Home

Surfshark Antivirus features

Web Protection

Get Web Protection with Surfshark Antivirus

Block access to malicious websites and apps

Spot phishing sites that put your data at risk

Defend yourself from malware and other online threats

Get Surfshark

30-day money-back guarantee

What is Web Protection?

Web Protection is an antivirus security feature that shields you from malware and phishing websites before you download or input anything online. It checks every URL on your browser — and any other program with web access — to determine which links are safe and which are dangerous.

The Web Protection feature runs in the background, scanning links on your computer — even the ones you don’t see — to prevent malware from entering your device. If a malicious link or software is detected, it automatically gets blocked, giving users enhanced web threat protection.

Note: Surfshark Antivirus’s Web Protection feature is only available on Microsoft Windows.

How does Web Protection work?

Surfshark’s AV-TEST-certified Antivirus offers real-time Web Protection and other features that elevate your cybersecurity.

Web Protection keeps you safe from dangerous pages by automatically installing something called a root certificate to your device. A root certificate is a digital document used to verify the authenticity of websites, providing the following:

Secure communication

When you visit a web page, your browser uses the root certificate to check if the site is legitimate. This makes sure your browsing activity and online interactions are safe and encrypted.

Attack prevention

Web Protection blocks attempts to intercept communication between you and a website (aka Man-in-the-Middle attacks). This defends you from cybercriminals spying on you online.

Guaranteed privacy

Your data stays yours. Web Protection is built into Surfshark Antivirus, works on your device only, and never syncs with other services, so no one — including Surfshark — can see your information.

How can you get Surfshark Antivirus’s Web Protection?

Web Protection is an optional feature available for Surfshark Antivirus users on Windows OS.

Using Antivirus from Surfshark is a smart choice because you can also enjoy a complete 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 any separate tools — everything comes bundled in the Surfshark app.

To get Web Protection, follow these steps:

1. Get Surfshark

Get Surfshark Antivirus by subscribing to Surfshark One or Surfshark One+.

2. Install the app

Download and install the Surfshark app on your device.

3. Activate Antivirus

Set up Antivirus and toggle on Web protection in the settings.

Want to exclude specific sites from getting blocked? No problem. Add any site you want to stay unaffected to your Exclusions List in the app and continue accessing it without receiving web threat alerts.

Why is Web Protection important?

Activating Web Protection is vital to getting meaningful defense from malware and other cyberthreats. Here’s why it matters:

Preventing malware infections

Web Protection blocks malicious software before it ever gets on your device, safeguarding you from viruses that can compromise your data and system performance.

Shielding against phishing attacks

An antivirus tool with Web Protection detects phishing sites and prevents them from loading. Hackers use these sites to steal sensitive information, so blocking them altogether lets you browse with confidence.

Scanning URLs for threats

Your antivirus program can use Web Protection to analyze links before they’re clicked on, sending you alerts about dangerous pages that may put your device at risk.

Protecting your device in real time

Web Protection runs smoothly in the background, continuously monitoring for threats that can harm your device, keeping users one step ahead of viruses and making it easier to surf the web worry-free.

Enjoy Antivirus with the Surfshark One cybersecurity bundle

You can get Surfshark Antivirus as part of the Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ cybersecurity bundles. Take a closer look at our plans and decide which one is best for you:

Surfshark Starter

Comes with a VPN & Alternative ID — essentials for your daily browsing.

VPN: surf safely online
Alternative ID: protect your identity
CleanWeb: block ads & pop-ups

Surfshark One

Perfect if you need all-round security for your browsing, devices, and identity.

VPN: surf safely online
Alternative ID: protect your identity
CleanWeb: block ads & pop-ups
Antivirus: armor your devices
Alert: monitor data leaks
Search: browse privately

Surfshark One+

Keeps your online activities & devices safe, with extra focus on identity protection.

VPN: surf safely online
Alternative ID: protect your identity
CleanWeb: block ads & pop-ups
Antivirus: armor your devices
Alert: monitor data leaks
Search: browse privately
Incogni: reclaim your data

Get Surfshark

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.

All the VPNs you mentioned are good. But Surfshark is the one I recommend in person for the best overall.

— Teshir Jennifer (@Aikojenny_) July 28, 2024

I’ve had SurfShark for years. It’s amazing.

— Morgan Leggett (@YouBettaLeggett) August 13, 2024

Trialling out @surfshark‘s IP rotation. It is doing it pretty well. Seamless in the background.

— Eakan (@eakangk) October 26, 2024

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.

“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 ★

“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 ★

“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

“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

FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Frequently asked questions

What does Web Protection mean?

Web Protection is a Surfshark Antivirus feature that scans links for threats, blocks malicious pages, and limits access to phishing sites. It enhances your online safety by securing communications between your device and websites.

Note that Web Protection alerts are only available on Microsoft Windows.

Is Web Protection better than a VPN?

Web Protection and VPNs serve different purposes. Web Protection is a Surfshark Antivirus feature that focuses on securing your browsing experience from cyberthreats and malicious sites. On the other hand, a VPN encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP (Internet Protocol) address to provide greater privacy. Both are important for all-around online security.

Do I need a VPN if I have an antivirus?

Yes, a VPN complements antivirus protection, so it’s beneficial to use both simultaneously. Antivirus software protects your device from malware and cyberthreats. Still, a VPN provides privacy by encrypting your online traffic and masking your IP address, preventing tracking and boosting privacy wherever you connect.

Get Web Protection with Surfshark Antivirus

What is Web Protection?