Guide To Integrating NordVPN with Security Tools and Applications

We have all been there, staring at our screens, wondering, “Can I integrate NordVPN with security tools?” Well, guess what? You are in for a treat because the answer is a booming yes.

In today’s digital world, using a VPN is like wearing a seatbelt while driving. It is important, but it is not the only safety feature you need. We have been using NordVPN for a while now, and let me tell you, it is a game-changer when paired with other security tools. 

We are going to walk you through how to integrate NordVPN with security tools. We will show you how NordVPN can work hand-in-hand with antivirus software, password managers and even fancy firewalls. So why not just dive in?

Can I Integrate NordVPN Security Tools?

By integrating NordVPN with security tools, you can create a more complete form of online threat protection. In this article, we will discuss some much-needed security tools and describe how to integrate NordVPN with Security Tools, along with the benefits you would achieve once we integrate these together.

Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Antivirus and anti-malware software are designed to detect, prevent and remove malicious software from computing devices such as viruses, worms, trojan horses etc. It is only designed to secure data that is being transferred, and it leaves antivirus software the task of protecting your device from threats once they have arrived or while something tries to bring them up and install them for you.

Integration with NordVPN

It will work perfectly fine with most antivirus and anti-malware software right out of the box without any special setup. Both tools work offline while being the VPN responsible for network security and AV-supporting files and systems.

Benefit

• Comprehensive Protection: Both of them together will provide the best protection at both, during transmission with it and already on your device too with the antivirus.

Examples:

• • Bitdefender Total Security: Offers multi-layer ransomware protection and real-time threat detection.
  • Malwarebytes: Known for its strong malware detection and removal capabilities.

Setting Up Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software with NordVPN

• Step 1: Select and install a trusted antivirus or anti-malware software such as Bitdefender, Malwarebytes etc.
• Step 2: Activate a Full System Scan to check your device for any existing threats.
• Step 3: Install and activate NordVPN on your device.
• Step 4: Turn on the antivirus software and NordVPN at startup for your device.
• Step 5: Enable your antivirus real-time protection and connect to a secure server. Now both tools operate at the same time, protecting your data whilst in transit and also defending you from malware.

Password Managers

A password manager safely manages your passwords from each of the sites you are signed up to and can create unique, strong codes for every other account. This eliminates the reuse of the same passwords and keeps all your accounts from being compromised if only one password is hijacked.

Integration with NordVPN

While it is not an actual password manager, many users configure the two to work together for even more robust security. It will encrypt your online traffic; the password manager secures all of your login credentials by storing them securely and filling them into websites when needed.

Benefit

• Enhanced Account Security: While your information may be secured with NordVPN, strong and unique passwords are vital to keeping these accounts safe from brute force or credential-stuffing assaults.

Examples:

• • LastPass: Offers cross-platform syncing and strong password generation.
  • Bitwarden: An open-source password manager known for its security and transparency.

Integrating with NordVPN for Enhanced Security

• Step 1: Choose a password manager that meets your needs such as LastPass and Bitwarden.
• Step 2: Configure Your Password Manager and Set a Strong Master Password.
• Step 3: Download NordVPN and make sure it is activated before you access the Internet.
• Step 4: Generate and save strong unique passwords with the password manager for all your accounts.
• Step 5: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for more security. 

Firewalls

A firewall is something that stands between a particular network and the outside world, permitting or denying traffic based on predefined security rules. It shields your device and the internet, either stopping or allowing communication as appropriate.

Integration with NordVPN

Even though it is compatible with software like Windows Defender Firewall and hardware firewalls, while the firewall secures your network from unauthorized traffic sending or receiving, It encrypts and changes your IP address so none of this can happen.

Benefit

• Layered Defense: While the firewall idea is to prevent unauthorized access attempts if a perpetrator manages to breach it, then it will encrypt and hide all your data.

Examples:

• • Windows Defender Firewall: It is a built-in firewall for Windows devices that offers configurable rules for network security.
  • pfSense: It is an open-source firewall solution that is commonly used in businesses.

Configuring to Work with NordVPN

• Step 1: For firewall software, check your firewall settings, such as Windows Defender Firewall.
• Step 2: Ensure that NordVPN can pass your firewall by adding it to the list of allowed programs or creating a rule.
• Step 3: If you are using a hardware firewall, log into the Admin panel of your router and set up firewall rules in order to allow VPN traffic.
• Step 4: Go ahead and install NordVPN on your device with a secure server connected.
• Step 5: Keep checking the firewall logs periodically to ensure no unknown activity appears when it is on.

Secure Browsers and Privacy Extensions

Examples of secure browsers are Tor Browser and Brave. Privacy extensions may include ad stoppers or anti-tracking tools that protect your information by stopping tracking already taking place online through cookies as well.

