“Do You Need Antivirus Software if You Have NordVPN?”
Many people may have this question.
NordVPN is a service that encrypts internet traffic and enhances security.
Additionally, it offers various features to protect devices (PCs, tablets, and smartphones) from online threats.
In this article, we will explain whether NordVPN alone is enough or if you still need antivirus software.
目次
Is Antivirus Software Unnecessary if You Have NordVPN?
Conclusion: Do You Still Need Security Software if You Have NordVPN?
The answer is yes, you still need security software (antivirus software) even if you use NordVPN.
This is because VPNs and security software serve different purposes.
Below is a table summarizing which one is recommended for different scenarios.
| Using Free Wi-Fi | VPN |
| Encryption of Internet Communication | VPN |
| Protection of Internet Communication Privacy | VPN |
| Hide IP Address | VPN |
| Bypassing Government Internet Censorship | VPN |
| Virus Scan for Devices | Security Software |
| Malware Detection and Removal for Devices | Security Software |
| Warn Against Suspicious Device Activity | Security Software |
| Scan External Memory (USB, etc.) | Security Software |
As you can see, VPNs and security software have distinct strengths.
To summarize simply:
- VPNs protect privacy and prevent information leaks while using the internet.
- Security software protects devices from viruses and malware attempting to infiltrate them.
Commercial security software (antivirus software) includes Trend Micro VirusBuster, ESET, Norton, Kaspersky, McAfee, ZERO Virus Security, and Avast, among others.
NordVPN also offers an antivirus feature.
NordVPN offers a Threat Protection (Threat Protection Pro) feature that helps defend against viruses and malware.
Therefore, when using NordVPN, you are not completely unprotected against viruses and malware.
The Threat Protection features include:
| Blocking Malicious Websites | A feature that blocks access to malicious websites (such as phishing sites and pages containing malware) and displays a warning message. |
| Ad Blocking | A feature that removes intrusive ads displayed on websites. This also helps prevent accidental clicks on ads that may lead to dangerous sites. |
| Scan Files During Download | A feature that scans files downloaded from the internet, such as free software, to check for potential threats. |
| Prevent Tracking | A feature that prevents behavioral tracking conducted by web marketers. It also automatically removes tracking parameters attached to URLs, which are used to track which links you have clicked. |
| Vulnerability Detection | A feature that scans installed software on a Windows PC and detects any vulnerabilities. When a vulnerability is detected, you will receive a notification, allowing you to update the software to the latest version or uninstall it if it’s no longer needed as a preventive measure. |
Features may vary depending on the device.
Is Threat Protection Enough?
After reading this far, you might be wondering, “If NordVPN has Threat Protection, do I still need security software?”
While NordVPN’s Threat Protection does offer a certain level of device protection, it is not sufficient on its own.
For example, Trend Micro VirusBuster Cloud has a feature that:
- Detects and blocks ransomware attacks that attempt to encrypt your files and demand a ransom.
However, NordVPN’s Threat Protection does not provide this level of security, making additional security software necessary for complete protection.
NordVPN’s Threat Protection has a drawback of being heavier on system performance compared to traditional security software.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored whether NordVPN alone is enough or if security software is still necessary.
If you want to maintain online anonymity and privacy while also protecting your device from viruses and malware, it is recommended to use both NordVPN and security software together.
While NordVPN’s Threat Protection does provide some level of security, its features are limited, and it tends to slow down system performance.
Having some protection is better than none, but if you want comprehensive device security, consider installing dedicated security software as well.
Personally, I use NordVPN along with ESET Security Software, which is highly rated for its lightweight performance and effective virus protection.
Using a VPN ensures that all data is encrypted, preventing hackers from intercepting and reading your communications.
However, if you accidentally download a malicious file containing malware from a website or email, it will still reach your device.
To reduce the risk of virus infections, security software is essential.