Does Avast Antivirus Work For Mac
Macs may be a far less tempting target for malware and viruses, but they’re not immune from attack. Even if you don’t care about adware or being used as a means to infect users on other platforms, it’s still possible to fall victim to ransomware, password theft, or stolen iPhone backups.
Does the avast! Antivirus for Mac scan for Windows-based virii/malware? This means for offline work, not for online like surfing, mail, chat enz. Does Avast work on Macs? Update Cancel. Ad by ManageEngine ADSolutions. How does Avast Antivirus works? Which AV software is it better to install on a Mac, Sophos or Avast? Avast works on MAC systems. The Avast security for MAC is a good example. Promoted by Rapid7.
Accordingly, good antivirus software will protect your Mac on all of these fronts. It’ll catch malware that’s still spreading or in circulation; block ransomware; protect older systems with out-of-date software from security vulnerabilities; prevent your Mac from acting as a carrier for malware aimed at other operating systems; and keep infected files off of any virtual machines you’re running.
Antivirus for Mac cheat sheet
Our quick-hit recommendations:
- Best paid antivirus for Mac:Sophos Home Premium for Mac[sophos.com]
- Best free antivirus for Mac:Avast Free Mac Security[avast.com]
Many antivirus suites provide a decent level of protection, but a few rise above all others by providing the very best in performance. Our top contenders dominate by posting perfect (or virtually near perfect) scores from security research labs, passing our own malware detection tests with flying colors, offering well-designed interfaces, and even throwing in extra features like a firewall or password manager.
Updated 08/15/19: Added our review of Avira Free Antivirus, a worthy free option that’s easy to use and effective.
Looking for Windows antivirus recommendations? You can read about the best antivirus suites for PC on our sister site, PCWorld.
Best overall antivirus software
Sophos Home Premium has the most extensive and up-to-date approach to fighting malware at an unbeatable price.
Sophos Home Premium has it all: Effective malware protection, ransomware monitoring, protection against potentially-unwanted-apps, and additional features that often require separately licensed software. Its cloud-based configuration and generous licensing (up to 10 Macs and PCs) also make it easy to shield friends and family from threats, no matter where they live. (Full details available in our review.)
Best free antivirus software
Though Sophos does offer a good free version of its software, Avast Free Mac Security edges it out as the best free antivirus software for macOS. In security lab tests, Avast detected 99.9 percent of macOS malware, and 100 percent of Windows malware. However, if you want more advanced protection (like ransomware detection), you’ll need to upgrade to paid software.
What to look for in antivirus software
By our reckoning, antivirus software should be able to neutralize a threat before it can begin wreaking havoc. That means preventing the download, installation, or execution of malicious software.
Since you can encounter threats by visiting compromised or malicious websites, receiving virus-laden attachments, or accessing USB drives with malware, good AV software should scan on a continuous basis unless you configure it otherwise. And ideally, files identified as malicious should be quarantined into a special storage area managed by the AV software, with the option to automatically delete files known to be malware or repair normal documents that also carry devious payloads.
Great AV suites also will monitor the filesystem for certain kinds of changes. Ransomware—which is malware that will rapidly encrypt user files like documents and mailboxes and then delete the originals—has become a huge moneymaker on other platforms. As a prime opportunity for attackers, it’s the greatest danger Mac users likely face as a category.
Detecting this pattern and halting it before any files are unavailable should be possible without an anti-malware system knowing the specific innards of a ransomware virus. Sophos, our top pick, includes this feature in the Home Premium version of its 2018 update. Other vendors, like Avast and Trend Micro Antivirus, offer an alternative feature that allows you to whitelist programs allowed to manipulate files in specific directories. So if this particular type of attack becomes rapidly popular, you’ll be protected.
Good antivirus software should also use minimal computational resources. That’s especially the case these days—AV monitoring hasn’t become much more complicated than when it first became available, and faster, multi-core CPUs can easily handle the demands of running AV software in the background without disturbing your active work.
Beyond these primary features, an easy-to-navigate interface and extra features are worth factoring into your decision. Some AV software are full-fledged suites that offer additional options like backup service for essential files, a password manager, parental controls, anti-tracking and privacy modes or options, a more advanced firewall, and the blocking of Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs).
