Scan URLs and avoid malicious websites

Extra protection with NordVPN: automatically detect malicious URLs.

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Stay malware-free with NordVPN’s Scan URL feature_alt

Blocking malicious websites with Threat Protection

Scan URL feature detected malicious websites_alt

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 is a common threat online. Cybercriminals set up fake websites to steal your login credentials or credit card details. 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, infecting your device with ransomware or making it part of a botnet, for example.

Additional protection with URL
scanning for malware

Threat Protection ensures safe browsing_alt

NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature will detect malicious URLs while you browse. You will be protected from accidentally ending up on malicious websites or giving away your data to a fake webpage.Threat Protection 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.

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

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.

Scan URL feature keeping the computer safe from malwares_alt

What threats can URL scanning stop?

Sometimes landing on a malicious website is enough to deal serious damage — even if you leave immediately. Scan URLs to protect yourself and your devices from:

Malware — some websites will download malware as soon as you visit them.

Phishing — fake websites can trick you into giving away your personal data.

Spam — prevent being redirected to spammy websites by enabling URL scanning.

Potentially unwanted applications — annoying apps that randomly pop up on your desktop.

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 “Block malicious websites” switch on.

Frequently asked questions

How do I scan URLs for malware?

If you want to detect malicious URLs, use a URL scanner tool — like NordVPN’s Threat Protection. Every time you connect to a website, NordVPN checks if it’s not known for hosting malware. If it’s safe, you’re immediately connected to it. If it’s on the naughty list, your access will be restricted, and you’ll see a warning message instead.

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 signs will be obvious once you enter a malicious website: files that download automatically, multiple redirections, and new tabs popping up to load websites that won’t let you close them. The copy may look off or have a grammatical mistake here and there; the design might seem sloppy with random fonts and colors that don’t quite match. Professionally crafted fake websites can have even subtler giveaways.

Recognizing a malicious website can be tricky, so it’s best to use tools that can help you avoid them altogether. Get NordVPN to make detecting malicious URLs easier.

What browsers support NordVPN’s URL scanning feature?

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

How do you disable the URL scanner?

If you no longer wish to scan URLs for threats, follow these steps:

Open the NordVPN app.
Find the shield icon and click on it.
Click on “Settings” and toggle the “Block malicious websites” off.

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