Oh no, 73% of People assume their antivirus alone retains them protected on public WiFi

A brand new survey by NordVPN has revealed a scarcity of fundamental cybersecurity information in People. Most shocking is the truth that 73% of respondents consider antivirus software program can “safeguard data on public WiFi” – a function that often requires using a VPN.

Antivirus software program, password managers, firewalls, and VPNs are all acknowledged as safety instruments, and antivirus software program is among the many hottest with People. However the options of the software program are misunderstood extra extensively than merely misattributing VPN performance. In reality, NordVPN’s survey discovered that these surveyed believed antivirus software program can shield in opposition to ID theft and even block phishing makes an attempt.

Though among the finest VPNs supply some degree of ID theft safety as an add-on, this is not one thing usually present in VPN or antivirus software program. However this is not the most important shock within the findings, from a pattern group of 18-74 12 months olds polled between September 2 and September 10, 2025.

No, nearly 33% of the respondents depend on “protected conduct” to remain protected on-line, with out using any cybersecurity instruments in any respect. Staying protected on-line requires a multi-faceted strategy. Everybody wants antivirus and anti-malware software program, and happily, most working methods have one thing inbuilt, together with a firewall.

Everybody must take steps, use these instruments together with protected conduct, and make use of two or multi-factor authentication the place it’s accessible. In accordance with the survey, NordVPN discovered that “48% of People have found their information has been leaked” – a worryingly excessive determine.

Should you’re not already utilizing a VPN, otherwise you’re coming to the top of your contract, now is an effective time to enroll to our really useful VPN accomplice, NordVPN. Be sure you learn how to make use of a VPN for gaming if you wish to get essentially the most out of it when enjoying your favorites.