Windows 7: Browsers Beat Security Software in Phishing Protection Test

You'd feel bad if a burglar broke into your house and stole your new tablet computer, for sure. But you'd probably feel worse if a slick door-to-door scammer convinced you to hand it over for a "factory recall."


You're smart; you wouldn't fall for that kind of snake oil. However, online scams that create convincing fraudulent websites can trick even smart people. That's why browsers and security suites alike now build in detection to help you avoid fraudulent "phishing" websites. A report released today by Austin-based NSS Labs reveals a surprising result: your browser alone is most likely better at phishing protection than your security suite.

NSS Labs tested a dozen well-known security vendors: Avast, AVG, Avira, F-Secure, Kaspersky, McAfee, Microsoft, Norman, Norton, Panda, Total Defense, and Trend Micro. Trend Micro led the pack, with 92 percent detection. Kaspersky came next, with 85 percent. AVG, Norton, and McAfee clustered as a second tier, with 64, 63, and 61 percent respectively.