Surfshark, one of the best VPNs on the market, has rolled out a new security feature for Surfshark One and Surfshark+ users: an email scam checker.
The new feature, which is only available on "Chrome-based extensions", is part of Surfshark's additional security features. These also include antivirus software. The email scam checker will use AI to scan emails for signs of phishing attempts like suspicious content and malicious links.
While the use of AI may be a concern to some, Surfshark notes that the AI has been optimised by them and that user data is not stored on any outside server. They also state that after each use, the data will be deleted.
How to use the scam email checker
The scam email checker is currently available, and using it is very simple. If you don't have it on your browser already, you'll need to install the Surfshark Chrome extension and go into the extension's settings. Then, all you need to do is navigate to the tab labeled "email scam checker", then turn the feature on.
After the feature is turned on, you need to make a manual request to check each email that you're suspicious of. The feature is currently only available for Gmail accounts, though this may change with future updates.
For Gmail users, simply click on an email and then hit the "check email" button. Surfshark will then run a check on the message. Users can use this on as many email accounts as they like, thanks to Surfshark giving users unlimited simultaneous connections.
Better protection against scams
This is an interesting new tool, and one that many users are likely to find helpful. Scam emails can include the classic advance-fee scam and similar attempts to defraud users, but phishing attempts, particularly targeted attempts, known as spearphishing, get more elaborate every day.
Additional risks from scam emails include disguised attachments and malicious links, which can install malware such as ransomware on your machine.
Surfshark isn't the only VPN service to offer additional tools to help keep users safe, with NordVPN also offering antivirus software and ad and tracker protection, while Proton VPN offers secure cloud storage and secure email.
If you'd like to learn more about Surfshark and its other security features, be sure to check out our Surfshark review.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
