Computer viruses have been wandering around the web universe for a very long time. Some people are extremely cautious with their online activities and interactions, while some others fearlessly click on every ad they see and download any attached content in their email inboxes, without even knowing who the sender is.
Letting a virus enter your online assets and software could have catastrophic consequences. For example, they can inexplicably replicate your data, eat up huge chunks of your hard drive available storage space and attach to other files of your device, infecting them in the process.
If you have a virus, a possible scenario involves your computer and email account sending infected attachments to your contacts for no reason, increasing the chances of the infection reaching other devices or equipment. That’s why people recommend disconnecting from Internet access as soon as you find out you may have “contracted” a computer virus.
Your device will get slower because of the occupied storage space; programs take forever to start, your PC will freeze over time, random restarts are going to occur, and, more importantly, valuable data can get damaged or impossible to access. All of the reasons previously mentioned explaining why computer viruses are so feared and are the cause of owners continually looking for security measures to feel more secure while browsing the web, streaming online, and reading the daily news. Anti-virus software and VPNs are some of the most effective resources the digital world puts on your hands to help you win the battle against malware.
A borrowed identity
VPN can make sure you acquire a temporary, borrowed internet identity so you can stream content internationally, share files via Torrents, securely perform online transactions, and be nearly untraceable for hackers and third agents, but it can’t scan malicious agents or block viruses from entering your software or device.
It is essential to be clear about it: VPN can protect your computer against the advances of hackers, but its work against computer viruses is nearly non-existent. Because your data will remain a mystery for everyone, including online pirates, they will not have access to your private data or photos, and other relevant information about yourself or even your family.
Not only free Virtual Private Networks can’t protect you from malware, Trojan horses, worms, viruses, ransomware or any file or software that may infect your equipment, but they are also more innocent targets for the developers of these agents. Free VPN can have its advantages, but when hundreds of stable paid versions are easily obtainable for sums like $5 or $10 per month, the decision is more straightforward: get a quality VPN with a monthly, or yearly, subscription plan.
Anti-virus solutions can save your most valuable assets from unwanted attacks
The use of anti-virus software is not only recommended in today’s virtual reality, but it is also necessary. Millions of infected or suspicious files wander around the Internet waiting to find a clueless, unprotected computer owner and Internet user that inadvertently clicks on a web popup, or downloads an unknown email attachment to get infected and compromise his files.
Some of the most efficient and effective anti-virus plans and programs can scan every attachment or link before you choose to open it, letting you know that it may be dangerous for your device or software. If the anti-virus finds infected files, it will proceed to eliminate them or putting them into quarantine.
A good anti-virus system and software can let you know which links, URLs, and files represent a threat to your device’s wellbeing. Some of the most reliable alternatives are BitDefender Antivirus, Avast, AVG Antivirus, and ZoneAlarm. To specifically combat ransomware, then Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware and Cybereason Ransomfree can become your best friends.
Can VPN protect you against computer viruses?
While it is true that VPN providers can’t successfully protect you from computer viruses, they can certainly make it harder for hackers and viruses developers to reach or track you. With a Virtual Private Network, you will be using a borrowed, temporary IP address from a pool of existing ones that your provider will give you, increasing your anonymity and online privacy.
VPNs are excellent online privacy and protection resources that take your data and traffic and encrypt them, sending them to remote servers in virtual or simulated “tunnels.” While your browsing history, location information, IP address, passwords and credit card information are in the computer-generated tunnel, third agents like malware developers, virus creators, governmental institutions, advertising marketers, big companies, and even your internet service provider will have a hard time identifying and tracking you on the web.
Another way that VPN can protect you against computer viruses is in online streaming. In fact, VPN is an excellent way to unblock geographically restricted channels, services and web pages from virtually any location in the world. For example, if you are in Japan and want to watch the Major League Baseball (MLB) or the National Football League (NFL) online channels, all you have to do is acquire a quality provider and connect to a United States server. Doing this with a VPN will help you stay anonymous and make the whole experience more secure, despite not being able to block viruses per se.
Also, if you are an avid gamer, you will find VPNs very attractive because you will be able to play online (which is a territory full of threats) with your original IP address well hidden, bypassing all types of controls and restrictions while being nearly invisible on the web. It helps you be protected against viruses because, in the online gaming world, malware developers proliferate and are notorious, but if they can’t locate you or identify your IP address, it will not be easy to target you.
Of all the options available in the market right now, TorGuard is the most reliable and accountable according to the experts. It allows you to connect five different devices at the same time while using the VPN services, which also include servers in many locations in the world and an excellent customer service team. Other dependable options, if you are looking for further alternatives, are IPVanish and Private Internet access, or PIA.
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| Multi-platform Compatible | ||
| 256-AES Encryption | ||
| PRICE | $5 for 1 month with code "best10VPN" | $6.95 a month |
| Website Rating | 9.9 | 8.8 |
| 24/7 Live Chat | ||
| Residential / Dedicated IP for permanent streaming access | ||
| Has Mobile App + PC / Mac Support | ||
| Stealth VPN / Advanced Obfuscation techniques | ||
| Visit VPN Provider | Visit TorGuard | Visit PIA |
The Verdict
In conclusion, while VPNs can’t protect you against computer viruses by themselves, they do have encryption technologies that hide your data, traffic, and, most importantly, your IP address, which is your online identity and the most natural way that these viruses’ creators and developers have to track you while you surf the web.
If you have a quality VPN provider, with secure servers and effective encryption measures and technologies, then you shouldn’t be too worried, because the odds that hackers will lose time and efforts trying to trace someone who is implementing technology to hide are extremely low. This is the main strength of VPN while combating against computer viruses: you will be almost invisible to anyone on the web.
Another advice would be avoiding free VPN options at all costs. Not only their encryption measures, methods, and technologies are nowhere near as effective as some of the paid brands in the market; but also, they fill your session with annoying and dangerous ads that represent threats to your security by themselves.
Free VPN is, in fact, significantly more frequently targeted than paid services, and they are not useful in combating malware and viruses or in providing full anonymity or privacy. If you can, dismiss the option of acquiring a free VPN.
The best way to stay protected and private in your online ventures is acquiring both a right VPN service provider and a good anti-virus software that can help you scan malicious files or bad links, and can eliminate them from your device, your software and your life.
