With the rise of AI, online scams and phishing attacks are getting more and more advanced every year. On this page we explain how to protect against them.
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Choosing the right antivirus with scam and phishing protection in 2025 can help protect you from online fraud, malicious websites, and identity theft attempts. What I’ve found is that many antivirus programs offer special tools that block fake websites and warn you about suspicious emails. Some are better at this than others, so it’s important to know what features to look for and which products work best. The top choices I’ve tested and reviewed here will help you keep your information safe.
Cyber threats are always changing. In 2025, it’s not just about viruses or malware anymore. Now, the bigger threats are phishing scams, fake messages, and deepfake scams that can fool almost anyone. 94% of all malware is still delivered by email. If your staff can’t spot a fake email, your security software has to do it for them.
In 2025, the human angle is only getting sharper. Phishing and the use of stolen credentials both accounted for 30% of the real incidents IBM X-Force handled in 2023, and increased by 74% in the following year. And the cost to businesses was staggering, with the FBI reporting a $2.9 billion loss in Business-Email-Compromise.
Attackers are also targeting phones. Zimperium’s 2024 Mobile Threat Report found that 82% of phishing sites now target mobile users, and 76% even use HTTPS to look legitimate. The raw volume is relentless: the APWG recorded 963,994 unique phishing attacks in just the first quarter of 2024. And deepfakes are closing the persuasion gap with only 0.1% of consumers could spot every deepfake in a 2025 test.
Learning how to detect AI-powered phishing attempts is so important in today’s age. And, to protect your team, investing in antivirus software with built-in scam protection will make things even easier, as these tools can block harmful links and warn you before you click on malicious websites too. These sites are designed to steal your passwords or trick you into giving away private information.
Effective phishing protection keeps you safer from emails and messages that pretend to be from real companies. The scary part is these scams are becoming incredibly sophisticated, fooling even security-conscious users.
New scam tactics I’ve come across so far in 2025 include:
What I’ve learned is that modern antivirus with scam protection goes far beyond basic malware detection. These advanced threats often use phishing as the entry point to deliver ransomware or steal sensitive data – especially if your team isn’t following a basic cybersecurity policy.
That’s exactly why you need security that doesn’t just scan for viruses but actively blocks scams and phishing attempts at every level. The best antivirus tools I’ve tested provide comprehensive protection against both traditional malware and these sophisticated social engineering attacks.
When you pick antivirus software for scam protection, focus on features that keep your computer, identity, and online activities safe.
Good scam protection should block fake websites, scan your emails and browsers, watch for scam pop-ups, and warn you if your personal info gets leaked.
Strong antivirus software scans emails and browsers for scam links and dangerous attachments. Look for tools that check incoming emails for phishing attempts and alert you if they find anything suspicious. The best antivirus programs I’ve used also include real-time web browser scanning.
Essential features I recommend:
Antivirus with built-in spam filters and browser extensions works best. Good examples are products that offer browser scanning, phishing site detection, and integration with common email clients. This helps stop scams before they reach your inbox or device.
What impressed me most during testing is how modern antivirus solutions use AI and advanced URL filtering to catch new phishing attacks in real-time. These intelligent systems analyze links and web pages for scam indicators before you can even click them. This technology effectively blocks fake banking sites, fraudulent social media pages, and malicious online stores designed to steal your identity.
Look for an antivirus that uses real-time scanning to check every link you visit. Reliable options update their phishing database often, so they stay current with the latest threats. Effective URL filtering should work across all your devices – PC, Mac, and smartphone. Many top antivirus brands also provide real-time protection and web protection, making it harder for scammers to trick you. The key is choosing an antivirus that offers automatic protection against suspicious websites without slowing down your browsing experience.
I come across scam pop-ups at least twice a day while browsing. These annoying elements try to trick you into clicking on fake warnings or downloading harmful software. That’s why you need a good antivirus that includes scam pop-up detection, which blocks these windows before they can do any harm. This feature is key for families and people who browse a lot of websites.
Always look for ad-blocking and browser protection features that stop pop-ups from showing at all. Good tools protect your device without slowing down performance. Some antivirus suites use advanced privacy features and a smart firewall to stop fake alerts before they load on your screen. Having robust protection against scam pop-ups significantly reduces your risk of accidentally clicking something dangerous while keeping your system running smoothly.
A bonus feature I always appreciate is dark web monitoring. This feature alerts you if your personal information (passwords, credit card numbers, or social security details) appears online after a data breach, adding a crucial layer of identity theft protection that goes well beyond standard virus protection.
Some antivirus products, such as those with identity monitoring or dark web monitoring, scan the dark web for your information and send you alerts if they find anything. Many also provide access to identity recovery assistance and expert help to resolve issues if your information is compromised.
This bonus feature works well when paired with a password manager, VPN, and secure cloud backup. It lets you react quickly to threats and offers more peace of mind in a complex digital world. Just ensure your chosen solution is compatible with all your devices and integrates well with other security tools you use.
Scam and phishing attacks are more advanced now, making strong protection necessary. The best antivirus options use features like web filtering, real-time monitoring, and anti-phishing tools to block harmful websites and dangerous emails.
