Surfshark Antivirus Review: is Surfshark One Worth It?

Security: Can Surfshark One Antivirus Be Trusted?

In general, the Surfshark Antivirus provides valuable features for protecting your device. Its fundamental antivirus protection meets our primary requirements for an antivirus solution. However, it lacks beneficial security add-ons. Here is a summary of our findings from our research and testing:

• We noted that the scanning feature is effective at spotting malware.
• Real-time protection is available for Mac, Windows, and Android.
• You can receive alerts when your personal data is leaked.
• There’s no password manager or file manager – a bonus feature we often see in competitor software.

Surfshark Antivirus is yet to fully establish itself as a more secure option compared to the most widely used antivirus software. However, it has already demonstrated promising indicators. Consequently, we have given Surfshark Antivirus a security rating of 7/10.

Security testing: How does Surfshark Antivirus measure up?

In our antivirus reviews, we prioritize conducting independent lab testing as our initial step. Recently, Surfshark One was scored by AV-Test for the first time, allowing us to observe the software undergoing thorough testing. The outcomes could have been more favorable.

During this round of testing, the majority of rival software achieved a perfect score of 18 points. Surfshark One received an overall score of 15 from AV-Test, with deductions in the areas of protection and performance. We are optimistic that Surfshark will address these issues before the next round of testing.

As part of our Surfshark Antivirus review, we conducted independent tests on Surfshark One Antivirus. To assess its capabilities, we intentionally introduced a fake malware file into our Windows computer. The malware test file was obtained from the European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research (EICAR). Through quick and full scans, we evaluated whether Surfshark Antivirus could successfully identify and detect this potential threat.

Surfshark Antivirus demonstrated impressive results as it consistently detected the dummy malware file during every scan. Additionally, it provided us with the option to remove the file. The only drawback we encountered was the lack of detailed information about the malware file, as it was only categorized as “riskware.”

Real-time protection

Real-time protection refers to the continuous operation of an antivirus software in the background, where it actively monitors and identifies potential threats such as Trojans on your device. Initially, Surfshark One Antivirus’ real-time protection feature was limited to Android devices. However, this functionality is now accessible to Windows and macOS users as well. To test this feature, we utilized an Android device as well as a Mac. The real-time protection function performed effectively by promptly notifying us whenever it detected any suspicious viruses, malware, or spyware.

In comparing Surfshark and Bitdefender, we think that Surfshark could benefit from incorporating Bitdefender’s Advanced Threat Defense feature. This feature elevates real-time monitoring by preventing zero-day attacks. To gain a deeper understanding of Bitdefender’s capabilities and how it sets itself apart from Surfshark, we recommend reading our detailed Bitdefender review.

Device scanning

Surfshark’s antivirus software offers a range of scan options that are customizable to the user’s needs. The software provides three different scan types, allowing users to select the type of scan that suits their requirements. This flexibility ensures that users can tailor their scans and efficiently target specific areas for threats. Overall, Surfshark’s antivirus software is an excellent option for users looking for comprehensive protection against malware and viruses.

Quick scan

A surface-level scan of the file system on your device can be a quick and effective way to identify potential threats. This type of scan is especially useful when you need to continue using your device and cannot afford to spend a lot of time running a thorough scan. After the scan, Surfshark Antivirus provides you with a list of identified threats and gives you the option to delete them. This feature makes it easy for users to take immediate action against any potential security risks and keep their devices safe from harm.

Full scan

Surfshark Antivirus is a comprehensive antivirus solution that conducts a thorough scan of your entire device to detect any potential threats. Unlike quick scans, which may overlook certain malware or computer viruses, Surfshark’s full scan is designed to go deeper and uncover hidden dangers. It is particularly useful when you’re not using the device as it can take some time to complete the scan. By using Surfshark Antivirus’s full scan feature, you can rest assured that your device is protected against all types of cyber threats.

Custom scan

The ability to perform a targeted scan of specific files and folders is a valuable feature that saves time and effort. Rather than running a full or quick scan, you can select individual files or folders and scan them for potential threats. This feature allows you to add files one by one or drag and drop multiple files simultaneously, making it convenient and efficient. It helps in identifying potential security risks quickly without having to scan the entire system, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Surfshark’s capability to examine files for malware provides it with a robust safeguard against phishing emails. Phishing continues to be a significant concern in terms of cybersecurity and the compromise of personal data. It is crucial to avoid downloading files from untrusted emails. Additionally, we suggest utilizing a tool such as Surfshark One to further enhance your level of protection.

Webcam protection

Surfshark One, a popular VPN service, has recently added webcam protection to its list of features for macOS users. This new development is significant, as macOS is often the last platform to receive such security upgrades. With webcam hacks becoming increasingly common in recent years, Surfshark’s webcam protection offers an additional layer of security and peace of mind for its users. Now, Mac users can rest assured that their privacy is being safeguarded while using their webcams.

