When You Download Bad Software
If you download malware or software that contains bad stuff that can still get into your system even though its downloaded through a secure VPN connection. Think of it this way:
The VPN is like sending an armored tank to pick up your package at the post office. It will not be possible to see the package or access it while its being transported but if the package itself is bad news you will still receive that bad stuff when you open the package.
OK, maybe not the best analogy, but you get the point.
Make sure to NEVER download things on the Internet that you are not 100% sure about. Do your homework and make sure you only get stuff from trusted sources!
Many people think hackers only attack your system directly by gaining access to your system through the Internet connection. While that is true in some cases, its much more likely that the hacker will gain access to your data or your system via the use of malware or viruses. That way they will let you click something or download something, and use that program to snatch some information you site.
Your VPN provider has no part to play in this and they simply cannot protect you from stuff you invite in!
Premium Features Of Antivirus Software
Many antivirus programs have free versions that provide essential malware scans and critical digital security. These free programs like Avira, Bitdefender, or AVG provide fundamental protection and offer premium upgrades for deeper protection.
Usually, antivirus packages will have paid Basic,Pro, or Advanced security tiers that you can choose from. Here are a few main features you can get with premium antivirus packages:
How Antivirus Software Protects Your Devices
Every time you open anything on your device whether its an email, a file, a website, or a new app you introduce new code to the devices processor. That means you run the risk of malware infections.
That is, unless you have an antivirus wall protecting you.
Antivirus software continuously scans your device for any hints of danger. It compares running programs to known types of malware and assesses your computing activity to make sure theres nothing out of the ordinary.
If the antivirus finds a suspicious code, it isolates it and removes the threat automatically.
Unfortunately, viruses and other malware get more sophisticated every day, so antivirus solutions have to constantly evolve to stay one step ahead of the threats. Its therefore critical to keep your antivirus products up to date.
Read Also: Download 911 VPN For Windows
Does VPN Protect You From Viruses
A VPN does not protect you from viruses or other malware on its own. It only secures your online traffic and makes it private, without affecting your downloads. A VPN can save you from malware infections in an indirect way. For example, some VPN providers have features that can block malicious websites or ads.
A VPN routes your devices traffic and internet connection through a VPN server. It masks your IP address and encrypts communication making it unreadable to unauthorized parties. But, it does not modify or inspect your files in any way. This working mechanism cannot protect your device from viruses as this malware can be a part of your downloaded files.
A VPN works on an active Internet connection while a computer virus can damage systems even when youre offline. A VPN is not suitable to hunt or remove malware from your device, but it makes it more difficult for attackers to hack your systems.
As mentioned, some VPNs do have defensive features that can block malicious websites. When the known malicious IP addresses are blocked it can protect you by limiting access to such websites, thus preventing the infection. Also, even if your device is infected, a VPN can possibly block malicious communication that sends your data to the attacker, if the destination IP is in their blocklist.
Will A VPN Slow Down My Internet Connection
No, a VPN should connect to your existing Wi-Fi network with no conflicts. The VPN should only affect your virtual network connection and not the actual connection with the phone/broadband line. So, youll still be connected to your original network, though you will appear to be running through your own network. Therefore, your internet connection should still run at a reasonable speed.
You May Like: Expressvpn Smart TV
Webroot Wifi Security + Internet Security Complete
Webroots WiFi Security and antivirus software make a powerful combination that can protect up to 5 of your devices at once.
Its antivirus software is lightning-fast. It takes only 20 seconds to scan your device its cloud-based software allows it to run up to 60 times faster than the average antivirus program.
It provides real-time protection against phishing attempts, webcam hacking, and identity theft.
Webroots VPN is also super-speedy. Its easy to install, and perfect for beginners. It keeps a strict no-logs policy, and offers automatic protection every time you connect to the internet. As a bonus, its web filter will protect you from malicious and risky websites.
It offers apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Sounds interesting? You can learn more by reading real customer reviews.
How Can Computer Viruses Infect Your Laptop Or Phone
Viruses spread via infected websites, file sharing, or email attachments. Viruses remain dormant until a user activates an infected file or software. Once the user opens a host file or program, the virus replicates and spreads to other computers on a network.
Computer viruses compromise system files and destroy confidential data. They also affect applications and hardware, in consequences causing damages worth billions. Logging keystrokes and collecting sensitive information like user credentials and financial records is also what a virus can do.Some viruses can use your contact list to send spam to your contacts this way infecting them too. In serious cases, the malicious program grants hackers remote access to a computer.