How we test
Each software package is evaluated creating a clean installation of macOS Mojave, cloning it for each AV product, and then booting separately into each one to install a different package. This was to ensure that previous app installations didn’t interfere with new ones—sometimes AV software treats other AV software as an infection.
In addition to visiting malicious websites, downloading known malicious software, and even running said malware, we also reference the most recent reports from two labs that regularly cover macOS malware: AV Comparatives and AV-TEST. These laboratories test AV software against sets of known malware as well as products that are grouped as potentially unwanted applications (like adware).
The latter doesn’t damage or expose your computer or its files but may consume power and CPU cycles. Because the testing effectively looks at a combination of virus databases and behavior, they remain good gauges even after many months. When an antivirus software package lacks a rating from a known security research lab, we do more extensive testing with real malware.
Finally, while we gave props for a lot of different features and behaviors, we marked products down if they lacked any or all of the following:
- A nearly perfect score on macOS malware detection
- Ransomware monitoring
- Native browser plug-in or system-level Web proxy
- A high score on Windows malware detection
Privacy concerns
Using an anti-virus product, especially any that includes tools to also improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing you’re safe from personal and private information leaking out. That’s not quite the case. While there’s no reason to panic, you should consider a few reasonable issues.
First, an antivirus product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: Some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms—certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like.
However, helping the greater good means you’ll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews.
Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an AV package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computer’s hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as available.
Third, anti-virus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer that’s being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering.
All of our antivirus for Mac reviews
If you have specific requirements or just wish to see other options, below is a list of all the antivirus software we’ve reviewed. We’ll keep evaluating new and refreshed software on a regular basis, so be sure to come back to see what else we’ve put through the ringer.
This article answers the most common questions about Avast SecureLine VPN on Windows and Mac. For information about Avast SecureLine VPN on mobile devices, refer to the following article:
General
What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) functions as a private tunnel through the internet which encrypts your data and secures your connection when using public Wi-Fi connections such as those in cafes or airports.
What is SecureLine VPN?
Avast SecureLine VPN is an application which enables you to connect to the internet via secure Avast VPN servers using an encrypted tunnel. SecureLine VPN can be used any time you want to connect to the internet with extra security and privacy and is especially recommended when you are connected to a public or unsecured wireless network.
SecureLine VPN has servers in several locations which means you can bypass geolocation restrictions as well as access your favorite content while traveling.
Which Operating Systems does SecureLine VPN support?
- Microsoft Windows 10 (any Edition except RT or Starter, 32-bit or 64-bit)
- Microsoft Windows 8 / 8.1 (any Edition except RT or Starter, 32-bit or 64-bit)
- Microsoft Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or higher (any Edition, 32-bit or 64-bit)
- 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)
We also offer mobile versions of Avast SecureLine VPN for Android (5.0 or later) and iOS (9.0 or later). For more information, refer to the following article:
The latest version of Avast SecureLine VPN is not supported by and cannot be run on Windows Vista or Windows XP. If you use Windows Vista or Windows XP, you can download Avast SecureLine VPN version 5.0.407. However, this is an older version of the program and does not receive updates.
Connection
Can I use SecureLine VPN with any type of internet connection?
Yes, SecureLine VPN connects over any wired or wireless internet connection.
What kind of encryption does SecureLine VPN use?
SecureLine VPN uses the AES 256 bit encryption key, which is bank grade encryption. SecureLine also uses Open SSL and certificate authentication.
What ports does SecureLine VPN run on?
SecureLine VPN for Windows runs on ports 553 UDP and 443 TCP.
SecureLine VPN for Mac runs on ports 50, 500, 1701, and 4500.
What protocols does SecureLine VPN use?
SecureLine VPN for Windows uses Open VPN on UDP.
SecureLine VPN for Mac uses IPsec.
Does SecureLine VPN allow P2P connections?
SecureLine VPN allows peer-to-peer connections through our data center locations listed below:
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Frankfurt, Germany
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- New York City, New York
- Miami, Florida
- Seattle, Washington
- London, United Kingdom
- Paris, France
Does SecureLine VPN log user information?
