We all are aware cybercrimes, spies, hackings, scams are exponentially increasing. To prevent our data from these criminal attacks, one needs to have security that comes from Antivirus and VPNs.
Whenever we talk about internet security and device security. These two terms come into our minds. Recently many of our readers have asked the difference between both, and which one gives more security, VPN or Antivirus? Therefore, we are here with our blog on VPNs vs Antivirus. Read till the end to get your answers.
First of all, let’s discuss them separately to understand their individual benefits.
What Is Antivirus?
An antivirus is a software which if installed; detects, scans, and deletes dangerous viruses. Also, it runs automatically at the back of our devices to prevent viruses from harming our systems. This sort of softwares starts performing every time you do a different activity on the device, such as installing new software, downloading a file, connecting hardware etc.
Usually, people prefer paid antiviruses as it offers more protection to systems.
Benefits Of Antivirus
Protection from viruses is not the only benefit antivirus gives, there’s a lot one can expect from an antivirus.
1. It Blocks Ads And Spam
If you check the scam case studies, you realise there are maximum cases of malicious ads only. Cybercriminals run such ads to attract users and then attack their systems. As a safety guard, antiviruses block such ads and spam.
2. Protects From Hackers And Data Thieves
Hackers can control your devices if you positively respond to their phishing emails. Of course, they can send you an alert for such emails but, they keep scanning the device to delete the virus or hacking based programs in the computer network.
3. Scan Removable Devices For Viruses
Oftentimes, USBs and pen drives slow down the computer speed. It could be due to the presence of a virus in an external device. Antivirus scans all removable devices for you, so you do not experience such issues.
4. Firewall Protection
Antivirus with double firewall protection scans and blocks the phishing emails and files which attempt to steal your confidential data like bank details, financial proofs etc.
5. Password Protection
Giving password security to valuable data isn’t enough. With increasing scams, there is a need to protect passwords as well.
Secure yourself from password breaches and data-stealing with antivirus password protection function.
Antivirus has the potential to protect the data and device from scams; why is there a need to use VPNs?
What Is VPN?
Virtual Private Network allows browsing without declaring the identity, i.e. to connect the device browse with a private server. One can browse geo-restricted content and access restrained services.
VPN offers military-grade encryption therefore, no one will even know what you are browsing. That means, if anyone doesn’t know what data you are processing, how can it be stolen?
It is how one can stay protected with VPNs.
Benefits Of VPNs
There are many perks of having a VPN for your browsing experience.
1. Access To Regionally Blocked Content
It disappoints when you lose access to your content only because you are travelling to a place where it isn’t allowed. Do not worry if you have a VPN, you can safely access your content.
2. Secured Public Connections
We often use public hotspots with a fear that it may affect our device and we could be a victim of another cybercrime. But as we said earlier, when there’s nothing visible, how will it be stolen? Therefore, it’s safe to browse on public Wi-Fi with VPNs.
3. Avert ISP Tracking
Internet service providers track your data to sell it to advertising firms, government bodies and other parties for several reasons. Though it is somewhat safe, it hampers privacy. So if you do not want your activities to be tracked by ISPs, the virtual private network (VPN) is the solution.
4. Online Transaction Security
Though many payment gateways offer two-factor authentication, still some websites work on unsecured servers, which risks your data privacy. To avoid leakage of your data on such payment gateways for websites, VPN is the safest solution.
Conclusion
Indeed, there are differences between antivirus and VPN. Both of them are performing different aspects of system security and data privacy. Still, it is hard to decide whether you need an antivirus or VPN separately or together.
We believe antivirus and VPNs complement each other when it comes to security. There are paid and free options available for both so you can choose the best as per your requirements.
Despite having so many benefits of VPN, some countries don’t allow VPN, such as China, Belarus, North Korea, Oman, U.A.E, etc. So if you belong to any of these countries, the only solution you have is Antivirus. The rest of the countries must go for the combination of antivirus and VPNs.