Does a VPN Protect You From Viruses? What You Need To Know

Unfortunately, a VPN can’t protect you from all the lurking dangers on the internet. It won’t protect you from phishing sites, fake websites, infected ads, or malicious download files. You shouldn’t rely on only a VPN, but instead safeguard your digital life with an antivirus program.

Virtual private networks (VPNs) are widely adopted tools for improving your personal privacy and security on the internet. They help protect you from cyberthreats, like data tracking and man-in-the-middle attacks. Given their capabilities, you may wonder what VPNs can actually protect your device from.

In this article, we will cover what a virus is, what the best VPNs can and can’t protect you from, and additional methods you can use to keep yourself safe online.

Does a VPN protect you from viruses?

A VPN makes your online experience more secure and private by forming an encrypted connection that effectively hides your IP address. This will help protect you from cyberthreats, such as data snoops, and keep man-in-the-middle attacks at bay.

However, a VPN won't protect you from viruses. Malicious emails, downloads, and websites can still find their way onto your machine. Although a few VPNs, such as NordVPN, have antivirus features like Threat Protection Pro, the majority of VPNs available are not a substitute for robust antivirus software.

For comprehensive online security, it's best to get a VPN with antivirus features, or use a VPN alongside reliable antivirus software.

Best VPNs with antivirus protection

Here are some of the best VPN services that bundle antivirus add-ons for enhanced online security:

• NordVPN: NordVPN enhances your online security with features like Threat Protection Pro and an ad blocker, shielding you from malicious websites and intrusive ads.
• Surfshark VPN: Surfshark VPN offers robust online protection with its antivirus add-on in its Surfshark One plan, and an effective ad blocker to prevent malware and unwanted ads.
• CyberGhost: CyberGhost ensures your safety online with its ad blocker and the CyberGhost Security Suite, which includes an antivirus add-on for comprehensive protection.

What is a virus?

A computer virus is a kind of malicious software that can multiply itself and then spread to other devices without your knowledge. These viruses can wreak absolute havoc on your system, causing unexpected behavior and enormous destruction.

Common types of viruses include browser hijackers, which can change your web browser's settings without permission; file infectors, which spread when you run infected executable files; and web scripters, which exploit security holes in browsers to run malicious code.

By understanding the various virus types, you may be able to recognize potential threats and take appropriate measures. For more in-depth information, check out our detailed what is a virus guide.

How viruses infect your device

Viruses can infiltrate your device through various channels, exploiting common behaviors and security gaps. Here are some typical ways viruses can infect your device:

• Emails: Phishing emails often come with attachments or links that contain viruses. Opening these attachments or clicking on these links can lead to an immediate infection.
• Software downloads: Downloading software from unreliable sources can introduce viruses to your device. These viruses are often hidden within the software package or bundled with other programs.
• Removable media: Using infected USBs or external hard drives can transfer viruses to your computer. This is especially risky in environments where devices are frequently shared.
• Malicious sites: Visiting compromised or fake websites can result in drive-by downloads, where a virus is downloaded to your device without your knowledge.
• Online advertisements: Also known as malvertising, malicious ads can appear on both suspicious and legitimate websites. Clicking on these ads can trigger a virus download.

How to tell if your device is infected with a virus

Detecting a virus infection early can prevent further damage to your device. Here are some tell-tale signs that your device might be compromised:

• Unusual slowness: If your device suddenly becomes slow or unresponsive, a virus might be consuming its resources.
• Frequent crashes: Regular system crashes or blue screens of death (BSOD) can indicate a deep-seated infection.
• Overheating: Devices that overheat quickly could be running intensive, unauthorized processes due to a virus.
• Unexpected pop-ups: An increase in unsolicited pop-up ads, even when you’re not browsing the internet, often signals adware or other malicious software.
• New or missing applications: Finding unfamiliar apps installed or noticing that some applications are missing can be a sign of a virus modifying your system.
• Unauthorized changes: Changes to your settings, like a new homepage or altered security configurations, can suggest a virus has taken control.
• High network activity: Unexplained spikes in network activity can indicate that a virus is sending data from your device.
• Strange emails: If your contacts report receiving odd emails from you or if you find unrecognized emails in your sent folder, your email could be compromised.
• Disappearing files: Important files that are suddenly missing or corrupted may point to a virus infection.

