Key Differences Between Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier
Avast is a well-known name in the world of antivirus software, offering various products to cater to different security needs. Two of its popular products are Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier. While both of them provide essential security features to protect your computer from malware, viruses, and other online threats, there are some key differences between the two. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right product for your specific needs.
1. Features: Avast Internet Security offers a comprehensive set of features that include antivirus protection, firewall, webcam protection, ransomware protection, secure DNS, and a password manager. On the other hand, Avast Premier includes all the features of Avast Internet Security and adds additional features like Wi-Fi Inspector, Sandbox, File Shredder, Automatic Software Updater, Data Shredder, Rescue Disk, Browser Cleanup, and Vulnerability Scanner.
2. Price: Avast Internet Security is the more affordable option compared to Avast Premier. However, the additional features offered by Avast Premier may justify the higher price for users who require advanced security measures.
3. Level of Protection: While both products provide excellent protection against malware and viruses, Avast Premier offers advanced features like Wi-Fi Inspector, which scans your network for vulnerabilities, and the Sandbox feature, which allows you to open suspicious applications in a secure environment.
4. User Interface: Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier have a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to navigate and access the different features. However, Avast Premier may have a slightly more advanced interface due to the additional features it offers.
5. Customer Support: Avast offers customer support for both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier. However, Avast Premier users may receive priority support as they have access to all available features.
6. Compatibility: Both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android devices. However, Avast Premier also offers protection for iOS devices, which is not available in Avast Internet Security.
When choosing between Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier, consider your specific security needs and budget. If you require additional security features beyond antivirus protection, Avast Premier may be the better option. However, if you are looking for a reliable antivirus solution at a more affordable price, Avast Internet Security can fulfill your basic security requirements. Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual preferences and the level of security you need for your devices.
Features of Avast Internet Security
Avast Internet Security is a robust antivirus software that offers a wide range of features to ensure comprehensive protection for your computer. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features it provides:
1. Antivirus Protection: Avast Internet Security includes a powerful antivirus engine that scans your system in real-time to detect and remove various types of malware, such as viruses, Trojans, worms, and spyware. It also scans email attachments and downloaded files to prevent any potentially harmful content from entering your computer.
2. Firewall Protection: This feature acts as a barrier between your computer and the internet, monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic to block unauthorized access and protect your sensitive data from hackers.
3. Webcam Protection: Avast Internet Security safeguards your privacy by blocking unauthorized access to your webcam. It notifies you whenever an application attempts to access your webcam and gives you the option to allow or block the access.
4. Ransomware Protection: Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts your files and demands a ransom in exchange for their release. Avast Internet Security includes a robust ransomware shield that blocks and detects ransomware attacks, ensuring the safety of your personal and important files.
5. Secure DNS: DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating website addresses into IP addresses. Avast Internet Security’s Secure DNS feature helps protect you from DNS hijacking and ensures that you are directed to legitimate websites instead of malicious ones.
6. Password Manager: This feature securely stores your passwords and allows you to generate strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. It also helps you automatically fill in login credentials, making it convenient and secure.
7. Wi-Fi Inspector: Avast Internet Security’s Wi-Fi Inspector scans your home network for vulnerabilities, ensuring that your Wi-Fi network is protected from unauthorized access and potential security risks.
8. Sandbox: With the Sandbox feature, you can run suspicious applications in a safe and isolated environment, preventing any potential harm to your system. This is particularly useful when dealing with unknown files or testing software.
9. File Shredder: Avast Internet Security includes a file shredder tool that allows you to securely delete sensitive files and ensure that they cannot be recovered by any means.
Overall, Avast Internet Security provides a comprehensive set of features to protect your computer from various online threats. Whether it’s antivirus protection, firewall security, webcam protection, or safeguarding your online privacy, Avast Internet Security has you covered. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features make it an excellent choice for users seeking robust security for their computers.
Features of Avast Premier
Avast Premier is an advanced antivirus software that offers a wide range of features to provide comprehensive protection for your computer. In addition to the features offered by Avast Internet Security, Avast Premier includes additional features that enhance your security measures. Let’s explore some of the key features of Avast Premier:
1. Wi-Fi Inspector: Avast Premier’s Wi-Fi Inspector scans your network for vulnerable devices and potential security issues. It helps you identify any unauthorized devices connected to your Wi-Fi network, ensuring that your network remains secure.
2. Sandbox: The Sandbox feature allows you to run suspicious applications in an isolated environment, keeping your system protected from any potential threats. This feature is particularly useful when dealing with unknown files or testing new software.
3. File Shredder: Avast Premier includes a file shredder feature that securely deletes files, making them unrecoverable. This ensures that sensitive information cannot be retrieved by unauthorized individuals.
4. Automatic Software Updater: Keeping your software up to date is crucial for maintaining security. Avast Premier’s Automatic Software Updater scans and updates your installed applications automatically, ensuring that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.
