What is Avast Firewall and how does it help protect Windows, macOS?

January 24, 2023

Since online attacks are widespread these days, strong security has become vital for Internet users.

We have some methods and tools to mitigate such problems thanks to technology.

But here's the catch: technology is evolving not only on our side, but also for cyber crooks who continue to deploy more sophisticated threats such as malware, ransomware, etc.

Therefore, Internet users need to be one step ahead to protect their data and privacy.

If you are using an antivirus, fine. While it can detect new and known threats to protect your files, you can add a second layer of technology to complete the picture.

And the layer we're talking about is the firewall.

An effective firewall helps protect your data by limiting outside threats from accessing your system and causing you trouble.

How it works?

Threats move from one computer to another, and this happens at a time when users are not aware of it. These threats find a computer with unpatched vulnerabilities or weak security settings, and when they do, they infiltrate those systems.

And boom!

Computers and mobile devices are hacked, and cybercriminals manage to steal data, create financial threats, or do whatever they want.

This is how most worms, Trojan horses or bad bots travel.

If you are using a firewall, it monitors network traffic to detect and block unwanted data packets.

It is installed between your internal network and the rest of the Internet or an external network to filter incoming and outgoing data or traffic. The firewall can accept, reject, or drop traffic based on a set of security rules.

It performs two main roles:

Protect against external threats by blocking unauthorized connection requests that could potentially be hacked.
Protect your internal network infrastructure by blocking suspicious outgoing connections.

There are many benefits.

Network Security

Once you've installed a firewall, your network remains secure in a secure dome. Two-way firewalls control outgoing and incoming traffic, so there is no leakage or theft of information. Upon detecting any suspicious traffic, firewalls immediately block it.

Blocks Trojans

When a file is sent, Trojans embed themselves in computer files and continue on their way to their destination to cause even more damage. They silently transfer any data they collect about you to servers without your knowledge. But firewalls prevent such failures by blocking them before they can infect your system.

Prevents keyloggers

Keyloggers are spyware that targets your activities. When they detect what you enter on your computer or mobile device, they copy that same data and access your personal accounts to wreak havoc. And guess what, firewalls reduce such risks and thus also protect your privacy.

Controls access

Firewalls implement access policies for specific services and hosts. In case you find any vulnerability related to any of them, the best solution would be to block their access to your network or system and this is possible with a firewall.

Restricts hackers

Hackers are always on the go to find loopholes in your network. A firewall can harden your security perimeter to leave no security loopholes, thus limiting hackers from abusing your network.

Therefore, a firewall is important for protecting your network from the inside, and if done right, you can enjoy its benefits all the time, including your data and reputation.

Although there are many options available on the market, one of them is Avast Premium Security which comes with an effective firewall. It is capable of blocking even the most sophisticated online threats such as ransomware, malware, phishing, trojans, and more.

Let's learn about this Avast firewall and how it can help you protect your computer and network.

What is Avast Firewall?

Avast is famous for introducing next-generation technologies. The Czech manufacturer has been providing quality services to its customers for 16 years and has gained a significant market share in the internet security ecosystem.

Its antivirus products can effectively deal with various kinds of cyber threats, malware, viruses, etc. In addition, it supports major operating systems such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Avast offers a robust two-way firewall that is the heart of its security suite. To control incoming and outgoing programs, Avast Firewall has a default mode known as "Auto Detect" that makes its own decisions about each program. Other modes available are allow, block, and ask.

The great thing about Avast is that it doesn't annoy you with so many pop-ups when changing modes. The reason is that Avast has already created certain rules for each component in the automatic selection mode.

He can quickly analyze each traffic and decide what to do with it. It defines five levels of network access and complex decision rules. In addition to monitoring, the firewall also protects your network from network attacks to exploit vulnerabilities in your operating system and applications.

Firewall is available in Avast Premium Security and Avast Ultimate Suite for single and multi-device.

I wonder what is the difference between them?

Avast Premium Security

Functions

Blocks malware and viruses
WiFi scanning for vulnerabilities
Prevents fake websites for secure shopping
Sandbox for suspicious applications
Advanced firewall
Blocks ransomware, as well as phishing and spam messages.
Prevents webcam surveillance
Destroys sensitive data permanently
Updates apps automatically

Avast Ultimate Suite

Functions

How to install Avast protection on Windows and macOS?

В Windows

Make sure you haven't installed another antivirus
Download Avast Premium Security

After downloading the setup file, right-click on it, select "Run as administrator" and click "Yes".

Now you will see something like this

Here you can choose your preferred language from the list and then click "Install" to continue.
Please wait a moment while it installs.

After that, you can click "Start".

Read their policies and click "I agree" to share user data anonymously with Avast along with other third parties. Otherwise, click "No, thanks."
Now choose any of the two options:

Activate if you have already tried Avast Premium Security and want to activate a paid plan.
Start a free trial if you've never tried it and want to see how it works for you. Since it's free for 30 days, if you're happy with it, you can pay and continue with the service.
Start scanning your system by clicking Run First Scan. After its completion, an intelligent scan follows to detect viruses, malware and other malicious programs.

Prerequisites for installation on Windows

Windows 10/8.1/8 both 32bit and 64bit processors. This does not include major mobile and IoT releases.
At least 1 GB RAM
2 GB hard drive
Screen resolution 1024 x 768 pixels+
Internet connection

On macOS

Download the installation file for Avast Premium Security for Mac
Double click the downloaded setup file.
Double click the icon - Avast Security looks like this:

Click "Continue"
Read the privacy policy and click Continue.

Read the license agreement and click "Agree"
The installation prompt will appear again. You can also customize the default settings if you like.
Enter the administrator password and click Install Software.
Click OK to allow Avast to access your files from the download folder.
Click "Open Security Settings".
You can customize security, privacy, and more.
Now it will show if you want Google Chrome as your default browser or not. Uncheck the box if you don't want to. Then click "Continue"
Next, you may see a successful installation message like this:

Prerequisites for installation on macOS

macOS Version - 10.15.x Catalina, 10.14.x (Mojave), 10.13.x (High Sierra), 10.12.x (Sierra), 10.11.x (El Capitan), 10.10.x (Yosemite)
64-bit processor
512 MB+ RAM
Hard disk 750 MB+
Screen resolution 1024 x 768 pixels or higher
Internet connection

Summary

Having a powerful firewall installed around the perimeter of your network has never been more necessary. Avast Firewall is a great way to protect your computer network and data from cybercriminals.

Thus, if you are still not using a firewall, install it today!