Recommended Reading: Can You Use A VPN On A Smart TV
Does VPN Protect You From Viruses How Can VPN Protect You
- Does a VPN protect you from viruses? We have a very clear answer to this question below.
- You can use such a service to fix a lot of connection flaws and to protect your online privacy, but they don’t offer virus protection.
- Some virtual private network products have some malware-domain blocking features.
- To defend your PC from viruses and malware, you should use a powerful antivirus.
VPNs are great tools that can secure your connection and protect your online privacy. You can deploy them on a wide variety of devices and enjoy private, secure browsing in no time.
However, a common misconception is that VPNs are universal security tools, like antiviruses which is wrong.
Its true that a VPN can protect you from various types of cyberthreats, but they are helpless when facing viruses.
What Does A VPN Actually Stop
So, how ARE you protected when youre using a VPN?
Here are the things a VPN will do for you in regard to safety:
- They will hide your internet traffic from the ISP
- They will hide your IP
- They will add encryption to your traffic
Thats about it.
So, as you can see, youre not protected from malware that tries to find its way into your system through some clever hacker code!
Don’t Miss: Download 911 Re
While VPN Would Encrypt Your Data Flow Online
Today, theres no doubt that the web is a very dangerous place if you are not being extra careful. There are plenty of different threats lurking around every corner of the web from viruses to hackers. These web threats are a danger for everyone today from small business organizations to multinational corporate houses. Every person or business organization that is working on the virtual land today needs a security shield in the form of antivirus programs or VPN servers. These two services are the most trusted and secured way to protect your online presence. However, it is hard to decide which one is better between Antivirus vs VPN.
So, if you are going through the same dilemma whether to use antivirus software to protect your data from the attacks of hackers or use a virtual private network to safeguard your online identity, then we have a solution for you. Well, they both are highly useful and have a variety of features, but to find the best one you have read their security features individually.
Contents
Will A VPN Protect From Viruses
In keeping with this, its important to remember that VPNs do not function similarly to comprehensive anti-virus programs. do do encrypt your internet history and protect your IP, its just an addition. For example, you wouldnt be safe when using phishing websites or downloading compromised files if they didnt work.
You May Like: Amazon Blocks VPN
Securing From Outside Threats
Here outside threats simply mean any attempt to infect your PC with malware from an offline source. But a secure VPN will also protect you from such threats.
Even if malware is injected into your system via, say, a USB flash drive, it still needs to connect to the hackers control and command center via an online connection. But since the VPN will mask your connection details, the hackers wont be able to take control of your system via the injected malware.
Read More: Is There a Need to Use VPN at Home
Myth : A VPN Will Keep Me 100% Secure And Private No Matter What I Do
VPNs are powerful tools for security and privacy, but they won’t protect you from human error. For the best online protection, combine your VPN with other security tools and a bit of internet know-how. For example, a VPN can’t protect you if you do the following:
Protect your privacy online. Get an additional layer of security with NordVPN.
You May Like: How To Install 911 VPN On Windows
Can You Combine VPN And Antivirus
These antivirus softwares protect websites against malicious software such as browser hijackers, spyware, and extortion attempts. Using a VPN with your antivirus program will protect you against 100% of online threats. You can use a VPN to protect your data against hackers, trackers, and spies by encrypt it.
VPN Protects You From Ddos Attacks
DDoS stands for Distributed Denial of Service, and is a type of cyber attack that prevents you from accessing the internet.
Heres how this works:
How Does a VPN Help
As you can probably guess, the best way to prevent this attack is to stop step one from ever happening preventing the hacker from getting access to your IP.
Using a VPN is the easiest way to do this, as it hides your IP address.
Even if the hacker tries to DDoS the VPN IP, they wont be able to, as most VPN providers use industry-grade security measures to prevent DDoS attacks on their servers.
Also Check: How To Turn On Opera VPN
Myth : Free VPNs Are Just As Good As Paid VPNs
As VPN myths go, this one is particularly dangerous to the average user. What you must always remember is this: when a for-profit company provides you with a service for free, thats because they are using you to make money. You are the product, not the customer.
Dont forget this rule if youre weighing the benefits of a free VPN against a paid one. How a free VPN makes money depends on their sense of ethics, but none of the methods they use bode well for your online security.
The most common methods involve carefully logging your traffic and then injecting ads into whatever you do online or simply selling that data to third parties. Less scrupulous free VPNs have even sold their users bandwidth to corporations and hackers or used their access to deliver malware.
