VPN VS. Antivirus: which will get in 2023? Surfshark, Norton ™ Secure VPN | Norton Secure VPN for Android and iOS
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So much for the short answer. However, as we have written an entire article on this subject, you can continue to read to explore in more detail the difference between VPN and Antivirus.
VPN and antivirus: should you have both in 2023 ?
Virtual private networks and antivirus software are very different: the former protect your privacy online, and the latter clean and defend your device against viruses and malware. Both are necessary to ensure your digital safety.
So much for the short answer. However, as we have written an entire article on this subject, you can continue to read to explore in more detail the difference between VPN and Antivirus.
Summary
What is an antivirus ?
Antivirus software protects your device from malware: all kinds of software designed for Flying your data, invading your privacy or simply disturbing your systems . Since computer hackers continue to create new types of malware or reproduce the elders, security researchers are constantly striving to discover, identify and neutralize new viruses.
This vicious circle of new threats and research of solutions makes antivirus software dependent on constant updates and quickly applied (although you should always update all your applications). Installation of updates on other applications can simply improve features, however, for antivirus applications, updates are essential for detect and eliminate new viruses .
How an antivirus works ?
An antivirus application does not know how to detect new viruses of itself. For this reason the security researchers must first track them down to analyze them. Malicious software is analyzed in different ways. The threats are so advanced today that antiviruses have gone from simple analysis of the code to seek suspicious bits to monitoring suspicious files to detect known risk behaviors.
Thanks to real -time analyzes which is going on on your device, antivirus protection can intercept a virus, a Trojan horse or a worm before it causes the slightest damage . In addition, having a large basic threat database allows antivirus protection to analyze your system to search for any existing infection.
What does an antivirus do not ?
The disadvantage of antivirus is that basic software only protect you from cyberrencies targeting your device . These do nothing for your online privacy and are not very useful against cybercrimes such as phishing .
Antivirus software is not intended to protect your data collected in a legal manner, although it can be boring, as when an ISP (Internet access provider) stores and sells your navigation history. Finally, they can do nothing if your data is diverted from the internet traffic transmitted via an unsecured Wi-Fi network, etc.
For this reason, antivirus applications are not the only online security barrier that we install on our devices. VPNs are among the other levels of protection.
What are the advantages of an antivirus ?
The advantages of the use of an antivirus are important:
- Dedicated protection against malware: Antivirus software is designed specifically to combat malware, and there is no better tool for that.
- Real -time shield: Antivirus software generally analyzes files when activated, preventing certain threats from triggering.
- Active analyzes: You can configure antivirus software so that it analyzes all of your device to discover inactive malicious software.
What are the disadvantages of an antivirus ?
Most of the disadvantages present by antivirus are inevitable:
- Use treatment resources: An active antivirus application slows down your device a bit. This should not be a problem on modern systems, because the slowdown is tiny.
- May not detect the latest threats: For an antivirus application to identify malware, it must first be detected and studied by the developers of the application. Thus, a brand new virus can go unnoticed.
- Cannot protect you from your own actions: No application can protect you completely from damage caused to your device resulting from reckless action.
- Free antiviruses can be suspect: Many major brands offer free antivirus application versions, however, some less informed people can be fooled by scams posing as antivirus software.
What is a VPN ?
VPN means “Virtual Private Network” (virtual private network), a mode of communication through which your data is not sent directly from your device to the planned online destination. Instead of that, A VPN figures Internet traffic and transports it via a VPN server which deciphers the data before transmitting it.
How does a VPN work ?
Here are the basics of the operation of a virtual private network. These are the basis of all the interesting features offered by a secure VPN service. A secure VPN protects you by encrypting your data, making it thus illegible for anyone who spies on them . So, if an internet service provider wishes to see what you do online or if a hacker has compromised your Wi-Fi access point, all that they will get will be the encrypted gibberish.
