Enabling Phishing and Malware Protection

Phishing attacks usually originate from email messages that attempt to lure the recipient into updating their personal information on fake, but very real-looking websites.

The protection works by checking the sites that you visit against lists of reported phishing and malware sites. These lists are automatically downloaded and updated every 30 minutes or so. The technical details of the safe-browsing protocol are also publicly available.

To enable phishing and malware protection:

Chrome

1. Click the More Actions icon

   

   on the Chrome browser toolbar.

2. Click Settings.

3. Click Privacy and security.

4. Click Security.

5. Ensure the Standard Protection option is selected.

   Tip: For additional, proactive, security against phishing and malware, you can select the Enhanced Protection option.

Firefox

1. Click the menu button

   

   and select Settings.

2. Click the Privacy & Security panel.

3. In the Security section, Select the checkboxes:

   • Block dangerous and deceptive content: Check this box if you want Firefox to block potential malware or content that can trick you into downloading malware or unintentionally entering information. You can also refine your choices by checking or unchecking the following items:

     • Block dangerous downloads: Blocks potential viruses and other malware.

     • Warn you about unwanted and uncommon software: Lets you know if you're about to download potentially unwanted software or uncommon software that may contain a virus or make unexpected changes to your computer.

Safari

1. Click Safari in the top menu bar and select Settings.

2. Go to the Security tab.

3. Check the Warn when visiting a fraudulent website checkbox.

   Tip: As an additional layer of security, you can also ensure that the Block Pop-up Windows option is enabled:

   1. Go to Safari, click Settings.

   2. In the Websites tab, select Pop-up Windows and set it to Block and Notify or Block.

Edge

1. Select Settings and more.

2. Click Settings.

3. Click Privacy, search, and services .

4. Under Services, enable Microsoft Defender SmartScreen.