5. Data Shredder: Unlike the file shredder in Avast Internet Security, the Data Shredder in Avast Premier securely deletes entire drives or partitions. This feature is especially useful when you are selling or disposing of your computer, as it ensures that all data on the drive is irrecoverable.
6. Rescue Disk: Avast Premier provides an option to create a rescue disk on a USB or DVD. In the event of a severe malware infection, you can boot your computer from the rescue disk to perform a thorough scan and remove the malware.
7. Browser Cleanup: Avast Premier’s Browser Cleanup feature helps you remove unwanted browser extensions, toolbars, and other potentially malicious add-ons. It keeps your browser clean and optimizes its performance.
8. Vulnerability Scanner: This feature scans your system for any vulnerabilities or weaknesses that could be exploited by hackers. It helps you identify potential security risks and take necessary measures to protect your computer.
Avast Premier’s additional features provide enhanced security measures, making it a comprehensive solution for users who require advanced protection. It offers advanced features such as Wi-Fi Inspector, Sandbox, Automatic Software Updater, Data Shredder, Rescue Disk, Browser Cleanup, and Vulnerability Scanner that go beyond the standard antivirus features. Its intuitive interface and powerful capabilities make Avast Premier a top choice for users looking for a high level of security for their computers.
Antivirus Protection
One of the fundamental features offered by both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier is antivirus protection. This feature is vital in safeguarding your computer from a wide range of malware, including viruses, Trojans, worms, and spyware. Let’s delve deeper into the antivirus protection provided by these software solutions:
Avast’s antivirus engine is equipped with advanced detection algorithms that constantly monitor your system in real-time. It scans files, applications, and downloads for any signs of malicious activity or potential threats. The antivirus protection provided by Avast ensures that your computer is shielded from known and emerging malware threats that can compromise your system’s security and lead to data theft or loss.
Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier employ a combination of signature-based detection and behavioral analysis to identify and combat malware. Signature-based detection relies on a database of known malware signatures, while behavioral analysis monitors the behavior of files and applications to identify suspicious patterns or activities. This proactive approach helps detect and block malware in real-time, ensuring that your system is protected at all times.
The antivirus engines in both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier are regularly updated to stay ahead of new and emerging threats. These updates not only include additions to the malware signature database but also improvements to the detection algorithms and new techniques for identifying and neutralizing malware. By keeping their antivirus engines up to date, Avast ensures that users have the latest protection against evolving malware threats.
In addition to real-time scanning, Avast allows users to perform on-demand scans of their system. This feature enables you to manually scan specific files, folders, or even the entire system whenever you suspect a potential threat. Avast also offers customizable scan settings, allowing you to schedule scans at convenient times or adjust the level of scanning intensity according to your preferences.
Both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier provide a range of options for handling detected threats. When a threat is identified, the software takes appropriate action, such as quarantining or deleting the infected files, or attempting to repair and restore them. Avast also offers a comprehensive threat management interface where you can view quarantined files, manage exceptions, and access detailed threat reports.
Overall, the antivirus protection provided by Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier is robust and effective. It employs a multi-layered approach to detect, block, and remove malware, ensuring the security and integrity of your computer. Whether you choose Avast Internet Security or Avast Premier, you can trust that your system will be safeguarded against a wide range of malware threats.
Firewall Protection
Firewall protection is a crucial feature offered by both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier. A firewall acts as a protective barrier between your computer and the internet, monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic and blocking unauthorized access attempts. Let’s explore the firewall protection provided by these software solutions:
The firewall feature in Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier is designed to secure your network connections and prevent unauthorized access to your computer. It monitors network traffic in real-time and filters the data packets based on pre-defined security rules.
The firewall analyzes the incoming and outgoing traffic based on criteria such as the source and destination address, port numbers, and protocols. It blocks any suspicious or potentially harmful connections, helping to prevent hackers from gaining unauthorized access to your system.
Avast’s firewall protection is highly customizable, allowing users to define specific rules and permissions for different applications, processes, or network connections. This flexibility allows you to control the network access permissions for each program on your computer, ensuring that only legitimate connections are established.
In addition to filtering network traffic, the firewall also works in conjunction with other security features to provide comprehensive protection. For example, it works closely with the antivirus engine to scan and filter incoming files and downloads for potential threats.
Avast’s firewall protection also includes intrusion detection and prevention capabilities. It monitors the network for suspicious activities and alerts you when it detects any attempts to exploit vulnerabilities or breach your system’s security. In some cases, the firewall may even automatically block suspicious or malicious activities to protect your computer from potential attacks.
Both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier offer network profiles that allow you to customize the level of security based on your network environment. You can configure different settings for public Wi-Fi networks, home networks, or work networks, ensuring that your firewall adapts to the specific security requirements of each network.
Avast’s firewall protection is designed to provide effective security without impacting your internet speed or overall system performance. It operates silently in the background, monitoring network traffic and protecting your computer without causing any noticeable disruptions to your online activities.
Overall, the firewall protection provided by Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier is a crucial layer of defense against unauthorized access and potential network-based attacks. It helps secure your network connections, prevents unauthorized access to your computer, and works seamlessly with other security features to provide comprehensive protection for your system.
