Are you looking for the best anti-pharming software? We’ve got the best picks for you!
Pharming is a cyberattack that focuses on harvesting users’ information by redirecting users’ traffic to a counterfeit website. Therefore, using reliable anti-pharming software is the best way to prevent this.
The term pharming comes from combining two words: phishing because it uses methods similar to phishing to harvest information and farming. This is because it harvests information on a larger scale from multiple users.
There are several ways of countering both malware-based and DNS-based pharming attacks. However, using robust antivirus software and a premium VPN service has proven to be the best way of countering pharming attacks.
For this purpose, I will review some of the best anti-pharming software for countering pharming attacks.
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Table of Contents
Best Anti-Pharming Software
1. Norton 360 and Norton Internet Security
Released in April 2019, the Norton 360 offers complete protection against viruses, malware, Trojan horses, worms, etc.
It also includes a secure VPN for protecting your privacy online, cloud backup for safe file storage, and a password manager for managing and safeguarding your password. Hence, the name Norton’ 360’.
Combining powerful antivirus software and a secure VPN makes Norton 360 one of the best anti-pharming software for protecting you against malware and DNS-based pharming attacks.
Features of Norton 360 antivirus
- Real-time threat protection
- Secure VPN for browsing anonymously and securely
- 360O antivirus protects your device from viruses, malware, worms, etc.
- Password manager to generate, store, and manage passwords to keep your information safe and secure
- PC Cloud backup to save essential files in cloud backup as a measure against hardware failure
- Firewall for PC and Mac
- Even more, it has parental control to manage your kids’ activities online
- SafeCam for PC to prevent unauthorized access to your webcam
READ ALSO: McAfee Vs Norton – Which Is Better?
2. Heimdal Security (Thor Vigilance)
Thor Vigilance from Heimdal Security offers unparalleled threat detection and protection using its ‘next-gen’ antivirus engine to protect you from ransomware,e, DNS leakage, viruses, APTs, and other digital threats. This makes Thor a capable anti-pharming software for combating pharming.
Features of Thor Vigilance (Premium)
- Next-gen antivirus engine to protect you from advanced phishing and pharming, malware, and ransomware attacks
- Secure web browsing feature to ensure you’re clicking on safe links
- Continuous monitoring and protection against potentially malicious files
- Automatic app updates that ensure that your apps remain updated at all times
- Smooth performance
- 24/7 customer support
3. Panda Dome
Panda Dome is one of the best antivirus software at the forefront of threat protection. It is known to be the inventor of the TruPrevent technology, a series of proactive steps that prevent unknown viruses from infecting your system.
Its collective intelligence model makes Panda the precursor of Adaptive Defence Security, a model that detects, analyzes, and classifies malware automatically in real time.
Therefore, a subscription to the Panda Dome Premium version offers you a set of complete protection tools, which includes
- A next-gen antivirus protection engine to protect your device against viruses, advanced threats, and cyberattacks, which include Phishing and Pharming
- Premium VPN to browse the internet securely and anonymously, and also evade all forms of cyber attack
- 24/7 technical support to give you technical assistant
4. F-Secure Total
F-Secure brings to the forefront its 30 years of experience in cybersecurity to offer you the F-Secure Total, which is a combination of
- One of the most powerful antivirus software to protect your devices from viruses, malware, ransomware, and spyware
- Freedom VPN is one of the top-ranked privacy protection solutions for enjoying anonymous browsing and real-time data traffic protection, even when browsing from an unsecured network.
- Password manager for generating, securing, and protecting your passwords.
This combination of robust features makes F-Secure an anti-pharming software to reckon with.
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5. Ivacy VPN
Ivacy VPN is a stand-alone VPN solution to pharming attacks. One of Ivacy’s most robust features is an efficient protection mechanism.
Using military-grade encryption technology protects you from data harvesters (phishing and pharming attacks), hackers, and malicious websites. Also, its multitude of dedicated high-speed servers preserves your privacy and keeps you anonymous online.
6. CyberGhost VPN
With over 6,000 servers worldwide and powerful encryption technology, CyberGhost is one of the best anti-pharming software that protects you from DNS leakage and other pharming attacks.