By toggling the feature, we were able to select the applications that had permission to use our device’s integrated camera. Our Surfshark source has indicated that this functionality will be introduced to other operating systems in the near future.

Privacy: How Does Surfshark One Antivirus Handle Your Data?

The user data is handled with utmost caution by the top antivirus programs. In our Surfshark One Antivirus review, Surfshark received an impressive rating of 9/10 in this aspect. It is not surprising considering that Surfshark is a reputable VPN provider known for its commitment to maintaining user privacy and not keeping any logs. Remarkably, there have been no instances of data breaches or scandals reported so far. This is truly commendable. Here are the important privacy features of Surfshark One summarized for you:

• Surfshark Search offers a privacy–focused search engine experience.
• The company follows a strict no-logs policy, avoiding storage of any personal data.
• You can receive alerts about compromised credentials by registering an email.
• Surfshark’s RAM-only servers ensure your data is wiped upon every reboot.

Privacy protection features

Surfshark utilizes RAM-only servers, which automatically clear cached data upon every reboot. This means that your data is only stored temporarily for the purpose of delivering the service and cannot be recovered once deleted. In addition to Surfshark Antivirus, the Surfshark One bundle provides access to Surfshark VPN, Alert, and Search. Surfshark is renowned for its commitment to privacy in all aspects of its business operations. This dedication extends to their data deletion service, known as Incogni.

Surfshark VPN

To ensure comprehensive security, it is highly recommended to use both Surfshark Antivirus and VPN together. While an antivirus safeguards against viruses and malware, a VPN ensures the protection of your privacy. We have thoroughly tested Surfshark and can confidently say that it is among the leading VPNs available. It offers exceptional speeds and the user-friendly Surfshark VPN app comes at an affordable price.

Your data is protected by strong 256-bit encryption, and if your VPN connection drops, a kill switch will disconnect your internet connection. Additionally, it provides DNS leak protection to prevent your IP from leaking. Furthermore, we have discovered that it is highly effective in bypassing geo-blocks.

Surfshark offers the NoBorders mode, which is designed to assist users in bypassing government censorship. This feature is especially effective in countries with strict censorship policies like China. For those who desire to maintain their privacy while using VPN protection, Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic.

Additionally, users can enhance their privacy and security by utilizing Surfshark’s double VPN servers, which provide an extra layer of protection for internet traffic. Overall, Surfshark’s VPN service is an area where we have full confidence in the company’s excellence. It remains one of the top-performing VPNs that we have tested so far.

Surfshark Search

Unlike search engines like Google, Surfshark Search does not collect your data or customize your search results based on your location and search history. It operates as a genuine incognito mode, allowing you to browse the internet completely anonymously. If you have concerns about the collection and utilization of data for targeted marketing purposes, Surfshark Search could be the solution you need.

With this private search engine, you can prevent tracking and enjoy enhanced security, surpassing even some of the most renowned privacy-focused browsers. It guarantees that you receive unaltered search results, unaffected by your location or previous searches. Additionally, while browsing, you won’t encounter any advertisements. By combining Surfshark Antivirus software with a VPN, your online search activities will remain completely anonymous.

Surfshark Alert

Surfshark Alert is an effective tool for monitoring data breaches, as it provides timely notifications whenever your personal information is found online. This tool thoroughly scans the internet to determine if any of your sensitive details, such as your email address, password, credit card information, or personal identification number, have been compromised in breached online databases.

To begin with, you will need to furnish your email address. Additionally, you have the option to include multiple email addresses. Following that, if your information is found online, you will be notified in your dashboard. This feature proves beneficial not only for data breaches but also for identifying instances where your data is being utilized for marketing purposes. In such cases, we suggest utilizing Surfshark’s data-removal tool called Incogni to request removal. Through our thorough evaluation of Incogni, we have determined that this service is highly efficient when it comes to removing online data.

Surfshark One Antivirus privacy policy

Surfshark is renowned for its commitment to privacy. The company strictly adheres to a no-logs policy, which means it does not keep any records of your online activities. This includes your IP addresses, browsing history, bandwidth usage, timestamps, and network traffic. Founded in the Netherlands, Surfshark operates in a country that does not require the storage or reporting of information and complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). While Surfshark collects certain account details such as your email address, registration date, and password, this is a standard practice among all VPNs and should not be a cause for concern.

Usability: How User-Friendly Is Surfshark One Antivirus?

We have consistently observed that Surfshark products are exceptional in terms of usability. Moreover, we were delighted to discover, during our evaluation of the Surfshark Antivirus, that all the apps provided by Surfshark One were effortless to install and had an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Here is a summary of our experience with Surfshark One:

• Surfshark One is easy to download and install.
• You can get a full refund within 30 days of your purchase.
• Surfshark’s customer support is responsive and helpful.
• It doesn’t have a user community.

