Your choice of web browser can impact your chances of being scammed. 

With phishing attacks on the rise, you can help reduce the chances of being scammed, potentially saving you money, time and stress.

Yes, money saving tips are not just about spending less, saving more and budgeting - it can include a whole lot more and right here its all about the browser you're reading this on.

Which? Magazine (May 2022 edition, p43) have put the most popular browsers to the test to see which ones are best at blocking phishing attempts. Let's check out which came out on top and what this means for you.

First up, what is phishing?

'Phishing is when criminals use scam emails, text messages or phone calls to trick their victims. The aim is often to make you visit a website, which may download a virus onto your computer, or steal bank details or other personal information.' - UK's NCSA (National Cyber Security Centre) 

In short, these criminals are looking for financial gain, which will come at your cost, either from compromised personal data or loss of money.

How effective is my browser at blocking phishing attacks?

In Which? Magazine’s own tests Firefox came out top for blocking phishing attempts, followed by Edge (Windows) and Safari (Mac) whereas Chrome, the most popular browser, came out bottom.

The difference between the best and worst performers is stark - Firefox managing to block 85% of phishing attempts (Windows OS) compared to just 28% by Chrome. The results for Mac were similar, with Firefox blocking 78% of phishing attempts compared to 25% by Chrome.

What else can I do?

Ensure you have security software that includes phishing protection - such as Bitdefender Internet Security for either Windows or Mac - both are Best Buys by Which? Magazine (May 2022 edition, p43)

Key takeaways

There's many pros and cons of each browser, such as privacy controls, ease of use, speed of loading etc. So when you're weighing up what you're looking for in your browser of choice, think about how effective it is at helping protect you from phishing attempts - it may just save you money and hassle later on.

Ensure you have up-to-date and effective security software (anti-virus, firewall, phishing protection etc). A good choice worth paying for is Bitdefender Internet Security. Alternatively you could install free software, such as Avast (Free Antivirus for Windows or Free Security for Mac). 

Phishing - in numbers

6% of people in the UK tried to open a phishing link in 2021

comparitech.com

Facebook was the most impersonated brand in 2021

Forbes.com

'Number of phishing attacks globally have tripled since early 2020'

APWG - Phishing Activity Trend Report Q421, p3

'Over 25,000 bank-branded phishing websites were identified and taken down in 2020, four times higher than the previous year.'

UK Finance - Fraud The Facts 2021, p45