Avast Internet Security

What is Avast Internet Security

Avast Internet Security was a comprehensive security solution positioned between Avast’s basic antivirus offerings and its premium tier products. It provided robust protection against online threats including viruses, malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and network intrusions, with emphasis on defending users during internet activities such as browsing, online shopping, and banking.

Following Avast’s product line simplification, Avast Internet Security is no longer available as a standalone product. Existing users have been automatically upgraded to Avast Premium Security, which includes all Internet Security features plus additional capabilities previously reserved for higher tiers. This consolidation ensures users receive enhanced protection while simplifying Avast’s product portfolio.

Avast Premium Security (the successor product) leverages over 30 years of cybersecurity expertise from Avast, a company protecting more than 400 million users globally. The software employs cloud-based threat intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and behavioral analysis to identify and neutralize threats before they can compromise your system, data, or privacy.

The solution provides multi-layered defense mechanisms working simultaneously to create comprehensive protection. Real-time scanning, web filtering, email protection, firewall, and specialized shields work together to guard against diverse attack vectors, ensuring security whether you’re browsing websites, downloading files, checking email, or connecting to networks.

Key Features

Real-Time Antivirus Protection: Continuous monitoring of files, programs, and applications using signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and machine learning to identify and block malware before execution. The File Shield component scans every file operation in real-time, preventing infected files from running or spreading.

Advanced Firewall: Two-way firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic, blocking unauthorized access attempts and preventing malware from communicating with command servers. Includes configurable rules for applications, ports, and protocols, plus Remote Access Shield defending against brute-force attacks targeting remote desktop and other access points.

Ransomware Shield: Specialized protection layer monitoring sensitive folders and blocking unauthorized encryption attempts. Automatically protects documents, photos, and important files from ransomware attacks while allowing trusted applications normal access. Customizable folder selection and application whitelisting provide granular control.

Web Shield Protection: Scans websites before you visit them, identifying and blocking malicious sites, phishing pages, and fraudulent domains. Provides HTTPS scanning to inspect encrypted connections and integrates seamlessly with all major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera.

Email Guardian: Scans incoming and outgoing emails across all popular email providers including Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and others. Identifies phishing attempts, malicious attachments, and scam messages before they reach your inbox, protecting you from email-borne threats and social engineering attacks.

Wi-Fi Inspector: Automatically scans networks you connect to, identifying security vulnerabilities, weak passwords, and unauthorized devices. Detects routers with outdated firmware, insecure configurations, and potentially compromised devices on your network, providing recommendations for improving security.

Webcam Shield: Monitors applications attempting to access your webcam and alerts you to unauthorized access attempts. Provides granular control over which programs can activate your camera, preventing spying and unauthorized surveillance through webcam hijacking.

Data Shredder: Securely deletes files by overwriting them multiple times with random data, making recovery impossible. Essential for permanently removing sensitive documents, financial records, or personal files before selling equipment or disposing of storage devices.

Sandbox Environment: Isolated virtual space for running suspicious programs without risking your actual system. Test unknown applications, open questionable attachments, or visit risky websites in complete safety, with any malicious activity contained within the sandbox.

Sensitive Data Shield: Monitors transmission of confidential information like credit card numbers, bank details, and passwords. Prevents keyloggers and data-stealing malware from capturing sensitive information, alerting you if programs attempt unauthorized access to personal data.

Smart Scan: Comprehensive system check combining malware scanning, vulnerability detection, network security assessment, and performance analysis in single operation. Provides clear reports with prioritized recommendations for addressing discovered issues.

What’s New in Latest Version

AI-Powered Scam Protection: New Avast Assistant feature uses artificial intelligence to identify sophisticated scams across emails, messages, and websites. Provides real-time guidance for recognizing phishing attempts, fake messages, and social engineering attacks that traditional security might miss.

Enhanced Threat Detection: Improved behavioral analysis and machine learning algorithms identify ransomware and malware patterns more accurately. Faster response to zero-day threats through enhanced cloud-based intelligence sharing across Avast’s global network.

Dark Web Monitoring: Continuous scanning of dark web marketplaces and breach databases for your credentials. Immediate alerts if email addresses or passwords appear in data breaches or underground forums, enabling quick action before account compromise.