After carefully examining the data, we have concluded that Surfshark One Antivirus possesses a usability rating of 8 out of 10.

How do I install Surfshark Antivirus?

To download and install Surfshark Antivirus, the following steps need to be taken. First, go to the official website of Surfshark Antivirus and click on the “Download” button. Once the download is complete, double-click on the downloaded file to start the installation process. Follow the instructions on-screen to complete the installation. After installation, launch the program and activate it using your license key or by signing up for a subscription plan. Once activated, run a full system scan to ensure that your device is protected against malware and other threats.

• Visit Surfshark’s website. The website is well laid out, attractive, and easy to navigate.
• Go to “Products” and select “Surfshark Antivirus.”
• Click on the “Get Surfshark Antivirus” button.
• Choose a plan and add Surfshark Search, Alert, and Antivirus.
• Click on the VPN tab on the homepage and select “Application” from the drop-down menu.
• Choose your operating system and download the setup file for the Surfshark app.
• Run the application and follow Surfshark’s prompts until the program is successfully installed.

The process of installing Surfshark on an Android device is quite straightforward. All you need to do is go to the Google Play Store and search for Surfshark. After that, click on the “Install” button, and the app will be installed within a few minutes. In general, we found the installation process to be fast and effective. We were able to start using the app in just a few minutes.

Surfshark Antivirus software

In our evaluation of Surfshark Antivirus, we discovered that the Surfshark One antivirus software is remarkably easy to use. The necessary features were conveniently accessible on the dashboard. Positioned at the top left corner, we observed a selection of Surfshark’s cybersecurity tools, including Surfshark VPN, Alert, Antivirus, and Search. To access the “Antivirus” tab, we simply clicked on it and were provided with a range of choices. Additionally, there is an option to perform a Quick scan. By clicking on the Quick scan button, you can obtain your results in just a few minutes.

How easy is it to cancel Surfshark Antivirus?

At any given time, you have the option to cancel your Surfshark One subscription. If you need to, you can also receive a complete refund by making a request to customer support within a 30-day period. The process of cancelling Surfshark One is just as simple as cancelling Surfshark VPN.

In certain circumstances where the service was not available or could not be used, Surfshark may consider providing refunds even after the initial 30 days. However, it is expected that you have made sufficient efforts to contact Surfshark for a resolution before seeking a refund. Please note that each user is limited to a maximum of two refunds, and these claims must be spaced at least six months apart.

In general, we encountered no difficulty in navigating the refund process. This allowed us to both identify potential threats and receive a refund, with the assurance that our device was free from malware. There is truly no harm in giving Surfshark One a try for 30 days, as it ensures there are no concealed keyloggers or other harmful programs present.

Surfshark One Antivirus customer support

Surfshark has a specific section in its knowledge base that focuses on its antivirus. It was launched directly from the dashboard. In our previous review of Surfshark One, we mentioned that there were only four frequently asked questions (FAQs) available, but the help section has significantly expanded since then. This shows that Surfshark is dedicated to improving and developing its antivirus solution.

Surfshark’s customer support agents can be contacted via email or live chat. We had the opportunity to test their live chat feature and were highly satisfied with the prompt and valuable response we received from an actual agent within a minute. The agent provided us with all the necessary information. Regrettably, there is no user community available for assistance with inquiries.

Speed and Performance: Will Surfshark One Antivirus Slow Down My System?

During full scans, an antivirus has the potential to decrease the speed of your system. However, our review of Surfshark One Antivirus revealed that it has minimal impact on system speed. Here is a brief overview of our findings from testing it.

• Surfshark Antivirus doesn’t consume much memory or CPU resources.
• The full scan can last for several hours, depending upon your file system.

Based on these conclusions, we gave Surfshark One Antivirus 7 out of 10 for performance.

How long does a scan take?

The duration of a scan is influenced by various elements, such as the capacity of your drive, the amount of RAM you have, and the resources of your CPU. During our testing, we employed a device equipped with an Intel Core i5 CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a solid-state drive (SSD) running on the Windows 10 Pro 64-bit operating system (English). When using Windows, the Antivirus’ quick scan examined 88 files in approximately one minute. This timeframe is comparable to that of Sophos and Avira when conducting a quick scan.

In contrast, the complete scan examined more than 470,000 files in just under three hours, which appears to be a rather lengthy duration. To put it into perspective, Bitdefender required nearly 4.5 hours to finish scanning approximately one million files.

How does Surfshark Antivirus impact my CPU?

Fortunately, the Surfshark Antivirus full scan does not impose a heavy burden on your computer’s processing power. Based on our testing, the antivirus consumes approximately 60-80MB of working memory and utilizes only 5-10% of CPU resources. As a result, you can continue to use your PC normally without any concerns about the scan affecting its performance or causing overheating. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement in Surfshark’s CPU usage compared to other software like Kaspersky, which utilized only 2% of CPU resources during our review.

