DuckDuckGo’s ‘fraud Blocker’ Just Got a Major Update
When it comes to protecting your privacy online, some internet browsers are definitely safer than others, with features like built-in ad and tracking blocking and fingerprint randomization.
While DuckDuckGo, known for its privacy focus, isn’t the absolute best option , it’s a great alternative to Chrome (the worst) without some of the compromises of top picks like Tor and Brave. Its recently expanded scam-blocking features make it even more appealing to users who want to keep themselves and their data safe online.
How DuckDuckGo Fraud Blocker Protects You From Threats
DuckDuckGo’s scam blocker has always offered built-in protection against online threats like phishing and malware sites, as well as malicious ads that can trigger downloads or compromise your system even if you don’t click anything.
The tool will now cover a wider range of scams, including fraudulent cryptocurrency exchanges and investment sites, affiliate surveys with fake cash rewards, and fake online stores designed to collect personal information or trick you into making financial transactions. Scam Blocker can also protect against fake virus alerts that lure you into tech support scams.
In particular, investment scams are popping up everywhere , exploiting emotions such as fear and greed. Scareware campaigns have also become more sophisticated and are spreading to reach more users.
Unlike the phishing protection available in Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, Scam Blocker doesn’t rely on Google Safe Browsing, which shares browsing data with Google. Instead, it downloads a list of malicious URLs compiled by an independent cybersecurity firm to your local device. This list is updated every 20 minutes, and as you browse, DuckDuckGo checks against this list and warns you if you’ve landed on a potentially dangerous site. Scam Blocker is anonymous and doesn’t require an account, so it doesn’t track your activity or send that information to third parties.
Scam Blocker is enabled by default on DuckDuckGo mobile and desktop browsers. If you subscribe to Privacy Pro ($100 per year) and connect to DuckDuckGo VPN, Scam Blocker will block other apps and browsers on your device.
Note that DuckDuckGo has both a search engine (and browser extension) and a standalone web browser – Scam Blocker is part of the latter.