:

• Insert the script anywhere in your html
• or link it using the