The browser offers near 100 percent malware blocking

Feb 7, 2012 14:00 GMT  ·  By
Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) the most effective at blocking malware downloads
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   Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) the most effective at blocking malware downloads

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 9 browser is the most effective when it comes to blocking traditional malware downloads, a recent report from NSS Labs notes. Testing conducted between November 21, 2011 and January 5, 2012, showed that Internet Explorer 9 was able to block the most malware when compared to rival browsers.

In the report summing up the findings of their testing, the people over at NSS Labs note that Internet Explorer’s malware blocking rate was of nearly 100 percent.

“Internet Explorer 9 remains the most effective at blocking traditional malware downloads (a.k.a. social-engineered malware),” their report concludes.

They also note that other Google’s Chrome browser was capable of blocking over 30 percent malware, while Firefox and Safari offered the lowest level of protection at only 3.6 and 3.5 percent, respectively.

Chrome’s new malicious download protection did help the browser increase its block rate. However, as soon as they introduced Safe Browsing API v2 protection on December 22nd, 2011, the browser’s malicious download protection was significantly reduced.

“While NSS does not recommend switching browsers based on the results of these tests alone, if you currently have a free choice of browser then Internet Explorer 9 offers the most comprehensive protection from these particular threats,” the team says.

NSS Labs also notes that they chose to freeze the browser versions as soon as their testing began, so that the results would not be compromised.

Thus, the application versions used for testing include Windows Internet Explorer 9 (build 9.0.8112.16421), Google Chrome v15.0.874.106, Mozilla Firefox v7.0.1, and Safari v5.1.1 (7534.51.22).

“Once testing began, the product version was frozen in order to preserve the integrity of the test. This test relied upon Internet access for the reputation systems and access to live content,” the team explains.

“Generally, there is a configurable separation between software updates and database or signature updates, to draw analogies from anti-virus, intrusion prevention, and general software practices.”

You can learn more on NSS Labs' findings on the company's website.

Internet Explorer 10 (IE10) is available for download here.

Windows Internet Explorer 9 is available for download here.

Firefox 10 for Windows is available for download here.

Google Chrome for Windows is available for download here.

Opera 12.00 alpha and Opera 11.61 for Windows are available for download here.

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Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) the most effective at blocking malware downloads
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