Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files on a device and demands payment to restore access. As ransomware attacks have become more common, antivirus software providers like Avast have worked to add ransomware protection to their products. So does Avast prevent ransomware?
What is ransomware?
Ransomware is a form of malware that locks access to a device or files until a ransom is paid. It works by encrypting files so they can’t be opened without a decryption key. Once installed, ransomware displays a message demanding payment within a short timeframe. If the ransom isn’t paid, the files remain encrypted or may be deleted. Ransomware typically spreads through phishing emails, infected software apps, compromised websites, and drive-by downloads.
Some common examples of ransomware variants include:
- CryptoLocker
- WannaCry
- Ryuk
- Stop/Djvu
Ransomware attacks can affect individuals, but coordinated attacks on businesses, hospitals, and other organizations have become increasingly common. The impact of ransomware can be severe, causing major financial losses and disruption of services.
How Avast tries to prevent ransomware
Avast offers several features focused on stopping ransomware attacks, including:
Behavior shield
Avast’s behavior shield uses artificial intelligence to identify suspicious behaviors that are characteristic of ransomware. It looks for activities like rapid encryption of multiple files or changes to file extensions. If ransomware behavior is detected, the software terminates the process.
Ransomware shield
This feature creates an extra layer of protection specifically for documents, photos, and other user files that ransomware targets for encryption. It backs up files to make them recoverable.
Email shield
Phishing emails with malicious attachments are a common ransomware infection vector. Avast scans all incoming emails and blocks those recognized as phishing scams.
Wi-Fi inspector
When connected to an insecure public Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi inspector feature blocks traffic to prevent drive-by ransomware downloads.
Vulnerability shield
This shield locks down vulnerabilities in third-party software that could be exploited to deliver ransomware.
Sandbox
Avast directs any suspicious files into an isolated sandbox environment to analyze their behavior before allowing access to the full operating system.
Antivirus scanning
Like all antivirus software, Avast checks for known ransomware signatures during system scans to detect and quarantine any infections.
How effective is Avast at stopping ransomware?
With its multilayered defenses, Avast provides fairly robust protection against ransomware attacks. However, no antivirus software can prevent ransomware 100% of the time. Some threats may evade initial detection.
Avast scores well in independent testing by organizations like AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. In recent tests by AV-Test Institute, Avast Internet Security received a perfect 6 out of 6 score for protection against widespread ransomware threats. But it had some misses against “real-world” ransomware samples collected in the last four weeks before testing.
In AV-Comparatives’ 2022 ransomware protection test, Avast blocked 99.5% of attacks. This was enough for one of the highest “Advanced+” awards. But there were still a handful of samples that managed to encrypt user files during testing.
So while Avast offers multilayered ransomware-specific technologies, some minor weaknesses remain that could allow an occasional infection to slip past defenses.
Key things to know about Avast’s ransomware protection
Here are some key things to keep in mind regarding how well Avast can prevent ransomware:
- Works very well against known threats: Avast reliably blocks most common ransomware families using signature-based detection, heuristics, behavior analysis, and other techniques.
- Extra shields add important layers: Features like the ransomware shield and behavior shield use specialized methods to detect ransomware beyond typical antivirus scanning.
- Some minor gaps remain: No antivirus is perfect, so some ransomware may evade Avast’s protections, encrypt files, and demand ransom.
- Backups are still important: Even with strong ransomware protection, backups provide an additional layer of defense in case any infection manages to slip through.
- Need to avoid infection vectors: User security practices still matter. Clicking on phishing links or downloading software from untrusted sites can allow ransomware to bypass antivirus defenses.
How does Avast ransomware protection compare to alternatives?
Avast delivers generally robust and reliable ransomware protection. But how does it stack up to alternatives from other antivirus companies?
In testing by independent labs, Avast tends to score very similarly to top competitors like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and Norton when it comes to blocking real-world ransomware samples:
| Antivirus Software | Ransomware Protection Score |
|---|---|
| Avast Free Antivirus | 99.6% (AV-Comparatives) |
| Bitdefender Antivirus Free | 99.6% (AV-Comparatives) |
| Kaspersky Free | 99.7% (AV-Comparatives) |
| Norton AntiVirus | 100% (AV-Test Institute) |
Overall detection rates against widespread ransomware families are consistently in the 99-100% range among these top options. However, there are usually at least some zero-day samples or highly targeted ransomware that manage to slip past defenses and encrypt files during testing.
When choosing antivirus software, the key is looking at independent test results rather than marketing claims. While not perfect 100% protection, Avast and other top options like Bitdefender and Norton provide very competitive ransomware prevention.
What should I do if Avast misses a ransomware attack?
If you end up getting hit with ransomware that manages to get past Avast’s protections, here are some steps to take:
- Disconnect from networks immediately. This prevents the ransomware from spreading.
- Use a clean device to research the ransomware variant and locate a decryptor if available. Resources like No More Ransom can help.
- Check if Avast or other security firms have released an updated signature to detect the ransomware.
- Use backups to restore encrypted files rather than paying the ransom. Ensure backups are isolated from networks.
- As a last resort if backups aren’t available, consult professionals about negotiating with the ransomware criminals.
You should also report the successful infection to Avast so they can analyze the threat and bolster defenses against that ransomware variant.
What are best practices to avoid ransomware?
While Avast and other antivirus programs provide important protection, the best way to avoid ransomware is to prevent infections in the first place. Some top tips include:
- Enable Avast ransomware shields and other security features.
- Be wary of suspicious emails and do not enable macros or click embedded links.
- Exercise caution with downloads and avoid pirated software.
- Keep all software updated with the latest patches and security fixes.
- Use strong, unique passwords on all accounts.
- Back up important files regularly offline.
- Only connect to secure trusted Wi-Fi networks in public.
Conclusion
Avast makes meaningful attempts to provide ransomware protection through features like the behavior shield, ransomware shield, email shield, and more. These defenses are generally effective against common ransomware families. However, it’s important to understand Avast is not 100% foolproof, and some infections may manage to slip past its protections.
Compared to alternatives, Avast provides highly competitive and reliable ransomware prevention. But prudent precautions like comprehensive backups and avoiding infection vectors remain important, even with antivirus in place.
Overall, Avast can be considered a strong ally in the battle against ransomware. But a layered approach to security combining user vigilance, backups, and advanced malware defenses will provide the most robust protection against ransomware attacks.