Surfshark Antivirus vs. NordVPN Antivirus: Which Offers the More Robust Protection

Key Takeaways:

• While both services are more known as VPN clients, they also offer antivirus for online protection.
• Surfshark has more comprehensive antivirus features, including a kill switch for all-round protection.
• NordVPN has an efficient malware blocker and threat protection that scans files you download.

What is Surfshark Antivirus?

Surfshark Antivirus is not a standalone antivirus program; instead, it is an additional feature offered within Surfshark’s cybersecurity suite, Surfshark One. It provides real-time protection, consistently monitoring your device for threats.

This antivirus offers two ways to scan your system: Order an immediate in-depth scan and Schedule a scan. The first option allows you to scan your device immediately and remove hidden threats, while the second option allows you to carry out the scan at a convenient time in the future.

What is the NordVPN Antivirus?

NordVPN is a VPN tool with an antivirus feature called Threat Protection that offers some antivirus functionalities. However, with the introduction of Threat Protection Pro, more advanced antivirus options have been added to this tool.

The Threat Protection Pro feature of NordVPN checks downloaded files for malware and eliminates it if it finds any. It enhances your online experience by preventing invasive advertisements and web trackers that secretly gather personal data.

It also employs strong databases and AI-driven phishing detection systems to prevent you from accidentally visiting risky websites. It recognizes even zero-day phishing assaults and websites that are likely to con or deceive you.

Surfshark Antivirus vs. NordVPN Antivirus

Malware Scanning

Surfshark incorporates a feature called CleanWeb. CleanWeb’s primary goal is to stop malware at its source, usually when a user is browsing. For web browsers like Chrome and Firefox, it functions as an extension. Some of the functions of CleanWeb include the following:

• Real-time Blocking: Real-time website scanning is done by CleanWeb by comparing the scanned URL to a database of known malware and phishing sites. It will stop access to a harmful website if it finds one, keeping you from unintentionally downloading malware.
• Limited Scans: CleanWeb does not offer traditional antivirus features like real-time system protection and device-wide malware detection. Instead, it aims to prevent downloads from occurring.

NordVPN, on the other hand, offers a separate add-on called Threat Protection Pro that includes some antivirus capabilities. It carries out malware scanning in the following ways.

• Download Scanning: Threat Protection Pro checks downloaded files against a malware database in real-time, much like CleanWeb. This lessens the chance that malicious software will enter your system through downloads.
• Limited System Scans: Threat Protection Pro provides a few simple on-demand scans that can be manually enabled to look for malware in particular files or folders. However, this falls short of offering the same level of comprehensive security as a specialized antivirus tool that performs routine system scans.

Real-time Scanning

Although NordVPN and Surfshark have capabilities dealing with online security, they use very different methods for real-time scanning. Below is a breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses in this area.

Surfshark Antivirus:

• Robust Protection: Surfshark Antivirus has a practical real-time scanning feature that checks your computer for malware. It applies to scanning, downloading, opening, or copying files to your device. It also monitors system processes and applications to find and stop possible attacks.
• Customizable Scans: Surfshark offers a variety of scanning options to provide flexibility. You may set up scans to run periodically at predetermined intervals, do a full system scan for a more in-depth analysis, or select a rapid scan that concentrates on important areas.
• Lightweight: Surfshark antivirus is lightweight despite its extensive scanning capabilities. It shouldn’t seriously affect your device’s speed or cause your system to lag.

NordVPN Antivirus:

• Focus on Download: NordVPN’s Threat Protection’s main objective is to scan downloaded files in real-time. As you download files, it connects with your browser to check them against a database of known risks. This method provides defense against malware that targets downloaded content in particular.
• Limited Scope: NordVPN Threat Protection does not provide continuous, real-time system scanning like Surfshark. It doesn’t actively look for existing malware infections or monitor system processes.
• Convenience for VPN Users: Threat Protection provides an easy-to-use integrated security layer for NordVPN subscribers.

Vulnerability Detection

Surfshark Antivirus:

• In-depth System Scans: Surfshark Antivirus provides a more thorough method of identifying vulnerabilities. It has a function called “Vulnerability Scanning” that checks your entire system for security flaws, out-of-date software, and weak setups. By being proactive, it can find and fix possible security flaws before attackers may take advantage of them.
• Limited Platform Support: At this time, Surfshark Antivirus can only scan vulnerabilities on Windows-based devices. This is a drawback for Android or Mac users who won’t be able to take advantage of this particular feature.

NordVPN Antivirus:

• Focus on Threats on the Web: NordVPN’s Threat Protection focuses on web browsing vulnerabilities. It does not provide a specific system-wide vulnerability scanner, but it does check downloaded files for possible infection. It may overlook security holes in your device’s current software or configuration.
• Integration Advantage: Threat Protection, integrated into the NordVPN app, is a practical benefit. For users who prefer simplicity, the fact that vulnerability detection doesn’t need installing or maintaining a separate tool might be advantageous.

Firewall Protection

SurfShark Antivirus

There is no built-in firewall in Surfshark. Nonetheless, the company provides a wealth of tools and information on its website to help users manage and activate the firewall feature. This feature comes pre-installed with most operating systems (such as Windows Firewall or macOS Firewall), putting the user’s responsibility for managing and understanding firewall settings on the user.

NordVPN Antivirus

As with Surfshark, NordVPN’s software does not include a separate firewall. Instead, it emphasizes the value of firewalls and advises users to take advantage of the firewall features already included in their operating system.

Web Protection

Surfshark Antivirus:

Surfshark’s CleanWeb aims to protect you while you browse in real-time. It integrates with your browser to prevent you from dangerous websites. Here is how it works.

• Safeguard Against Malicious Sites: CleanWeb tracks websites linked to spam, malware distribution, or phishing attempts and automatically blocks access to them when you attempt to view them, shielding you from accidentally downloading viruses or fraud.
• Ad Blocking: Ad-blocking features are integrated into CleanWeb, eliminating invasive ads and trackers that may slow down your browsing and perhaps collect personal data. As a result, browsing is more organized and seamless.

NordVPN Antivirus:

NordVPN’s Threat Protection includes a web filtering aspect similar to CleanWeb, offering some web protection.

NordVPN’s web filters appear to prioritize obstructing websites known to house malware or phishing scams. It might not filter every kind of unwanted content, such as trackers or invasive adverts, as thoroughly as CleanWeb.

Webcam Protection

Surfshark Antivirus:

Surfshark Antivirus’s One and One+ subscription plans include a specialized webcam protection function. This function compiles a “whitelist” of apps that are allowed to use your webcam.

Any other program will not use your webcam, preventing unwanted access and possible video monitoring.

Surfshark also allows you to manage your webcam access with fine control. Adding, removing, or changing apps on the whitelist is simple and guarantees that reliable apps can only use your camera.

Finally, the smooth integration of the webcam protection feature with Surfshark allows you to manage your online security from a single location.

NordVPN Antivirus:

On the other hand, NordVPN does not yet have a feature specifically designed to safeguard webcams. The Threat Protection add-on doesn’t directly address webcam access but provides some security against malicious downloads.

Surfshark VS NordVPN

Both Surfshark and NordVPN are great tools that offer unique features to protect you from malicious sites. Even though Surfshark has an advantage over NordVPN regarding real-time and webcam protection, choosing the best tool will depend on your preferences and needs.

If you found this post informative, you will also enjoy this other guide that compares PowerDirector VS CapCut.