NordVPN’s malware blocker: Online protection 24/7

Blocks malicious websites for safer browsing.
Protects your devices from the newest threats.
Scans files during download to prevent malware attacks.

What is malware?

Malware is any malicious software built to gain unauthorized access to your device and, in most cases, steal information for financial gain. Malware comes in many forms, including viruses, adware, worms, trojans, spyware, ransomware, keyloggers, and rootkits. If malware infects your computer or smartphone, it may steal your personal or financial information, damage your device, or cause other serious problems. Learn how malware works.

How to prevent malware attacks

Click with caution

One wrong click could lead to a malware infection, so be careful when interacting with links, dismissing pop-ups, or visiting new websites. The “Download” button or the “X” on an ad can sometimes trick people into downloading malicious files to their devices.

Use apps responsibly

Never download apps without doing research first. See what other people have to say about them, and only download them from the official developer’s website. Some free apps may actually be malicious programs in disguise.

Use security software

By the time you find out that malware is already on your device, it could be too late to save your data. Prevention is key, so use something that will stop malware from getting into your device in the first place. Something like NordVPN.

Why choose NordVPN’s malware blocker

A person enables NordVPN’s malware blocker.

A person blocks shady websites with NordVPN.

A person avoids malicious ads and pop-ups.

A cybersecurity expert monitors various malware types.

A person scans files with Threat Protection.

A person blocks trackers with malware protection.

User-friendly
No additional setup needed — just enable Threat Protection on your NordVPN app, and you’re good to go.
Block shady websites
Our malware blocker automatically scans URLs as you’re going about your daily business to stop you from visiting unsafe websites.
Avoid malicious ads
Threat Protection blocks annoying and potentially malicious ads and pop-ups for a better and safer online experience.
Threat intelligence
Our cybersecurity experts continuously monitor global security threats to keep NordVPN users safe from new types of malware.
Scan all file types
In addition to blocking malware, Threat Protection scans files that could be malicious as you’re downloading them.
Deep file scan
You can also upload a suspicious executable file (like an .exe or .app) to the cloud to check if it’s safe to use.
Block web trackers
Most websites use web trackers to collect data about you. Threat Protection blocks them, giving you even more online privacy.

Start using NordVPN’s malware blocker

Just enable the malware blocker in your NordVPN app — and we’ll do the rest.

Open the NordVPN app.

Click the shield icon on the left.

Turn on web protection.

Other ways to protect your devices from malware

Antivirus

Antivirus software is one of the best malware protection tools. A reliable antivirus will help you detect and delete malware from your device before it has time to cause major damage. Make sure you perform regular scans to keep your device safe.

VPN

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, generally making you safer and more private online. When you’re using a VPN, it becomes more difficult for cybercriminals to target you directly, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Secure browser

A secure or safe browser provides additional security features, like blocking trackers and URLs that may contain malware. You can customize these browsers to give you more privacy and security as you surf the web.

Firewalls

A firewall is a cybersecurity tool that blocks malicious traffic from entering a network. While firewalls are typically used by enterprises, you can get a firewall for the device you want to protect. It will act as a gatekeeper and keep out malicious traffic.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need protection from malware?

Getting malware on your computer, laptop, or smartphone can cause irreversible damage. Some types of malware can be used to steal, encrypt, or even delete your data. That’s why it’s important you use the right cybersecurity measures to protect against it, including antivirus and anti-malware software. Enable Threat Protection on your NordVPN app and make your digital life much safer.

How does NordVPN’s malware blocker work?

Before connecting you to any website, NordVPN’s Threat Protection automatically checks a real-time list of domains and URLs that are known for hosting malware. If it sees that you’re about to visit a dangerous page, NordVPN will block your access. Instead of landing on the webpage, you’ll get a warning message. The malware blocker feature will make your browsing safer and smoother without tracking your activity.

Can malware be removed?

Yes, malware can be removed — most of the time. There are tools specifically designed for malware detection and removal (like NordVPN’s malware blocker). However, sometimes removal can’t fix the damage done — your files may be already lost or the virus could be so deep in the system that you’d have to reset your device completely. In these cases, you may need to remove malware manually.

How can you tell if you have malware?

Different kinds of malware infections will have different symptoms. But they mostly cause your device to act up:

Slowing down and crashing repeatedly.
Refusing to shut down or restart.
Downloading or deleting files and software without prompt.
Showing intrusive ads, pop-ups, and changing your browser settings.
Filling up your storage space with random files.

NordVPN’s Threat Protection comes with a handy vulnerability detection feature that automatically scans software on Windows devices to detect flaws cybercriminals could exploit. While this feature doesn’t detect malware, it may help prevent malicious infections.

Are anti-malware tools the same as malware blockers?

No, they’re not exactly the same. Malware blockers are designed to prevent malware from entering a system or device, while anti-malware software also detects and removes malware from devices. Nearly all anti-malware tools include a malware scanner to check your system for malware and viruses.

While you can find free anti-malware tools and blockers, using a reliable paid provider is best. A free malware removal tool may not have the best malware protection features — and may bombard you with ads and promotions.

Can a malware blocker also block ads?

Yes, some malware blockers also let you avoid annoying ads. For example, NordVPN’s Threat Protection includes an ad blocker that blocks intrusive ads so you’re not constantly interrupted. Ads that keep popping up on your screen aren’t just annoying — they can also be malicious. Choosing a malware blocker that includes ad blocking is recommended.

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