How to Download and Offline Update Avast Antivirus With Latest Virus Definitions

Avast antivirus is the number one computer security software developer based in Czech Republic. It has the highest antivirus market share with 20.5% percent. Avast's free antivirus is so popular that it can be found on almost every Windows PC because of it high malware detection rate. Avast software provides a range of products including the Avast Internet Security, Avast Premier, and Avast Pro Antivirus. They also provide VPN service namely SecureLine. If you are currently looking for a reliable antivirus then you can go for Avast free antivirus. And if you want top-notch computer security then go for Avast Internet Security which is a paid antivirus program.

For an antivirus to work properly it should be updated regularly. When connected to the internet the Avast antivirus gets streaming updates. These updates are tiny virus definitions that protect your PC from malware, trojan, and viruses. Avast keeps receiving these streaming updates many times in a day if connected to the internet. But sometimes Avast virus definitions won't update automatically. This can be due to slow internet. The antivirus program also does not update the virus definitions if they are tool old. If the automatic updates aren't working then you can manually download and install the latest definitions update file for Avast antivirus.

Download and Offline Update Avast Antivirus With Latest Virus Definitions

• Go to Avast offline update file page - go here
• Scroll down a little bit and check the links for 'Avast VPS update'.
• Download the update for versions 12+

• To check your program's version open the antivirus and click 'Menu'. Click 'Settings' and then click 'Update'. Check the program version if it is greater than 12 then download the 12+ VPS update.
• After downloading the Avast update file(ypsupd.exe) simply double click on it to install it.

• The antivirus definitions will updated within few seconds.
• And you can use the same file to update the same program on another Windows PC.

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Avast 17.5.2302 Adds Ransomware Shield to Ward Off Files and Folders From Ransomware

Avast Software just released the latest update for its paid antivirus products. The newest build of Avast antivirus program is 17.5.2302 and it comes with a dedicated ransomware shield. We all know that recently Wannacry ransomware affected more than 300,000 computers worldwide. Most of them were running Windows 7 operating system. Microsoft already patched the SMB vulnerability through MS17-010 update. Avast is the only antivirus program that blocked the Wannacry ransomware one million times before it can infect the targeted computers.


Now basically a Ransomware encrypts and locks your important files and asks for ransom for unlocking your files. These files mostly include your photos, videos, and images. A Ransomware targets file types like .jpg. It is not limited to just encrypting and locking your photos and it can encrypt almost any file type which may be of high importance to you. So Avast has just released Ransomware shield for their premium products (Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier).

The Avast ransomware shield automatically adds your important folders to a protected folders list. These folders mostly contain images having the .jpg extension. But Avast Ransomware shield gives your more control and lets you manage the security of your protected folders. You can add custom file extensions and thus can prevent any Ransomware from encrypting them. Another interesting thing is that you can block several apps from making changes to your protected folders. By default only trusted apps are allowed to make changes to protected folders like Microsoft Word. So in this tutorial, we will discuss how to use the Avast Ransomware shield.

Downloads

You can avail 30-day free trial on any of the Avast product below. After the trial, period you have to purchase a license continued protection.

Avast Internet Security
Avast Premier
Avast Offline Installer

How to Use Avast Ransomware Shield to Protect Files and Folders from Ransomware

First of all, do note that this newest shield is only a part of Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier. The Avast free antivirus doesn't have this shield. So if you are not a premium member then buy either Avast Internet Security or Avast Premier. To buy any of these antivirus products go here.

1. Add Folder in Avast Ransomware Shield

Open the Avast antivirus program and click 'Protection'. Then click 'Ransomware Shield' and scroll down. Here you will see an 'Add folder' option. Click it select the desired folder. You can add multiple folders but one at a time. Once the folders get added into this shield they are automatically converted to protected folders. This means that they get an additional layer of security on them. Now Avast won't let any untrusted program or software to make changes to these folders. Folders inside this shield can't be accessed by complex Ransomware programs, so finally they can't be encrypted. Therefore your important folders remain safe against any kind of virus attacks.

2. Increase Level of Security

The Avast Ransomware Shield has two security modes the first one is 'Smart mode' and another is the 'Strict mode'. In smart mode only trusted apps are allowed to make changes or delete files and untrusted apps are not allowed to make changes or delete files. In 'Strict mode' no app is allowed to make changes or delete files from protected folders, not even trusted programs or software. After enabling 'Strict mode' anything that tries to make changes to your protected folders will require your permission. No changes can be made to protected folders unless you grant permission to that particular program. To switch between modes you have to click the 'Show details' option just below the 'Add folder' option. Choose the security mode accordingly. Choose 'Smart mode' if you trust programs and software from trusted developers like Microsoft. Choose 'Strict mode' if you don't want let access to your protected folders without your permission.

3. Change Protected File Types

By default, Avast Ransomware Shield is protecting images, videos, audio files, archive files, database files, disc files, and documents. So by default, it is protecting 105 file types. However, you can add your own file types to add it to protected list. To add a custom file type click 'Change protected file types'. In 'Custom files' add the file type. You can add multiple files types separated by a comma. Suppose I want to protect my WhatsApp databases having file type '.crypt12'. So I will either enter crypt12 or .crypt12. Both will be correct but enter one file type only once. Enter multiple file types separated by a comma.

