In today’s online age, antivirus software isn’t just a good idea — it’s a necessity. With cyberthreats like malware and viruses lurking online, a strong antivirus acts as your first line of defense. It detects, blocks, and removes harmful software, protecting your devices and data from further harm.
You may have heard about Surfshark VPN — the product that Surfshark is most well-known for. But did you know they also have their own antivirus software, Antivirus? In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what Antivirus offers and why getting it might be a good idea.
Tested and reliable security
When it comes to choosing your antivirus software, it is always good to have one that has been tested and approved by independent organizations. Surfshark Antivirus received a nearly perfect score of 6/6 for protection, 5.5/6 for performance, and 6/6 for usability from AV-test, demonstrating its effectiveness across key areas.
Real-time Protection and Surfshark Cloud Protect
Surfshark Antivirus allows you to protect up to five devices simultaneously. With its Real-time Protection, your devices are continuously shielded from viruses, malware, and spyware. Antivirus actively scans apps and files as you download, install, and use them, promptly alerting you to any potential threats.
A standout feature is Surfshark Cloud Protect, which boosts security by tackling emerging zero-day threats. It works by automatically and anonymously uploading hashes of suspicious, unidentified files for online analysis. The system then checks for the latest security updates, even those not yet released. If the threat is still unidentified, the file is compared against known virus signatures. If a match is found, a new threat entry is created, benefiting all antivirus users.
This ensures that with Surfshark Antivirus, you’re safeguarded against even the latest types of malware and viruses.
Webcam Protection
As personal data becomes increasingly valuable and new privacy risks emerge, making sure your webcam is also protected has never been more crucial. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to your camera, potentially invading your privacy and compromising your security. That’s why having a webcam protection feature in your antivirus software is very important.
Surfshark’s Webcam Protection actively monitors applications attempting to access your camera and blocks any unauthorized attempts. Moreover, it empowers you with full control, allowing you to approve or deny access whenever a new application tries to use your webcam. This ensures that your privacy remains intact and safeguarded when you use your computer.
Web Protection
Web Protection is a great Antivirus feature designed to safeguard you from malware and phishing websites before you download files or enter your information online. It works by examining every URL in your browser and any other program with internet access, identifying which links are safe and which pose a threat. Operating quietly in the background, Web Protection scans all links on your device, including those you might not notice, to prevent malware from infiltrating your system. If it detects a malicious link or software, it automatically blocks it, providing users with enhanced protection against web-based threats.
Customizable scans
Another excellent feature of Surfshark Antivirus is the flexibility to select the scan type that best suits your needs. You have several options:
● Quick scan: Targets the most vulnerable areas of your device, checking for malware and risks;
● Full scan: Conducts a comprehensive scan of your entire system, searching for any malware or threats;
● Drag and drop scan: Allows you to drag specific files or folders for a targeted threat scan.
Additionally, you can set up automatic scans for when you’re away from your device. It’s simple to choose the type of scan you prefer and schedule a specific day and time for the scan to begin.
Antivirus — part of Surfshark One
Surfshark Antivirus is integrated into Surfshark One, a comprehensive online security bundle. This bundle includes a VPN, Antivirus, data leak detector Alert, email masking tool Alternative ID, and a private search engine Search. While it may not cater to those seeking standalone antivirus software, this suite addresses a wide range of online security threats, offering a convenient and effective solution for enhancing your online security.
Step-by-step guides to using Antivirus and its features
If you’re new to antivirus software and need a straightforward guide to get started, Surfshark has you covered. Visit Surfshark’s Help Center for articles on using Antivirus and its features, complete with helpful screenshots and easy-to-understand instructions.