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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• NordVPN is rebuilding its VPN app to combine VPN service with modern threat protection.
• The rebranding focuses on three pillars of a personal security strategy: connect, protect, and monitor.
• NordVPN’s transition highlights the wider trend of VPN providers expanding their security portfolios. 

Is the term “antivirus” outdated? According to Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider NordVPN, it appears so — and this belief has laid the foundation for change within the company’s portfolio.

NordVPN is undergoing a rebrand, switching up its approach to consumer protection by honing in on the idea that threats are now based far less on just malware infections — and far more on phishing, social engineering, identity theft, and other cybersecurity threats that can be far more difficult to avoid. 

In NordVPN’s words, the change “reflects how digital threats evolve beyond malicious files alone.”

Also: I tested NordVPN’s free scam checker with real phishing emails – here’s how it fared

What’s happening to the NordVPN app?

Many of us have heard of NordVPN, which operates under the Nord Security umbrella. While the VPN app — available on major platforms including Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS — has generally been promoted as a standalone solution, NordVPN has, over time, added additional security features to its premium plans. 

These include browser protection, anti-malware features, dark web monitoring, phishing protection, and data breach alerts. 

Also: How to check your Windows PC for expiring security certificates – a big one ends in June

Now, however, NordVPN is packaging up its security features as a revamped all-in-one security app. The rebrand is based on three pillars: a VPN (connect), “next-generation” antivirus (protect), and other Threat Protection security features, including its dark web monitor and scam protection, now categorized under the “monitor” pillar.

Why is NordVPN changing its approach?

The VPN has taken center stage — at least, until now — but its antivirus shouldn’t be ignored. 

NordVPN has reported that in April 2026, its threat protection and antivirus service blocked 4.8 million threats, including over 3 million malware events.

When you consider that many of the online threats we face today extend beyond malware, you can see why many of us now use the term “antivirus” interchangeably with “cybersecurity protection.” 

Also: Stopping bugs before they ship: The shift to preventative security

As Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN, noted, “people still use the word antivirus as shorthand for digital security, but the threats they need protection from have changed dramatically,” and it’s for this reason that “protection needs to evolve.”

By packaging up its security solutions together within the app under each pillar, NordVPN is signaling to consumers that it offers more than an encrypted VPN tunnel and server network — which are great for preventing eavesdropping and for avoiding censorship, but don’t offer the features of antivirus software that can prevent us from accidentally downloading malware, falling for phishing scams, visiting malicious websites, and more. 

Antivirus software has traditionally been reactive, leaping into action when a malicious file is downloaded or executed on a target machine, or warning us when our PC has been compromised. However, NordVPN’s solution is proactive, aiming to stop phishing, scams, and malware before our security is at risk. 

For those worried that the inclusion of antivirus protection with the redesigned app could impact their privacy, NordVPN says its software prioritizes “collecting the minimum signal required to make a threat decision, helping users stay protected without turning security software into a surveillance product.” 

As a bonus, this rebranding may appeal to consumers who want to reduce the clutter of multiple security apps on their devices. 

Also: 10 ways AI can inflict unprecedented damage in 2026

“Our goal is to bring together advanced VPN technology and next-generation antivirus in one streamlined app experience that reduces complexity and better matches how people think about digital safety today,” Briedis commented. 

NordVPN isn’t the only VPN provider to diversify or rebrand in recent years. Surfshark — which is owned by Nord Security but operates independently — also provides antivirus features within its plans; ExpressVPN has expanded its security offerings with a credential manager, email masking, and a private AI assistant, whereas Proton has recently launched a security-focused Google Workspace alternative. 

What’s the deal with NordVPN?

NordVPN is one of our favorite VPNs of 2026, and has also earned its place as one of our top VPNs for use with streaming services and for travel. 

We test every major VPN on the market extensively, in home and lab environments, and rate them based on speed, stability, server networks, security, streaming access success, and other factors important to our readers. 

Also: Best VPN services 2026: Expert tested and recommended

That’s not to say NordVPN is the only worthwhile VPN on the market today, but it is, in our opinion, one of the best around. Subscriptions are reasonably priced at a few dollars per month if you’d like to try it out. 

The Basic plan offers your standard VPN, scam and phishing protection, NordVPN’s dark web monitor, and protection for up to 10 devices on one account. When you go up a tier and opt for the Complete tier, you will also receive spam call detection, caller category and ID displays (Android only), anti-malware protection, browser security features, ad and tracker blockers, phishing email alerts, a data breach alert system, and a password manager. 

If you are also interested in cyberinsurance and want credit monitoring, select Prime, NordVPN’s top service tier. 

While you have some protection with the entry-level plan, NordVPN’s next-gen antivirus package is only available with the Complete plan or higher. 

Prices begin at $3.09/month on a Basic two-year plan, with three months of free access added to the length of each contract. We recommend Complete ($3.99/month) to take advantage of NordVPN’s antivirus security suite. While the price may drop in upcoming sales events, when you consider that you are also signing up for antivirus, phishing, and scam protection, it still seems like a great deal.