Scan your files for viruses with NordVPN
Automatically scans the files you’re downloading and stops the threats before they can reach your device.
What can malware do to your device?
Overtake it
Hackers can use malware to overtake your device’s resources and use them to mine cryptocurrency or perform DDoS attacks.
Encrypt it
Ransomware encrypts your files and programs, making them unusable until you pay a ransom to the cybercriminal who did it.
Overwhelm it
Malware can annoy you by showering you with ads or changing your browser settings, but it can also wreak havoc on your device, deleting files, and destroying the OS.
Spy on it
Cybercriminals can use keyloggers and other spyware to track your actions online and record passwords, usernames, and credit card data.
How does NordVPN scan files for
viruses?
NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature scans the files you download in two different ways — you
can pick which one you want in your app’s settings.
Regular file scanning
Once you enable Threat Protection in your app’s settings, NordVPN will automatically scan every file during download. It’s a quick scan, but you won’t be able to open or execute the file in the meantime. This feature works with all file types that can be malicious.
Deep file scans for malware detection
If you’re not sure the software you want to download is safe to use, you can choose the deep file scan option. It will upload your file to the cloud and safely execute it to see how it acts and determine if it’s malicious. This feature only works for executable files rather than pictures, documents, or videos.
How to enable malware scanning on NordVPN
Want to know how to scan files for viruses with NordVPN? It only takes a few steps:
Open the NordVPN app.
Find the shield icon and click on it.
Toggle the switch next to the “Block infected files” for a quick scan of your files.
Toggle the switch next to the “Run deep file scans for malware detection” to check executable files more thoroughly.
Frequently asked questions
Which file types are most likely to be malicious?
However, non-executable files can be just as dangerous. Cybercriminals can hide malware in all sorts of files, including DOC, XLS, PDF, JPEG, ZIP, ISO, and many more.
What happens when Threat Protection detects a virus?
Is file scanning safe?
Is the file scanning feature free?
What browsers support NordVPN’s file scanning feature?
How do you disable the file scanning feature?
- Open the NordVPN app.
- Find the shield icon and click on it.
- Toggle the switch next to the “Block infected files” to the OFF position.
- Toggle the switch next to the “Run deep file scans for malware detection” to the OFF position.
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