Avast Premium Security is a full cross-platform suite that offers protection for Windows, Android, and macOS devices, including the iPhone and iPad. It comes with plenty of features, complete protection going beyond an antivirus software, all at a considerable price point. It also offers flexible pricing plans both for single and multiple devices. The multiple device subscription plans protect up to 10 devices. The Avast Premium Security not only protects your device from viruses, but also multiple online threats, spoofed websites, ransomware, and other malware.
In this article, we’re exploring what Avast Premium Security has to offer, its features, pros and cons, and the system requirements you should have before buying the product.
Why Choose Avast Premium Security?
The Avast Premium Security software, (previously known as Avast Premier), is comprehensive security software that goes beyond the usual antivirus software. It provides online protection on multiple devices available on different pricing plans. On installation, users get a prompt whether they want to also install Secure Browser, Avast’s Chromium-based browser which also runs on Blink and V8 engines.
The free version and the premium one has the same basic and simple user interface. Therefore, upgrading to the premium version doesn’t need a complete familiarization of controlling the software again.
Unlike other premium security suites, the Avast Premium Security has custom features with protection specific to PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, and iPad. For both PC and Mac, it blocks viruses in real-time, detects Wi-Fi network weaknesses, provides advanced ransomware protection, and also provides an extra layer of security from phishing sites. Aside from PCs, it also gives protection on your mobile devices. You can store private photos with a code or a fingerprint, and hide this in an encrypted photo vault.
You can also make sure that your browsing activity is shielded with a built-in VPN. When using the public Wi-Fi, it scans the Wi-Fi even before connecting so it can detect whether hackers are on the public network hijacking data packets. In case your device is stolen, various features protect your data, locate your devices, and capture the thief.
It’s also worth noting its added protection against DNS spoofing. DNS spoofing replaces the IP address in the DNS server. This is where hackers divert users into entering fake websites. Why they are doing this is often for the goal of diverting traffic or stealing user credentials such as bank logins and user passwords.
When availing any software, it is advisable to test the features first. This lets you see if the software, first and foremost, is compatible with your device. You also will get a feel of the interface whether it is something that is in line with your technical knowledge to tinker with it. To test the features of Avast Premium Security, Avast offers a 30-day trial version so you can assess whether the software matches your needs.
Pros
Easy to use
Simple and clear user interface
Nice modern design
Higher level of security
Reliable protection against malware
Password Manager
Lightweight
Affordable premium versions
Home network scanning feature
Cons
No automatic scanning
Numerous, though useless add-ons
Expensive than other software offering the same protection
Constant upsells
Resolving found problems comes at an additional cost
License VPN at an additional cost
Key Features
Sandbox Environment
The sandbox environment lets you open downloaded programs and files in a safe environment. With this technology, malicious files and programs can’t wreak havoc in your device and network as you are opening them in a fake environment.
Ransomware Shield
Ransomware is all over the public network, stealing and encrypting your info and important files that you can only retrieve by paying hackers to give you the encryption key. You need a ransomware shield so this doesn’t happen.
Wi-Fi Inspector
The Wi-Fi inspector feature detects/scans your Wi-Fi network and public network for vulnerabilities and potential issues. How it does this is by checking the status of your network, scanning devices connected to it, and also scanning the router settings. This prevents hackers from accessing your Wi-Fi and therefore your private data as well.
Real Site
The Real Site feature exists in all paid Avast products. This feature also warns you if the sites you visit are fake or suspicious, preventing you from sharing passwords and disclosing personal information. This especially happens when you enter banking or shopping sites.
Web Shield
Apart from protecting you from fake websites, the Avast Premium security also notifies you when you’re downloading dangerous files. Avast strongly recommends to always put the Web Shield feature on at all times to protect your device from malware.
Real-Time Updates
Security updates in real-time make sure that you are protected 24/7. You also get to see if there are any malicious attacks at any time of day.
Advanced Antivirus
A long list of internet threats like viruses, spyware, and malware cannot affect your computer with the advanced antivirus that comes in the package.
Data Shredder
When you delete files, they are not completely removed from your device but instead either go to the recycle bin or in sections of your hard drive to make it easily retrievable just in case you accidentally deleted them. While this seems like a handy feature in such cases, sensitive files you want completely removed are shredded so hackers cannot retrieve or locate them.
Sensitive Data Shield
Alongside the data shredder, you also get a sensitive data shield feature which is included in the latest version of the premium security to protect your files from spyware. Sensitive files can compromise your privacy and identity. With this feature, only applications and users with permissions can access your files.
Webcam Shield
There will always be untrusted apps made by peeping tom hackers that infiltrate your webcam to spy on you. With this feature, it blocks untrusted apps from accessing your webcam
Email Shield
In case, your browser is already infected, there’s an email shield feature that prevents you from sending and receiving email attachments. This prevents you from sending spams to your contact list which is also a way for hackers to widen their attacks.
Wi-Fi Security Alerts
Hackers have several ways of gaining access to public networks to infiltrate devices connected to it. They can hijack packets of data being transmitted between these devices and the network. It also detects weaknesses in your network finding the easiest path to access it.
Phishing Net
Avast also keeps a cloud database that records a list of the newest phishing sites. As you get access from this database through Premium Security, you know that you are protected from real-time phishing attacks.
Photo Vault
Starting with the first mobile protection feature, the Photo Vault hides private photos that you can only access with an encryption key.
App Insights
App Insights give you an overview of which apps are using more data compared to others, and how much data is being used. This lets you see if a downloaded app is suspiciously using more data than expected.
RAM Boost
If you frequently experience lagging phones, freeing up RAM can instantly solve it. A RAM Boost is maybe all you need. RAM or random-access memory is your computer’s short-term memory which when having not much space can instantly affect your device’s performance, even preventing it from running at all.
