Avast Security for Mac - Core Shields

File Shield is the main layer of active protection in Avast Security. It scans programs and files saved on your Mac for malicious threats in real-time before allowing them to be opened, run, modified, or saved. If malware is detected, File Shield prevents the program or file from infecting your device.

By default, File Shield is configured to provide optimal protection when switched on. We therefore strongly recommend you keep this shield turned on at all times and only make configuration changes if you have an advanced understanding of malware protection principles.

To disable File Shield, click the slider so that it changes to OFF (red). You may be prompted to enter your Touch ID or Administrator password to approve this change.

To adjust File Shield settings, or to add a file or folder to the File Shield exceptions list, click the Preferences icon on the Core Shields screen of Avast Security.

Web Shield is 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.

By default, Web Shield is configured to provide optimal protection when switched on. We therefore strongly recommend you keep this shield turned on at all times and only make configuration changes if you have an advanced understanding of malware protection principles.

To disable Web Shield, click the slider so that it changes to OFF (red). You may be prompted to enter your Touch ID or Administrator password to approve this change.

To adjust Web Shield settings, or to add a server or URL to the Web Shield exceptions list, click the Preferences icon on the Core Shields screen of Avast Security.

Email Shield is 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. Scanning applies only to messages sent or received using a mail management software (email clients, such as Mail, Microsoft Outlook, or Mozilla Thunderbird). If you access your web based email account via an internet browser, your Mac is protected by other shields.

By default, Email Shield is configured to provide optimal protection when switched on. We therefore strongly recommend you keep this shield turned on at all times and only make configuration changes if you have an advanced understanding of malware protection principles.

To disable Email Shield, click the slider so that it changes to OFF (red). You may be prompted to enter your Touch ID or Administrator password to approve this change.

To adjust Email Shield settings, or to add a server or URL to the Email Shield exceptions list, click the Preferences icon on the Core Shields screen of Avast Security.

Real Site is an additional layer of active protection in Avast Premium Security. It protects against DNS (Domain Name System) hijacking by providing an encrypted connection between your web browser and Avast's own DNS server. DNS hijacking (or DNS redirection) is a type of malicious attack that redirects you from the site you want to visit, to another site that may look just like it, but which can steal information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. This type of attack is especially dangerous when used with banking and shopping websites. Real Site blocks these fake websites and ensures that the displayed website is the actual authentic one you want to visit.

By default, Real Site is configured to provide optimal protection when switched on. We therefore strongly recommend you keep this shield turned on at all times unless you need to temporarily disable it for troubleshooting purposes.

To disable Real Site, click the slider so that it changes to OFF (red). You may be prompted to enter your Touch ID or Administrator password to approve this change.

To adjust Real Site settings, or to add a server or URL to the Real Site exceptions list, click the Preferences icon on the Core Shields screen of Avast Premium Security.