Avast Premium Security

What is included in Avast Premium Security?

Enhanced Firewall – Controls app traffic with four configurable modes.
Ransomware Shield – Locks key folders against unauthorized file changes.
Real Site – Blocks DNS hijacking to banking and shopping sites.
Remote Access Shield – Stops RDP brute-force attempts on Windows.
Sandbox & Shredder – Runs risky files isolated, erases data permanently.
Core Capacity – Covers Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
Important – Unlimited VPN, password manager, and parental controls are not included in this edition.

What are the main benefits of Avast Premium Security?

Avast Premium Security is a multi-device protection suite built on Avast's antivirus engine, adding an advanced firewall, ransomware folder shielding, and anti-spoofing tools. It focuses on PC-level control rather than bundled privacy or tune-up extras.

Webcam Shield – Blocks apps from hijacking your camera.
Sensitive Data Shield – Restricts which apps open personal documents.
Bank Mode – Opens a hardened space for online banking.
Email Shield – Scans attachments and links before they open.
Granular Control – More scan and firewall options than Avast One.
Family Sharing – Splits the device limit across separate accounts.

Why Windows Defender alone may not be enough
For more background on Windows protection, read our guide:

What does Avast Premium Security do?

It detects and blocks malware, ransomware, phishing sites, and network intrusions across your devices using Avast's shared detection engine. The Ransomware Shield watches folders such as Documents, Pictures, and Desktop, and prevents untrusted apps from modifying or deleting files inside them. Real Site routes your connection through Avast's own DNS so a spoofed banking or shopping page cannot load even if your local DNS is poisoned. For daily use, this means a fake login page intercepted during online banking is stopped before you enter credentials.

Who is Avast Premium Security best suited for?

It suits users who want hands-on control over firewall rules and scanning rather than a simplified one-button interface. The firewall offers four operating modes and per-application rules, which Avast One does not expose, so a user who needs to block a specific program from reaching the internet can do it directly. The included Sandbox lets you open an unknown installer or email attachment in an isolated environment without risking the host system. If you mainly want an automated VPN-plus-cleanup bundle instead, Avast Ultimate or Avast One fits better.

How does Avast Premium Security compare to Free Antivirus and Ultimate?

Premium Security adds the Enhanced Firewall, Sandbox, Webcam Shield, Remote Access Shield, Sensitive Data Shield, and Data Shredder on top of the Free Antivirus engine. Avast Ultimate then bundles everything in Premium Security plus SecureLine VPN, Cleanup Premium, and AntiTrack as separate tools. The practical dividing line is that Premium Security covers device protection but no privacy VPN or tune-up suite, so users who need encrypted browsing on public Wi-Fi must move up to Ultimate. The table below shows the verified differences.

Compare antivirus programs for Windows
For help choosing security software, read our comparison:

Does Avast Premium Security include a VPN, password manager, or parental controls?

No. Avast Premium Security does not include a VPN, a full password manager, or parental controls, and Avast does not offer parental controls on any plan. SecureLine VPN is a separate subscription or part of Avast Ultimate, so encrypted browsing on public Wi-Fi requires that upgrade. The included Password Protection only blocks apps from accessing passwords saved in your browser; it does not store or generate credentials in a vault. If you need a VPN plus tune-up tools alongside antivirus, choose Avast Ultimate instead of Premium Security.

Can Avast Premium Security protect Mac, Android, and iOS devices?

Yes, the multi-device edition covers Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS within one subscription. The feature set differs by platform: the Enhanced Firewall and Sandbox are Windows features, while mobile devices receive malware scanning, Wi-Fi network checks, and web protection. Family Sharing lets you invite others with their own Avast accounts to use part of your device allowance, which suits a household spreading protection across mixed hardware. Plan around the platform gaps rather than assuming every shield runs identically on a phone and a PC.

What makes Avast Premium Security useful in daily work?

Its Sensitive Data Shield controls which applications are allowed to open documents containing personal data such as identity numbers, which limits exposure if a malicious program runs. For people handling client files, the Data Shredder overwrites files before deletion so recovered drives cannot leak old invoices or contracts. Bank Mode opens a hardened, isolated desktop session for online banking and payments, separating that activity from other running apps. These are PC-control features, so the practical payoff is strongest on a Windows workstation rather than a phone.

Norton and Kaspersky compared
For a direct security-suite comparison, read our article:

What should users check before choosing Avast Premium Security?

Confirm you do not need a built-in VPN, password vault, parental controls, or system cleanup tools, because none are part of this edition. Premium Security shares Avast's detection engine with the free version but adds firewall control, ransomware folder shielding, and isolation tools that the free tier lacks. If your priority is privacy browsing or device optimization, Avast Ultimate is the closer match since it adds SecureLine VPN, Cleanup Premium, and AntiTrack. Choose Premium Security when you want stronger PC-level protection and granular control without paying for bundled privacy extras.