The privacy-centric web browser DuckDuckGo has enhanced its anti-scam functions. It now offers the capability to identify and block fraudulent e-commerce stores, cryptocurrency platforms, virus alerts, and more.
This new security feature is entirely free for all users on both Mac and iOS browsers, with no need for a Privacy Pro subscription.
Previously, DuckDuckGo had the ability to detect common phishing and malware threats, including harmful advertisements. These functionalities have been improved and rebranded as Scam Blocker.
Here are the two new protections:
- Scam investment sites, storefronts, surveys, and more. These are designed to deceive you into providing personal information or conducting poor financial transactions under false pretenses. These scam platforms may feature investment opportunities, cryptocurrency trading schemes, discounted pharmaceutical products, cash reward affiliate surveys, and more; the sites often appear legitimate, but the offers are generally “too good to be true.”
- Scareware. These alarming sites assert that your computer or phone is infected with spyware or viruses. Scareware creates a false sense of urgency to mislead users into engaging with fake “tech support” and purchasing unwanted, or entirely faux, antivirus software.
- Phishing sites. Phishing typically involves impersonation to acquire your login credentials or sensitive personal data. Cybercriminals often use fake websites that mimic familiar legitimate businesses and employ link redirects to lure unsuspecting users.
- Malware sites. Downloading seemingly innocent files from these sites can lead to malware infecting your device, causing damage or extracting your personal information for future misuse. Some malware sites may initiate automatic downloads even before you click anything.
- Tracker-driven malicious ads. “Malvertising” usually entails the injection of malware-laden advertisements into legitimate websites and online advertising networks. Some harmful ads can compromise your system without requiring any clicks.
The company aims to safeguard users from an increasing number of identity theft and fraud attempts, including deceiving them into paying for products and services that will never be delivered.
Whenever you click on a link that leads to one of the detected threats, DuckDuckGo will block the page from loading and show an alert indicating that it has done so.
While Safari relies on Google’s Safe Browsing Service to issue warnings about phishing sites, DuckDuckGo emphasizes that this method requires sending data about your visited sites to Google. In contrast, its own system is completely anonymized and does not transmit data to any third parties.
Although Scam Blocker is free for users of the DuckDuckGo browser, a Privacy Pro subscription is necessary to access the VPN, which extends protection to other browsers like Safari and Chrome.
Highlighted Accessories
Image: DuckDuckGo