Therefore, CyberGhost offers an anonymous internet experience while protecting your data from all sorts of cyberattacks.
7. PureVPN
PureVPN offers you a standard VPN package, which includes data protection and encryption using military-grade encryption technology. There is also an online protection option using PureVPN’s numerous dedicated high-speed servers.
Therefore, with PureVPN’s protection features, PureVPN can offer you adequate protection against pharming attacks by preventing the illegal diversion of data traffic from your device to counterfeit websites.
Read Also: Online Security Tips for Seniors
Best Anti-Pharming Software: Frequently Asked Questions
What software can you use to stop pharming?
There isn't a single magical anti-pharming software. However, a combination of tools can significantly reduce your risk:
- Antivirus Software: Many antivirus programs include features that can help prevent pharming attacks. These features might involve:
- Blocking access to known malicious websites associated with pharming.
- Warning you about suspicious links or websites.
- Security Software Suites: Some internet security suites offer additional protection against pharming, including:
- Web filtering that blocks access to known phishing and pharming websites.
- DNS filtering prevents your computer from being redirected to malicious websites.
- Password Managers: Using a password manager reduces the risk of entering your credentials on a pharming site. It automatically fills in login information for legitimate websites, reducing the chance of accidentally entering it on a fake site.
What can prevent pharming?
Here are some practices that can help prevent pharming attacks:
- Be Cautious of Emails and Links: Don't click on links or attachments in emails from unknown senders. Verify the legitimacy of emails before interacting with them.
- Check Website URLs: Before entering any information on a website, scrutinize the URL. Legitimate websites typically use HTTPS encryption (indicated by a lock symbol in the address bar).
- Beware of Typos: Phishing and pharming sites often have typos or slight variations in the domain name of a legitimate website. Be cautious of URLs that don't look exactly right.
- Use a Bookmark Manager: Instead of clicking on links in emails, use a bookmark manager to access trusted websites directly.
- Keep Software Updated: Outdated software can have security vulnerabilities that pharming attacks can exploit. Regularly update your operating system, web browser, and other software.
What is pharming software?
There isn't technically “pharming software” in the traditional sense. Pharming is a technique used by attackers, and there aren't any programs explicitly designed to perform pharming attacks (though malware can be involved in redirecting users).
What are the solutions for phishing and pharming attacks?
The solutions mentioned above address both phishing and pharming attacks. Combining security software with cautious browsing habits significantly reduces your risk of falling victim to these scams.
What is a famous example of pharming?
In 2005, a large-scale pharming attack targeted users of Lloyds TSB, a British bank. The attack redirected users to a fake Lloyds TSB website that stole login credentials.
What kind of software can prevent hackers from entering our programs?
While pharming attacks target websites, antivirus and anti-malware software can help prevent hackers from entering your programs directly. These tools can detect and block malware that tries to infiltrate your system and steal information.
By employing a layered approach that combines security software with innovative online behavior, you can significantly enhance your online security and stay safe from pharming and other cyber threats.
Conclusion
Aside from protecting yourself from pharming attacks using a VPN and antivirus, you should also:
- Scan removal devices before usage
- Use two-factor authentication to protect online transactions
- Also, it changes the password of your new WiFi router
- Watch out for the padlock logo when browsing a website
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About the Author:
Abraham Faisal is a professional content writer. He has a strong passion for online privacy, cybersecurity and blockchain and is an advocate for online privacy. He has been writing about these topics since 2018 and is a regular contributor to a number of publications. He has a degree in Computer Science and has in-depth knowledge of the ever-evolving world of digital security. In his free time, he likes to travel and explore new cultures.
Meet Angela Daniel, an esteemed cybersecurity expert and the Associate Editor at SecureBlitz. With a profound understanding of the digital security landscape, Angela is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge with readers. Her insightful articles delve into the intricacies of cybersecurity, offering a beacon of understanding in the ever-evolving realm of online safety.
Angela's expertise is grounded in a passion for staying at the forefront of emerging threats and protective measures. Her commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the tools and insights to safeguard their digital presence is unwavering.