4. Block or Allow Apps or Programs

You can manually block an app or a program to prevent changes in the protected folders. Also, you can allow programs or apps to make changes in the protected folders. Simply go to 'Blocked/allowed apps'. Here click 'BLOCK AN APP', grab the executable file from the explorer and add it to block list. Once added to the block list that particular app or program can no longer have access to your protected folder. Similarly, you can allow other apps too. If you are not sure which apps to block and which to allow then completely leave it to default. If there is no app or program in the block list then your protected folders are still secured. As in default mode, Avast will only let trusted apps to make changes to your protected folders. If it finds any suspicious or malicious program or app trying to access your protected folders then it will be blocked immediately before making any changes.

So this was the brief tutorial about Avast Ransomware Shield from the program version 17.5.2302. It is indeed a useful security feature for premium Avast antivirus users. This newest shield comes with an added layer of security which protects your sensitive files and folders from unwanted cyberattacks, malware, and viruses. If you are still using the free antivirus then this is the right time to upgrade to a pro version. A paid antivirus has a very high detection and protection rate when compared to a free antivirus. And if we are talking about world's most trusted antivirus Avast, then there are no doubts.

Buy Avast Internet Security With Ransomware Shield

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Download Avast Grime Fighter For Android

Avast Grime Fighter is an android cleaner app that cleans up junk, unwanted files, gallery thumbnails and cache from your android phone, thereby freeing up space and enable the phone to run faster. Android phones generate a lot of junk files from various apps and the OS itself. These cache and junk files need to be cleaned for optimal device performance. These unwanted files can slow down your phone. For cleaning your android phone you can use Avast Grime Fighter because it is a light weight app and works faster. If you are already using any other cleaner app on your android then give Avast CleanUp a try.

Download

How To Use Avast CleanUp/Grime Fighter

• Download and install the app.
• Open it and tap the menu button on top right corner. Tap ‘Settings’.
• Check ‘Thumbnails’. You can also check ‘APKs’ if you want to clean residual APK files.
• Scroll down and check ‘Advanced Cleaning Review’ and ‘Safe Clean Review’.
• When ‘Safe Clean Review’ is enabled then Avast CleanUp will show you the list of items that are queued for cleaning when you tap the ‘Safe Clean’ button.
• By looking at the list you can spot any important data and prevent it from deleting accidently.

Advanced Cleaning

In Advanced Cleaning you can totally remove unwanted or unused ‘Applications’, ‘Media Files’, ‘Files’ and ‘App Data’. Advanced cleaning should be handled carefully to avoid any personal data loss.

Cloud Storage

You can upload your files to ‘Dropbox’ for cloud storage, if you ever want to.

Why To Install

• If you want a light weight android cleaner app.
• The app scans the entire smartphone for junk, cache and unwanted files.
• It quickly removes the junk files.
• Have a safety clean feature to save your important files from deleting accidently.
• Advanced cleaning is somewhat better than other cleaners.

Why Not To Install

• If you are already using any other android junk cleaner app.
• If you want an android cleaner with ram booster.
• Cleaning gallery thumbnails is of no use.

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Review Of Avast Internet Security 2015 [Paid] After Using It For A Year

Since 1988 Avast has evolved as the best antivirus for personal computers and enterprises. There are many antivirus available in the market today, but I think Avast is the world’s first and best antivirus available for Windows and MAC computers. In this review article you will know why I am calling Avast antivirus as the best. I am using Avast Internet Security paid version since 1 year now and I will tell you about all my experiences that will help you decide why to buy Avast antivirus for securing your PCs from online threats, malwares, spywares, trojans and viruses.

About My Product

I bought Avast Internet Security for my Windows PC back in Aug 2014. The offer was 3 PCs for $23 dollars per year. So I am securing my two notebooks and one desktop computer. I bought the product online and after few minutes of transaction I got my ‘Activation Key’ on my email registered with Avast. The activation key worked on all the three computers.

Reason For Using Paid Version Of Antivirus

I am not the only one in my house that uses all the three computers. I can see anytime that the desktop computer was crashing, restarting, and freezing and there was no problem at all from my side. The Microsoft antivirus always showed no problems, and no malware since it is 99 percent effective in catching malware but this effectiveness doesn't come under free antivirus software.

Then I installed the free version of avast antivirus and it did catch some of the malwares, but being free it was unable to provide required protection for my PCs. So finally I decided to upgrade and bought the paid version of Avast Internet Security 2014 and now it is automatically upgraded to 2015 version.

Review Of Avast Internet Security 2015 [Paid] After Using It For A Year

1. Types Of Scans : Avast Internet Security 2015 provides the following scans that can address the minimum possible issues associated with the security of your computer.