Since your data will be sent to a VPN server instead of the desired destination, the local firewalls will not be able to block them . Thus, if the firewall of your workplace does not allow you to access a particular site, you can still access it using a VPN, because the firewall will only see your connection to the VPN server .
It also works in the other direction: any online destination will believe that you are connecting Since the location of the VPN server . On the one hand, it hides your navigation data: if you are in Belgium and you log into via a VPN server in Sweden, the Internet will consider that you are in Sweden. This will also allow you to bypass all kinds of geographic blockages, those who do not allow access to Belgian users as those who only allow Users of Sweden.
Finally, the imprint that you will allow automatically online will present the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the VPN server, not yours. YOU will disguise the fact that you consult the site (unless you connect with your real account/name or publish incriminating information about you).
What are the advantages of a VPN ?
Let’s briefly see the advantages of using a VPN:
- Number your data: A VPN figures the data between your device and the server. The organizations that spy on you are the most likely to knock on this stage of the course, so making your data illegible is very effective in thwarting their projects.
- Mask Your IP address: Your IP address is essentially your personal address online. Show your address wherever you go ? No ? Having a VPN also brings you this level of confidentiality online.
- Go around the blockages: Whether it is a government or a workplace blocking your access to a site or a service, a VPN can easily circumvent these restrictions.
These are only some of the features offered by Surfshark VPN .
What are the disadvantages of a VPN ?
The use of a VPN has certain drawbacks:
- Bandling limitation: A VPN slows down your internet connection a bit when activated. This is inevitable and should go unnoticed on a normal connection.
- Not free : Only high -end VPNs are effective in ensuring the protection of privacy. A free VPN can be used to get around a local firewall, but it does not have the safety features offered by high-end VPNs.
- Not infallible: A VPN cannot prevent you from disclosing your personal information online or being fooled by the most elaborate phishing methods.
What does a VPN do not ?
A VPN cannot protect you from viruses or similar cyberrencies. . Generally, these infections interfere in your device when downloading questionable attachments, cracked software, etc. A VPN provides protection against certain types of malicious software, but it is far from full.
To come to another question that you may ask yourself ..
Do I need an antivirus if I use VPN ?
Yes, You need antivirus software if you have a VPN And of a VPN if you have an antivirus . Each of these tools is designed for a different task. Here is a brief explanation:
Norton Secure VPN
Secure your personal data, such as your passwords, bank details and credit card numbers, when you connect to a public Wi-Fi network on your PC, Mac or Mobile Device with our 60 -day reimbursement guarantee.
Select the number of devices
Savings are calculated in relation to the renewal price of
See the details of the subscription below.*
Savings are calculated in relation to the renewal price of
See the details of the subscription below.*
Savings are calculated in relation to the renewal price of
See the details of the subscription below.*
Get a VPN + Antivirus
Norton 360 Deluxe Covers 5 aircraft with VPN and protection against viruses, malware, ransomware and other online threats. Also includes parental control ‡ and dark web monitoring § .
Savings are calculated in relation to the renewal price of
See the details of the subscription below.*
€ 189.99 for the first 2 years
Then
See the details of the subscription below.*
Detection of compromised and unsecured networks
Automatic security of your connection if you log into suspect Wi-Fi networks.
Traveling access
Connect safely to your favorite websites, videos and apps, whether you are at home or on the go.
Anonymous navigation
Stay anonymous on the internet. Protect your data with a encrypted tunnel that masks your activities and prevents hackers, mobile operators and ISPs from accessing your information when you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Automatically disconnects your Internet device in the event of loss of VPN connection to ensure the protection of your confidentiality. Windows and Android only.
Tunnel segmentation
Choose to secure and anonymize sensitive data without losing access to local services. Windows and Android only.
No newspaper conservation
We do not follow and do not store your online activities.
Why not start your free 30 -day assessment * ?
Norton Secure VPN for 1 device helps protect your personal data, such as your passwords, bank details and credit card information, when you log into a public Wi-Fi network on your PC, Mac® or mobile device.
