Threat Protection Pro: all you need to know about IPVanish's anti-malware tool

Nowadays, the best VPNs have a lot more to them than masking your IP and encrypting your web traffic from prying eyes.

To stay competitive and keep users protected against emerging threats, many VPN services have remodelled themselves as all in one cybersecurity solutions; integrating tons of additional features, like ad-blockers, antivirus, and dark web monitoring, within a single VPN subscription.

Threat Protection Pro is one such feature. Available on the IPVanish Advanced plan, it's a comprehensive way to prevent malware and ads, while keeping trackers from monetizing your browsing habits.

The following guide will explain everything to know about IPVanish’s anti-malware tool and how it can help you to fortify your online security.

IPVanish Advanced: from only $3.29 per month

IPVanish has long been a reputable VPN provider that's packed with handy security settings and features. Despite the affordability of its plans, you still get the benefit of the following with Advanced:

💻 Use on unlimited simultaneous devices
🌍 Ad, tracker, and malware protection
🌐 Includes Secure Browser tool

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What is IPVanish's Threat Protection Pro tool?

Threat Protection Pro offers multiple additional layers of defense against online nasties that encryption alone just won't prevent.

For a start, it can block ads and tracking scripts, quarantine dodgy downloads, and prevent malicious websites from bamboozling you with sophisticated scams.

However, the scope of features you get will depend on which of the provider's plans you choose: IPVanish Essential or Advanced.

All its plans and payment models come with core Threat Protection, which uses DNS filters to combat trackers and malware. This functionality is built into all IPVanish platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS and Apple TV.

So... just how does DNS filtering work?

Well, VPNs route all system traffic (not just the browser-level stuff) through your encrypted tunnel. Every time you try to connect to a site, a DNS query is sent to the DNS (Domain Name System) to be resolved. IPVanish uses custom DNS servers, which cross-reference your requests against any that have been blocklisted or denied. If the domain isn’t on the list, then your device ain't getting access to it.

That implements a robust layer of security ideal for everyday use, and helps avert potential data leaks or worse. For those who’ve already got one of the best antivirus software locked and loaded, then IPVanish’s Essential plan should keep you adequately protected.

But if you want a combined VPN and anti-malware solution ready to go? Then Threat Protection Pro takes things up a notch or two…

Officially released in March 2026, its package of malware and anti-virus protections work 24/7 to mitigate threats in real-time – even when your VPN isn't on.

One small caveat is that these Pro tools are exclusive to Advanced-tier subscribers and only supported on Windows and Mac platforms. But if you’re serious about enhancing your device security, upgrading entails only a minimal price bump.

You’ll pay roughly $1 more a month than Essential (with the two-year plan) and get comprehensive security courtesy of VIPRE’s award-winning antivirus engine.

Pro initiates more granular measures alongside Threat Protection’s DNS-level checks: identifying a multitude of hidden risks located at the page, file, and network level.

In today’s threat landscape, malicious code and scripts can lurk within legitimate sources. Things like cross-site scripting (XSS) and drive-by downloads seek to embed themselves on trusted websites, activating when a visitor arrives at the domain and before clicking on anything.

Fortunately, IPVanish says Threat Protection Pro uses real-time intelligence that scans web content for rogue code before it can load, adding a layer of extra security on any already provided by your operating system. Suspicious downloads are quarantined, while it is capable of monitoring unusual network traffic too – though that's a perk limited to Windows users for the time being...

Certain individuals will find being able to boost their security with integrated antivirus and across domain, page, file and network levels makes Threat Protection Pro a vital addition to their VPN's arsenal of features.

Remote workers, avid torrenters, and pretty much anyone sharing confidential intel regularly, essentially, those more prone to their data being intercepted and compromised, are among those who could benefit from always-on anti-malware safeguards.

How to turn on Threat Protection Pro on IPVanish

It’s pretty straightforward to set up Threat Protection Pro, although you’ll first need to sign up for IPVanish Advanced:

Windows Setup:

• Open and log in via the IPVanish app
• Click on the shield icon in the navigation menu
• On setup, you’ll be prompted to install the software’s drivers
• When complete, the Threat Protection Pro control panel will appear, detailing current activity, blocked threats, quarantined files and more

MacOS Setup:

• Open and log in via the IPVanish app
• Locate Threat Protection Pro in the navigation menu
• To begin installation, enter your Mac password
• Activate the Threat Protection extension under Login Items & Extensions
• Follow the prompt to enable full disk access, and switch on the slider besides ThreatProtectionAgent
• The control panel will then appear, with protection and settings enabled by default

What other online security tools and features does IPVanish have?

IPVanish allows unlimited devices with every subscription. All plans have built-in DNS and IPv6 leak protection to keep ISPs and eavesdroppers from glimpsing your real location and web history, plus a kill switch to tighten up your privacy and block local internet access if your VPN connection fails.

Its Double Hop tool routes your traffic through two VPN servers for extra anonymity, and a no-logs policy and selection of RAM-only servers should ensure your data doesn’t linger on IPVanish hardware.

Then there's Secure Browser (another exclusive to Advanced users), which offers up to 30 hours of disposable browsing that prevents browser fingerprinting and handily annihilates your session history on exit.