About the test
West Coast Labs (WCL), a prominent technical research and product testing organization, conducted an in-depth evaluation of NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ feature, focusing on its anti-malware capabilities. This assessment is designed to ensure that the tool functions as promised and meets high standards for ease of use and reliability in real-world scenarios.
The WCL validation process goes beyond a basic test, covering the entire product lifecycle — from purchasing to functionality and complete removal. WCL’s framework assesses products in phases to reflect typical user experience. It evaluates the tool’s interface, ease of use and installation, and malware detection accuracy, focusing on real-time scanning and accuracy in threat reporting. The validation also covers the quality and responsiveness of customer support and tests the product’s uninstallation process to ensure no lingering files remain on the system.
This validation also serves as an entry requirement for the Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI) program, which gives NordVPN another opportunity to demonstrate its high-security standards.
How did we rank?
WCL tested NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ in a secure, isolated Windows 11 environment, with WCL’s lab setup simulating real-world conditions for reliable results. The product earned the highest AAA rating and achieved an impressive 99.8% detection rate for high-threat malware. This rating confirms that NordVPN’s solution exceeded standard criteria across all tested categories.
Here’s a breakdown of what WCL found in its extensive testing and why NordVPN Threat Protection Pro™ earned top marks:
- Purchase. The product was rated highly for its smooth buying experience, which included secure payment, flexible licensing, and a 30-day refund policy.
- Deployment and installation. Installation was easy and customizable, with options for installation paths and add-ons, which ensured a flexible and user-friendly setup.
- User interface and documentation. The interface received praise for ease of use and clear settings. In-app resources, including setup guides and FAQs, allow users to get the most out of the product.
- Anti-malware capabilities. Threat Protection Pro™ excelled in real-time malware detection, providing accurate threat reports and effective remediation options that allow users to respond quickly to detected threats.
- Customer support. The support system for Threat Protection Pro™ includes multiple options such as FAQs, email, and a live chat with a 48-hour response guarantee, giving users timely assistance when needed.
- Product removal. WCL confirmed that removal is thorough and leaves no residual files. Users can also choose to delete specific data components.
Learn more about our WCL rating here: https://www.westcoastlabs.com/wclvalid/threat-protection-pro.
Why does it matter?
Malware, or malicious software, is a growing threat to anyone online. It can take many forms — viruses, spyware, trojans — and each can cause serious harm. Malware can steal sensitive information, track browsing activity, lock users out of their own devices, and even compromise financial accounts. A single malware infection can lead to data breaches, financial loss, and identity theft for both individuals and businesses.
Yet malware is just one of many cyber threats. Fake websites designed to steal information or spread malware, phishing schemes, and ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and traditional antivirus tools often can’t keep up.
How does NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ keep you protected?
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ is an advanced cybersecurity tool that offers powerful, real-time protection against malware to make browsing safer. It includes a malware scanner that checks files as they are being downloaded and instantly blocks harmful ones. An ad blocker prevents intrusive ads from exposing you to infected content, while a tracker blocker stops websites from secretly following you online.
Threat Protection Pro™ also includes a search results safety indicator to detect any dangerous or malicious sites before you even click. Its anti-phishing feature adds another layer of protection. It uses AI and a large database to stop access to phishing links and malicious websites, including new threats that even traditional tools might miss.
Online security starts with a click.
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