SecureLine VPN stores connection logs, which includes information such as the time you connect and disconnect, the duration of the connection, and bandwidth usage. This information is used for diagnostic purposes and to help prevent abuse of the VPN connection.
We do not log activity such as the websites you visit, what data is transferred, and which IP addresses are accessed. For more information, refer to the Avast Privacy Policy:
Why is my internet connection slower when I connect to SecureLine VPN?
You may experience a slower internet connection when using SecureLine VPN. A VPN encrypts traffic and data before sending it to a server. Depending on the distance and capacity of the server, this process may cause a slightly slower, but safer, internet connection.
Setup & Licensing
How do I install SecureLine VPN?
If you use Avast Antivirus, the SecureLine VPN component is installed by default and only requires activation with a paid license. For activation details, refer to the following article:
If you do not use Avast Antivirus, you can download the standalone version of SecureLine VPN and then insert your license. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:
If you use Avast Security on a compatible Mac system, SecureLine VPN is installed by default. Activate the product by inserting your activation code. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:
If you do not use Avast Security, you can download the standalone version of SecureLine VPN and then insert your license. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:
How do I uninstall SecureLine VPN?
If you are using SecureLine VPN in Avast Antivirus, go to ☰Menu ▸ Settings ▸ Components and scroll down to SecureLine VPN. Click the SecureLine VPN panel to expand it, then click Uninstall Component. For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:
If you are using the standalone version of SecureLine VPN, refer to the article below to uninstall the program via your Windows control panel:
- Open the Avast SecureLine VPN interface.
- Click Avast SecureLine VPN in the Menu bar and select Uninstall Avast SecureLine VPN.
- Follow the uninstaller wizard steps.
For detailed instructions, refer to the following article:
Can I use SecureLine VPN without installing Avast Antivirus?
Yes. SecureLine VPN can be installed as a standalone application, without Avast Antivirus (Windows) or Avast Security (Mac) installed. If you are using Avast Antivirus on Windows, we recommend using SecureLine VPN as a component of Avast.
Is SecureLine VPN licensed separately from Avast Antivirus?
Yes. SecureLine VPN is an extra service and requires a separate license to use. An Avast Antivirus license does not activate SecureLine VPN.
What should I do if my activation is unsuccessful?
SecureLine VPN requires a separate, paid license to use it. If you are using Avast Antivirus, ensure that you have purchased and activated a license for SecureLine VPN. If the activation is unsuccessful, you can submit a ticket to the Avast Support Team for assistance. Students get avast antivirus pro for mac free download full version.
How do I get started using SecureLine VPN?
When using SecureLine VPN as part of Avast Antivirus:
- Open the Avast user interface and go to Privacy ▸ SecureLine VPN.
- Click the Off slider so that it changes to On.
- Click Change location and select a location from the list. If you skip this step, you are automatically connected to the Optimal location.
When using the standalone version of SecureLine VPN:
- Double-click the Avast SecureLine VPN icon on your desktop to open the application.
- Click the Off slider so that it changes to On.
- Click Change location and select a location from the list. If you skip this step, you are automatically connected to the Optimal location.
To access connection preferences and language settings, click ☰Menu ▸ Settings.
- Click the Avast SecureLine VPN icon on the right side of the menu bar and select Open Avast SecureLine VPN.
- Click the Off slider so that it changes to On.
- Click Change location and select a location from the list. If you skip this step, you are automatically connected to the Optimal location.
To access connection preferences, click Avast SecureLine VPN in the Menu bar and select Preferences...
For more information about using Avast SecureLine VPN on Windows and Apple macOS, refer to the following article:
What is the Avast SecureLine VPN browser extension and how can I install it?
The Avast SecureLine VPN browser extension is an optional installable component that allows you to conveniently control certain aspects of Avast SecureLine VPN behavior directly via Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Avast Secure Browser. For instructions to install and use the Avast SecureLine VPN browser extension on Windows and Mac, refer to the article below:
How do I cancel my continuous subscription?
For instructions on cancelling your continuous subscription, refer to the following article:
You can cancel your continuous SecureLine VPN subscription for Mac through the Apple Store. Follow these steps:
- Open iTunes and ensure you are signed in with your Apple ID.
- Click Account at the top of your computer screen, then select View My Account.
