Does a VPN Keep You Safe from Computer Viruses?

VPNs (an acronym for Virtual Private Networks) have become increasingly crucial owing to the sensitive data we have from remote locations. And there is no denying the fact that cyber hackers are always on the lookout to steal our sensitive data. In other words, a VPN is the best tool that can protect your connection and secure your online privacy.

In this blog, we will discuss what VPN is and if it really protects us against computer viruses.

First things first!

What is VPN? 

A Virtual Private Network, VPN for short, is a service that enables you to communicate over a public, unsecured, unencrypted network securely by establishing safe, encrypted connections in private. While a VPN can be considered a foundation of any effective cybersecurity system, it does not keep us safe from computer viruses directly.

The main reason why several users ask if a VPN really establishes safety from viruses is that they can see the results. People extensively relying on VPNs are less likely to be infected or attacked by people with malevolent intent. A VPN would not hunt malicious software and have it removed from your device. But the fact is that it is impossible to get exposed to such attacks because hackers will have a hard time laying their trap for you. 

How does VPN boost your security?

• Encoding your communication

• Offering a secure server

• Detaching current malware from the hacker

A VPN provides a protected connection over the Internet between a user and the data, or websites they have connected to and encrypted the data, which is being exchanged across that connection. As a user, you can gain access to a VPN portal on your device – computer, tablet, or mobile device – or you can even choose to navigate to a VPN website. From there you can operate under the VPN protection via the VPN-specific series of protected computers as well as networks.

Does VPN safeguard you against viruses?

A VPN does not safeguard you against viruses or malware on its own. However, it keeps your online traffic secure and makes it private, without having to affect downloads. It will follow an indirect route when it comes to saving you from malware infections. For instance, there are some VPN providers with features that can bar malicious ads or websites.

A Virtual Private Network routes the traffic of your device as well as internet connection through a VPN server. Not only does it mask your IP address but it also encrypts communication, making it indecipherable for unauthorized parties. But, it does make changes to or examine your files. This working mechanism cannot keep your device secure from different types of viruses. That is because malware can be a part of the files you already downloaded.

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No doubt, a VPN works on an active internet connection. A computer virus, on the other hand, can cause damage to your system even when you are offline. A VPN is never considered appropriate when it comes to removing or hunting unwanted malware from your device. It rather makes it difficult for cyber attackers to hack your system.

However, there are some VPNs that come equipped with protective measures that can easily thwart malicious websites. When the known IP address is blocked, it can prevent you from gaining access to such infected websites. 

If a virus has infected your system, there is probably nothing a VPN can do to eliminate the virus. Keep in mind that they are not antivirus solutions nor are they security suites. So, if you are looking forward to receiving a warning any time a threat is menacing your device. In the same way, it will have a hard time putting up much of a fight with a virus or Trojan.

How does a VPN work?

A VPN (or Virtual Private Network) hides your IP address by letting the network have redirected through a specially configured remote server, which is operated by a VPN host. That signifies if you happen to gain access to the internet through a VPN, the VPN server becomes your data source.

It means that your internet service provider (ISP) and other third parties are not able to see which websites you visit or what data is being sent or received by you online. One of the best things about a VPN is that it works more like a filter turning all your data into ‘gibberish’. So, if someone were to get their hands on your data, they would find it useless.