- NordVPN launched a tool to scan email links for threats in real time
- It expands on the Threat Protection Pro suite on macOS and Windows
- It visually warns users about phishing, malware and fraud
NordVPN is strengthening its security offering with the launch of a new email protection feature, designed to protect users from the ever-growing threat of phishing attacks and malware delivered directly to their inbox. The tool, which expands the company’s existing Threat Protection Pro suite, proactively scans and flags dangerous links in emails before a user has a chance to click on them.
This new layer of defense aims to combat fraud that relies on tricking people into clicking on malicious URLs. Rated the best VPN on the market by TechRadar’s reviewers, NordVPN targets the methods cybercriminals use to create a sense of urgency or curiosity that can cause users to bypass their usual caution. “A single click can lead users to fraudulent sites that steal credentials or install malware,” said Domininkas Virbickas, Product Director at NordVPN.
The feature is a welcome addition for anyone using the provider’s advanced security suite on macOS and Windows. It works directly in your web browser and integrates seamlessly into your existing workflow to provide real-time protection without requiring extra steps from the user. According to the company, this proactive approach is key to staying ahead of cyber threats.
How NordVPN’s email protection works
NordVPN’s email protection is activated the moment an email is opened in a supported web browser. It instantly scans every visible link and checks its destination against a constantly updated database of known malicious websites.
If a link is deemed unsafe, whether it leads to a phishing page, malware-hosting site, or some other type of scam, the feature provides an immediate visual warning. A red shield icon appears next to the suspicious link, and hovering over it reveals a short message explaining the potential threat. A banner also appears at the top of the email summarizing all detected threats in the message.
“Email protection is activated before malicious link threats can hit and cause damage,” explained Virbickas. “It’s a proactive layer of defense that helps reduce the success rate of phishing campaigns and other online threats that target users via email.” This functionality adds to NordVPN’s already robust security toolset, which has previously earned certifications for its effectiveness in blocking phishing.
Focus on user privacy
Despite its deep scanning capabilities, NordVPN emphasizes that the feature is built with privacy at its core. The tool is designed to analyze only the links themselves, not the email content, ensuring that users’ private conversations remain confidential. It does not require full access to a user’s email account; instead, it protects the fly when emails are opened.
Whenever possible, the scanning process is handled locally on the user’s device. For reputation checks that require server-side analysis, only minimal metadata, the link itself, is sent to NordVPN’s systems. This approach to privacy protection ensures that risk assessment is both fast and secure.
Furthermore, users have full control. The email protection feature can be enabled or disabled at any time via the Threat Protection Pro settings menu.
This release follows other recent security enhancements to the company’s Threat Protection Pro suite, including tools to block spam calls and protect against session hijacking vulnerabilities.
