- Surfshark updates its browser extension with new security feature
- The tool warns you about malware, data breaches and phishing before you click
- The feature is available now via the Surfshark browser extension settings
Surfshark has rolled out a significant update to its browser extension, introducing a proactive security feature designed to flag malicious websites directly in Google search results.
While the best VPN services are primarily known for encrypting your connection and hiding your IP address, providers are increasingly expanding their toolkits to cover broader cybersecurity threats. Surfshark’s new update focuses on the initial point of contact with the web, the search engine, with the aim of preventing users from stumbling upon compromised sites.
The feature actively analyzes the links displayed in your search results. If a site is known to host malware, has been involved in a data breach, or shows signs of phishing, the extension will display a warning icon next to the link. This allows users to avoid potential threats without having to click through to the page first.
Gabriele Sinkeviciute, Product Manager at Surfshark, highlights the need for this proactive approach in today’s threat landscape.
“It’s hard to imagine a day without using a search engine like Google. However, even seemingly harmless searches can lead to risks behind any link you click on,” Sinkeviciute said, explaining that the team implemented the new tool to help people browse more securely “without any additional effort.”
Visual protection against invisible threats
The main benefit of this update is visibility. Previously, similar security tools could only alert a user After they landed on a suspicious page or asked them to manually verify a security badge. By integrating directly into the Google search interface, Surfshark attempts to cut risk at the source.
The company says the need for such tools is growing rapidly. Surfshark reports that in 2025 alone, it detected more than 141,000 new online threats. Additionally, since 2022, the company has added more than 25,000 websites flagged as potentially dangerous but “difficult to identify as dangerous” to its database.
“Protecting users from malicious search engine links is just as essential as providing reliable online protection of their data,” Sinkeviciute said. “Our goal is to help users avoid the frustration of compromised accounts, device infections, or stolen credentials when they visit an unsafe website without even realizing it.”
The move aligns Surfshark with a broader industry trend where VPNs are evolving into all-in-one security suites. Competitors like NordVPN (with Threat Protection) and ExpressVPN (with Threat Manager) have also invested in blocking malicious trackers and sites.
How to Use Surfshark Website Security Settings
Currently, this security feature is exclusive to Google Search and Google Chrome, requiring the Surfshark browser extension. If you are already a user, you may need to make sure your VPN extension is updated to the latest version.
After that, navigate to the Website Security Warnings section and activate both toggles to Data Breach Alert And Malware alert.
For those looking to further expand their privacy toolkit, checking out a Surfshark review can help you decide if the full suite, which includes antivirus and data leak detection, is right for you.
Users can also get even more utility from the software, as they can now get a dedicated IP address on Surfshark’s browser extension, making it a robust option for secure, uninterrupted browsing.
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