Each serves a specific purpose, but you should always use both together.
Dive into my comprehensive guide to learn more about the differences and benefits of each tool.
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Antivirus vs. VPN: Quick Overview
What Is Antivirus Software?
These programs detect, block, and remove malware to keep your equipment and data secure.
You also need an antivirus for general internet security.
While browsing the web, youre exposed to many threats, like phishing attempts and exploit attacks.
These attacks rely on human error, which antivirus software cant prevent.
Cybercriminals can exploit these before theyre fixed, bypassing your antiviruss defenses.
Finally, antivirus programs cant keep your online activities private.
They wont encrypt your data or hide your IP address.
For this, you need additional tools like a VPN.
What Is a VPN?
When you connect to a VPN server, your data is routed through an encrypted tunnel.
Instead, theyll see random, unreadable data.
VPNs also enhance your online privacy by masking your IP address.
This means websites will only see the VPN servers IP address and not your actual IP address.
Streaming is another common use case for a VPN.
Gamers can also benefit from using a VPN.
It can help reduce lag and improve connection stability by connecting to servers closer to the game servers.
For those who download files from the internet, such as through torrenting, a VPN is crucial.
It hides your IP address and encrypts your data, protecting you and keeping your downloading activities private.
This ensures that your ISP and other entities cant monitor your torrenting activities.
It also wont stop ad tracking.
Many websites and advertisers track your online activities through cookies and other means.
While a VPN can hide your IP address, it cant stop websites from tracking you through other methods.
Finally, it cant protect you from malware.
Youll still need antivirus software to detect and remove malicious software from your rig.
Its important to use both tools together for comprehensive protection.
Are There Any Antiviruses With VPNs Included?
These bundled VPNs are good for basic online activities like browsing and secure internet usage.
Though it scored quite well in my speed tests, it wasnt as fast as a standalone VPN.
Another way to go about it is to purchase a VPN with a built-in antivirus tool, such asNordVPN.
This combination leverages the strengths of both tools to keep your data secure and your online activities private.
We employ a strict, tried-and-true methodology when testing and selecting bothantivirusesandVPNs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need an antivirus?
Thats roughly $14,200 per person, on average and this was just in the US.
Its evident from these stats that usinggood antivirus softwareis more important than ever.
Does using a VPN protect you from viruses?
To protect your machine from viruses and other malware, you need dedicated antivirus software.
Can I use a different antivirus and VPN?
Yes, you might use a different antivirus and VPN.
Using different products lets you pick the best tools available for each specific purpose.
Do I need an antivirus if I use NordVPN?
You dont necessarily need a separate antivirus app if you already use NordVPN.
NordVPN includes a tool called Threat Protection, which is pretty good at blocking malware.
Threat Detection also blocks malicious sites and ads in real-time, which is great to see.
However, what NordVPNs Threat Detection cant do is run system scans.
It also lacks a firewall and malware scanning for Android.
Is VPN enough protection?
No,a VPN isnt enough protection on its own.
For complete security, you should use a VPN and antivirus software to protect yourself and your devices.
Is it OK to leave my VPN on all the time?
Not only is it OK, but you should stay connected to your VPNs servers at all times.
However, you might not want all of your internet traffic to go through your VPNs servers.
This is where split-tunneling comes in.
Split-tunneling allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which use your regular internet connection.
