NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro successfully blocked 92% of phishing websites in a recent AV-Comparatives lab test, ranking fourth among 15 tested products. The test, conducted between 2026-01-07 and 2026-01-19, evaluated antivirus products, browsers, and VPNs using 250 verified phishing URLs.
Test Results and Rankings
In the AV-Comparatives test, Threat Protection Pro was outperformed by Avast Free Antivirus and Norton Antivirus Plus, both blocking 95% of phishing URLs, and Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus, which blocked 93%. The tests were conducted with active internet and cloud access using Google Chrome.
Features and Capabilities
NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro offers protection even when the device is not connected to a VPN. It alerts users about malicious sites, blocks tracking cookies, and prevents pop-ups and intrusive ads. However, it cannot remove existing malware, for which dedicated antivirus solutions are recommended.
Phishing Threat Landscape
According to cybersecurity firm Hoxhunt, phishing incidents have surged by 4,151% since the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, with average breach costs reaching $4.88 million. AI is increasingly being used to enhance phishing tools, including deepfakes and voice-impersonation calls. Despite this, only 0.7% to 4.7% of phishing emails were AI-generated, according to Hoxhunt's findings. CNET reports that 62% of executives have been targeted by phishing, with 37% experiencing invoice or payment fraud.
