Overview
This article explains in detail exactly what VirtualShield Antivirus is, and why it is important to stay protected against the latest threats, both online and offline.
Learn how to create a new account, and how to activate the Antivirus for the very first time. It doesn't matter which device you are using, this article applies to computers, cell phones, tablets, and more.
In this section
What is VS Antivirus?
The goal of VirtualShield is to be your one and only online security solution. In addition to encrypting your data and masking your location, we now offer some exclusive security features many other VPNs don't.
Some security features include:
Active Protection will automatically keep your device secure from threats in real-time. You can also automate Scheduled Scans to run at any time.
Quickly scan your device in just a few seconds, or perform a Deep scan to extensively scan all of the apps, files, and drives connected to your device.
Stay up-to-date with the latest product updates and virus threat definitions, and get notified immediately if a threat is found and blocked during a scan.
Quarantine or delete unsafe files, view Activity reports, and your Scan History to get a glimpse of what has been previously blocked by our system.
Manage Allowed apps, files, folders, and archive types that will be included or excluded from scanning. Control every single aspect of your protection.
A VirtualShield Ultimate plan unlocks full access to many other security services as well. Including Identity Theft Protection, Personal Data Removal, Credit Score Monitoring, Dark Web Monitoring, and much more.
Why is Antivirus important?
While a VPN encrypts your internet connection, hides your geographic location, and protects against malware at the network-level, it will not protect your offline apps or any of the files stored locally on your devices or physical media, such as a USB/thumb drive.
Many third-party apps can also be used to download unsafe/malicious files in the background, and monitor or steal your data without you even knowing it. More dangerous forms of malware can even cause irreparable damage to your device.
Cybercriminals often use malware to steal personal information, such as login credentials and financial records. By scanning for and removing threats, an Antivirus ensures a safer browsing experience and protects your sensitive information.
As a result, VirtualShield now offers Antivirus Protection that rivals many of our competitors. Why purchase several different security products when you only need one!
Why choose VirtualShield?
Your online privacy and security is our number one concern above everything else. However, there are many factors involved when it comes to keeping your data safe in this modern high-tech world. Luckily we've got you covered. At VirtualShield, we handle everything for you.
If used in combination with our fast, secure, unlimited VPN and our new Ad & Malware Blocking service, you will be protected against even the most malicious forms of malware and hacking attempts that can be used to steal your personal data, and invade your privacy.
As a reminder, we offer a 7 day risk-free trial period with all of our plans, so you can give us a try before you actually start to pay for our services. You can cancel your account at any time during your free trial period and you will not be billed.
We also offer 60 days after your trial period ends, for a full Money-Back Guarantee. There truly is nothing to lose.
In this section
Choose a Protection Plan
Now it's time to choose your plan and apply any optional add-ons. We recommend one of the 12 months or 24 months options to maximize your savings. Alternatively, you can choose to pay monthly instead if you prefer. The choice is entirely up to you.
See all of our plans and pricing here:
If you're just looking to hide your location, the Basic plan is all you need. This plan also includes Real-time Threat Monitoring using our Personal Data Removal service. If you would like to take advantage of the additional services we offer, one of our Plus or Ultimate plans might interest you.
Protect your entire family and all of your devices with our fast, secure, unlimited VPN service. Includes Unlimited devices, over 25 virtual regions to choose from, Unrestricted Streaming on your favorite apps & websites, and more.
In addition to our fast, secure, unlimited VPN and Personal Data Removal service, this plan includes Ad & Malware Blocking, SSN Monitoring, Dark Web Scanning, and more.
If you want to be fully protected, this plan unlocks full access to everything, without the need for any add-ons. Some features include Antivirus Protection, Full Identity Theft Protection, Up to $1 million Insurance, and more.
If you have a coupon code, you can apply it when you're checking out to receive additional discounts. See our support article for more information.