Windows 11 Support: Full compatibility with Windows 11 including ARM64 architecture (Snapdragon processors). Updated interface matching modern design language with improved Security Center integration and platform-specific optimizations.

Performance Optimizations: Reduced memory usage (30% less RAM) and faster scan speeds (25% improvement) while maintaining detection accuracy. Minimized impact on system resources during background operations and real-time protection.

Improved Privacy Controls: Enhanced transparency about data collection with better user control over information sharing. Expanded tracking protection and clearer privacy policies addressing user concerns.

System Requirements

Operating Systems: Windows 11 (except Mixed Reality and IoT, including ARM64), Windows 10 (32/64-bit and ARM64, except Mobile and IoT), Windows 8/8.1 (32/64-bit, except RT and Starter), Windows 7 SP1 or later (32/64-bit)

Processor: Intel Pentium 4 / AMD Athlon 64 or newer (SSE3 support required)

Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum (4 GB recommended)

Storage: 1.5 GB free space for installation and updates

Display: 1024 x 768 minimum resolution (1920 x 1080 recommended)

Internet: Active connection for downloads, activation, and updates

Browsers: Compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Internet Explorer

How to Download and Get Started

Step 1: Visit www.avast.com and select Avast Premium Security (current product including all Internet Security features). Existing Internet Security licenses automatically convert to Premium Security.

Step 2: Select subscription plan for number of devices (1, 5, or 10) and duration (1-3 years). All plans include 30-day money-back guarantee.

Step 3: Download installer (approximately 500 MB) containing complete application and latest virus definitions.

Step 4: Run installer with administrator permission. System checks for conflicting security software and offers automatic removal.

Step 5: Complete installation wizard (3-5 minutes). Choose Express or Custom installation based on preferences.

Step 6: Create or sign in to Avast account for license management and multi-device installation.

Step 7: Activate license with code from purchase or automatic detection if using same account.

Step 8: Run initial Smart Scan (5-15 minutes) to check for threats and establish security baseline.

Step 9: Review and customize protection settings. Default configuration provides excellent security for most users.

Step 10: Configure optional features including Ransomware Shield folders, Webcam Shield permissions, and Firewall rules as needed.

Avast Internet Security vs Alternatives

vs Norton 360 Standard: Norton includes VPN unlimited data, 10 GB cloud backup, and password manager versus Avast requiring separate purchases. Norton costs more ($79.99/year vs $50-70) with greater system impact. Avast has better recent malware detection rates. Choose Norton for all-in-one; Avast for better protection at lower cost.

vs Kaspersky Internet Security: Kaspersky offers comparable detection with excellent banking protection and parental controls. Similar pricing and feature sets. Privacy concerns exist regarding Russian origins. Choose based on feature priorities and privacy comfort level.

vs Bitdefender Internet Security: Bitdefender scores slightly higher in lab tests with lighter system impact. Includes 200 MB/day VPN and password manager. Similar pricing ($49.99/year). Avast has more user-friendly interface. Choose Bitdefender for maximum detection; Avast for easier use.

vs ESET Internet Security: ESET is exceptionally lightweight with minimal performance impact and excellent detection. More technical interface, fewer features (no webcam shield). Similar pricing. Choose ESET for speed; Avast for comprehensive features.

vs McAfee Total Protection: McAfee offers unlimited devices for one price, great for families. Includes VPN and identity protection but historically criticized for slowdown. Avast has lighter resource usage. Choose McAfee for unlimited devices; Avast for better performance.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent malware detection rates in independent lab testing
• Comprehensive features including firewall, ransomware shield, webcam protection
• Minimal system performance impact with optimized scanning
• User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels
• Affordable pricing with frequent promotional discounts
• Protects up to 10 devices across multiple platforms
• AI-powered scam detection and dark web monitoring
• 30-day trial and money-back guarantee
• Wi-Fi security scanning and network protection
• Sandbox environment for safe testing
• Automatic software updater keeps programs current
• Data shredder for permanent file deletion

Cons:

• VPN and password manager not included (separate purchase)
• Frequent promotional notifications can be intrusive
• Past data selling controversy (practice discontinued)
• Mac version has fewer features than Windows
• Installation may include unwanted browser extensions
• Customer support can be slow without premium tier
• Some features less intuitive than competitors
• Occasional false positives requiring whitelisting
• Subscription-only (no lifetime license)
• More expensive than some similar products

Who Should Use Avast Internet Security

Active Internet Users: Individuals spending significant time online shopping, banking, browsing, and communicating benefit from comprehensive web protection, email scanning, and network security features.

