Protection against viruses
Viruses steal passwords, distort or delete personal data, send spam, interfere with browser operation, and slow down or block device operation.
Because of this, browsers use various technologies to protect users against malicious software. For example, Yandex Browser uses its own active protection system called Protect. It's a comprehensive security system for the browser that protects you from most online threats.
Check files
Some browsers check downloaded files and block them if they contain viruses.
Block dangerous pages
When opening sites, browsers check them and warn you if they suspect phishing or viruses.
Block some of the page content
Some pages are generally safe but may contain elements (banners, scripts, or snippets) from infected resources or mining scripts.
If the page contains elements from infected sites, the browser blocks them. If the blocked content poses a serious danger to your computer, you can't load it.
Check and block unsafe extensions
Extensions are created by browser developers and other programmers, including hackers.
Malicious extensions:
- Change the browser interface and settings.
- Put more ads on pages.
- Replace regular site ads with fraudulent ones.
- Monitor your actions.
- Publish posts on your social network pages.
- Steal your personal data.
- Mine cryptocurrency on your computer without your knowledge.
Antiviruses are bad at recognizing malicious extensions because all extensions work inside the browser and don't affect the computer's operating system. This is why some browsers check if extensions are safe.