Webcam Protection
Webcam protection is an essential feature provided by both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier. With the increasing risk of webcam hacking and invasion of privacy, it is crucial to have a reliable solution to safeguard your webcam from unauthorized access. Let’s explore the webcam protection features offered by these software solutions:
Avast’s webcam protection feature works by monitoring and controlling access to your computer’s webcam. It ensures that your webcam is only accessible to trusted applications and prevents malicious software or hackers from hijacking and using your webcam without your knowledge.
Both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier notify you whenever an application attempts to access your webcam. This feature provides transparency and allows you to make informed decisions about granting or denying access to your webcam for specific applications.
Avast’s webcam protection feature allows you to define a whitelist of trusted applications that are allowed to access your webcam. This ensures that only authorized applications can use your webcam, providing an additional layer of protection against potential privacy breaches.
Avast Premier takes webcam protection a step further by offering additional features such as facial recognition. When enabled, this feature can automatically detect and block unauthorized attempts to access your webcam, providing an extra level of security against webcam hacking.
Avast’s webcam protection feature also includes options to disable your webcam completely if you do not require its functionality. This can be useful when you want to ensure complete privacy and peace of mind, especially in situations where you are not using your webcam regularly.
To provide seamless protection, Avast’s webcam protection integrates with the overall security ecosystem. It works in conjunction with the antivirus and firewall features to protect against webcam-related threats and potential intrusions.
Both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier prioritize your privacy and security by continuously monitoring and updating their webcam protection features. Regular software updates ensure that you have the latest security enhancements and provide protection against new and emerging threats targeting webcam vulnerabilities.
Webcam protection has become increasingly important in today’s digital landscape, where webcam hacking and unauthorized access pose significant risks to personal privacy. The webcam protection features offered by Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier give you the confidence that your webcam is secure and protected from potential intrusions, providing peace of mind and ensuring your privacy remains intact.
Ransomware Protection
Ransomware has become a significant cybersecurity threat, targeting individuals and organizations by encrypting their files and demanding a ransom for their release. Protecting your computer from ransomware is crucial, and both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier offer robust ransomware protection features to safeguard your data. Let’s explore the ransomware protection provided by these software solutions:
Avast’s ransomware protection features utilize advanced detection techniques to identify and prevent ransomware attacks. The software continuously monitors your system for suspicious activities commonly associated with ransomware, such as unauthorized file encryption or changes to file extensions.
Both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier employ behavior-based detection, analyzing the behavior and activity patterns of applications and processes on your system. This allows them to identify any unusual or potentially malicious behavior associated with ransomware, allowing for swift action and protection.
In addition to behavior-based detection, Avast’s ransomware protection includes a robust database that is regularly updated with the latest ransomware signatures. This ensures that the software can detect and block known variants of ransomware before they can cause any harm.
Furthermore, Avast’s ransomware protection features offer real-time scanning, monitoring file and application activities in real-time to identify any suspicious behavior. This proactive approach helps detect and block ransomware attacks as soon as they are initiated, mitigating potential damage to your files.
In the event that a ransomware attack bypasses the protection measures, Avast provides rapid response and remediation features. Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier have features that can detect ransomware encryption and help you recover your files to their original state.
Avast also includes a ransomware shield that acts as an additional layer of defense against ransomware attacks. The shield blocks unauthorized access to your files and prevents any modifications or encryption attempts, thwarting ransomware before it can cause any damage.
Avast Premier goes a step further by offering a feature called Real Site. Real Site prevents DNS hijacking, a technique used by some ransomware to redirect victims to malicious websites. By protecting against DNS hijacking, Avast Premier enhances your overall ransomware protection.
Regular updates are crucial in combating evolving ransomware threats, and Avast ensures that their ransomware protection features are always up to date. These updates include not only new ransomware signatures but also improvements to the detection algorithms and response capabilities, ensuring the most effective protection.
Secure DNS
Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier offer a feature called Secure DNS, which provides an additional layer of protection against DNS-related attacks. DNS (Domain Name System) is responsible for translating website URLs into IP addresses. Secure DNS helps ensure that you are directed to legitimate websites while protecting you from phishing attempts and DNS hijacking. Let’s explore the Secure DNS feature offered by these software solutions:
Avast’s Secure DNS feature works by filtering your DNS requests and verifying the authenticity of the responses received from DNS servers. It helps protect you from DNS-based attacks, which can redirect you to malicious websites designed to steal your sensitive information or infect your system with malware.
When you browse the internet, Avast’s Secure DNS feature intercepts your DNS requests and checks them against Avast’s secure database of known malicious websites. If a URL is identified as potentially harmful, Avast blocks your access to the website, preventing you from being exposed to potential threats.
In addition to blocking malicious websites, Secure DNS also protects against DNS hijacking. DNS hijacking occurs when a malicious actor redirects your DNS requests to a malicious server, compromising your internet security. Avast’s Secure DNS monitors and verifies the authenticity of DNS responses, making sure you are not directed to fake or malicious websites.
