Are you concerned about the security of your device? If the answer is inevitably yes, consider two popular defense solutions that can enhance your device’s security: antivirus and a VPN. These solutions are available for anyone and can help protect your PC against several types of digital threats.
What Is Antivirus?
Antivirus software is a program or several programs that are intended to help avoid, look for, identify, and annihilate malicious software such as viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, ransomware, and so on.
Antivirus essentially performs the following tasks:
- Scans a device, its files, and folders by searching for any malicious software or known patterns.
- External drives, USBs or even CDs can also be scanned.
- Scans can be automated, manual, or custom, meaning you can choose which files you want to be checked.
- Eliminates any malware that was identified. Some antivirus programs notify you if that happens, others automatically get rid of the infection.
- Verifies the overall health status of a device.
Make sure you always keep your antivirus updated, so that it can permanently defend your device against the latest e-threats.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) enables users to have a secure internet connection to another network. Basically, it connects your device to another one (a server), enabling it to browse the internet using that server’s connection.
Therefore, if the server being used via the VPN is located in another country, it will seem as though the user is located in that said country, therefore allowing them to have access to more information.
Here is what a VPN does:
- Conceals the user’s IP address.
- Alters the user’s IP address.
- Hides the user’s location.
- Encrypts information transfers.
- Gives access to blocked websites.
Which One Should I Use?
While both solutions do provide some type of protection, your best bet is to use both. Antivirus programs will keep you safe against spyware and malware (malicious programs) and will prevent your device from becoming infected.
Similarly, a VPN alone cannot keep you completely safe. Even though it can protect your identity, it does not provide protection against malicious software being downloaded.
To sum it up, antivirus protects your PC from infections, while a VPN defends you while you are browsing the internet.
In this regard, there are certain antivirus solutions that offer a VPN as an extended feature. Depending on the provider, usage may be limited or unlimited.
Best Antivirus Software of 2024
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More Antivirus FAQs
- Can Antivirus Protect Against Hackers, Ransomware, Phishing…?
- Can Antivirus Software Slow Down Your Computer?
- How Does Antivirus Software Work?
- How Often Should I Run Antivirus Software?
- Is Antivirus Protection Enough?
- Is Antivirus Really Necessary?
- Is Antivirus Software Worth Paying for?
- Is Free Antivirus Software Good Enough?
- Should I Quarantine or Delete Viruses?
- Should I Use Antivirus or a VPN?
- Should I Use Two Antivirus Programs at the Same Time?
- What Features Should Antivirus Software Have?
- What Is a Virus and How Can It Be Stopped?
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