- NordVPN’s Next-Gen Antivirus Blocked 96% of Phishing Sites in AV-Comparatives 2026 Test
- Software perfectly distinguishes between active malicious links and 200 legitimate banking URLs
- Detection rates jumped 6% from previous test in May 2025
When looking for the best VPN to secure your online traffic, you increasingly need an app that does more than just encrypt your data. As phishing attacks become more sophisticated, major vendors are moving toward robust, all-in-one cybersecurity suites, and independent testing shows these integrated tools are having real impact.
In the new 2026 Anti-Phishing Comparison Test conducted by independent cybersecurity testing authority AV-Comparatives, NordVPN’s next-generation antivirus achieved a massive 96% phishing detection rate.
Even better for users who hate annoying pop-ups blocking secure internet browsing, the software achieved this impressively high blocking rate with absolutely no false positives.
The results highlight constant improvement for the service provider. Compared to the last AV-Comparatives test of this type in May 2025, NordVPN’s phishing detection improved by 6%.
Putting the antivirus to the test
To put the software through its paces, AV-Comparatives conducted its testing between May 11 and 22, 2026. Evaluators launched 275 active phishing URLs on the most recent version of NordVPN’s next-generation antivirus available at the time. These malicious links specifically targeted personal data on popular platforms including PayPal, online banking portals, email services and social media.
To ensure the antivirus wasn’t blindly blocking everything, testers also introduced 200 legitimate banking URLs to validate false positive results. NordVPN let real sites pass safely while neutralizing threats.
“Today, phishing sites are sophisticated enough to fool almost anyone, and most people shouldn’t have to become cybersecurity experts just to stay safe online,” said Domininkas Virbickas, director of product at NordVPN. “Results like these are exactly the kind of protection that makes a real difference to people’s daily lives.”
This is not the first time the company has impressed the independent ISO-certified testing company. In June 2024, NordVPN became the first VPN service provider to be approved for the AV-Comparatives anti-phishing protection badge. To achieve this certification, the software must detect and block at least 85% of phishing URLs without causing false alarms on legitimate and related banking sites.
How to recognize phishing websites
While using a premium service, like the next-generation antivirus available with a NordVPN Complete subscription, provides powerful protection, bad actors are constantly evolving their tactics. Maintaining good digital hygiene remains crucial.
In addition to using reliable cybersecurity software, NordVPN recommends users follow a few simple tips to avoid getting caught:
- Check the URL: Always inspect your browser’s address bar. Be wary of subtle variations in a domain name, suspicious prefixes, or an unexpected redirect to a subpage instead of a homepage.
- Read the text carefully: If an unsolicited email or message urges you to take immediate action or attempts to cause panic, take a step back. Look carefully for typos or other errors.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adding a second step, like sending a one-time code to your phone, ensures that even if a hacker steals your password, they can’t access your account.
- Check the site protocol: Make sure the site uses a secure HTTPS connection. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar; Spoofed URLs often only use insecure HTTP protocols.