Secure DNS is particularly effective against phishing attacks. Phishing is a method used by cybercriminals to trick users into sharing their sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card details, by impersonating legitimate websites. Avast’s Secure DNS feature helps block access to known phishing websites, providing an extra layer of protection against falling victim to such attacks.
Avast regularly updates its database of malicious websites and phishing URLs to ensure the effectiveness of the Secure DNS feature. These updates include adding new malicious websites as they are discovered and removing websites that are no longer a threat. This proactive approach helps provide up-to-date and reliable protection against evolving cyber threats.
Secure DNS operates silently in the background, ensuring that your internet browsing is secure without causing any noticeable impact on your browsing speed or overall system performance. It seamlessly integrates with your existing network settings, providing an additional layer of protection without any additional configuration required.
Whether you are using Avast Internet Security or Avast Premier, the Secure DNS feature provides enhanced protection against DNS-based attacks, phishing attempts, and DNS hijacking. It acts as a safeguard, ensuring that your internet browsing remains secure and that you are always directed to legitimate websites.
Password Manager
Password Manager is a convenient and secure feature offered by both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier. In today’s digital landscape, where multiple online accounts require unique and complex passwords, it can be challenging to remember them all. Avast’s Password Manager helps you manage your passwords effectively while ensuring their security. Let’s explore the Password Manager feature provided by these software solutions:
Avast’s Password Manager allows you to securely store and manage all your passwords in one place. Instead of relying on weak or easily guessable passwords, you can generate strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts.
The Password Manager feature securely stores your passwords in an encrypted database, protecting them from unauthorized access. Avast uses industry-standard encryption algorithms to ensure that your passwords remain safe and confidential.
With Avast’s Password Manager, you no longer need to remember each password individually. Instead, you can use a single Master Password to unlock the Password Manager and gain access to all your stored passwords. This eliminates the need to write down passwords or use insecure methods to remember them.
The Password Manager integrates seamlessly with your web browser, allowing for effortless login to your online accounts. When you visit a website, Avast automatically fills in the login credentials for you, saving time and eliminating the hassle of manually entering passwords.
Avast’s Password Manager also offers the convenience of autofill, capturing and filling in your personal information, such as name, address, and credit card details, for online forms. This streamlines the process of filling out online forms while ensuring the security of your personal data.
Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier include synchronization capabilities for Password Manager, allowing you to access your passwords across multiple devices. This means you can securely manage and use your passwords on your computer, smartphone, or tablet without the need for manual transfer or remembering passwords separately for each device.
The Password Manager also allows you to securely share passwords with trusted individuals. This feature is particularly useful for sharing passwords to shared accounts or services with family members or colleagues without compromising the security of your passwords.
Avast’s Password Manager prompts you to update your passwords periodically, ensuring that you maintain strong and secure passwords for all your accounts. This helps protect against potential security breaches due to compromised passwords.
Overall, Avast’s Password Manager provides a convenient and secure way to manage your passwords. It not only assists in generating and storing strong, unique passwords but also streamlines the login and autofill processes for your online accounts. With the Password Manager feature, you can enhance both the security and convenience of managing your passwords across multiple devices.
Wi-Fi Inspector
Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier offer a powerful feature called Wi-Fi Inspector, which allows you to assess the security of your Wi-Fi network and ensure that your connection is safe from potential threats. Wi-Fi Inspector helps you identify vulnerabilities and protects you from unauthorized access and other security risks. Let’s explore the Wi-Fi Inspector feature provided by these software solutions:
Wi-Fi Inspector scans your Wi-Fi network and connected devices, providing insights into potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. It gives you a clear overview of your network’s security status and helps you take necessary measures to strengthen it.
Avast’s Wi-Fi Inspector feature identifies potential risks, such as weak passwords, unsecured connections, outdated firmware, or devices with default credentials. It alerts you to these vulnerabilities so that you can take action and secure your network.
Wi-Fi Inspector helps you detect any unauthorized devices connected to your network. If any unknown or suspicious devices are found, Avast notifies you, allowing you to take appropriate steps to remove them and ensure that only trusted devices have access to your network.
The feature also provides information about the signal strength and speed of your Wi-Fi connection, enabling you to optimize your network performance. By identifying potential causes of slow or unstable connections, Wi-Fi Inspector helps you troubleshoot and improve your overall network experience.
Avast’s Wi-Fi Inspector monitors your network in real-time, continuously monitoring for any potential security threats. It provides proactive protection, alerting you to any changes in your network that could indicate a security breach.
The Wi-Fi Inspector feature is user-friendly, offering a clear and intuitive interface that makes it easy to understand and interpret the information provided. You can view detailed information about each connected device, allowing you to identify potential security risks and take appropriate actions.
Wi-Fi Inspector also offers recommendations and guidance on how to enhance your network security. It provides tips and suggestions on password strength, network encryption, and other best practices to ensure that your Wi-Fi network remains secure.
