NordVPN’s anti-malware software Threat Protection Pro blocked 92% of phishing websites in an independent lab test of several antivirus, browser and VPN products in results released this week.

AV-Comparatives, based in Austria, attacked 15 products with 250 websites — all proved to be valid phishing URLs — in a test that ran from January 7 to 19. The lab said the products were tested in parallel and with active internet / cloud access. Google Chrome browser is used for antivirus and VPN attempt.

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Phishing is a type of cyberattack in which a malicious actor tries to get someone to “fish,” with malicious URLs as bait. These phishing attempts can be sent in emails, but they can also appear on websites, in texts and in voicemails.

You might get an email saying that your bank account has been hacked and you need to click on a URL to fix the problem. Or an email says you’ve won a great prize, instructing you to click on a URL to redeem. During tax season, the number of scam emails and texts increases dramatically, with AI often used to increase the numbers. CNET offers tips on how to spot phishing attempts in even the most sophisticated of emails.

“By creating a sense of trust and urgency, cybercriminals hope to prevent you from thinking critically about their bait message so they can gain access to your sensitive or personal information such as your password, credit card number, user data, etc.,” warns the US State Department. website. “These cybercriminals either target specific individuals, known as spear phishing, or cast a wide net to try to catch as many victims as possible.”

In the AV-Comparatives test, which evaluates phishing-page detection and false-positive rates, NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro ranked fourth among security products, blocking 92% of the 250 phishing URLs tested. Top scores include:

• Avast Free Antivirus 95%
• Norton Antivirus Plus 95%
• Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus 93%

On its websiteNordVPN says Threat Protection Pro protects devices even when they’re not connected to a VPN. The company says the software can block phishing attempts and prevent malware from infecting your computer in several ways — alerts about malicious websites; block cookies that learn about your browsing habits; and stop pop-ups and annoying ads.

According to cybersecurity company Hoxhuntthe total number of phishing attacks increased by 4,151% since the arrival of ChatGPT by 2022, with a cost to companies of $4.88 million per phishing breach.

With the rapid expansion of AI across the internet, phishing attacks are on the rise. Some AI-generated phishing scams are able to get past email filters, but Hoxhunt found that only 0.7% to 4.7% of phishing emails are written by AI. However, cybercriminals are using AI to expand their phishing tools. AI can deep videos and voice-impersonation phone calls to redirect payments or gain access to sensitive data.

AI scams can be difficult to root out. CNET reported that 62% of executives have been the target of phishing attempts, including voice- and text-based scams, with 37% reporting invoice or payment fraud, all from generative AI.

Although NordVPN’s product may be effective at preventing malware from infecting your computer, it cannot eliminate malware that may already be on it. To clear up the issues, CNET listed the best antivirus software in 2026 and the best free antivirus apps. The products can scan your computer and hopefully get rid of any malware and viruses that are there.

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