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 to prevent malware

Malicious ad on open computer and smartphone

NordVPN’s Threat Protection keeping a female who is browsing safe from malware

Be cautious
Never click on a link or download a file if you’re not 100% sure it’s safe.
Use official sources
Only download software directly from developers or official app stores.
Use Threat Protection
Want an easy way to avoid getting malware on your device? Use Threat Protection!

Get NordVPN

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.

Female scanning files from malware on her smartphone

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.

A file being scanned for malware using NordVPN Threat Protection’s feature

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?

The most obvious ones are executable files, like .exe, which could install any program on your PC. It’s especially dangerous to execute if you downloaded it from a third-party website, as it could contain all kinds of malware.

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?

If Threat Protection detects an infected file, it deletes it immediately (before its contents can do any damage to your device) and notifies you about it.

Is file scanning safe?

Yes. Scanning files for malware is safe, and it makes your digital life safer as well by protecting your devices from malware.

Is the file scanning feature free?

Yes. Checking files for viruses is part of NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature, and you don’t have to pay extra for it after you get the subscription.

What browsers support NordVPN’s file scanning feature?

NordVPN’s file scanning feature works with most popular browsers, like Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox.

How do you disable the file scanning feature?

If you no longer want to scan your files for viruses, follow these steps:

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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