Required payment method.
At the end of the evaluation period: the paying subscription begins at 29.99 € the first year and is automatically renewed at 49.99 € per year, unless the renewal is canceled. The price is likely to change.
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NORTON SECURE VPN functions
These visuals are screen simulations and can be changed.
These visuals are screen simulations and can be changed.
These visuals are screen simulations and can be changed.
These visuals are screen simulations and can be changed.
Tunnel segmentation
Choose the traffic you want to encrypt, such as access to your online banking or sensitive health data. Secure your sensitive activities, while leaving other applications and services access directly to the Internet.
Windows and Android only.
Ensure the safety of your connection
In the event of loss of the VPN connection, your device will be automatically disconnected. This makes it possible to ensure that your IP address, your location or your identity are not accidentally exposed.
Windows and Android only.
Assured confidentiality, even with us
Unlike other VPNs, we do not follow, do not consign and do not recording your navigation activities.
Help protect your data from computer hackers
If you connect to a Wi-Fi network likely to expose your personal information, you will be alerted to secure your connection.
Why use Norton Secure VPN ?
Some VPN suppliers can see all the websites you visit. Choose a brand
in whom you can trust is essential. With Norton Secure VPN, you benefit from:
Online confidentiality
- Helps you protect your confidentiality online by protecting your Internet data and your location from advertisers, websites and cybercriminels.
- Can block advertising follow -up technologies to avoid being followed online by advertisers and other companies, which helps you eliminate most advertising monitoring on the web.
Access to content
- Allows global access to your favorite apps and sites on the go, as if you were at home.
Wi-Fi security
- Allows you to consult your electronic messages, interact on social networks and pay your bills by being connected to public Wi-Fi access points without fear that cybercriminals intercept the information you send and receive on shared networks.
Privacy and Security
- Uses banking encryption to help ensure the security and confidentiality of the data you send and receive.
Global NorTon Secure VPN server network
Our global network of high -speed VPN servers allows you to modify your virtual location or automatically select the most suitable region. Our servers dynamically adapt to the number of users to guarantee the best performance.
How a VPN and security software
they work together ?
A VPN and security software are two different products, and are both available with Nortonliflock.
VPN
A VPN protects the confidentiality of your navigation activity and the data you send on the Internet, which is particularly important when using public access points.
Security software
Security software protects your computers, tablets and smartphones against malware and viruses. Norton 360 subscriptions include both VPN and security, as well as additional features to help you protect your devices and your online confidentiality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a VPN ?
- To help you protect your confidentiality online by masking your IP address
- To help secure your online activity by encrypting the data associated with it
When you browse the internet, you leave a digital imprint of your activities via your IP address (Internet Protocol). Web browsers generally save your navigation history. In addition, follow -up cookies and pixels are used to record various aspects of your navigation and your purchasing behavior to determine which advertisements to offer you later.
If you use a public Wi-Fi network, you share this network with other users who can access your navigation data through shared connection.
A VPN solves these two problems. When you connect to a VPN, your online activity seems to come from the IP address of the VPN server rather than yours. Your online activity is also encrypted. Therefore, the data sent and received and your online activity is coded.
How does a VPN work ?
When you use a virtual private network, or VPN, it is as if you have your own private network on the Internet. Your online activities are, so to speak, hidden in a tunnel. When you connect to a VPN, you connect from your device to the VPN supplier server. Your online activities is therefore associated with the IP address of this server rather than yours. Once you have connected, the VPN runs in the background. You can browse the web and use apps as you would usually.
What is a VPN service ?
A VPN service is a software supplier that manages servers, often located in many countries, and provides users with VPN access, generally in the form of a subscription. You subscribe to the service, you download the software to your PC or Mac or the app on your mobile device and you can then connect to the VPN according to your needs. The VPN services that offer servers in several countries generally offer you the possibility of selecting your location, then starting the VPN and letting it work in the background while you sail on the Internet as usual.