Free VPNs also offer fewer features and dont work as well as premium VPNs. They usually employ fewer people and cant release frequent updates to stay on top of the latest cybersecurity trends. Premium paid VPNs answer to customers, not advertisers, so they have a stronger motivation to deliver a product that works.
Are all paid VPNs 100% safe? Of course not. Some will log your data, have weak encryption protocols, and DNS leaks. Like with everything else, you have to choose carefully and do your research before picking the best VPN provider. And if you really want to use a VPN for free, you can try our VPN free trial for 30 days!
What Does A VPN Do
A VPN connection will hide your IP address and encrypt all of your data so that it cannot be seen or intercepted by third parties during an active internet connection. It will also provide you with a high level of privacy to keep your browsing habits private.
A VPN is ideal for bypassing restrictions such as censorship or blocked websites. However, it doesnt directly protect against viruses or send alerts in the case that your device is compromised.
Recommended Reading: Is Norton VPN Free
Private Networks Are For Secure Connections
While an anti-virus system can help keep a connection safe from digital intrusion attempts, it essentially serves as a shield surrounding you on public networks. It may be an effective shield, but the network is still public.
On the other hand, accessing your connection through a private network limits or at least greatly hinders the number of possible users that could theoretically even gain access to the network in the first place. While on one of these networks an anti-virus system can still offer the same protection, but will have to block far fewer incoming intrusions.
Final Thoughts On Using VPN To Protect From Viruses
While Virtual Private Network is a great cybersecurity solution, it doesnt protect against viruses directly. The reason why many users ask if VPN protects against viruses is because the results are there. If youre surfing the internet with the VPN enabled, you are less likely to be hacked or infected.
But, this is not because a VPN would hunt viruses and other malicious software and remove it from your device. Our VPN app improves your security by:
- Encrypting your internet traffic
Recommended Reading: How To Change My Country In Google
How To Prevent Malware Infections
Install Reliable Antivirus/Antimalware Programs
One of the best ways to prevent malware infections is to install a decent antivirus/antimalware program on your device. Dont be confused by the names. Whether you have an antivirus program or antimalware software doesnt matter both of them are equally capable of keeping your computer safe from malware.
There are plenty of antivirus/antimalware software providers to choose from, but our recommendations are Malwarebytes and ESET.
Also, make sure you keep your operating systems firewall on as well. It never hurts to have an extra layer of security on top of the antivirus/antimalware program.
Keep Your System Up-to-Date
Like we already mentioned, a lot of malware uses operating system vulnerabilities to infect devices and spread through them and the network. Those vulnerabilities are usually there because the system hasnt been updated with the latest security patches.
For example, if you are a Windows user, and dont have the MS17-010 update, youre exposed to the EternalBlue exploit, which has been used by cybercriminals to facilitate WannaCry, NotPetya, and Retefe malware attacks.
And the updates arent just limited to your OS. Make sure all the software on your device is up-to-date.
Run Regular Scans
We also recommend scanning any files you download or programs you install before opening them just to be safe.
Dont Interact With Phishing Emails
- Poor grammar
- An aggressive, pressuring tone
- Unsecured URLs
What To Do Next
With a better understanding of Trojan viruses, how they work, and what you can do to protect your business from this malicious software you can learn more about protecting your business from other cyber threats here at our Cybersecurity Resources for Small Business page.
Related Articles
Why Is Public Wi-Fi Unsafe?
These days, almost every other person you meet is a digital nomad. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or junior employee, the last couple ofRead More
Do You Need a VPN on Your iPad?
Virtual private networks are essential tools for privacy and protecting your online activity. While you may associate using a VPN with your computer, theRead More
How to Encrypt Your Text Messages
If you’re looking for the best way to leave sensitive information and conversations exposed outside of publicly posting it on the internet, then sending allRead More
How To Set Up A VPN On A Router
Using a virtual private network is a great way to hide your online activity from hackers and spammers who snoop around your data. AlthoughRead More
What Are the Top Cybersecurity Threats of 2022?
In the old days of cybersecurity, all network administrators had to worry about was drawing a perimeter around their network to protect their data andRead More
-
POPULAR WEB BUILDERS
You May Like: Uninstall Bitdefender VPN Mac
Are Free VPNs Safe
You can choose from many free VPNs. This could be useful if you are on a limited budget. Be aware, though, that free VPN services might not provide the same type of browsing privacy that pay services offer. Free VPNs have to make money somehow. They might do this by tracking and collecting your browsing data and selling it to third parties, like advertisers. Others might hit you with a steady stream of online ads. Free VPNs might be easier on your wallet, but using one might compromise some of your privacy.