• IPVanish releases Threat Protection Pro for all Advanced users on Windows and Mac
• The new tool scans for malicious downloads, phishing sites, and trackers
• It's reserved for Advanced users and works even when the VPN is off

UPDATE: On March 30, IPVanish fully launched Threat Protection Pro. This means that all Advanced users can now use the new security feature on Windows and macOS. We made some edits to the copy to reflect this.

In February, IPVanish announced the beta launch of Threat Protection Pro, a new advanced security tool available for Windows and macOS users. On March 30, the provider fully launched Threat Protection Pro for all Advanced users.

IPVanish's Threat Protection Pro is designed to move the provider beyond simple privacy tools, offering "always-on security" that actively scans for threats on your device.

While TechRadar's reviewers already rate IPVanish as one of the best VPN services on the market for its speed and interface, this update aims to compete directly with comprehensive security suites.

Powered by the enterprise-grade VIPRE antivirus engine, Threat Protection Pro is built to block malicious websites, stop harmful downloads before they execute, and filter out intrusive ads and trackers.

The most significant upgrade over the standard Threat Protection feature is its independence. According to the company's announcement, the Pro version "works even when your VPN isn't connected," providing a persistent layer of defense that doesn't rely on an encrypted tunnel being active.

Always-on protection

Standard VPN threat protection usually relies on DNS filtering, blocking known bad domains at the network level while you are connected to a VPN server. Threat Protection Pro appears to go a step further by integrating on-device scanning capabilities.

"Threat Protection Pro expands IPVanish defense beyond VPN privacy, adding always-on security designed to help keep your device safer as you browse, download, and explore online," the company stated in a blog post. "It’s part of our continued mission to protect not just your connection, but your entire online experience."

The engine behind the tool, VIPRE, has a strong pedigree in the cybersecurity space. In April 2025, VIPRE Advanced Security received top marks in independent lab tests by AV-Comparatives. In those tests, the engine demonstrated a 98.7% detection rate against threats, placing it in the upper echelon of malware defense.

By integrating this level of scrutiny directly into the VPN client, IPVanish reinforces the industry shift towards "all-in-one" digital protection apps and follows a trend set by competitors like NordVPN, which also offers a 'Pro' version of its own Threat Protection tool capable of scanning files for malware.

How to try Threat Protection Pro

Currently, the feature is available exclusively to Windows and macOS users subscribed to the IPVanish Advanced plan.

This addition adds significant value to IPVanish's offering, particularly for users who want a "set and forget" security solution that doesn't require juggling multiple apps.

"Today, IPVanish adds an important service to our privacy and security suite. With Threat Protection Pro, we’re bringing together over 25 years of cybersecurity expertise into a unified experience, moving IPVanish closer to a complete digital protection platform," said Subbu Sthanu, Chief Commercial Officer at IPVanish.

If you are already an Advanced subscriber, using the feature is a recommended step to bolster your defenses on desktop without paying for a separate antivirus subscription.

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