These test results highlight the importance of choosing the right security software and browser to protect against phishing threats.

In the first quarter of 2023, phishing attacks made up 31.98% of all threats blocked by Avast. Despite this significant number, there remains a lack of tests evaluating how anti-malware software and browsers protect users against phishing threats. That's why we’ve commissioned an independent anti-phishing test conducted by AV-Comparatives, a leading antivirus testing lab.  

It's important to note that the selection of products was done independently by AV-Comparatives, and all vendors were treated equally. Neither Avast nor any other tested vendor was pre-informed about the test date or given any further insights, in order to eliminate any potential advantage, influence, or bias. 

Why anti-phishing protection matters 

Phishing attacks aim to steal personal and financial information, install malware, or cause other types of damage. These attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, with cybercriminals using social engineering techniques to deceive users. As phishing attacks grow in complexity, it's vital for users to have effective anti-phishing protection to safeguard their information and devices. 

AV-Comparatives Anti-Phishing Test results 

AV-Comparatives tested a range of antivirus products and browsers to determine their effectiveness in blocking phishing pages and avoiding false positives. The antivirus products tested were Avast Free Antivirus, Avira Free Security, Bitdefender Internet Security, ESET Internet Security, Kaspersky Standard, Malwarebytes Premium, McAfee Total Protection, Microsoft Defender, and Norton 360 Deluxe.  

In this test round, the leaders in anti-phishing protection were McAfee, Trend Micro, Bitdefender, and Avast, with a block rate of 95% to 97%. Notably, Microsoft Defender with Chrome Plugin had a block rate of 77%, while Malwarebytes Premium had a block rate of only 57%. 

Browser Anti-Phishing Test results 

AV-Comparatives tested the phishing-page detection rates of five widely used browsers, including Avast Secure Browser, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. Surprisingly, Google Chrome, the most-used browser globally, with more than six in ten people using it, had the worst phishing protection with only a 58% block rate, while the second worst was Microsoft Edge with a 75% block rate. The browsers offering the best anti-phishing protection are Avast Secure Browser (93%), Opera (87%) and Mozilla Firefox (87%). 

In today's interconnected world, anti-phishing protection is essential for safeguarding personal and financial information from cybercriminals. These test results highlight the importance of choosing the right security software and browser to protect against phishing threats. As the results show, some products perform significantly better than others in blocking phishing pages and avoiding false positives. 

Further reading: The importance of independent third-party testing of anti-malware solutions

The AV-Comparatives test results show that choosing the right security software and browser can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks. To stay safe, users should not only rely on their antivirus and browser but also adopt safe online practices. Always be cautious when clicking on links in emails, text messages, or social media messages, and avoid providing personal information to unfamiliar websites. 

At Avast, we are committed to delivering industry-leading security solutions to protect our users from various cyber threats, including phishing attacks. We are pleased with the results of the AV-Comparatives anti-phishing test and will continue to invest in research and development to maintain and improve our products' effectiveness.

For more information, check out the complete report from AV-Comparatives.