- Type your password, then click View Account.
- On the Account Information page, scroll down to Settings.
- Click Manage next to Subscriptions.
- Click Edit next to your SecureLine VPN subscription, then click Cancel Subscription.
For detailed instructions, refer to the following Apple Support article:
Settings
Can I set up SecureLine VPN to connect automatically when I start up my system?
Yes, to enable this option, open the application and click ☰Menu ▸ Settings. Ensure the General tab is selected in the left-side panel, then tick the box next to Start SecureLine when my computer starts. Then select Network Security in the left-side panel and tick the box next to Automatically when connected to the Internet.
Yes, to enable this option, click Avast SecureLine VPN in the Menu bar and select Preferences.., then tick the box next to Start SecureLine when my computer starts. Under Turn on the VPN, tick the box next to Automatically when the app starts and when switching networks.
Can I set up SecureLine VPN to connect automatically when I use an unsecured Wi-Fi network?
Yes, to enable this option, open the application and click ☰Menu ▸ Settings. Then select Network Security in the left-side panel and tick the box next to Automatically when connected to the Internet.
Yes, to enable this option, open the application, then click Avast SecureLine VPN in the menu bar and select Preferences... In the section Turn on the VPN, select Automatically when the app starts and when switching networks.
How do I connect to a different VPN server location?
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When using SecureLine VPN as part of Avast Antivirus:
- Open the Avast user interface and go to Privacy ▸ SecureLine VPN.
- Ensure that you are disconnected from SecureLine, then click Change location to select a server location.
When using the standalone version of SecureLine VPN:
- Double-click the Avast SecureLine VPN icon on your desktop to open the application.
- Ensure that you are disconnected from SecureLine VPN, then click Change location to select a server location.
- Click the Avast SecureLine VPN icon in your menu bar to open the application.
- Ensure that you are disconnected from SecureLine, then click Change location to select a server location.
Troubleshooting
How can I prevent the WebRTC leak on my browser?
WebRTC is a feature that various browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox apply because it supports B2B applications such as voice calling, video chat, and P2P file sharing without the need for plugins. In Windows, macOS, and Android systems, this feature potentially enables IP addresses to be visible even when you are connected to a VPN such as Avast SecureLine VPN.
When you 'reinstalled' both ZA and Avast, did you use the vendor's uninstaller's tool or some other way, and did you do them one at a time with a reboot in between? Are you now using a current version of ZA or the same old one? Avast for mac does not start automatically.
We are actively looking for a solution to this issue. In the meantime, protect your privacy by blocking or disabling WebRTC. You can also avoid this vulnerability by using a browser which does not apply WebRTC (such as Safari or Internet Explorer).
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For more details, refer to the following article:
Why can't I browse the internet when I connect to SecureLine VPN on Windows?
If you can't browse the internet while connected to SecureLine, try the following solutions (for Windows systems only):
- Check the signal strength of your Wi-Fi. Some hotels or hotspots have weak Wi-Fi signals.
- Verify that you have accepted the Terms and Conditions of the Wi-Fi hotspot provider. To do so, open your browser and, if prompted, accept the terms of the provider to connect.
- Try using a different browser.
- Ensure that your DNS resolver is working properly (in Windows 8 or later). To do so, disable the smart multi-homed name resolution service by following the instructions in the article below:
What should I do if SecureLine is unable to establish a connection?
If SecureLine VPN is unable to establish a connection, try the following solutions:
- Check if your internet connection works without SecureLine. Disconnect SecureLine and try to browse the web. If the internet connection still doesn't work, check your network configuration.
- Select a different SecureLine VPN location.
- Disconnect other VPN services that may be running on your PC. If you are connected to another VPN, it is likely that SecureLine won't work properly.
- Restart your PC and try to connect to SecureLine VPN again.
- Check the configuration of your firewall. Firewall configurations vary according to the vendor/manufacturer; consult the related documentation for information about running a VPN.
- Confirm that your SecureLine subscription is active. In Avast Antivirus, go to
☰Menu ▸ My licenses, then scroll down to the SecureLine VPN section.
- Some routers have the option to enable or disable IPsec, sometimes displayed as VPN passthrough. For SecureLine VPN to connect and function properly, ensure that IPsec or VPN passthrough is enabled.
