Antivirus software and VPN services, antivirus vs. vpn is always asked who will win the battle?
Well, this question is basically wrong, because both services arecontradictory in terms of the tasks they provide, but the only thing theyhave in common is the protection feature, but even this feature is providedby both services in its own way.
The right question to ask is What Is TheDifference between vpn and antivirus software ?
Because they are really two different services, so we will see thedifference between them and what is the benefit of each service, and whetherthey are useful to me.
Before getting into the answer to our previous question, it makes sense toknow how the two services work in the first place, and answering thisquestion will answer the previous question.
What is Antivirus
The primary task of antivirus software is to protect the device from anymalicious software that may infect your device, as it provides a layer ofprotection for your device from any malware, viruses, hacking programs,ransomware, and others
The protection program performs a complete scan of the device as long as itis running in the background, as it will check all device files, installedprograms, web pages that you visit, or any code of any kind, if any threatis detected, it will isolate and remove it completely.
It will always keep your device safe from any external threats as long asyou use a good program, so we always advise paid protection programs becausethey provide a very high level of security, and it is preferable to stayaway fromfree antivirus programs because the protection in them is weak.
What is VPN services?
VPN services do not build a firewall for your device against any viruses orany malware, the mission of VPN programs is to provide anonymous Internet browsing, while protecting your privatedata while using the Internet.
VPN offers a virtual tunnel to connect through, as it provides many virtualservers that you can connect to, and these servers are spread around theworld, so it will be almost impossible for anyone to track your data even bythe service provider of your country.
In addition, the VPN service has the ability to open and access websites or applications that are blockedin your country, so it is a good service if you are in a country thatsuppresses some freedoms on the Internet, or prevents access to some sitesor content.
As we said about antivirus software, it is preferable to use a paid VPNservice.
Of course, there are free VPN services , but they cannot be compared to paid programs in terms of the features andprotection that you will get.
What is the difference between vpn and antivirus? Is vpn the same asantivirus?
The answer is No, as protection programs use completely different methodsthan VPN programs, as antivirus programs focus on protecting the device fromany security threats, while the VPN service focuses on protecting the userwhile browsing the Internet.
But in terms of importance, protection programs are more important than VPNprograms, because VPN programs do not have the ability to prevent anymalicious programs from entering the user’s device, and their mission stopsat a certain limit, so protection and defense programs are very important inevery device.
Which is better? VPN or antivirus.
Both programs have a specific goal for which they were designed, and theyboth share one task, which is to protect the user, but in terms ofcomparison, they cannot be compared, and the reason we explained earlier.
Well, let’s put some cases that you may be exposed to and see who is theuseful program in that case:
- You want to browse blocked sites in your country, such as Netflix or Hulu, in this case you need a VPN.
- If you want to protect your device from viruses and malware, you need to install an antivirus program .
- You want to surf the Internet without being tracked, in this case you need a VPN program.
- You want to install external accessories on your device (USB, Hard Drive) and you are afraid of that, you need an external device checker program and this is available in security programs.
What does this mean to me as a user?
Well, there is no program that will provide you with 100% completeprotection, because technology is constantly evolving, and even hackers andintruders looking for any loophole to slip through are also constantlyevolving.
But by integrating the VPN service and antivirus software, you will build two layers of protection foryou and your device, the first will protect your device, and the second willprotect you while browsing the Internet, so by combining them you willincrease the chances of protecting you and your data.
You may come across antivirus software that supports built-in VPNfunctionality, for example Bitdefender VPN and serfshark vpn , which provide the service as part of their anti-malware software.
But even if this is available, it is preferable that the two services beseparate, as the VPN service is added as a feature and not a real service,so you will not get all the power needed for the service while using it, andthe company will not invest its money in a side service.
