Scan URLs and avoid malicious websites
Enjoy extra protection from hackers with NordVPN.
Blocking malicious websites with Threat Protection
What’s a malicious website?
A malicious website could be a legitimate site that's been hacked. Or a genuine-looking page designed to steal users’ login information, credit card details, or host malware and install it on users’ devices. Sometimes, the malware downloads and installs automatically — they can use JavaScript to take over your device’s resources and mine cryptocurrencies, for example.
How do you end up on malicious websites?
You may click on a too-good-to-be-true ad you saw online. Or visit a well-known website that’s been compromised. And let’s face it — when Ian from accounting sends you the fifth email that day, you click the link without a second thought. One click is all it takes to become a victim of a phishing scam. And just like that, you could get your work computer infected with malware.
What could happen after you enter a malicious website?
Phishing
Cybercriminals will try to steal your login credentials or credit card details. By setting up legitimate-looking websites, they trick people into giving away their data.
Malware
Some websites will inject and execute malicious software in the background, which may infect your device with ransomware, add it to a botnet, or simply make it unusable.
Additional protection with URL scanning for malware
NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature will protect you from accidentally ending up on malicious websites, giving away your data to a fake webpage, or malware downloading in the background. It will scan URLs you’re visiting before connecting to make sure none of them are malicious. It’s absolutely hassle-free — you won’t have to take any extra steps to benefit from NordVPN’s additional online protection.
How does URL scanning work?
We use our own tools and third-party sources to keep our information about active malicious URLs up to date.
Whenever you visit a website, NordVPN checks a real-time list of websites known for hosting malware. If the one you’re trying to reach is on the list, NordVPN will block your access and display a warning message instead. You can still visit the website if you wish to, but we strongly recommend you don’t do that.
What threats can URL scanning stop?
Malware
Some websites will download and execute malicious software as soon as you visit them. URL scanning can block your access to these sites before it’s too late.
Phishing
Cybercriminals use spoofed websites in their phishing attacks to trick you into giving away your personal data. Threat Protection will scan the URL and let you know if it’s a phishing website.
Spam
Some services trick internet users into clicking a link in a legitimate-looking email only to be taken to a completely different website where they’re showered with suspicious offers. URL scanning prevents you from landing in one in the first place.
Potentially unwanted applications
These are not strictly malicious apps — they have a purpose, but they also constantly show you ads or randomly pop up on your desktop. They are more bother than they’re worth, so it’s best to avoid these.
How to enable URL scanning on NordVPN
If you want NordVPN to scan URLs for viruses, follow these steps:
Open the NordVPN app.
Find the shield icon and click on it.
Toggle the Web Malware switch on.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you scan URLs?
Is URL scanning safe?
Is the URL scanning feature free?
What browsers support NordVPN's URL scanning feature?
How do you disable the URL scanning feature?
- Open the NordVPN app.
- Find the shield icon and click on it.
- Click on “Settings” and toggle the Web Malware switch off.