By keeping an eye out for these symptoms, you can quickly respond to potential virus infections and protect your device from further harm.

How to protect against viruses

The best way to stay safe online from viruses is through practicing good online hygiene. Though a VPN can add some level of security, you must still be cautious before opening any link, signing up for any website, or downloading files. Here are a few tips you can follow to protect yourself from viruses:

Get an antivirus

Using the best antivirus software is the most effective way to safeguard your device and remove any existing virus infections. Antivirus programs can detect, quarantine, and eliminate malicious software before it can cause significant harm.

Antivirus vs. VPN

It may be off-putting to need an antivirus if you already have a subscription to a reliable VPN. However, understanding the distinct roles they play in your online security can clarify why both are essential.

	Antivirus	VPN
What it does	Protects against viruses and malware infections	Encrypts internet connection
How it works	Scans and removes malicious software	Routes traffic through secure servers
Benefits	Comprehensive malware protection	Privacy and anonymity online

Use unique passwords

By using unique, strong passwords, you can significantly reduce the chance of hackers gaining entry to sensitive information from your accounts. Strong passwords can stop you from being exposed to online threats, which can happen when someone steals your credentials. You can use a password manager to increase the safety of your login credentials.

Enable 2FA

Turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) steps it up a notch by adding another level of protection to your online accounts. It doubles the protection and informs you in case a virus or an unauthorized person is trying to gain access to your accounts or make changes.

Watch for phishing scams

By learning to recognize phishing scams, you can avoid being tricked into downloading infected files or giving away personal information. Being vigilant against these deceptions is one of the best ways to remain secure online.

Stick to official websites

Using secure and official websites minimizes the risk of encountering links that lead to viruses. Trusted websites are less likely to host malicious content that can infect your device.

Be careful what you download

Viruses can be hidden in seemingly legitimate software downloads, such as fake video games or copied apps. Always verify the source and legitimacy of the software before downloading it to your device.

Watch for unsafe links

Clicking on unsafe links, often found in emails or on questionable websites, can lead to downloading viruses. Be cautious and verify the safety of links before clicking on them.

Keep your device updated

When you keep your device updated, you are well equipped with the latest security features and patches. These may be the very things that prevent a new virus from exploiting an unknown vulnerability and taking over your device.

What to do about a virus infection

If your device gets infected with a virus, prompt action is crucial to minimize damage. Follow these steps to address the infection:

1. Disconnect from the internet: Immediately remove your device from any network to prevent the virus from spreading and limit data leakage.
2. Run an antivirus scan: Use your antivirus software to perform a thorough scan of your device. Quarantine or delete any detected threats.
3. Back up important data: Save essential files to an external drive or cloud storage. Ensure the backup is clean and free of infection.
4. Delete suspicious files: Manually check for and delete any files or applications you don’t recognize or trust.
5. Update your system: Install the latest updates for your operating system and software to patch security vulnerabilities that the virus might exploit.
6. Change your passwords: Update your passwords, especially for sensitive accounts like email and banking, to prevent unauthorized access.
7. Reset your device (as a last resort): If the virus persists and other methods fail, restore your device to its factory settings. Ensure you have backups before proceeding.

By following these steps, you can effectively mitigate the impact of a virus infection and restore your device to a secure state.

FAQs

Bottom line

While a VPN can protect you from some online threats, such as data snooping and man-in-the-middle attacks, it won't protect you from viruses. Viruses can infiltrate your device through malicious emails, downloads, and fake websites, which a VPN can't guard against.

To stay safe, it's crucial to use both a VPN and antivirus software. Practice good online habits like using unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious with downloads and links.