Privacy-Conscious Individuals: Users concerned about webcam spying, data theft, and online tracking appreciate Webcam Shield, Sensitive Data Shield, and secure data deletion capabilities.

Multi-Device Families: Households with up to 10 devices across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS can protect everything with single affordable license.

Home Office Workers: Remote workers and freelancers need reliable protection without enterprise complexity or pricing, benefiting from firewall, ransomware shield, and Wi-Fi security.

Existing Avast Users: Current Avast Free users wanting additional protection without switching security providers or learning new interfaces.

Budget-Conscious Users: Those wanting solid protection with useful features without paying premium suite prices for services they don’t need.

Who Should Look Elsewhere: Users wanting bundled VPN and password manager should consider Norton 360 or Bitdefender Total Security. Those needing lightest system impact should examine ESET. Privacy purists might prefer Bitdefender or Emsisoft. Business users need enterprise solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Avast Internet Security still available?
A: No, it’s been replaced by Avast Premium Security. Existing users automatically upgraded to Premium Security with same or better features.

Q: Does it include VPN?
A: No, VPN (SecureLine) is separate product. Avast Ultimate bundles Premium Security, VPN, AntiTrack, and Cleanup at discounted price.

Q: Will it slow my computer?
A: Minimal impact on modern systems. Optimized scanning uses moderate resources, less than Norton/McAfee but slightly more than ESET.

Q: Is it safe after data selling controversy?
A: Avast ended all data selling practices and improved transparency. While past concerns were valid, corrective actions have been implemented.

Q: How does it compare to Windows Defender?
A: Provides superior protection with firewall, ransomware shield, email scanning, webcam protection, Wi-Fi inspector, and many features Defender lacks.

Q: Can I protect mobile devices?
A: Yes, licenses cover Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS up to device limit. Features vary appropriately by platform.

Q: Is there free trial?
A: Yes, 30-day trial with full features, no credit card required. Plus 30-day money-back guarantee on purchases.

Q: What happens when subscription expires?
A: Reverts to Avast Free Antivirus with basic protection but premium features like firewall and ransomware shield disabled.

Q: How often do virus definitions update?
A: Multiple times daily, often hourly during active threats. Updates automatic in background with cloud-based real-time intelligence.

Q: Can I use on new computer?
A: Yes, uninstall from old device and install on new one. Multi-device licenses allow specified number of simultaneous installations.

Final Verdict

Avast Internet Security (now Premium Security) delivers robust, comprehensive protection effectively balancing strong security, useful features, and reasonable pricing. With consistently high malware detection rates, minimal system impact, and feature-rich package including firewall, ransomware protection, webcam shield, and email scanning, it provides excellent value for users seeking more than basic antivirus without premium suite costs.

The software’s core strength is providing essential internet security features in accessible, user-friendly package. The multi-layered approach combining real-time protection, behavioral analysis, and cloud intelligence ensures comprehensive defense against diverse threats. Recent additions like AI scam detection and dark web monitoring demonstrate ongoing commitment to evolving protection.

However, limitations exist. Absence of bundled VPN and password manager despite “internet security” positioning disappoints, especially with competitors including these. Promotional notifications can annoy though adjustable. Past data practices controversy, while resolved, may concern privacy-focused users despite transparency improvements.

For home users, families, and individuals seeking reliable internet protection at reasonable cost, Avast Premium Security represents solid choice. It particularly suits those spending significant time online, working remotely, or concerned about ransomware, webcam privacy, and network security. The combination of proven detection, comprehensive features, multi-device coverage, and affordable pricing creates compelling proposition.

Users wanting true all-in-one with bundled VPN and password manager should explore Norton 360 or Bitdefender Total Security at higher cost. Those prioritizing maximum detection might prefer Bitdefender. Privacy purists could consider ESET or Emsisoft. But for majority seeking feature-rich, reliable protection at fair price, Avast Premium Security delivers needed security from established provider with decades of expertise protecting hundreds of millions worldwide.