How SiteAdvisor Works

SiteAdvisor is a downloadable tool that works with Internet Explorer to help you:

Stay safe while you browse	Stay safe while you search	Avoid real-time threats

Easy to Know What's Safe

As you search or browse, SiteAdvisor's safety button changes color based on our test results to let you know:

Safe: We tested the site and didn't find any significant problems.
Caution: Our tests revealed some minor security or nuisance issues. Also applies to sites which have previously had (directly or through corporate affiliations) past security issues.
Warning: Our automated tests and/or our manual analysis revealed some serious issues to consider before using this site at all. (Example: The site sent us lots of spammy e-mail, bundled adware with a download, or has a business relationship with a company known for bad past practices).

SiteAdvisor's engineers built a system of automated robots to test every Web site, download, and e-mail sign-up form on the Web.

Is it safe to use?
	Web sites are tested for 'phishing' and other online scams, affiliations with dangerous sites, excessive pop-ups, and browser exploits. We've tested sites representing more than 95% of worldwide Web traffic.
Is it safe to download?
	Downloads are tested for viruses and bundled adware, spyware or other unwanted programs. We've tested more than 5 million to date.
Is it safe to submit?
	Sign-up forms are completed using a one-time use e-mail address so any subsequent spam can be tracked. Our bots receive mail from more than 7 million places already.
What do others say?
	Feedback from individual users and analysis by SiteAdvisor staff provide insight into the site's current and past practices as well as its corporate affiliations.
Show me the details...
	Site Report pages document every SiteAdvisor test. (See an example)
Tell me more
	Our testing methodology is further explained in our FAQs and our blog.