Avast’s Wi-Fi Inspector feature is regularly updated to keep up with emerging security threats and new vulnerabilities. Updates are crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of the feature and ensuring that you have the latest protection for your Wi-Fi network.
Whether you are using Avast Internet Security or Avast Premier, Wi-Fi Inspector provides a valuable tool to assess and enhance the security of your Wi-Fi network. By identifying potential vulnerabilities and offering actionable recommendations, Wi-Fi Inspector helps you protect your network from unauthorized access and secure your data from potential threats.
Sandbox
Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier include a powerful feature called Sandbox, which creates a secure and isolated environment for running suspicious applications or files. The Sandbox feature acts as a virtual container, protecting your system from potential threats and keeping your computer safe. Let’s explore the Sandbox feature provided by these software solutions:
The Sandbox feature in Avast allows you to run potentially risky applications or files in a protected environment without risking the integrity of your system. It provides a virtual space where the application or file can execute, preventing it from accessing your actual system resources or making changes to important files.
Sandbox is particularly useful when you need to open files from untrusted sources or test applications with unknown origins. By running these potentially unsafe files or applications in the Sandbox, you can ensure that any malicious activity is contained and does not affect your system or compromise your data.
Avast’s Sandbox feature creates a virtual environment that mimics your actual system but is separate from it. This means that any changes made within the Sandbox do not impact your real system files or settings. After you close the Sandbox, all the changes made within it are discarded, ensuring that your computer remains unaffected.
The Sandbox feature in Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier has an intuitive interface, making it easy to use even for users without technical expertise. You can simply right-click on a file or application and choose to open it in the Sandbox, or you can set up rules to automatically run certain files or applications in the Sandbox by default.
Running applications in the Sandbox not only protects your system from potential malware but also provides an opportunity to observe their behavior. By analyzing how a program operates within the Sandbox, you can identify any suspicious activities or potentially harmful actions it may take.
Avast’s Sandbox feature does not compromise the performance of your computer. It is designed to run efficiently and does not significantly impact your system’s speed or responsiveness. This allows you to test or run potentially risky applications without sacrificing your overall computer performance.
The Sandbox feature is particularly beneficial for businesses or individuals who frequently work with unknown files or applications or need to test software in a safe and isolated environment. It provides an additional layer of security that helps protect your system and sensitive data from potential threats.
Whether you are using Avast Internet Security or Avast Premier, the Sandbox feature offers a safe and effective way to run potentially risky applications or files. By creating a secure virtual environment, Avast’s Sandbox helps ensure the protection and integrity of your system while allowing you to experiment or test applications without fear of compromising your computer’s security.
File Shredder
Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier provide a powerful feature called File Shredder, which allows you to securely delete sensitive files from your system. The File Shredder feature ensures that the files you delete are irrecoverable, providing an extra layer of security for your data. Let’s explore the File Shredder feature offered by these software solutions:
When you delete a file normally, it can still be potentially recovered using specialized software or techniques. The File Shredder feature in Avast goes beyond the traditional delete function and ensures that the file is permanently and securely removed from your system, making it impossible to recover.
File Shredder uses advanced shredding algorithms to overwrite the files with random or predefined patterns. This process makes it virtually impossible to recover the original file, even with specialized recovery tools.
Avast’s File Shredder allows you to securely delete individual files, entire folders, or even an entire hard drive. This flexibility ensures that you can securely delete sensitive data, regardless of its size or location.
You can access the File Shredder feature through the Avast user interface or by right-clicking on the file or folder that you want to delete securely. This makes it easy and convenient to use, allowing you to securely delete files with just a few clicks.
File Shredder is particularly useful when you need to dispose of or sell your computer. By using the File Shredder to securely delete all the files from your hard drive, you can ensure that none of your personal or confidential data can be recovered by potential unauthorized individuals.
The File Shredder feature in Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier is efficient and does not impact the performance of your computer. It works quickly to overwrite the deleted files, ensuring that they are securely removed from your system without causing any major slowdowns.
Avast’s File Shredder also provides you with an option to choose the shredding method or algorithm. You can select the level of security and the number of passes used to overwrite the files, depending on your specific needs and preferences.
Whether you are deleting sensitive documents, financial information, or any other type of important files, the File Shredder feature in Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier ensures that your data cannot be recovered. It offers peace of mind, knowing that your deleted files are permanently erased and that your sensitive information remains protected.
Overall, the File Shredder feature provides an essential layer of security for your data. By securely deleting files using advanced shredding algorithms, Avast’s File Shredder ensures that your sensitive data cannot be recovered, even with specialized software or techniques.
Automatic Software Updater
Keeping the software on your computer up to date is crucial for maintaining security and protecting against potential vulnerabilities. Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier offer a convenient feature called Automatic Software Updater, which ensures that your installed applications are always updated with the latest security patches and bug fixes. Let’s explore the Automatic Software Updater feature provided by these software solutions:
The Automatic Software Updater feature in Avast scans your computer for installed applications and checks if there are any available updates. It evaluates the versions of your applications against the latest versions available and notifies you if updates are needed.
