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With so many options out there in the cybersecurity market, it can all be a bit overwhelming. Even within the award-winning Avast portfolio, it can be hard to know which option is right for you. Can you get by on just the free Antivirus? The premium version? Do you need the all-in-one family plan offered by Avast One?
Chances are, Avast Premium Security is going to provide the best bang for your buck if you’re looking for security and some peace of mind when browsing the web. It’s a powerful, feature-rich cybersecurity suite that offers advanced protection against a wide range of digital threats. It is a step above Avast’s free antivirus offering, yet without some of the advanced performance-focused features of Avast One.
So, without further ado, here is everything you need to know about Avast Premium Security.
What is Avast Premium Security?
Avast Premium Security is an advanced antivirus solution designed to help protect your devices from malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and other online threats. It includes a variety of tools to help enhance your online security and safeguard your personal data. Avast Premium Security is the upgraded paid tier of Avast’s popular free Antivirus. While it doesn’t have all the performance optimisation features of Avast One, its primary focus is on providing comprehensive security.
Key Features of Avast Premium Security
1. Antivirus and Malware Protection
Avast Premium Security offers robust antivirus protection for up to 10 devices. It continuously scans your devices to help detect and eliminate viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware before they can harm your system. The protection is real-time, meaning it helps monitor threats continuously and neutralises them as soon as they are detected.
2. Ransomware Shield
One of the standout features of Avast Premium Security is its Ransomware Shield. This tool helps protect your most valuable files from being encrypted or deleted by ransomware. It provides an extra layer of defence for sensitive documents, photos, and videos.
3. Firewall
The firewall in Avast Premium Security acts as a barrier between your device and the internet, helping monitor incoming and outgoing connections to prevent unauthorised access. This feature is especially important for users who want to maintain strong network security.
4. Phishing Protection
Avast Premium Security offers advanced phishing protection that helps block fake websites that try to steal your personal information, such as passwords or credit card details. It’s designed to help keep you safe from scams, particularly when browsing or shopping online.
5. Webcam Shield
The Webcam Shield feature helps prevent unauthorised access to your webcam, ensuring that no one can spy on you without your permission. It’s a crucial privacy tool, especially for users who are concerned about their online privacy being compromised.
6. Data Shredder
For users who want to ensure that their deleted files are truly gone, Avast Premium Security includes a Data Shredder tool. This tool securely erases sensitive files, making them unrecoverable by data recovery tools.
7. Sandbox
Avast Premium Security includes a Sandbox feature, allowing you to open and run suspicious files in a safer, isolated environment. This way, you can see if a file is safe whilst mitigating potential risks to your device.
How Much Does it Cost?
Avast Premium Security is available with different pricing tiers based on the number of devices you need to protect:
This plan covers one device, ideal for users who only need protection for their main computer or smartphone.
This plan protects up to 10 devices, which is great for users with multiple devices or families who want to secure multiple household gadgets.
Avast Premium Security and Avast One: What’s The Difference?
While both Avast Premium Security and Avast One provide excellent protection, Avast Premium Security is the cheaper and more security-oriented product, whereas Avast One is an all-in-one security and performance suite. There are a few key differences between the two:
1. Performance Optimisation:
- Avast Premium Security focuses primarily on security, with no performance-enhancing tools.
- Avast One includes advanced features like disk cleaner and automatic software updater to help boost your device’s performance.
2. Privacy Tools:
- Avast Premium Security has strong privacy tools like Webcam Shield and Data Shredder, but its VPN is only available with a separate subscription.
- Avast One includes a vpn as part of the package, along with other privacy-focused features like anti-tracking.
3. Pricing:
- Avast Premium Security offers plans for single and multiple devices, up to 10 devices simultaneously.
- Avast One offers Individual and Family plans that can protect up to 30 devices.
4. Scope of Features:
- Avast Premium Security provides advanced security features, particularly for users concerned about ransomware, phishing, and online privacy.
- Avast One offers a broader package that includes security, privacy, and performance optimisation.
Read more about Avast One here.
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Avast Premium Security is a great choice for users who want advanced security features without the need for performance optimisation tools and constant VPN access. It helps provide powerful protection against a wide range of threats, including viruses, ransomware, and phishing, with additional features like the Firewall, Webcam Shield, and Ransomware Shield to help keep you and your data safe. With the range of security tools it provides, it’s excellent value for money, especially with new user discounts (80% off your first year at time of writing). However, if you’re looking for a product that includes system optimisation and broader privacy tools, you might consider Avast One as a more holistic solution. For more information, check out the Avast website here.