Introduction
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become an essential tool for protecting your privacy and security online. VPNs work by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a remote server, hiding your IP address and online activity from prying eyes.
But can a VPN truly protect you from viruses and malware? While VPNs provide an important layer of security, they cannot completely replace dedicated antivirus software when it comes to catching viruses. In this article, we’ll explore what VPNs can and cannot do when it comes to virus protection.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a service that establishes an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server operated by the VPN provider. All your online traffic is routed through this tunnel, preventing outsiders from spying on your activity or identifying you by your IP address or location.
Some key benefits provided by VPNs:
Online Privacy
By hiding your IP address and encrypting data, VPNs prevent cybercriminals, ISPs, and even government agencies from tracking your online footprint and monitoring your internet usage.
Access Blocked Websites & Services
VPNs allow you to bypass geographical restrictions and censorship to access blocked websites and services.
Enhanced Public WiFi Security
Connecting through a VPN secures your data from hackers when using public networks at cafes, airports etc. by creating a private tunnel.
Prevent Targeted Attacks
Obscuring your IP address makes it harder for targeted viruses and attacks to identify and impact your device specifically.
So in summary, VPNs provide online anonymity along with data security and privacy. However, that’s not the same as active virus scanning and removal. Next, let’s talk about the virus protection capabilities of VPN services.
VPNs and Virus Protection
Can a VPN protect you from viruses and malware? VPNs certainly strengthen your online security in several ways, but there are some limitations:
Prevent IP Tracking-Based Viruses
Some viruses target specific devices based on visible IP addresses. VPNs hide your IP, making it much harder for such viruses to track and attack your device.
encrypt Traffic to Prevent Snooping
The encrypted tunnels created by VPN services prevent network snooping attempts that try to identify vulnerabilities in unsecured connections.
Extra Protection on Public Networks
Connecting via a VPN adds an extra layer of encryption on public WiFi networks, securing data from viruses and hackers.
Limited Malware Protection
Traffic filtering through the VPN tunnel provides a degree of scanning for known malware sites and suspicious file downloads. However, this is not at the same level as commercial antivirus suites.
**No On-Device Virus Scanning **
Perhaps most importantly, VPNs cannot actively scan your device’s storage, memory and apps for viruses already present. Only locally running antivirus software can provide real-time interior monitoring and virus removal.
So in summary, while VPNs do enhance device security in several impactful ways, they cannot replace full-spectrum antivirus software. Using them together provides layered protection.
Combining VPNs with Antivirus Software
To ensure complete protection from viruses, you need both – the external, traffic-focused protection of a VPN plus dedicated antivirus software’s inward monitoring of device activity.
Thankfully, leading cybersecurity companies now offer popular security suite bundles that combine VPN services with award-winning antivirus software for all-around defense:
Norton 360
Norton 360 plans combine Norton antivirus engine, rated #1 by AV Test Labs, with a built-in VPN from Symantec to monitor and secure all device traffic. Multiple device plans available.
McAfee Total Protection
McAfee Total bundles its widely-trusted antivirus software with the McAfee Safe Connect VPN for securing connections on the go. Available for unlimited devices.
Bitdefender Premium Security
Bitdefender Premium Security suites offer the company’s advanced malware detection together with 200MB daily VPN traffic via Hotspot Shield’s worldwide network for online protection.
Such security suites provide complete cyber protection in two key ways:
- Powerful Antivirus Engine Continuously monitors all device activity for the signatures, behavioral patterns and file anomalies that indicate viruses, ransomware, spyware and malware.
- **Optimized VPN Integration ** Encrypts web traffic via VPN tunnel to prevent snooping, hides IP address to prevent tracking-based attacks, provides extra layer of WiFi security.
So rather than choosing between a VPN or antivirus, modern security demands that you use both together for bulletproof virus protection and online privacy.
Top Antivirus Software with VPNs
Now that we’ve established the effectiveness of bundled VPN/antivirus protection suites, let’s compare some leading integrated security options for 2023:
1. Norton 360 Antivirus
Norton 360 plans combine Symantec’s renowned Norton Security antivirus engine with a feature-rich VPN solution for all-in-one protection with low system impact.
Norton VPN Highlights
- Optimized servers for high-speed streaming, browsing
- Blocks risky WiFi connections, hides IP on public networks
- No activity logs, unlimited bandwidth
- Works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
- Parental controls
With real-time monitoring from Norton antivirus and encrypted VPN tunnels via Symantec powering all traffic, Norton 360 provides ironclad virus defense.
2. McAfee Total Protection
The first name in consumer cybersecurity, McAfee Total Protection uses next-gen antivirus powered by AI and machine learning together with the versatile McAfee Safe Connect VPN.
McAfee Safe Connect VPN
- Bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption
- Wide range of VPN protocols catering to every network
- Instant alerts for suspicious WiFi networks
- Apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android platforms
- Part of the unlimited device McAfee security ecosystem
McAfee’s enhanced VPN security features combined by real-time scanning and threat analytics from its pioneering antivirus engine offer robust malware protection.
3. Bitdefender Premium Security
Bitdefender Premium Security blends the company’s multiple award-winning malware detection with Hotspot Shield’s fast, highly-rated VPN that injects privacy and encryption into your online activities.
Hotspot Shield Highlights
- Caters to streaming with ultra-fast servers
- Encrypts WiFi traffic on public hotspots
- Zero-knowledge architecture means no user logs
- Works across all major platforms
- Integrates seamlessly with Bitdefender antivirusinterface
With deep system integration between Bitdefender’s rapid antivirus and Hotspot Shield’s trusted VPN platform, you get fuss-free, set-and-forget security.
Conclusion
While VPNs greatly enhance online security through encryption and IP masking, they need to be combined with dedicated antivirus protection for fully defending your devices from virus attacks.
Modern security suite bundles from top-tier brands like Norton, McAfee and Bitdefender integrate award-winning antivirus engines with optimized VPN functionality for safeguarding devices both locally and remotely.
I highly recommend considering such a layered antivirus + VPN bundle solution for 2023 to protect from virus infections, preserve online privacy as well as take advantage of VPN capabilities like accessing region-locked content and public WiFi security. The complete defense offered by bundled suites makes them worth the investment.