The Automatic Software Updater saves you time and effort by automating the process of checking for updates. Instead of manually checking for updates for each application, Avast’s feature does the work for you. This ensures that your applications are always up to date, without you having to consistently monitor and update them individually.
Avast’s Automatic Software Updater covers a wide range of popular applications, including web browsers, media players, productivity tools, and more. It helps ensure that crucial applications, which are often targeted by attackers, are updated with the latest security patches, reducing the risk of exploitation.
The Automatic Software Updater feature allows you to customize the update settings according to your preferences. You can choose to update applications automatically whenever a new version is available, or you can opt to receive notifications and manually choose when to update.
In addition to security updates, the Automatic Software Updater also includes updates for new features and performance enhancements. By keeping your software up to date, you can benefit from the latest functionality and improvements offered by your applications.
Automatic Software Updater provides an additional layer of security by addressing vulnerabilities in outdated applications. Attackers often exploit security flaws in outdated software to gain unauthorized access to systems. By keeping your applications updated, Avast helps protect your computer from potential attacks that target these vulnerabilities.
The Automatic Software Updater feature is regularly updated to ensure that it is compatible with the latest versions of applications and operating systems. This ensures the reliability and effectiveness of the feature, providing you with the most comprehensive protection.
Avast’s Automatic Software Updater operates in the background, offering seamless and efficient updates without disrupting your workflow. It is designed to run silently and efficiently, ensuring that your computer remains protected without causing any noticeable impact on performance.
By using the Automatic Software Updater feature in Avast Internet Security or Avast Premier, you can ensure that your applications are always up to date with the latest security patches and enhancements. This reduces the risk of security threats, enhances the performance of your applications, and provides you with peace of mind knowing that your software is protected against potential vulnerabilities.
Data Shredder
Data Shredder is a powerful feature offered by both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier that allows you to securely delete files, folders, or even entire drives from your computer. The Data Shredder feature ensures that the data you delete is permanently and irretrievably removed, providing advanced data security. Let’s explore the Data Shredder feature provided by these software solutions:
When you delete a file normally, traces of the data can still remain on your computer’s storage device. Data Shredder goes beyond a regular delete function by overwriting the file with random or predefined patterns, making it impossible to recover.
The Data Shredder feature in Avast securely erases files, folders, or entire drives, ensuring that the data cannot be restored using specialized recovery software or techniques. It offers different shredding methods, allowing you to choose the level of security and the number of passes used to overwrite the data.
Avast’s Data Shredder provides multiple shredding algorithms, including industry-standard methods such as DoD 5220.22-M and Gutmann. These algorithms overwrite the data multiple times, making it extremely difficult to recover any remnants of the original files.
You can easily access the Data Shredder feature through the Avast user interface or by right-clicking on the file, folder, or drive that you want to delete securely. This makes it convenient to use, ensuring that you can securely delete sensitive data with just a few clicks.
Data Shredder is particularly useful when you need to dispose of, sell, or donate your computer or storage device. By using the Data Shredder to securely delete all the files or the entire drive, you can ensure that none of your personal, financial, or confidential data can be recovered by potential unauthorized individuals.
The Data Shredder feature in Avast operates efficiently without significantly impacting the performance of your computer. It quickly overwrites the data, ensuring that it is securely removed without causing any major slowdowns or interruptions.
In addition to files and folders, Data Shredder also allows you to securely erase the free space on your computer’s storage device. This ensures that any previously deleted data, which might still be recoverable, is completely eradicated, leaving no traces of sensitive information.
Avast’s Data Shredder feature is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible to users of all levels of expertise. It provides a clear interface that allows you to select the files or folders you want to delete securely and provides progress updates during the shredding process.
With the Data Shredder feature in Avast Internet Security or Avast Premier, you can have peace of mind knowing that your sensitive data is permanently and securely deleted. Whether you want to securely delete specific files, folders, or an entire drive, the Data Shredder feature ensures that your data remains confidential and cannot be reconstructed.
Rescue Disk
Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier offer a valuable feature called Rescue Disk, which allows you to create a bootable device to scan and remove severe malware infections from your computer. The Rescue Disk feature serves as an additional layer of defense, particularly when dealing with stubborn or persistent malware threats. Let’s explore the Rescue Disk feature provided by these software solutions:
The Rescue Disk feature in Avast allows you to create a bootable USB or DVD with a specialized scanning tool. This tool enables you to scan your computer and remove malware even in situations where your operating system may become unresponsive or infected by advanced threats.
Creating a Rescue Disk is straightforward, as the Avast software guides you through the process step by step. Once the Rescue Disk is created, you can boot your computer from it instead of your regular operating system, providing a clean and secure environment for scanning and removing malware.
Rescue Disk is particularly useful when your computer has been severely infected by malware that cannot be effectively eliminated using traditional antivirus scans or cleaning methods. By booting from the Rescue Disk, you can scan your computer at a deeper level and remove malware that may be hiding or operating within your system.