Integration with NordVPN

Secure browsers and privacy extensions are used in conjunction with NordVPN to increase your level of cloud protection. It makes sure that your connection is encrypted, but it is the job of a browser or extension to handle on-page security like stopping trackers and stopping ads.

Benefit

• Maximized Privacy: It will combine with your browser to prevent ads, trackers you from being identified and other privacy threats at the source.

Examples:

• • Brave Browser: It is a privacy-focused browser that bans ads and trackers by default.
  • uBlock Origin: A powerful ad stopper that can be used with any browser to increase privacy.

Using with NordVPN

• Step 1: Run a browser and install secure or add privacy-concerned plugins, your favorite such as Brave, Tor along with uBlock Origin, HTTPS Everywhere etc.
• Step 2: Configure the browser or extensions to ban ads, trackers and any insecure connections.
• Step 3: Encrypt your traffic by installing NordVPN on your device and connecting to a secure server.
• Step 4: Establish a connection with the NordVPN server and access the internet via your secure browser or turn on privacy extensions.
• Step 5: Always keep updating your browser, extensions and NordVPN to get the new security with them. This is the configuration that offers you a maximum of privacy and protection online.

Encryption Software

It is the software that can encrypt all of your files and secure them by converting them into code words with a decryption key. This way, even if your data is stolen it will still be secured and it cannot be read without authorization.

Integration with NordVPN

It encrypts your internet traffic, whereas encryption software protects the files and data saved on your devices. This makes it safe not only in flight but also when at rest.

Benefit

• End-to-End Data Protection: Your files will be encrypted twice, on your device and over the internet.

Examples:

• • VeraCrypt: It is a popular open-source disk encryption software that allows you to create encrypted volumes.
  • BitLocker: A built-in encryption tool for Windows that encrypts the whole drive.

How to Set Up Encryption Software in Conjunction with NordVPN

• Step 1: Choose and install encryption software such as VeraCrypt and BitLocker on your device.
• Step 2: Use the encryption software to encrypt sensitive files, folders or the entire drive.
• Step 3: Install and activate NordVPN on your device to encrypt your internet traffic.
• Step 4: When you are sending or storing sensitive files online, make sure that NordVPN is connected to a secure server.
• Step 5: Backup encrypted files regularly to avoid any loss in the event of data corruption. By encrypting both your files and internet traffic, you can ensure protection from unwanted access to the data.

DNS Filtering Services

DNS filtering helps to defend against cyber threats by preventing access to malicious, illegal or inappropriate websites and requests, including phishing URLs through DNS requests. Those services give you another layer of security that stops your device from going to shady websites.

Integration with NordVPN

While you can use third-party DNS filtering services with NordVPN, it has its own DNS servers. When you combine the two, not only do you have traffic encrypted at least twice but also extra filtering against malicious websites.

Benefit

• Enhanced Web Security: DNS filtering stops you from accessing dangerous websites also reducing the risk of malware infections and phishing attacks.

Examples:

• • OpenDNS: It is a popular DNS filtering service that stops phishing sites and other threats.
  • Quad9: A free DNS service that bans access to known malicious domains.

Configuring with NordVPN

• Step 1: Select a good DNS filtering service, such as OpenDNS or Quad9 and set it up on your device or router.
• Step 2: Set the DNS address provided by your service in network settings.
• Step 3: Download and install NordVPN on your device and set it to use the DNS filtering service you have configured.
• Step 4: Enable NordVPN CyberSec to stop ads and malware.
• Step 5: Double-check that DNS filtering and NordVPN are working together by testing your connection. It prevents access to malicious websites and still keeps encrypted traffic in place.

Virtual Machine Software

VM software creates the ability to run your own separate OS within an OS of a different creation, like a Windows-based guest in macOS or Linux. This segregated instance can be used for testing new applications, browsing the web, or conducting other activities without affecting your main system.

Integration with NordVPN

NordVPN with a virtual machine is a fantastic solution that enables it to run inside of an individual VM, which provides encrypted internet access and privacy protection for the complete set-up within your VM environment. This is great and most useful while testing untrusted software or for browsing purposes without harming your main OS.

Benefit

• Isolated and Secure Environment: Running a VM with NordVPN provides you with a secure sandbox where you can test software or browse anonymously without impacting your main system.

Examples:

• • VMware Workstation: It is a powerful virtual machine software for Windows and Linux.
  • VirtualBox: A free and open-source virtual machine tool that supports multiple operating systems.

