Strong Performance in Security Audits

In the recently published Q3 2026 Anti-Phishing Comparative Test conducted by AV-Comparatives, NordVPN’s advanced antivirus feature demonstrated robust capabilities, successfully identifying and neutralizing 94% of malicious URLs. This result highlights the provider's successful transition from a simple privacy tool to a comprehensive cybersecurity solution.

The evaluation, carried out between August 12 and 22, challenged security products with 250 active phishing links. Notably, NordVPN’s software achieved this high detection rate while maintaining zero false positives, meaning it correctly identified all legitimate sites without blocking safe traffic.


Setting Industry Standards

NordVPN's performance secured it the third position in the overall rankings, trailing only Avast and Norton. This achievement is a continuation of the company's established track record in independent security assessments. As Domininkas Virbickas, product director at NordVPN, noted:

«Anybody might slip up eventually, and when you do click on something you shouldn't, that's where we step in. Results like this are what we work for, because our users deserve protection they can count on.»

This success builds upon previous tests where the provider demonstrated high block rates, further validating its reputation for reliable malware and threat protection.


Evolution of Digital Security Tools

The antivirus component, available within NordVPN's Complete subscription tier, operates as a real-time shield that functions alongside the standard VPN tunnel. Designed to mitigate the risks of increasingly sophisticated phishing attempts, the tool acts as an automated safety layer for users.

Despite these technological advancements, cybersecurity professionals emphasize that software should complement, not replace, user vigilance. Experts recommend:

  • Carefully inspecting URLs for typos or irregular domain names.
  • Verifying that websites utilize the HTTPS protocol.
  • Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) as a critical secondary layer of protection against account compromise.