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Take cybersecurity to the next level with Threat Protection

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    Web protection: Block malicious websites, stop web trackers, and remove annoying ads.

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    File protection: Scan newly downloaded files and remove malware.

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    Vulnerability detection: Detect risky applications.

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A man working on his laptop, protected from the multiple threats around him by Threat Protection.
A laptop with Threat Protection enabled and NordVPN connected for increased safety and privacy.

What is Threat Protection?

Threat Protection is a cybersecurity product with prominent antivirus features designed to defend your device against everyday online cyber threats (like malware and trackers). Threat Protection is integrated into the NordVPN app, but it can be purchased separately and does not require a VPN connection to work.

Like an antivirus, NordVPN’s Threat Protection scans the files you download for malware and removes them if they’re infected. It improves your browsing experience by blocking intrusive ads and web trackers that secretly collect information about you. Finally, Threat Protection uses AI-powered phishing detection tools and robust databases to stop you from accidentally entering malicious websites.

Threat Protection benefits

Threat Protection provides multiple benefits to anyone who frequently uses the internet.

A man sitting on top of a browser tab, protected from surrounding threats by Threat Protection.

Malicious URL blocker

Threat Protection automatically scans URLs and blocks access to malware-hosting or otherwise malicious websites. It also protects you from phishing attacks that employ deceptive links or redirects.

Web tracker blocker

Stop websites from using trackers to follow you around the web. Blocking web trackers stops third parties from gathering data on your preferences to later aggressively target you with ads.

Ad blocker

Improve your browsing experience, free up your browser’s resources, and prevent malvertising attacks with our ad blocker.

URL trimmer

Shorten long URLs by getting rid of unhashed tracking parameters. URL trimming not only makes it easier to share links, but also makes it harder for websites to track you across the web.

DNS Filter

Filter your online traffic through NordVPN’s DNS servers to block ads and malicious domains before they reach your device.

A man holding a file being scanned by the anti-malware capabilities of Threat Protection.

Virus scanner

Prevent malicious software from winding up on your system — the Threat Protection virus scanner will automatically check newly downloaded files for known malicious signatures or behaviors and remove any identified as malware.

Double extension detection

Don’t let files trick you with fake extensions. Threat Protection’s file scanner detects double extensions to prevent dangerous malware from sneaking in.

Cloud-based threat detection

Take your security to cloud nine. If the Threat Protection engine can’t determine whether a file is malicious, it can upload it to the cloud for a more detailed scan.

A man holding a magnifying glass over a tab, searching for vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

App vulnerability scanner

Check your software for risks with our app vulnerability scanner. By performing regular scans, you will stay informed of new software vulnerabilities, prompting you to update your apps or use them with caution.

How to enable NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature

01

Open the NordVPN app

Launch the NordVPN app on your device and log in with your credentials.

02

Click the shield

Click on the little shield icon in the left-side menu.

03

Enable Threat Protection

Toggle the switch on — that’s it!

neutralThreat Protection for Mac users is only available on side-loaded versions of the NordVPN app — download the NordVPN app for macOS using this link. To get Threat Protection on PC, download the latest NordVPN app for Windows.

How does Threat Protection work?

A schema of how Threat Protection determines whether a URL is safe to access.

Threat Protection works by checking each potentially hazardous action you take (like clicking on a link) for known risks. It automatically blocks malicious links that seek to take you to dangerous websites, stops privacy-unfriendly web trackers, and performs many other functions to keep you safe online.

Additionally, Threat Protection has a driver that automatically detects newly downloaded files and scans them for malware. If the Threat Protection engine can’t determine if an executable file is dangerous, it can upload the latter to the cloud for an advanced scan. Don’t worry — to protect your privacy, Threat Protection will never upload files that contain personal data (such as images, PDFs, or text documents).

All threats neutralized by Threat Protection — blocked ads, trackers, malicious websites, and malware-infected files — are compiled in a handy dashboard. By analyzing the frequency and source of the threats you face, you can determine which websites you definitely should avoid in the future.

And the best part? You can personalize Threat Protection to suit your needs by turning specific safeguards (such as file protection) on or off. And because it is a separate product integrated into NordVPN, you don’t even need to be connected to a VPN server to get all of Threat Protection’s benefits.

Threat Protection vs. Threat Protection Lite

Choose the best version of Threat Protection for your platform and needs.

Threat Protection

An online security product that works independently of a VPN connection. Threat Protection is powered by cyber threat intelligence and provides similar functionality to an antivirus, with greater focus on user privacy. Available on Windows and macOS.

Threat Protection Lite

Threat Protection Lite is a DNS-based solution that offers some Threat Protection functionality for devices that do not run Windows or macOS. It works by filtering the user’s traffic on NordVPN DNS servers. Available on Android, iOS, and Linux.

Threat Protection

Threat Protection Lite

Available on
Windows, macOS
Android, iOS, Linux
Blocks malicious domains
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Blocks phishing domains
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Blocks intrusive ads
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Blocks malicious links (URLs)
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Blocks phishing links
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Blocks trackers
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Scans files for malware after download
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One-click personal cybersecurity tool

A powerful anti-malware solution that lets you browse with confidence.

Frequently asked questions