The Rescue Disk feature in Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier includes a powerful scanning engine that can detect and remove a wide range of malicious software, including viruses, Trojans, rootkits, and more. It ensures that your computer is thoroughly scanned and cleaned from any persistent threats.
During the scanning process, the Rescue Disk technology accesses your system files directly from the bootable device, circumventing any potential malware interference or protection mechanisms implemented by the infected operating system. This allows for more accurate detection and removal of malware.
The Rescue Disk feature also provides an option to update the virus definitions and scanning engine before performing a scan. Regular updates ensure that the Rescue Disk is equipped with the latest security intelligence to effectively detect and eliminate the ever-evolving threats.
Avast’s Rescue Disk feature is user-friendly and provides a guided interface, making it accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to create, update, and use the Rescue Disk to scan and clean your infected computer.
It is important to note that creating a Rescue Disk is a preemptive measure, and it is recommended to create it before your computer becomes infected. Having a Rescue Disk readily available can be invaluable in the event of a severe malware infection.
The Rescue Disk feature offers an added layer of protection and allows you to regain control of your computer when faced with stubborn malware. By creating and utilizing a Rescue Disk from Avast Internet Security or Avast Premier, you can effectively combat advanced and persistent threats, ensuring the security and integrity of your system.
Browser Cleanup
Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier offer a valuable feature called Browser Cleanup, which helps you maintain a clean and secure browsing experience. With the increasing number of browser extensions, toolbars, and other potentially unwanted add-ons, Browser Cleanup helps you remove unnecessary and potentially malicious components from your web browsers. Let’s explore the Browser Cleanup feature provided by these software solutions:
Browser Cleanup is designed to detect and eliminate unwanted or suspicious browser extensions, toolbars, and other add-ons that may have been unintentionally installed or are causing performance issues.
With Avast’s Browser Cleanup, you can easily identify and remove unwanted browser extensions that often come bundled with other software installations. These extensions can slow down your browsing experience, collect your personal information, or redirect you to unwanted websites.
Browser Cleanup scans all major web browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, to identify browser extensions and add-ons that may compromise your privacy or security.
The Browser Cleanup feature provides a clear and detailed overview of the extensions installed in your web browsers. It highlights potentially suspicious or unwanted extensions and allows you to choose whether to remove them or keep them based on your preferences.
In addition to identifying potentially unwanted extensions, Browser Cleanup also detects and alerts you to browser settings that have been modified without your consent. This helps you regain control over your browser settings and ensure a safe and optimal browsing experience.
Browser Cleanup also alerts you to outdated browser versions, which can pose security risks due to known vulnerabilities. It guides you through the process of updating your browser to the latest version, ensuring that you have the latest security patches and enhancements.
Avast’s Browser Cleanup feature operates efficiently and swiftly without impacting your browsing speed or overall system performance. It scans your browsers quickly and provides instant results, allowing you to take action promptly.
The Browser Cleanup feature provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for both novice and advanced users to manage their browser extensions. It offers a simple and intuitive way to review and remove unwanted add-ons, enhancing your browsing security and optimizing your browser performance.
Browsers are often targeted by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to your data or deliver malicious content. Avast’s Browser Cleanup helps protect you from these threats by eliminating potentially risky or unwanted browser extensions and add-ons.
Ensuring that your browser is clean and free from unnecessary and potentially malicious components is essential for maintaining a secure browsing experience. Avast’s Browser Cleanup feature simplifies this process, allowing you to quickly identify and remove unwanted extensions or add-ons, enhance browser performance, and protect your online privacy.
Vulnerability Scanner
Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier include a powerful feature called Vulnerability Scanner, designed to identify potential security vulnerabilities on your computer and help you mitigate these risks. The Vulnerability Scanner not only enhances your overall system security but also ensures that your applications and operating system are up to date. Let’s explore the Vulnerability Scanner feature provided by these software solutions:
Vulnerability Scanner performs a comprehensive scan of your computer, examining your operating system, installed applications, and system settings for any known vulnerabilities or weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.
The Vulnerability Scanner feature is constantly updated with the latest information about emerging security threats and software vulnerabilities. This ensures that it can detect and address the most recent risks, providing you with the most accurate and up-to-date protection.
The Vulnerability Scanner checks both your operating system and third-party applications for outdated versions or missing security patches. Outdated software can pose serious security risks, as attackers often target outdated applications with known vulnerabilities.
Avast’s Vulnerability Scanner alerts you when it detects outdated software or missing security patches. It provides you with detailed information about the vulnerabilities found and offers guidance on how to update and secure your system.
In addition to checking for outdated software, Vulnerability Scanner also examines various system settings and configurations that might expose your computer to potential risks. It looks for weak passwords, improper network configurations, or any other factors that could contribute to system vulnerabilities.
The Vulnerability Scanner includes options for customizing the scanning capabilities according to your preferences. You can select specific areas for the scanner to focus on, allowing you to tailor the scan to your specific security requirements.