- Consult your firewall vendor to check that UDP port 500 and UDP port 4500 are open on your firewall.
If SecureLine VPN is still unable to establish a connection, try to uninstall and re-install the software.
What should I do if the text 'Content not available' appears in the application window?
If the message Content not available appears in the SecureLine VPN window, try the following solutions (for Windows systems only):
- Go to Privacy ▸ SecureLine VPN to reload the page.
- Disconnect other VPN services that may be running on your PC. If you are connected to another VPN, it is likely that SecureLine VPN won't work properly.
- Restart your PC.
Why did I receive the error message 'SecureLine has encountered a technical issue'?
If the SecureLine VPN interface becomes empty apart from the error message SecureLine has encountered a technical issue, try the following solutions (for Windows systems only):
- Check if your internet connection works without SecureLine. Disconnect SecureLine and try to browse the web. If the internet connection still doesn't work, check your network configuration.
- Restart your PC.
If this solution does not work, try to uninstall and re-install the software.
How do I send a message to Avast Support?
If you continue to face issues with SecureLine VPN, send a message to Avast Support by following the instructions in the article below:
Where can I find SecureLine VPN log files?
For troubleshooting purposes, Avast Support representatives may ask you to provide them with SecureLine VPN log files. To find log files, go to C:ProgramDataAVAST SoftwareAvastlog and look for the vpn_engine.log file. If you are still using an older version of Avast Antivirus, the file could be named SecureLine.log.
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Miscellaneous
When is the regularly scheduled maintenance?
Regular maintenance occurs every Saturday at 6PM EST (GMT/UTC -5), or 6PM EDT (GMT/UTC -4) during daylight saving time, and lasts for one hour. Your service is not typically affected by this maintenance.
Why do Gmail and Live Mail send me suspicious activity alerts when I'm connected to SecureLine VPN?
If you use a different location when you connect to the internet via SecureLine VPN, Gmail and Live Mail may detect this change. You may receive an email reporting suspicious activity, and will be asked to change your password if you think someone in a different location has accessed your email. Verify the VPN location you selected to ensure your security.
Why do certain websites claim that I'm connected to a different city than the city I selected as my VPN location?
Websites often attempt to identify the location of their visitors from their IP address, a process called IP geolocation. IP geolocation uses a database that pairs together IP address ranges and geographical information. The information in this database can be inaccurate for several reasons:
- Avast does its best to provide accurate information to the IP geolocation databases, but the database providers may take extra time to update the location.
- The website may be using an outdated version of the geolocation database.
- Some major websites (Google, for example) maintain their own databases based on what user traffic came from the IP address in the past.
- In certain locations, we rent dedicated servers to provide SecureLine VPN, and the IP geolocation databases are updated by the server provider on Avast's behalf. Because Avast is a Czech company, these providers may indicate the location as Czech Republic. When this occurs, we work with the providers to update the information with the correct locations of our servers.
Why is SecureLine VPN a paid product when other VPN services are free?
To support the continued development of SecureLine VPN and give you access to the best VPN technology, SecureLine VPN is a paid product.
Many free VPN services sell your data to 3rd parties, place ads and videos into your browser, and slow down your internet connection.
SecureLine VPN never compromises user experience or privacy. We do not share or sell your data to 3rd parties, nor do we monitor your internet activity. SecureLine VPN does not interfere with your internet connection and is completely ad-free.
- Avast SecureLine VPN 5.x for Windows
- Avast SecureLine VPN 5.x for Mac
- Avast Premier 19.x
- Avast Internet Security 19*.x
- Avast Pro Antivirus 19.x
- Avast Free Antivirus 19.x
- Avast Premium Security 14.x for Mac
- Avast Security 14.x for Mac
- Microsoft Windows 10 Home / Pro / Enterprise / Education - 32 / 64-bit
- Microsoft Windows 8.1 / Pro / Enterprise - 32 / 64-bit
- Microsoft Windows 8 / Pro / Enterprise - 32 / 64-bit
- Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic / Home Premium / Professional / Enterprise / Ultimate - Service Pack 1, 32 / 64-bit
- 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)