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  • Browse worry-free with real-time threat blocking
  • Download files safely with instant malware detection
  • Secure your devices without slowing them down
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What is Real-time Protection?

Real-time Protection is an antivirus security feature. Whenever you open an app or download a file, it quickly scans it for viruses and malware and makes sure no threats sneak in. It also does the same to all files accessed by your operating system in the background.

Unlike traditional, scheduled antivirus scans, real-time threat protection works quietly behind the scenes at all times — without disturbing you or slowing down your device.

This feature is a hassle-free way to stay safe online and keep your devices and sensitive information protected.

What is Real-time Protection?

How does Real-time Protection work?

Surfshark’s AV-TEST-certified Antivirus offers Real-time Protection as an optional feature. It works as a round-the-clock shield for your devices, and its main goal is to scan files seamlessly to detect and stop malware and viruses instantly with no interruptions.

Scanning for threats

Real-time Protection scans all the files and applications you access and download, as well as the ones your operating system is accessing in the background. This way, it instantly detects known threats, ensuring all malicious activity is flagged immediately.

Blocking harmful files

Blocking harmful files

If malicious software or files are detected, they are immediately quarantined or deleted, preventing them from infiltrating your devices and causing any harm.

Operating behind the scenes

Operating behind the scenes

Real-time Protection always runs in the background without interfering with your workflow or slowing down performance.

Why is Real-time Protection important?

Continuous monitoring of cybersecurity threats is crucial for keeping your online life secure. Here’s why it matters:

Stops threats early

Stops threats early

Real-time Protection identifies security threats at the source — it scans files and apps as you interact with them and blocks malware and viruses before any damage to your device or data is done.

Reduces digital risks

Reduces digital risks

Early threat detection minimizes the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks like ransomware, viruses, or spyware. Real-time Protection reduces exposure to these kinds of threats and their consequences, such as costly recoveries, data breaches, etc.

Improves device security

Improves device security

Real-time Protection keeps your devices safe by continuously scanning for threats and, if found, dealing with them in that instant. It adapts to evolving and emerging threats, providing up-to-date protection for your devices at all times.

How can you get Real-time Protection?

Real-time Protection is an optional feature available for all Surfshark Antivirus users.

What’s great about getting Antivirus from Surfshark is that you also get a full cybersecurity suite with a VPN (Virtual Private Network), private search engine, data leak monitoring tool, personal information masking service (Alternative ID), and more. You don’t need a separate antivirus program — everything is included in the Surfshark app.

To get Real-time Protection, follow these steps:

Get Surfshark

1. Get Surfshark

Get the Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ subscription plan.

Install the app

2. Install the app

Download and install Surfshark on your device.

Activate Antivirus

3. Activate Antivirus

Set up Antivirus and toggle on Real-time protection in the settings.

Get Antivirus with the Surfshark One or One+ cybersecurity suite

Surfshark Antivirus is available as part of Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ cybersecurity bundles. Take a closer look at our plans and decide which one suits your needs best:

Testimonials proving excellence

At Surfshark, we strive to offer a hassle-free experience for all our users. But don’t just take our word for it — here’s what the world has to say about us.

The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.
Tom's guide

“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”

4.5/5 ★

Techradar

“Surfshark is one of the best VPN services, comes crammed with features, runs on almost anything, and has some of the best download speeds around.”

4.5/5 ★

CNET

“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”

4.5/5 ★

The reviews quoted on this section have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!

MRWHOSETHEBOSS 20.2M subscribers

When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.

SAM CHUI 3.61M subscribers

We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.

MAX & OCCY 265K subscribers
The reviews quoted on this section have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed..”

Open in Reddit
The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.
FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Stay ahead of cyberthreats

With Surfshark Antivirus

Get Surfshark
30-day money-back guarantee
Stay ahead of cyberthreats

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is highly recommended that you always keep real-time protection on. It constantly scans your device for threats, such as viruses and malware, and helps detect and block them instantly, protecting sensitive information and preventing damage to your system.

To access real-time protection, you will need security software, such as an antivirus.

  1. Open your antivirus software.
  2. Go to the settings menu and locate Real-time Protection or Real-time scanning options.
  3. Turn the feature on or off.

For more detailed instructions, refer to your software’s user guide or support page.

Real-time scanning is a security tool that continuously monitors your device for threats. Unlike manual scanning, it operates automatically in the background, inspecting files, apps, downloads, and installs for potential risks. Real-time scanning helps detect and mitigate any suspicious activity immediately and protects your system without your involvement.

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