World-class security and privacy for free
Avast Mac Security is an extraordinarily safe and effective antivirus program as it will protect your desktop from all forms of online threats such as ransomware, viruses, and other malware. Besides protecting your Mac from ransomware, it preserves your privacy online and keeps your devices secure and functioning like new.
On macOS, Avast Premium Security adds ransomware protection and real-time notification when new devices connect to your network. This free antivirus program is compatible with most macOS devices; Avast supports 10.11 back macOS versions (El Capitan). If your Mac cannot run El Capitan, consider ProtectWorks AntiVirus, which is supported in version 10.6 and later on (Snow Leopard).
For decades, Macs have had a stellar security reputation. One reason is that Apple computers are designed with robust security measures and few exploitable flaws. Another reason is that the majority of the world's population possesses Windows computers so black-hat hackers have focused on exploiting their vulnerabilities. However, the same hackers are beginning to exploit Apple’s security protocols.
Does Mac need antivirus?
This free Mac antivirus contains features such as spyware and ranching prevention, it is light, strong, and built to guard in real-time from continually evolving threats. All these capabilities and other functionalities, including Wi-Fi Inspectors, are provided by Avast Free Antivirus for Mac and help safeguard your privacy and sensitive information on the internet.
In previous versions of Avast Security, phishing prevention was split between a browser-independent network-level filter and a Chrome-specific browser extension. Avast Security for Mac does not have that capability but Avast works just fine without it. It's worth noting that without the browser extension, you won't be able to see a website’s safety rating or block trackers.
Does Avast scan for malware?
Avast Security offers several types of scans to improve your Mac’s security. It may not be as fast as the Webroot (which completes a full scan in 2 minutes and 30 seconds), but it will take an average of 16 to 30 minutes to complete. This would have already been a deep scan, ensuring that all corners of your device have been scanned for suspicious activity and viruses.
Avast Security cannot automatically scan removable volumes as they emerge. This will require a separate, manual scan. Known as a custom scan, this lets you schedule scans and configure certain details. This includes Time Machine backups, run scans on battery power, wake up Mac for a scheduled scan, etc.
The Wi-Fi Inspector may be launched from the main window. There is no malware detection in this scan. Rather, it gathers data on multiple devices on your network and alerts you to any security issues. The report also acts as a list of everything linked to your network, with names and types assigned to each.
What’s new in Avast One
For those already using Avast Mac Security, it is worth noting that Avast also offers Avast One Free Antivirus—a broader solution built around a flexible, modular approach that consolidates multiple security tools into a single app. In this more improved setup, the core protection remains free, while various paid add-on tools can be enabled as needed. It lets you tailor your experience to fit your exact digital security needs.
In addition to this modular structure, protection against scams has become much smarter with AI-powered assistance. While the essential Web Guard remains a staple, you now have access to an expanded toolkit that helps you verify suspicious messages and webpages in real time. These tools are designed to help identify potential fraud across multiple channels, including your email, SMS, and phone calls. Since everything is built into the same app, protection is more consistent and easier to rely on during everyday use.
The update also simplifies how you manage security across different devices. With a 1+1 plan, you can protect both a computer and a mobile device under one subscription. This makes it easier to keep your security settings aligned. This is paired with an upgraded VPN (available as a trial) that provides more server locations and better support for private browsing and streaming. Combined with an intuitive dashboard, it becomes easier to check your security status and move between devices without confusion.
Guarantee your Mac’s security
Add an extra layer of defense to your Mac with Avast Security as fraudsters manufacture additional malware. Avoid malware, malicious websites, and vulnerable Wi-Fi networks, and then beef up your security to defend yourself against ransomware and Wi-Fi freeloaders.
