Netscape is expected to release today the final version of Netscape 8, its browser designed to protect users against phishing and other scams, including spyware, reports CNET. Early test versions have been available since February, and the final version is expected to include the features designed to safeguard surfers.

The new Netscape browser automatically adjusts security settings based on a list of known malicious websites to protect users from phishing scams and spyware. The blacklist of sites will be updated regularly, according to Netscape.

Netscape is hoping to take advantage of Firefox's success as it challenges Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Netscape 8 is based on Firefox's Gecko rendering engine and uses it by default, but it also supports IE's browser engine.