The privacy-focused web browser DuckDuckGo has boosted its anti-scam features.It can now detect and block fake ecommerce stores, crypto sites, virus alerts, and more.The new security feature is completely free for all users on both Mac and iOS browsers, with no Privacy Pro subscription needed … DuckDuckGo already had the ability to detect common phishing and malware attacks, as well as malicious ads, but these features have now been boosted and branded as Scam Blocker.
There are the two new protections: Scam investment sites, storefronts, surveys and more. Designed to trick you into giving away personal information or making bad financial transactions under false pretenses.These scam sites can include investment offers, cryptocurrency trading schemes, discounted pharmaceutical products, affiliate surveys with cash rewards, and more; the sites can look legitimate, but the offers are often “too good to be true.” Scareware.These alarming sites claim that your computer or phone is infected with spyware or viruses.
Scareware creates a false sense of urgency to trick people into engaging with fake “tech support” and buying unwanted – or completely fake – antivirus software.While these are the existing ones, now incorporated within the Scam Blocker label: Phishing sites.Phishing generally uses impersonation to get your login credentials or sensitive personal information.
Cybercriminals’ phishing techniques include creating sham websites that look like a familiar legitimate business and using link redirects to get unsuspecting users there. Malware sites.If you download a harmless-looking file from one of these sites, malware can infect your phone or computer, causing damage or extracting personal information for later use.Some malware sites start an automatic download before you even click or enter anything.
Tracker-powered malicious ads. “Malvertising” typically involves injecting malware-laden advertisements into legitimate websites and online ad networks. Some malicious ads can compromise your system even if you don’t click on them.The company says the aim is to protect you from a growing number of attempts at identity theft and fraud, including tricking you into paying for products and services you will never receive.Whenever you click on a link that leads to one of the detected attacks, DuckDuckGo will prevent the page from loading, and display an alert telling you it has done so.
While Safari uses Google’s Safe Browsing Service to provide warnings about phishing sites, the company notes that this involves sending data about the sites you visit to Google.Its own system is completely anonymized, and doesn’t send data to any third parties.While Scam Blocker is free when using the DuckDuckGo browser, you’ll need to buy a Privacy Pro subscription to access the VPN which extends it to other browsers like Safari and Chrome.
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