Bitdefender Total Security stands out with powerful anti-phishing technology. Its Web Protection blocks fake websites that steal your personal data. You get real-time threat detection and automatic updates to spot the latest scams.
Key features include:
Bitdefender also works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Its dashboard is user-friendly, simple to navigate, and you can set up quick scans, schedule deep system scans, and get alerts if you try to visit a risky site.
Bitdefender earns high marks in independent lab tests. For all-around security and scam protection, it offers lots of value.
Norton 360 uses multiple layers of scam and phishing protection. Its Smart Firewall stops unwanted access and its Safe Web alerts you to dangerous websites before you click.
Key features include:
You get coverage for PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. The interface is straightforward, letting you control settings and view alerts at a glance.
Norton 360 Deluxe includes additional parental controls and expanded storage options, allowing you to choose the plan that best fits your specific needs.
During my evaluation, ESET Smart Security Premium demonstrated an impressive focus on internet safety and performance. The anti-phishing protection efficiently checks links in emails and messages, blocking fraudulent pages instantly without slowing down your system.
Important features include:
What sets ESET apart is its reputation for being extremely light on system resources while maintaining your device’s smooth performance. The customization options allow you to tailor security scans and set personalized schedules. ESET provides comprehensive support for Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux.
For users prioritizing privacy, I’ve found the included webcam protection particularly valuable. ESET appeals to users who want reliable, no-nonsense antivirus with strong scam defense and minimal system interference.
McAfee+ Advanced is a strong choice for everyday scam and phishing protection. Its WebAdvisor tool warns you if a site is unsafe or tries to steal your info.
Key features include:
The dashboard interface I’ve worked with is clean and readable, making real-time protection setup straightforward. Coverage includes five or more devices depending on your chosen plan.
I’ve found that McAfee’s software significantly improves browsing safety through its browser extension, which displays safety ratings for search results. Additionally, you receive professional identity recovery assistance and a robust password manager to secure all your login credentials.
| Antivirus | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender Total Security | Exceptional phishing protection. Minimal system impact. Comprehensive feature set. | Higher price point. Some advanced features require setup. |
| Norton 360 | Reliable, consistent scam alerts. Includes VPN and backup. Very user-friendly. | Frequent notification pop-ups. Higher resource usage. |
| ESET Smart Security Premium | Lightweight, fast performance. Advanced browser protection. Highly customizable. | Limited identity protection features. Interface may seem basic to some. |
| McAfee+ Advanced | Strong identity theft protection. Excellent multi-device support. Good phishing defense. | Interface can be overwhelming initially. Premium features require higher-tier plans. |
Bitdefender stands out for being lightweight, so it does not slow down your computer much. You can get good phishing protection without too much trouble.
Norton 360 makes things easy for you, with simple controls and lots of extras like cloud backup and VPN. It might slow your PC a bit, and the pop-ups can be annoying.
McAfee+ gives you strong identity theft and multi-device help, but the app can be tricky to use at first. Also, you may need to upgrade to get all the features.
Looking at the table and points above can help you decide which antivirus fits your needs best for scam and phishing protection.
When picking antivirus software, scam and phishing protection should be at the top of your list. These threats are common and can put your personal information at risk.
Here is a quick comparison of the top options:
| Antivirus | Phishing Protection | Scam Detection | Notable Extra Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 | Yes | Yes | VPN, Password Manager, Cloud Backup |
| Bitdefender Total Security | Yes | Yes | SafePay, Anti-Tracker, Performance Optimization |
| McAfee+ Advanced | Yes | Yes | Identity Monitoring, Multi-Device Management |
| ESET Smart Security Premium | Yes | Yes | Webcam Protection, File Encryption, Lightweight Design |
The essential features I proritize:
For privacy-conscious users, I recommend choosing a solution with integrated VPN and robust data protection controls. If you’re focused on family safety, the best antivirus options for you will include parental control tools designed to block unsafe websites.
When choosing antivirus software you also don’t have to pick the most expensive plan. Focus on reliable scam and phishing protection that fits your daily needs. Most of the top antivirus programs offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can test them before committing.
Bitdefender, Norton 360, and Kaspersky regularly score high in phishing protection tests by AV-Test and SE Labs. These brands use real-time web protection and block dangerous links before you can click on them.
Bitdefender, Norton, and McAfee are top choices for Windows 11 according to recent AV-Test and SE Labs reports. They all give strong malware detection and good system performance. They also have user-friendly interfaces.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus offers consistent high scores from AV-Test for both virus and phishing protection. Compared to other brands, it updates more often and has minimal impact on system speed. Its anti-phishing module is updated daily.
Norton 360 and Bitdefender are among the best at blocking both email and web-based scams. They use advanced AI to spot fake websites and scam emails. Their protection runs quietly in the background and blocks risky content before damage can happen.
Look for real-time malware scanning, strong anti-phishing, and email threat detection. Tools like ransomware defense and fraud warnings are also important. Automatic updates and simple design help keep your computer safe and easy to use.
Choose software with a built-in firewall, secured browser, and regular security patch updates. Features like password managers, identity theft alerts, and safe banking tools add extra layers of defense. Compatibility with Windows 11 and proven lab test results also matter.
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