This is a very common question that most beginner VPN users tend to ask, given the emphasis that this kind of software puts on security. But the answer goes beyond a simple yes or no, and in fact both are kind of true here actually… so further elaboration is much needed.
On the one hand, if a virus infects your computer there’s nothing a VPN can do against it. They are not antivirus solutions nor security suites, so don’t expect warnings any time a menace is threatening your device. Likewise, it will certainly not be able to put up much of a fight against a virus or Trojan or even move any issue to quarantine, let alone delete it for good.
However, if we think about it, a VPN connection does provide some indirect protection against viruses and other harmful computer files. Some of the big name security software companies already include a VPN service as part of their full security suites and many times these include website advisors, which warn you about how trustworthy any given site is before accessing it. This is the case of Avira, for instance, whose Phantom VPN also allows the installation of Browser Security.
Regardless, it is important to have the notion that viruses and other malware are not the only menaces you’ll find online. Often, just accessing the internet on a public Wi-Fi hotspot is enough to open up some concern, as any person with the appropriate skills can quite easily spy on you and your online activity. Say, for example, you happen to do some online shopping at the time or manage your banking information through a web browser, all these details will be visible not only to the owner of the internet hotspot but to other users, too. At this point, getting access to and stealing your information is child’s play. Yet with a VPN active, that public Wi-Fi suddenly becomes much safer, as everything you do will be encrypted, preventing anyone from spying on you.
With this in mind, it’s recommended to have both a VPN and an antivirus, especially on computers. This way not only will you ensure a secure and anonymous connection, but if any malware, spyware or viruses do manage to infect your computer then they’ll be quickly taken care of.
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