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As such, Avast Security for Mac can be enjoyed with all the benefits that other Avast products come with, such as the outstanding discount policy – which relies on a more-the-merrier philosophy – the 60-day free trial of the Pro version, and a money-back guarantee that ensures that nobody is left unsatisfied.
When you open Avast Security, your Mac's protection status appears. The status This Mac is protected indicates that all shields and protection components are enabled, and Avast is actively protecting your Mac. If critical issues need your attention, Avast may display an alert status and prompt you to resolve any issues.
General
Avast Security actively scans your Mac for malware and other threats, and prompts you if an action is required. By default, Avast automatically updates virus definitions and notifies you if a program update is required.
Our free Mac antivirus protects on 3 fronts. Malware isn’t the only threat to your Mac. Malicious websites and vulnerable Wi-Fi networks can also jeopardize your safety. Avast Security provides essential free protection against all 3 threats, and our new Premium version goes the extra mile to expose Wi-Fi intruders and stop ransomware. Free antivirus is your first step to 3D online protection Award-winning free antivirus that’s light and powerful. Join over 435 million people who trust Avast to keep them safe. If you’re looking for a free anti-virus program, Avast is the best choice, edging out Sophos by providing more parity between free and paid version. While we gave Sophos Home Premium and Avast. Avast Security for Mac Review Installation. The free download of Avast Security for Mac is available from the company web site avast.com. On Mac, the install media will be saved as a DMG file in the Downloads folder. Just run the installer from there. Double click on Install Avast Security.pkg file and keep clicking on the Continue button where.
If you change the default settings, ensure your Mac's security by keeping Avast up to date. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ General, and click Update Now.
You can select from the following scan options:
- Smart Scan: scans the most vulnerable areas of your Mac for malware.
- Deep Scan: an in-depth scan of your system that checks your storage drives and memory for malware.
- Targeted Scan: scans specific files or folders you select when you initiate the scan.
- USB/DVD Scan: scans any removable storage devices that are currently connected to your Mac.
- Custom Scan: allows you to set scan parameters and a schedule for scanning your Mac regularly and automatically.
Features
The Core Shields screen allows you to manage real-time security shields:
- File Shield: the main layer of active protection in Avast Security. It scans programs and files on your Mac for malicious threats in real-time before allowing them to be opened, run, modified, or saved.
- Web Shield: an additional layer of active protection in Avast Security. It scans data that is transferred when you browse the internet in real-time to prevent malware, such as malicious scripts, from being downloaded and run on your Mac.
- Email Shield: an additional layer of active protection in Avast Security. It scans your incoming and outgoing email messages in real-time for malicious content such as viruses.
- Real Site: an additional layer of active protection in Avast Premium Security. It protects against DNS (Domain Name System) hijacking by blocking fake websites to ensure you get to the actual website you want to visit.
Virus Chest is an isolated space where you can safely store potentially dangerous files or send them to the Avast Threat Labs for analysis. Files in Virus Chest cannot run or access your system and data, so any malicious code contained within a file is unable to harm your Mac.
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Wi-Fi Inspector is an active protection component which continuously monitors your network and connected devices for threats. Wi-Fi Inspector is enabled by default.
Note: Some aspects of Wi-Fi Inspector are only available in Avast Premium Security.
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Ransomware Shield secures your personal photos, documents, and files from being modified, deleted, or encrypted by ransomware attacks. This feature automatically secures your Pictures and Documents folders and allows you to specify which other folders you want to protect from untrusted applications. Additionally, you can specify which applications are allowed to modify the files in your protected folders.
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Note: Ransomware Shield is a premium feature and is only available in Avast Premium Security.
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Settings and Troubleshooting
To access and manage Avast Security settings, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings. The following settings are available:
- General: manage program updates, show the Avast Security icon in your menu bar, or join our beta program.
- Subscription: view your current subscription information or activate a subscription for Avast Premium Security.
- Privacy: share threat information with Avast, and allow your usage data to be shared with 3rd parties for analytics purposes.
- Core Shields: manage settings and add exceptions for each of the Core Shields.
- Scans: manage settings and add exceptions for each of the predefined Scans.
- Wi-Fi Inspector: manage automatic scanning and alerts, scan all devices connected to your Wi-Fi, and view a record of visited networks.
- Ransomware Shield: specify apps that are allowed to change or delete files in your protected folders, and managed protected file types.
How do I connect Avast Security with an Avast Account?
Avast Account is a portal where you can manage all Avast subscriptions that are registered to your email address. These subscriptions can be for any Avast product across all of your devices.
To connect Avast Security with your Avast Account, follow these steps:
- Click ☰ Menu on the main screen of Avast Security, then select Log in to Avast account.
- Enter your account credentials (email and password). Alternatively, click Facebook or Google to use these credentials instead.
