Key Take-Aways
- Microsoft Edge is based on Chromium, the same code base as Google Chrome. Where they differ is in features such as Anti-Malware and Anti-Phishing reputation systems.
- Malware: At 97.4% Microsoft Edge provided users with more protection than Google Chrome (86.3%) and Mozilla Firefox (81.8%).
- Phishing: At 92.3% Microsoft Edge provided users with more protection than Google Chrome (84.6%) and Mozilla Firefox (83.2%).
- The results were consistent throughout the test with no disruptions in service.
- Web Browser protection is free, and consumers should take advantage of it.
The ability to warn potential victims that they are about to stray onto a malicious website puts web browsers in a unique position to combat malware. Websites that trick (socially engineer) users to download malware have short lifespans, so it is essential that the site is discovered and added to the reputation system as quickly as possible. A good reputation system must be both accurate and fast to realize high catch rates.
Phishing attacks pose a significant risk to individuals and organizations by threatening to compromise or acquire sensitive personal and corporate information. Email, instant messages, SMS messages and links (URLs) on social networking sites are all vectors for phishing attacks. A browser’s ability to block malicious URLs was measured every six hours to determine how long it would take a vendor to add protection.
“Threat actors are shifting tactics with increasing focus on Ransomware. Ransomware almost always starts with phishing / social engineering. Phishing doubled in 2020 and so far, is up year over year,” said Vikram Phatak, CEO of CyberRatings.org. “Now, more than ever, consumers should not override the warnings offered by their web browser.”
The Comparative Test Reports provide detailed results including block rates for each product and data recording consistency of protection over time. As a service to the community, CyberRatings.org is providing these reports for free.
The following browsers were tested:
- Google Chrome: Version 90.0.4430.212 – 91.0.4472.19
- Microsoft Edge: Version 91.0.864.19 – 91.0.864.37
- Mozilla Firefox: Version 88.0.1 – 88.0.1