How to connect to a VPN ?
Connection to a VPN through a VPN service is often done in a few clicks. Once you have subscribed to a VPN service and you have downloaded the office customer or the mobile app, you just need to click on it to connect to the VPN and so that it runs in rear- plan. Some VPN services also allow you to select the location of the server you want to use before connecting.
How to choose the VPN best suited to your needs ?
To choose the VPN that best meets your needs, you should start by examining the functions that are most important for you. These may be factors such as the speed of the service, its availability or its compatibility with your operating system. Because there are many VPN services available, it can be difficult to choose the one that suits you best. To help you choose a VPN service provider, here are the characteristics to take into account:
- Encryption level (AES-256 generally represents the level used by banks)
- Unlimited use of data
- Server locations
- Compatibility with the operating system
- Service speed
- Service availability
- Non-consignment policy
- Privacy Policy
- Support availability
- Advertising monitoring
How to download and configure a VPN ?
Downloading and configuring a VPN offered by a service provider is generally simple. On PC or Mac, you access the supplier’s website to buy a subscription, create an account and download the VPN software. On an Android or iOS device, you download the app from the apps store, then you create an account. Depending on the available options, the configuration options may include:
- The designation of a default main server location
- The possibility of connecting automatically to VPN when an unsecured network is detected
- Activation of alerts when you are connected to an unsecured access point
- Activation of blocking of advertising monitoring
Once your preferences have been defined, you can connect to VPN and navigate the Internet as usual.
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Available for Windows ™ PCs, Mac® and iOS and Android ™ devices: Norton Secure VPN is compatible with PCs, Macs, Android smartphones and tablets, iPad and iPhone. Norton Secure VPN can be used on the number of devices specified, with unlimited use during the subscription period.
Windows ™ operating systems
Microsoft Windows 7 (all versions) with Pack 1 (SP 1) or subsequent version Microsoft Windows 8/8 version.1 (all versions) Microsoft Windows 10 (all versions), with the exception of Windows 10 in S microsoft Windows 11 mode (all versions), except Windows 11 in S mode
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Current version and two previous versions of Mac OS.
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Device safety (includes mobile security)
Some functions are not available on all devices and platforms. Norton Family, Parental Norton control, Cloud Norton and Safecam backup are not currently being supported under Mas OS and Windows 10 in S mode.
Windows ™ operating systems
Compatible with Microsoft Windows 11 Microsoft Windows 10 (all versions) Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 (all versions). Some protective functions are not available in Windows 8 start -up screen browser. Microsoft Windows 7 (all versions) with 1 (SP 1) or subsequent version with Sha2 support for support
Mac® operating systems
Current version and two previous versions of Mac OS. Non -covered functions: Norton Cloud backup, Norton Parental Control, Norton Safecam.
Android ™ operating systems
Android 8.0 or later. Installation of the required Google Play application. Multi-user mode not supported.
IOS operating systems
iPhone or iPad performing the current version or the previous two versions of Apple® iOS.
No one is able to eradicate all acts of cybercrime or identity theft.
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‡ Parental/Norton Family control can only be installed and used on Windows ™ PC and a child’s iOS and Android ™ devices, but some functions are not available on certain platforms. Parents can monitor and manage their children’s activities from any device (Windows PC except Windows in S mode) Mac, iOS and Android, on our mobile applications, or by connecting to their account on my.Norton.com and by selecting parental control via any browser. The mobile application must be downloaded separately. The iOS app is not available in these countries.
The most common browsers are supported, including Chrome, Edge and Firefox. Access to the parental control portal is not supported by Internet Explorer. On iOS and Android, the Norton browser integrated into the application must be used to fully enjoy the functions.
§ Dark web monitoring is not available in all countries. The supervised information vary depending on the country of residence or the chosen subscription. By default, the functionality only examines your email address and begins the analysis immediately. Connect to your account to enter more information for surveillance purposes.
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