One can easily be overwhelmed by the masses of security software and privacy applications we install or are told we need to install to keep our devices safe. Firewalls, VPNs, Antivirus, Antimalware, and so on may seem to be doing many of the same things, but in reality, they are all very different. So what is SurfShark? Is Surfshark an Antivirus or something else entirely?
Surfshark is not an Antivirus but is most well-known as a VPN, developed to encrypt and protect your connection to the internet. But in August 2021, Surfshark released the Surfshark Antivirus software as an optional extra in a package deal called Surfshark One, which includes their VPN.
When people refer to Surfshark, they generally refer to the VPN since that is what Surfshark is best known for. The Surfshark Antivirus, on the other hand, is still brand new software and relatively unknown. But what is the difference? Why did Surfshark enter the antivirus market? And possibly the most crucial question, is it worth it for you to buy and use Surfshark Antivirus?
Surfshark VPN And Antivirus – What Is The Difference?
VPN and antivirus software are sometimes confused, mainly due to a skewed understanding of cybersecurity and how it works. In reality, a VPN and an antivirus have entirely different purposes and goals and perform their functions around separate areas of your online presence. That does not make one less important than the other, but not everyone may genuinely need both.
Surfshark VPN – The Virtual Private Network
Surfshark VPN is a Virtual Private Network responsible for keeping you and your information secure while surfing the web, streaming movies, playing online games, downloading torrents, or doing just about anything you can do using the internet. The VPN accomplishes this through a clever combination of innovative encryption, tunneling, and server routing.
When you connect to the internet through Surfshark VPN, the information that you send is first encrypted on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or router before it leaves your device. Even if someone manages to hijack your connection and steal your data, this encryption ensures that they will not be able to read it or use it for whatever purpose they want.
After being encrypted, your connection is routed to Surfshark VPN’s server, which then removes your IP address and replaces it with its own. This way, anyone who sees your connection won’t know where you’re located, mistaking the server’s location as yours. This keeps you safe from hackers and allows you to access services like Netflix as if you’re watching from another country.
Surfshark Antivirus – Keeping Your Data Safe From Malware
On the other hand, Surfshark Antivirus was designed to protect your data on your computer or device itself. Viruses and other malware may infect your device from various sources. Once infected by malware, your device may lose data, corrupt files, slow to a crawl, or even hold your information ransom until you pay the malware developer in Bitcoin.
Surfshark Antivirus is designed to detect and combat all traces of any kind of malware from your computer. Whereas the VPN focuses on your internet connection itself, the Antivirus works on your device, scanning files and filtering emails or messages you receive. If malware is detected, Surfshark Antivirus removes it and tries to clean the infected files if they are still uncorrupted.
Why Did Surfshark Add Antivirus To An Already Successful VPN Package?
In a market that’s already cluttered with multiple Antivirus software packages and many operating systems coming with antivirus built-in, the question about the viability of Surfshark Antivirus is a valid one. Was it necessary, and was it a good idea? Why did Surfshark launch their Antivirus in the first place?
According to Surfshark’s CEO, Vytautas Kaziukonis, the intention was always to include more cybersecurity services with their offering. Wanting to simplify cybersecurity for the average user, integrating multiple software packages in one made sense, and the launch of Surfshark One, which includes the VPN, Antivirus, and more, is a step in the right direction.
This view makes sense. An ignorant target is an easy target. Someone buying only a VPN, thinking that it’s the best way to protect their data, can easily get caught by a malware infection. Having so many packages sold separately, often developed by different companies, can confuse a user who does not understand how cybersecurity works.
Putting all these services, including Surfshark VPN and Antivirus, into one package deal solves that problem. The user can pay for a single subscription covering most of their cybersecurity needs. There’s no need to worry about any further details or any other software; they can simply get Surfshark One and get on with their web browsing.
How Does Surfshark Antivirus Measure Up?
It is essential first to understand that, when it comes to cybersecurity, just about any (legit) antivirus is better than no antivirus. A little bit of cover is better than having no protection at all. But since there are free antivirus packages out there, is it necessary for you to pay good money to add the Surfshark Antivirus to your Surfshark VPN bundle?
Surfshark Antivirus offers everything that a good antivirus package should. It protects in real-time, meaning that it scans files as you download or open them (currently on Android only). You can also initiate on-demand scans if you suspect malware may have infected your device or schedule scans for another time when you aren’t using your device.
The antivirus scanning engine is speedy and not very resource-intensive, meaning you can generally continue with what you’re doing without being affected too much when a file scan is running. This is good news since many antivirus packages eat resources like its breakfast and slow down devices considerably.
On the other hand, there’s nothing that truly sets Surfshark Antivirus apart from other options. It is a reliable antivirus package that offers good protection. But the fact that Surfshark One is a complete solution with a VPN, Antivirus, and two more security programs, all at an affordable price, makes it worthwhile for anyone who wants to be secure online without stressing about the details.
Is Surfshark The Right Antivirus For You?
That would depend on your requirements. Are you the kind of person who requires a lot of privacy and security? Do you deal with high-risk information, or are there often direct attempts to hack into your systems and steal your data or hold it for ransom? Do you regularly work with USB drives or emails that carry a high risk of virus infection? Perhaps you should look for something a bit stronger.
Or are you the kind of person who wants to stay safe online without knowing or understanding too much about how it works? Do you simply wish to surf the web and watch Netflix without fear about what might attack you while you’re connected to the internet? Surfshark Antivirus and the Surfshark One package might be precisely what you’re looking for.
Conclusion
Surfshark is a popular VPN that’s well-known for its speed and reliability. Adding Surfshark Antivirus to their Surfshark One bundle package makes cybersecurity both affordable and straightforward, which should make more people seriously consider spending the money to protect themselves online. Hopefully, this will set the trend for even more security companies to follow suit.