Installing and Using NordVPN

• Step 1: Install virtual machine software like VMWare and VirtualBox on your device in which you are going to work.
• Step 2: Install an Operating System into the virtual machine.
• Step 3: Next, install NordVPN on the OS in your VM and connect to a secure server.
• Step 4: Run any high-risk activities or testing in the VM while your internet is protected by NordVPN.
• Step 5: Shut down the VM when not in use to maintain security.

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

An IDS checks for potential threats and monitors the incoming and outgoing traffic to identify any violations of policies or practices. This is used to identify any attempts for unauthorized access, malware or other security-related activities.

Integration with NordVPN

You get encryption and anonymity with NordVPN, while an IDS will monitor your network for certain activities and give you a warning. You get to hide your traffic, and you also allow the detection of some malicious entries by the same combination.

Benefit

• Proactive Threat Detection: An IDS can detect and alert on threats, warning you about the threat before any damage can be done.

Examples:

• • Snort: It is an open-source network intrusion detection system that can monitor network traffic in real time.
  • Suricata: Another open-source IDS that offers high-performance network monitoring and security analysis too.

Deploying with NordVPN

• Step 1: Pick an IDS for example, Snort or Suricata and implement it in your network.
• Step 2: Set your IDS to scan all network traffic for anything fishy. Don’t forget it still needs to be able to see traffic from devices using NordVPN.
• Step 3: Install and turn on NordVPN on your device, connecting to a secure server.
• Step 4: Monitor the IDS alerts and logs, looking for any possible intrusions or suspicious events.
• Step 5: Modify IDS rules and set-ups if required to increase security. This also allows for real-time threat detection in encrypted traffic.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Tools

Endpoint Detection and Response tools are the next-generation security tools designed for real-time threat detection and response on endpoint devices such as desktops, laptops or servers. These offer deep visibility into endpoint activities and can then take automated actions against threats, such as isolating or deleting malicious files.

Integration with NordVPN

Integrating NordVPN with security tools like EDR can help you to secure your network traffic and protect your endpoints from more advanced threats. The security teams have a multi-layered defense against both external and internal threats.

Benefit

• Advanced Threat Protection: It gives you continuous monitoring and swift response to threats on your endpoints through EDR tools, while keeping private all of the network traffic using NordVPN.

Examples:

• • CrowdStrike Falcon: It is a leading EDR tool known for its real-time threat detection and response capabilities.
  • Carbon Black: An EDR tool that offers deep visibility into endpoint activities and complete threat protection.

Integrating NordVPN With EDR

• Step 1: Choose EDR Tool like CrowdStrike Falcon and Carbon Black and install it on endpoints like a computer.
• Step 2: Configure the EDR tool to monitor endpoint activity and respond in real time to possible threats.
• Step 3: Install it and activate on every endpoint, which creates an encrypted internet traffic across your network.
• Step 4: Regularly update and review EDR logs to detect and reduce any emerging threats.
• Step 5: Integrate EDR alerts with your security management tools for faster response times. 

How do I use NordVPN with Remote Desktop Applications?

The use of NordVPN with remote desktop applications is useful in that it makes your connection encrypted while also making sure the privacy and protection schemes are put up for various reasons. Here is how you can use it with some remote desktop apps.

What Are Remote Desktop Applications?

A remote desktop app lets you remotely access and control another computer or server as though you want to be physically in front of the machine. These are tools often involved in remote work, IT support or accessing files and applications on other devices.

Integration with NordVPN

By using NordVPN with remote desktop applications, you can establish a secure VPN tunnel, encrypting everything, so nothing can be eavesdropped on or exploited for a man-in-the-middle attack and prevent any unauthorized access to your remote sessions. It hides your IP address and protects your data while crossing the remote connection, providing an important protection layer.

Benefit

• Encrypted Connection: Encrypt your remote desktop connection via NordVPN encryption, making it impossible to eavesdrop on the data transfer happening between local and remote devices.
• Anonymized IP Address: Hide your original IP address with NordVPN to prevent attackers from attacking your remote desktop connection.

Steps to Use NordVPN with RDPs

Set Up and Connect to NordVPN

• Before starting your remote desktop session, open the app on the device which you are connecting from.
• Choose the server you wish to connect to in NordVPN. The closer the server is to your location or that of your target remote device the more you can get the best results.

Launch the Remote Desktop Application

• After connecting to the server, open the remote desktop app. Some common some of the apps can include:
• Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP): It is a widely used tool for connecting to Windows devices.
• TeamViewer: It is a popular cross-platform software, mainly for personal and professional use.
• AnyDesk: It is a lightweight application with fast performance.
• Enter the IP address or the hostname of the remote device with your login credentials to create a connection.

Ensure Compatibility and Stability

• Confirm that the remote desktop app is compatible with NordVPN. Certain apps might need some network details to be set up for compatibility. This can involve changing the VPN protocol like OpenVPN to NordLynx or making sure that inbound connections over the VPN are being permitted by a remote device’s firewall, if you have connection issues.