• Smart Scan : Automatically scans hidden viruses, outdated software, browser addons and your network. If any problem found, it will be displayed.
• Outdated Software : Scans for outdated software installed on your PC. It can also automatically update them.
• Network Threat : Scans you network and the router. It will also tell you whether the router is properly configured or not for security purposes. For e.g. if you forgot to set a password for your Wi-Fi router, then avast will address the issue.
• Browser Addons : Scans for malicious browser addons like iLivid and removes them.
• Full System Scan : A complete scan of PC.
• Removable Media : Scan removable media like USB drives, memory cards, external hard disks.
• Folder Scan : Scan any folder with just one click. Just right click on any folder and click ‘Scan’.
• Quick Scan : Performs scans on the areas on your computer that are most susceptible to malware infection.
• Boot Time Scan : This scan is performed during boot and just immediately before PC boots to desktop. It can scan entire system and auto-start programs for malware and PUP infections.

2. Firewall : The Firewall in Avast Internet Security 2015 is great at doing its job. It monitors your network activity in real time and blocks the network threats before it can reach to your PC. It regularly monitors the incoming and outgoing requests on your computer. You should not change the firewall settings yourself.

3. Safezone : Safezone is Avast’s own private browser that lets you shop online safely. It lets you make online transactions without letting to know anybody about it. This private browser doesn’t save any cookie or data on your computer and  is highly secure than any browser. You can add your bank and shopping websites in safezone. When these sites are opened on your computer’s browser then safezone will automatically activate. It is highly effective against keyloggers and password sniffers.

4. Sandbox : Avast sandbox is a useful tool to run programs in an isolated manner, so that they can’t affect other files and your computer. You can even run malicious programs in Avast sandbox and see what the software is doing without actually installing it on your PC. But Avast sandbox sometimes crashes and gives a BSOD error with some programs.

5. Firewall : What can I say about firewall. It is the shield between the internet and your PC. It filters malicious traffic and blocks harmful network threats. It monitors your network traffic in real time and blocks any malware before it can infect your computer. You should always set your firewall to ‘Private’ and should not change any settings because it is automatically configured. However you should set it to ‘Public’ if you are using an open Wi-Fi.

6. Remote Assistance : With remote assistance you can control a desktop that have avast antivirus installed.

7. Email Security : Whether you are using Gmail for desktop or Outlook, every email that you send or receive on your computer is scanned by avast to ensure that they are safe and malware free.

8. Parental Controls : With Avast Internet Security 2015 you can block certain websites that are not suitable for your children. To enable website blocking go to ‘Settings>Active Protection>Web Shield> Customize’.  Click ‘Site Blocking’ and check ‘Enable Site Blocking’. Now enter as many URLs that you want to block and finally click ‘OK’.

9. Password Protect : You can password protect your antivirus program so that no one change settings or uninstall the program. To set a password go to ‘Settings>General>Password>Protect Avast With A Password’. Then enter your password.

10. Avast VPN : This is a separate service that you have to buy separately if you want. Avast VPN totally anonymizes your internet identity. It encrypts the internet traffic on your computer so nobody can breach your computer network security. You can read more about What Is VPN.

Avast Internet Security 2015 [Paid] vs Free Antivirus Programs

If you are using a best free antivirus doesn’t matter if it is free avast, Microsoft security essentials, AVG or Norton then these free security suites are unable to provide required protection to your PC. The free version doesn’t include a firewall, antispam, anti keylogger, and anti password sniffer. The free antivirus programs provide only basic protection against some malwares and viruses, and will only be effective if you are not connected to internet. They won’t even detect spywares, keyloggers and harmful trojans. If they do then they will force you to upgrade to paid version to remove the PUPs.

But the paid version of Avast Internet Security 2015 is worth every penny that you spent on it. It protects you from all kinds of harmful network threats, automatically blocks malicious websites, scans malicious links, blocks malicious programs from executing. It also makes your bank transactions more safer than ever before.

What AIS 2015 Is Not Good At

Avast Internet Security 2015 cannot remove browser hijacker programs and addons. To remove them read this tutorial.

Don't Activate Your Avast Illegaly

Don't fall short for scams like Avast Internet Security License File till 2050 or any kind of key generator. As these two techniques are not going to work for you. Because people at Avast are much smarter than you think of them. So, buy the product and secure your computer today.

System Requirements

You need at least Windows XP (with SP2) installed. Windows Vista, 7, 8, and even 8.1 are fully supported (unless your device runs the Starter or RT edition) in both the 32- and 64-bit variant. A 10-year old Pentium 3 processor will do, with 128 MB RAM and 2 GB of hard-drive space. It doesn't even slow down your PC.

My Verdict

I have been using AIS 2015 since one year and it has protected me against network threats, malwares, viruses, trojans, keyloggers. With free version I was not safe. Now I do not care much about security because I have the paid version of Avast Internet Security 2015. It monitors my network activity and gives me all security statistics. By investing some amount of money in AIS 2015 you can secure your computers.

Buy Now

Click the link below to buy Avast Internet Security for MAC and Microsoft Windows. It comes with 30 days money back guarantee.

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