Select a Payment Method
Next you will be asked to enter your login details and select a payment method. We accept all major forms of payment, including credit/debit cards as well as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
We'll just need to verify your information to keep spammers and hackers out. This helps us ensure that our network remains secure for valued customers just like you. Remember, you won't be billed for 7 days, and you can choose to cancel at any time.
You can also choose to opt-out of the free trial period, and pay today instead. If you do, you will receive an additional 4 months added to your subscription entirely free of cost.
Verify your Email Address
As soon as you hit Continue, the system will process your order. You will receive a confirmation email in your inbox to confirm that your account has been created successfully.
Lastly you need to verify your email address, by pressing the button in the confirmation email. This is an important step to ensure that your account is fully registered within our system.
If you can't find the confirmation email, try looking in your junk/spam folder, or contact our support team for assistance.
In this section
Install the Antivirus app
First of all, congratulations on signing up and taking advantage of our brand-new Antivirus protection package! Why purchase several different security products when you only need one.
After signing up, the next step is to install the VirtualShield Antivirus app on all of your devices. When used in combination with Ad & Malware Blocking, you will be fully protected against the latest threats. Both online and offline.
Start by visiting your Account Dashboard. Select 
Antivirus from the navigation menu to download Antivirus protection for your device:
If you do not have a VirtualShield Ultimate plan or the Antivirus add-on, contact us and we'll be happy to upgrade your subscription.
Press the Download button next to your specific device, and follow the necessary steps to complete the installation.
That's it! The app will open automatically. You can also open it using the 
shield icon on your Desktop or App Library, to scan your device for threats at any time.
See our support article for more info on how to install the Antivirus on each of your various devices.
Toggle Protection
Once the app is installed, it's time to unlock the Antivirus and activate your protection. No email or password required. You will remain logged in permanently until your subscription expires.
On computers, the Antivirus will activate automatically. On other devices, it will download a trial version from our website or from the Google Play Store.
Use your License Key to unlock the full version. You can find this key by visiting your Account Dashboard.
The first time you open the app, it will immediately begin to check for updates and download the latest threat definitions for your device.
This can take a moment, depending on your internet connection. Do not attempt to turn off/restart your device during this process.
After checking for updates, you will be presented with the 
Home/Status screen. This is where you can enable/disable Active Protection, view your Scan History, and more.
You can also adjust your configuration settings and check for threat definition updates from this screen.
Now it's as simple as pressing the 
Scan button. The app will begin to scan your device and all of your apps, files, and media for threats.
By default, the Antivirus will automatically perform a Deep Scan of the entire device on a weekly basis. You can also automate Scheduled Scans to occur more or less frequently.
That's it! Your entire device will now be protected from threats. This includes your apps, files/folders, drives, and even externally connected devices.
When used in combination with Ad & Malware Blocking, you will be fully protected against the latest threats. Both online and offline.
What's next?
After installing the app and activating protection, the final step is to adjust your configuration settings and personalize the app to suit your needs. The articles below will help you get started.
If you downloaded a trial version of the Antivirus, you can unlock the full version at any time by entering your License Key. Find this key by visiting your Account Dashboard.
If you attempt to download a harmful file or install an unsafe app, Active Protection (AP) will kick in and remove/quarantine any threats in real-time.
Scheduled Scans will continually perform a Quick/Deep/Custom Scan in the background on a daily or weekly basis, at a specific date/time of your choice.
View a detailed history of all prior scans that have been performed on your device. All of your previous Quick/Deep/Custom Scans will be displayed on this screen.
Common Questions
How many devices can I use?
Our VPN supports unlimited devices, while the Antivirus can be installed on up to 3 devices at the same time. See our support article for more information.
Do I need VS Ultimate to be protected?
No, upgrading to the Ultimate plan is entirely optional. It is not required in order to be protected. Antivirus protection can also be purchased individually as an add-on to your current subscription. Contact our support team for more information.
Can I use the Antivirus on my iPhone/iPad?
While Apple doesn't natively support Antivirus on iOS, we've got you covered. Our VPN includes advanced network-level malware blocking to keep your devices secure. Simply download the VPN app for full protection on your iOS device.