Conduct Your Remote Session Securely

• You are now free to utilize the remote desktop application. When you are using NordVPN, all the data passing between your local device and the remote servers is encrypted to prevent any of these threats from being realized.

Examples

Using Microsoft Remote Desktop with NordVPN

• Join a server in a remote machine location.
• Launch the Remote Desktop Connection client on your Windows device.
• Provide the IP address and login details of a remote Windows machine.
• Initiate your remote session with confidence in NordVPN’s security behind you.

Using TeamViewer with NordVPN

• Open the app and connect to a secure location.
• Insert the ID and Password of your remote device in TeamViewer.
• Create the connection remotely with your session being encrypted so that no one can access it without permission.

Using AnyDesk with NordVPN

• Use the app to connect to a server.
• Now open an AnyDesk and enter the address of a remote device
• Feel safe to enter the session, being certain that NordVPN is in charge of your connection.

Does NordVPN support Integration with Cloud Services?

By connecting NordVPN with cloud services, you will encrypt your connection and keep everything private so no one else can access anything unauthorized from your confidential data or applications that are in the cloud. 

What Are Cloud Services?

Cloud services are also platforms or applications that store data, host applications or provide computing resources. Some well-known cloud services are Google Drive, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Dropbox, and more. While these can be useful for using your data and resources from anywhere, it is also a huge security risk if the connection you are sending over to the server behind them is not secured.

Integration with NordVPN

NordVPN, with most cloud services, secures your data in transit to/ from the Cloud by encrypting it, thus stopping third parties from snooping, breaches, or unauthorized access. When it comes to cloud access and management, you want your IP masked and your data protected; this is where NordVPN comes in.

Benefit

• Encrypted Data Transmission: It will protect your internet activity by encrypting all the data you base on and store in or on the cloud.
• Anonymized IP Address: With NordVPN, you have your real IP address hidden, ensuring that no one can trace back and follow up on what activities in the cloud are yours.
• Enhanced Privacy: By using NordVPN, your cloud activities remain private and it will protect your sensitive data from prying eyes.

Steps to Use NordVPN with Cloud Services

Set Up and Connect to NordVPN

• First of all, simply open the app on your device before connecting to your cloud service.
• Connect to a server. For better performance, select a server in the country where you are located or in other words where a cloud provider is situated.

Access Your Cloud Service

• Once you are connected, open your cloud service application or website. Some common cloud services can be:
• Google Drive: It is for file storage and collaboration.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS): This is used to host applications and manage computing resources.
• Microsoft Azure: This is for cloud computing, data storage, and application hosting.
• Dropbox: It is for file storage and sharing too.
• Log in to your cloud service account and start using the service as usual. It will make sure that all your interactions with the cloud service are encrypted.

Ensure Compatibility and Stability

• It is fully compatible with practically all cloud services without any need for further configurations. Even if you face any problems such as low-speed internet or inability to access the service, then you need to either change the protocol of the VPN, like the switch from OpenVPN to NordLynx, also check whether that cloud does not stop traffic coming through the VPN.

Manage Your Cloud Data Securely

• Once it is up and running, you can upload files to your cloud storage securely as they will be encrypted. No matter if you are storing private scanned documentation, hosting some applications or just sharing the storage with others, your connection is safe and secure.

Examples

Using NordVPN with Google Drive

• Go to the app to connect with a server
• Go to Google Drive in your browser or app and log into it.
• Upload, download and share files with the peace of mind in knowing that an encrypted data connection can keep your data safe while hiding your IP address.

Using NordVPN with Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• Open the app and connect to a server.
• Open your AWS Management Console and confidently manage cloud resources with the peace of mind that you are encrypted whenever you want to access AWS.

Using NordVPN with Microsoft Azure

• Ask NordVPN how to protect your internet connection.
• Secure your cloud infrastructure while signing in to your Azure account with NordVPN encryption on all data transfers and operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Integrating NordVPN with security tools to create a VPN-secured virtual playground, we have explored how to turn your digital life into a classic storehouse. We started by wondering if we could integrate NordVPN with security tools. Now, we have seen how it can transform our online security to practically bulletproof. 

But cybersecurity is more like tending a garden. You have to keep supporting it, updating your tools, and staying vigilant. By integrating NordVPN with security tools and applications as your digital toolbox, you are well-equipped to face whatever the internet throws at you.

Now it is time to roll up those sleeves and start building your own digital fortress. Trust us, once you experience the peace of mind that comes with this level of security, you will wonder how you ever surfed the web without it. Stay safe out there and happy integrating.