When it comes to antivirus protection for your devices, the software you choose is only as good as its most recent update. That’s because viruses, hackers, phishers and other online scammers and dangers are constantly growing more sophisticated and better able to sidestep protections. With its release of a new 2020 antivirus software package, Avast has shown that it’s willing to go toe-to-toe with the toughest threats online.
Avast Free Antivirus
Free DownloadThe company, a leader for years in online security services, is beefing up its protection algorithms across a range of features for the new decade – and astoundingly, all of these protections are available in Avast’s free version of the software.
At the heart of the enhanced security features offered by Avast Antivirus 2020 is of course, a robust and continuously updated virus database. As you access the internet, the software works in the background comparing your surfing and email activity to this database and blocking viruses, malware, spyware, ransomware and phishing attacks. It also alerts you to unsafe websites without the need to install browser extensions, and employs a “Behavior Shield” that identifies suspicious behavior patterns on your computer.
Also found in the free version of Avast Antivirus 2020 is a CyberCapture feature that quarantines suspicious files to be analyzed in the cloud and reports back to you on any possible safety risks. And the software also comes with a Wi-Fi inspector that can alert you to potential vulnerabilities across your entire network including all connected devices.
Unlike other antivirus programs, Avast 2020 also delivers additional features that go beyond security to make your computer as sound as possible.
These include a software updater that automatically scans for new versions of programs on your computer; a password manager that allows you to securely store all your login information to various sites under one master password; a browser clean-up function that removes unwanted toolbars, add-ons and extensions you choose to toss; and the ability to create a rescue disk image on a CD or USB drive, which would come to the rescue if your computer becomes inoperable.
And to reiterate, all of these features come along with Avast’s FREE version of its software.
Avast Free Antivirus
Free DownloadFor those looking for even more functionality, the company also offers a Premium plan with extra smart security features. For example, Avast Premium Antivirus will alert you whenever someone joins your Wi-Fi network so that you can disconnect immediately if you don’t recognize a device – whether it be from a hacker or a neighbor looking to tap off your service. The premium version of the software will also place your photos and files in a ransomware-proof vault to keep your most personal data safe.
Whichever version you choose, you can be assured that Avast is continuously striving to improve their offerings in the marketplace. This is a rarity – especially for a free software solution, which other companies can often neglect or offer with limited functionality.
Avast Antivirus 2020 is available for Mac, PC, Android and Apple mobile devices. The free version of the software is likely sufficient for most users, but the extra protections offered by the Premium package is certainly worth considering for those looking for enhanced safeguards. Avast Antivirus Premium 2020 is now being offered for $59.99 per year.
