Scan URLs and avoid malicious websites

NordVPN scans the URLs you’re visiting to keep you safe from malware.

Why it’s important to scan URLs for malware

Stop malware from infecting your device before it even has a chance to harm it.

Block phishing

Checking the safety of the link you’re clicking drastically reduces the chances of you becoming a victim of a phishing attack and having your credentials or credit card details stolen.

Avoid malware

Malware is another hazard to look out for. You can be redirected to malicious websites that will inject and execute malware in the background without you noticing, even infecting your device with ransomware.

Prevent botnets

Cybercriminals use malware to overtake people’s devices, join them into a botnet, mine cryptocurrency, or perform DDoS attacks.

Get peace of mind

Knowing that the URLs you’re visiting are safe gives you confidence while browsing, so you can focus on your tasks instead of worrying whether that pop-up ad is malicious or just annoying.

Why choose NordVPN to scan your URLs?

Experience comprehensive web protection — use NordVPN to check if the websites you’re visiting are safe.

Scan URL feature detected malicious websites_alt

Threat Protection ensures safe browsing_alt

NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature to scan URLs for safe ones_alt

Proactive approach
It’s much easier to avoid potential threats than to deal with malware once it’s on your device.
No more trackers
NordVPN also has a URL trimmer that removes URL tracking parameters, so you can keep your browsing habits private.
Easy to use
Set it up once and forget about it — Threat Protection will work silently in the background, guarding your digital life.
Additional features
Ad blocker, malware scanner, vulnerability detector, and other security tools — you get it all with NordVPN.
Multi-platform support
The URL scanning feature is available both on mobile and desktop devices, so your browsing stays safe even when you’re out and about.

How to enable URL scanning for malicious websites

Turn Threat Protection on and let it take care of everything.

Open the NordVPN app.

Click on the shield icon.

Turn on web protection.

Scan URL feature keeping the computer safe from malwares_alt

Malware protection best practices

Regularly check whether your software and operating system are up to date to detect vulnerable apps.
Never download files or click on links from sources you don’t trust.
Be especially careful with attachments, even if they seem to be sent by someone you know.
Download files and software exclusively from reliable and trusted sources and scan them for viruses before installing.
Protect your files by encrypting and storing them in a cloud.
Before granting access to your system, go over app permissions carefully and see if they’re really necessary.

Frequently asked questions

How does NordVPN’s URL scanning work?

Whenever you visit a website, NordVPN checks a real-time list of websites known for hosting malware. We use our own tools and third-party sources to keep the information about active malicious URLs up to date, so if the one you’re trying to reach is on the list, NordVPN will block your access and display a warning message instead.

How do I scan URLs for malware?

Ensuring that your network and devices are protected against malware is essential. Here are some ways you can scan the URLs you visit for malware:

Use URL scanning software, like Threat Protection, that will do it for you automatically and check shortened URLs as well.
Get a browser extension for extra-lightweight protection. NordVPN’s extensions offer Threat Protection Lite, so you can enjoy smoother and safer browsing.
To protect your network, use endpoint security software — many of them have URL filtering and scanning features built in.

Is URL scanning safe?

Yes, URL scanning is safe. It actually makes your whole online experience much safer because you don’t have to worry about landing on fake, malware-infected websites.

How can you tell if a website is malicious?

Some malware signs will be obvious once you enter a malicious website:

A file starts downloading automatically.
Multiple redirections before the final destination.
New tabs open up and start to load websites that won’t let you close them.
The copy may look off or have grammatical mistakes.
The design might seem sloppy, featuring random fonts and colors that don’t quite match.

What browsers support NordVPN’s URL scanning feature?

NordVPN’s URL scanning feature works on most popular browsers, like Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox.

Does NordVPN’s Threat Protection prevent access to certain sites?

Yes, it will block your access to known malicious websites, although false positives may occur from time to time. You can visit our blog to find out how to fix the issue of Threat Protection blocking safe websites.

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30-day money-back guarantee — no questions, no hassle. Safer browsing is just a click away.

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