NordVPN launches new antivirus

At the end of May 2026, NordVPN, a Lithuanian company, introduced a "next-generation" antivirus, shifting its focus from being solely a virtual private network (VPN) provider to offering a full range of cybersecurity solutions.

IPVanish follows with similar offering

On October 7, IPVanish, another major VPN service, announced its own next-generation antivirus for Windows and macOS, aiming to expand its security features beyond its existing Threat Protection subscription service.

IPVanish antivirus covers more threats

IPVanish's antivirus is designed to address threats that a VPN alone cannot detect, such as hidden dangers on websites and downloaded files. It works continuously, even when the user is not connected to the VPN.

Multiple layers of protection included

The antivirus provides several layers of security, including blocking malicious websites and ads, detecting threats in real time, scanning downloaded files, monitoring the network for attacks, and offering different scan options like full scans or scans of specific folders.

Based on VIPRE antivirus software

IPVanish's antivirus is built on VIPRE, an antivirus solution originally developed by Sunbelt Software in 2008. Today, both IPVanish and VIPRE are part of the American company Ziff Davis.

VIPRE received top malware protection rating

In a March 2026 test by AV-Comparatives, an independent Austrian security testing lab, VIPRE was awarded the Advanced+ rating, the highest possible. This rating was also given to Microsoft Defender, the free antivirus that comes with Windows.

Antivirus available in select subscription plans

IPVanish's next-generation antivirus is available in its Complete and Advanced subscription plans, priced at 2.78 € and 3.23 € per month respectively with a two-year commitment. It is not included in the new Essential plan, which only offers the basic VPN and Threat Protection features.

Installation instructions for users

Current IPVanish users are advised to update their software. On Windows, the antivirus downloads automatically with the latest version. On macOS, users must manually download it from the Antivirus tab in the application.