Surfshark One pricing

• Monthly: $14.44 per month
• Yearly: $65.76 – works out to $5.48 per month
• Bi-yearly: $90.48 – works out to $3.48 per month

These prices might seem pretty steep at first glance, but when you consider that Surfshark One includes a first-class VPN, an antivirus, a data breach monitoring service, and a privacy-focused search engine, it starts to make a bit more sense.

I’d suggest signing up for a longer-term plan to help cut the cost. After all, the two-year plan comes with an 84 percent discount plus two extra months free, meaning you’re effectively only paying $3.48 monthly instead of more than four times that. .

When you purchase any subscription, you will receive a 30-day money-back guarantee. Therefore, it would be wise to opt for an annual plan in order to test the service, rather than only purchasing a monthly subscription.

Is Surfshark Antivirus Enough for Your Device?

Even though Surfshark Antivirus is a relatively new product, our review of Surfshark Antivirus has revealed nothing but positive signs. It includes all the necessary antivirus features such as regular scanning, real-time protection, and file scanning capabilities.

Surfshark Antivirus has recently undergone industry evaluation. Although the results were not as impressive as those of its competitors, Surfshark is evidently dedicated to enhancing its service. Our sources provide us with regular updates, and new features have already been introduced for the previously simplified macOS version.

Surfshark Antivirus has achieved an overall rating of 7.8/10 for its comprehensive security suite. In our opinion, Surfshark One is a dependable option for individuals who prioritize their privacy, particularly due to the inclusion of Surfshark’s exceptional VPN service. By utilizing Surfshark One Antivirus, you can have peace of mind knowing that your device will be shielded against any potential online dangers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Surfshark One?

Surfshark One is an outstanding cybersecurity package that includes four powerful tools: Surfshark Antivirus, Surfshark VPN, Surfshark Search, and Surfshark Alert. These tools have a strong emphasis on privacy and are designed to ensure your safety when using your devices and browsing the internet. To find out more about the various packages offered by Surfshark, please visit our website.

Is it worth getting Surfshark One?

If you are seeking security and privacy, investing in Surfshark One is a valuable choice. This package includes one of the top VPNs available, a reliable antivirus program, a private search engine, and a tool for receiving cybersecurity notifications.

Is Surfshark antivirus enough?

Surfshark One encompasses all the necessary features that we would anticipate in an antivirus solution. Although its performance in industry testing was not as strong as other solutions, it successfully passed our tests by detecting and neutralizing simulated malware files. As a result, we have full confidence in the level of protection it provides. Based on feedback and updates received from our connections at Surfshark, we anticipate that the functionality will continue to improve over time.

Does Surfshark antivirus work on IPAD?

In short — yes! Though some devices might need antivirus software more than others. You must protect Windows, macOS, and Android devices with AV software.

Is Surfshark antivirus free with VPN?

How is Surfshark One priced? Surfshark One (Antivirus, Alert, and Search) is billed as 1.49$ monthly extra on top of your VPN subscription. This means that if you have six months of Surfshark VPN subscription left and get Surfshark One, you will pay for six additional months of the bundle.

Is Surfshark antivirus better than Norton?

Surfshark is superior to Norton Secure VPN in every aspect. Its server network is bigger, faster, and more secure than Norton’s. It can access more content, works well with torrenting apps, and offers unlimited device connections on a single plan.

Is Surfshark Antivirus good?

Surfshark Antivirus is a satisfactory cybersecurity tool. The antivirus scanner successfully detected most of the test samples and the real-time protection feature effectively blocked any potential malicious downloads from the internet. In addition, Surfshark Antivirus offers user-friendly applications and provides excellent customer support. However, it should be noted that this antivirus suite is relatively basic in nature since it does not include essential security features like a firewall and Wi-Fi protection. If you require a comprehensive antivirus solution with an impeccable malware scanner, I would suggest considering Norton instead.

Does Surfshark Antivirus work on iOS?

Unfortunately, Surfshark Antivirus does not support iOS devices. It is only compatible with Android, Windows, and macOS operating systems. At the moment, there are no indications from the company about any future plans to release an iOS app. However, if you require an antivirus solution that offers an iOS app, Norton would be a highly recommended option.

Bottom Line

Surfshark offers a straightforward antivirus solution that is easy to use, and most of its security features work well. To obtain the antivirus, you must purchase the Surfshark One bundle, which also includes a VPN, a data breach monitoring tool, and a secure search engine. However, Surfshark antivirus could be enhanced as it currently lacks additional features such as parental controls and system cleanup tools, and it is not compatible with iOS devices. In summary, this user-friendly antivirus provides basic security tools to safeguard your device, and you can test it out without any risk due to the 30-day money-back guarantee.