- Click Log In.
If you do not have an Avast Account, you can create one by going to ☰ Menu ▸ Create Account. Read more...
If you see the status This Mac is not fully protected, try the following solutions:
- Ensure all Core Shields are enabled. Read more...
- Ensure Avast Security is up to date: go to ☰ Menu ▸ Settings ▸ General, and click Update Now.
If you see the status You are in passive mode, you need to manually allow Avast Software extensions on your Mac. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:
To uninstall Avast Security, follow these steps:
- Open Avast Security and ensure the window is active.
- Click Avast in the menu bar on the top-left of your screen, then select Uninstall Avast Security.
- Click Uninstall.
- If prompted, use your Touch ID or enter your Administrator password and click OK to grant permission for the uninstallation.
- Click Quit.
Avast Security is removed from your Mac.
Since the launch of Mac devices, people have been proud of the virus-free computing standards. Unfortunately, there have been many reports of numerous Mac-specific cyber attacks. Avast Mac Security keeps your device secure against viruses, malware, and other similar issues. Additionally, the program comes with advanced features like a network security scanner and a password manager.
Keep your Mac free from cyber attacks!
An easy-to-use antivirus ensuring your Mac stays clean.
While Avast Mac Security may not be the prettiest software, it has a simple and easy-to-use interface. With numerous functions, it allows you to conduct quick scans to protect your Mac device. Since scans are enabled by default, they run in the background while you focus on work. The main window displays a ‘Protected’ status, until ofcourse there’s an attack on your device.
Easy to get started
When the installation process is complete, the program automatically installs a browser extension in Safari. However, you need to manually install the Chrome extension, in case that’s the browser you primarily use. Avast walks you through the entire installation process, which makes it convenient and quick.
Whenever you visit a ‘risky’ website, the program gives an in-browser warning, a pop-up warning, and a notification from the extension’s icon. Avast makes sure you’re well informed about visiting certain websites deemed ‘risky’. The program goes a step ahead by marking search results on Bing and Google, which saves a good amount of your time when you’re browsing through search engine results.
Loads of security features
The password manager is one of the most amazing features in the program. While you access multiple online accounts, it shields your login credentials, providing another layer of security. Moreover, Avast Mac Security is one of the few free-to-use programs with a VPN, ensuring your browsing history can’t be tracked or logged.
Avast’s antivirus scan not only keeps your web browsers and hard drives secure, but also monitors IMAP and POP3 email clients, including Airmail, Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Postbox. Unfortunately, it still lacks support for a few major email clients like Gmail. The program scans email attachments and messages to protect you from all kinds of cyber attacks.
Avast scans network connections, new files, and allows you to schedule scans. However, the free version doesn’t have advanced features like parental controls, webcam blockers, and firewalls. In order to get these features, you’ll have to purchase the licensed version, which comes in one-year and three-year options.
Keep USB drives and other devices protected
Avast Mac Security scans USB drives connected to the device. While it doesn’t start the scan automatically, it scans individual files as you try to open them. Any file with a virus is instantly quarantined.
Avast Security Mac Review
Additionally, you can use the program to protect your smartphones and tablets, since Avast comes with a mobile app. If you’re a registered user, there’s no extra charge. Moreover, iPads and iPhones can use the call blockers and password protector programs for free.
Avast Mac Security is a good antivirus program, which detects threats against your device. It also extends the protection to iPhones, iPads, Android smartphones, and tablets, allowing you to keep all gadgets safe.
While it doesn’t scan USB drives automatically, it ensures each file is scanned to keep threats at bay. For a free version, it’s a pretty good program, but doesn’t come with advanced features like parental controls and firewall.
Where can you run this program?
Avast Security is available for Mac OS, iOS, Windows, and Android devices. For Mac, it’s recommended to use macOS 10.10 or above with a minimum of 500 MB disk space.
Is there a better alternative?
While Avast Mac Security is a good choice, spending some money on other programs can get you additional features. If you’re up for it, Bitdefender Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security will be perfect. Both have received certification from independent labs, and score high on anti-phishing tests.
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Bitdefender comes with an AutoPilot mode, which means you don’t have to worry about running scans anymore. Similarly, Kaspersky features webcam blockers, parental control, and network attack blockers. While both of these programs are good choices, you might also want to check out Avast’s licensed version, which comes with most of these features.
Our take
Avast Mac Security is one of the few free programs to come with a password manager and network scanner. However, other advanced features are reserved for the licensed version. While the password manager performs basic functions, the program conducts quick scans on hard drives and browsers to keep your device protected. Overall, it’s a great choice!
Should you download it?
Yes, definitely! Avast Mac Security is an excellent program to keep your device safe. As compared to expensive software, this free-to-use antivirus program is all you need to keep your device protected from threats.
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