NETGEAR Armor blocks access to certain websites that might be harmful to your network and connected devices.
Malicious websites often look legitimate and might trick you into providing personal information, downloading malware, or even sending money. NETGEAR Armor scans websites for potential threats or suspicious behavior. If any risks are found, NETGEAR Armor denies access to that website’s Uniform Resource Locator (URL).
Note: As a general safety rule, we recommend that you avoid opening attachments, downloading files, or visiting links that you don’t recognize.
If NETGEAR Armor blocked a legitimate website that you want to access, see the following article for instructions: NETGEAR Armor is blocking URLs that I want to access; what do I do?.
NETGEAR Armor blocks the following types of malicious websites:
- Fraud: Fraudulent pages are designed to scam you into paying for nonexistent goods or services. For example, a user might make a purchase on a fraudulent web store for goods that are never delivered.
- Untrusted: Untrusted pages exhibit suspicious behavior. For example, an untrusted website might prompt you to download a file when you access the page for the first time.
- Malware: Websites containing malware attempt to install software that might harm your devices. Malware can hijack your data until a ransom is paid, delete your data, or even allow cybercriminals to control your devices remotely.
- Phishing: Phishing pages have URLs that are similar to popular websites. These malicious websites are designed to look legitimate. Phishing pages attempt to obtain sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card details. For example, a phishing page designed to look like a banking website might steal users’ login credentials. These credentials can be used to access users’ bank accounts.
- Miner: Miner pages use the device's resources to mine for cryptocurrency without that device owner’s knowledge. This process impacts device usability and hardware life span.
- PUA (potentially unwanted application): These pages attempt to install a PUA on your device. PUAs might install malware or adware or ask for device permissions that legitimate apps don’t ask for. For example, a PUA might ask to scan your device. After the scan is complete, you are prompted to delete important files or programs.