By regularly scanning your computer with the Vulnerability Scanner, you can proactively identify potential security weaknesses and take appropriate action to mitigate these risks. This helps ensure that your computer and its connected applications are secure against emerging threats.
Avast’s Vulnerability Scanner not only identifies vulnerabilities but also provides recommended actions to address them. It offers guidance on how to update your software, apply security patches, or strengthen your system settings to enhance your overall security posture.
Vulnerability Scanner operates efficiently and does not significantly impact your computer’s performance. It performs scans swiftly and provides you with actionable results, allowing you to address any identified vulnerabilities promptly.
Regularly scanning your computer with the Vulnerability Scanner not only protects your system but also enhances your overall cybersecurity posture. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, you minimize the risk of falling victim to various cyber threats and ensure that your system is well protected.
Avast’s Vulnerability Scanner serves as a proactive security tool, helping you identify and mitigate potential risks before they can be exploited. By regularly using this feature, you can strengthen your computer’s defenses and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Extra Features in Avast Premier
Avast Premier, the advanced version of Avast’s security solution, offers additional features that further enhance your computer’s protection and security. Alongside the features provided by Avast Internet Security, Avast Premier includes an array of extra features that cater to users seeking comprehensive security measures. Let’s explore some of the noteworthy extra features in Avast Premier:
1. Wi-Fi Inspector: Avast Premier includes a Wi-Fi Inspector, which scans your network for vulnerabilities and potential security risks. It identifies devices connected to your network and ensures that your Wi-Fi network remains secure from unauthorized access.
2. Sandbox: The Sandbox feature allows you to run potentially risky applications in a secure and isolated environment. By running suspicious applications in the Sandbox, you can protect your system from potential threats and ensure that your data remains safe.
3. File Shredder: Avast Premier offers an advanced File Shredder feature that securely deletes files, folders, or entire drives from your computer. It ensures that deleted data is irrecoverable, providing an extra layer of data security.
4. Automatic Software Updater: Automatic Software Updater keeps your applications up to date by scanning for available updates and automatically installing them. This helps protect against vulnerabilities in outdated software and ensures that you have the latest security patches and enhancements.
5. Data Shredder: Avast Premier includes a robust Data Shredder feature that securely deletes entire drives or partitions. This feature is especially useful when you are selling, disposing of, or donating your computer, as it ensures that all data on the drive is permanently erased and cannot be recovered.
6. Rescue Disk: The Rescue Disk feature allows you to create a bootable device, such as a USB or DVD, to scan and remove severe malware infections from your computer. It provides an additional layer of defense when dealing with persistent or challenging malware threats.
7. Browser Cleanup: Browser Cleanup scans and removes unwanted or potentially malicious browser extensions, toolbars, and add-ons. It helps optimize your browsing experience by eliminating unnecessary components and enhancing your overall security while browsing the internet.
8. Vulnerability Scanner: Avast Premier includes the Vulnerability Scanner, which examines your computer for potential security weaknesses, outdated software, and system settings that could make your computer vulnerable to cyber threats. It helps you identify and mitigate risks, ensuring a well-protected system.
These extra features in Avast Premier provide enhanced security measures, protecting your computer from an array of potential threats. Whether it’s checking for vulnerabilities, securely deleting files, or running applications in a secure environment, Avast Premier offers a comprehensive suite of features for users seeking advanced protection.
Which one should you choose?
When selecting between Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier, it is important to consider your specific security needs and requirements. Both products offer robust protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats, but they differ in terms of features and pricing. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which version to choose:
1. Features: Avast Premier includes all the features offered by Avast Internet Security and provides additional features such as Wi-Fi Inspector, Sandbox, File Shredder, and Automatic Software Updater. If you need advanced security features beyond antivirus protection, Avast Premier may be the better choice for you.
2. Pricing: Avast Internet Security is typically more affordable than Avast Premier. If you are on a budget or do not require the extra features offered by Avast Premier, Avast Internet Security may be the more cost-effective solution.
3. Level of Protection: Both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier offer excellent antivirus protection. However, Avast Premier with its extra features like Wi-Fi Inspector and Sandbox provides advanced layers of security, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a higher level of protection.
4. User Interface: The user interface of both versions is user-friendly and intuitive. However, Avast Premier may have a slightly more advanced interface due to the additional features it offers. Consider your comfort level with the user interface when making your decision.
5. Support: Avast offers customer support for both Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier users. However, Avast Premier users may receive priority support due to having access to all available features. If dedicated customer support is a priority, Avast Premier may be preferable.
6. Compatibility: Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier are both compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android devices. However, Avast Premier also offers protection for iOS devices, which is not available in Avast Internet Security. If you have iOS devices in addition to other platforms, Avast Premier may be the suitable choice.
Ultimately, the decision between Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Avast Internet Security provides essential antivirus protection at an affordable price, while Avast Premier offers advanced features for users who require enhanced security measures. Consider the features, pricing, level of protection, user interface, support, and compatibility to make an informed decision that best aligns with your security requirements.