Call Blocker
The call blocker feature is an iOS feature that helps users avoid unwanted calls. When telemarketers and annoying callers get a record of your phone number to sell products and make promotions, you can instantly block them from calling you again. With this feature, you have a personal blocklist.
SIM Security
When someone changes your SIM card without your permission, the software instantly registers it as stolen.
Anti-Theft
Avast Premium Security has an anti-theft feature that tracks down lost, or stolen phones and instantly wipes its contents to protect your files and data from getting accessed.
Last Known Location
Again, in case of a stolen phone, the software registers the last location when the device’s battery dies. Some users report geolocation issues after installing software updates though this is instantly resolved on the next update.
Camera Trap
Lastly, it secretly takes a picture and records audio from your phone to catch the thief. Though some users also reported encountering difficulty with this feature.
Other Features
Single or multi-device option
Call blocker
Power Save
RAM boost
Junk Cleaner
Speed Test
Do Not Disturb Mode
Automatic Software Update
Wi-Fi Speed Test
Power Save
App Lock
Operating System Compatibility
| Windows | Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 (SP2) (32 or 64-bit) | ||
| Mac | Apple macOS 10.15.x (Catalina), Apple macOS 10.14.x (Mojave), Apple macOS 10.13.x (High Sierra), Apple macOS 10.12.x (Sierra), Apple Mac OS X 10.11.x (El Capitan), Apple Mac OS X 10.10.x (Yosemite) | ||
| Android | Android 4.1 (Jellybean) or higher, with 500 mb of hard disk space | ||
| iPhone or iPad | iOS 10 or higher |
Windows Hardware Requirements
| Processor | 32-bit and 64-bit | ||
| RAM | 1 GB RAM or above | ||
| Hard Disk Space | 2 GB free space on the hard disk |
Mac Hardware Requirements
| Processor | Intel based Mac with 64-bit processor | ||
| RAM | 512 MB RAM or above (1 GB RAM or higher preferred) | ||
| Hard Disk Space | 256 MB |
How To Use
Install Avast Premium Security On Windows
Installing the software is as easy as downloading the setup file and proceeding with the installation guide. Here is a step by step guide to do it:
- Close and uninstall any antivirus software installed in your device
- Download the Avast Premium Security setup file. This usually goes to your Downloads folder.
- Right-click on the downloaded setup file with a .exe file extension.
- Click Run as administrator from the context menu
- Click YES when prompted for permissions with User Account Control
- Click Install to proceed with the default installation
- Click Get Started
- Proceed with the installation until you reach the Activate or Start Free Trial option. If you already have purchased the software, click Activate. If you want to test the features first, click on the second option.
- You can now run your first scan
Install Avast Premium Security On Mac
- Download the Avast Security for Mac setup file by clicking here :
- Double-click the downloaded setup file avast_security_online.dmg found in your downloads folder
- Double-click on the Avast Security button
- Click Continue to for your device to check if Avast Security can be installed
- Click Continue
- Click Continue after reading the Avast End User License Agreement
- Click Agree to say you accept the terms
- Click Install. Also, if you wish to make changes to the default setup, click Change Install Location… or Customize
- Use your Touch ID to give permission for the installation, or click Use Password, then enter your Administrator password and click Install Software
- Click close
- Avast Premium Security is now installed
How To Troubleshoot Avast Premium Security
In case you encounter any installation issues, you can troubleshoot the software first. Troubleshooting also lets you see any problems encountered with the software.
- Make sure you meet the minimum system requirements and that your system is up-to-date
- Another thing to check is if the downloaded setup file is not corrupted
- Uninstall any previous or existing anti-virus software. If switching from a single device to a multi-device, you must uninstall the earlier version first before activating the new one.
- Restart the PC and try installing it again.
How To Enable And Access Anti-Theft
The Anti-Theft feature requires an initial step to activate. This allows you to manage devices in case they are lost or stolen.
- Click on the Avast Mobile Security icon.
- Tap the menu icon on the top-left corner
- Select Anti-Theft
- Select Set up now. This will start the activation process.
- Create PIN, select an email account to reset the PIN, then OK to confirm.
- Proceed with the other steps until you reach the Web Control setup, and log in with your email account.
- Grant permission by going to settings and turning on the Avast Mobile Security to ON.
- After finishing the setup, the Anti-theft feature is now enabled.
About Avast
Avast Software is a multinational cybersecurity software company with headquarters in Prague, Czech Republic. It was founded in 1998 and remained as a private company until 2010. In 2016, it acquired AVG. In 2018, it had its IPO.
Avast creates product lines, including a list of servers and desktops, along with AVG-branded products. Eventually, it added protection on mobile devices as well. Most of these products are sold on a freemium model, basically, free software solutions that open up a list of features when you avail of the premium version. Being one of the recognized names in its industry, Avast protects over 400 million devices.
Final Thoughts
Avast Premium Security with antivirus and security firewall features is a cross-platform solution for your devices. The Multi-OS and -Device version works well with your phone and computer. Its simplistic interface is a big plus for users. Overall, Avast Premium Security provides a higher level of security compared to its predecessors. The premium features are more than enough for an entry-level software firewall. It covers most of your digital security needs.
Though with an impressive list of features, the Avast Premium Security is a lot more expensive than similar products offering the same protection. Still, a good choice if bought as part of a bundle such as with Avast SecureLine VPN, or bought on a sale price. Some of its better competition includes the Norton 360 or Kaspersky Internet Security. They offer the same set of features (even more) at a more affordable price.
Feel free to take a quick look at the list of best anti-spyware reviews found on our website. Alternatively, if you are interested in knowing more internet security suites with free software firewall integrated in the market, feel free to go through other software firewall reviews on the site.
