Avast Security for Mac - Status

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.

If you change the default settings, ensure your Mac's security by keeping Avast up to date. Go to ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences ▸ 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.

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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.

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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.

Note: Ransomware Shield is a premium feature and is only available in Avast Premium Security.
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To access and manage Avast Security settings, go to ☰ Menu ▸ Preferences. 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.

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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:

1. Click ☰ Menu on the main screen of Avast Security, then select Log in to Avast account.
2. Enter your account credentials (email and password). Alternatively, click Facebook or Google to use these credentials instead.
3. 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 ▸ Preferences ▸ 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:

• Allowing Avast Software extensions for Avast Security on macOS 10.13 or higher

To uninstall Avast Security, follow these steps:

1. Open Avast Security and ensure the window is active.
2. Click Avast in the menu bar on the top-left of your screen, then select Uninstall Avast Security.
3. Click Uninstall.
4. If prompted, use your Touch ID or enter your Administrator password and click OK to grant permission for the uninstallation.
5. Click Quit.

Avast Security is removed from your Mac.