Installing Antivirus on macOS

 

For the unmanaged Small Business Solutions and Small Office Protection, you can download the installer from https://www.avast.com/installation-files (ensure you are on the Business tab).

 

Executing Installation

Once the installer is downloaded:

1. Copy the installation file (.dmg) to a location accessible by your device, and ensure no other antivirus software is present
2. Run the file (click Allow if prompted)
3. In the pop-up, review the Privacy Policy, then click Continue

4. Click Continue to confirm you have read the End User License Agreement and click Agree to accept the terms
5. If you would like to make changes to the default installation location, click Change install location. Otherwise, click Install
6. If prompted, use your Touch ID or Administrator Password to grant permission for the installation, then click Install Software
7. If prompted, click OK to allow Avast to access your Downloads folder and/or Desktop folder

Additional Setup Requirements

Before the setup is complete, you will be required to allow Avast system extension and proxy configurations, provide full disk access, and update the certificate settings.

Some newer versions of macOS will ask for your password during the setup, and the setup might complete before the dialog for allowing the system extensions/certificate changes appears.

In some cases, a bug related to certain macOS versions will prevent allowing the necessary permissions. If you run into this issue, refer to Troubleshooting Permission Issues.

Allowing System Extension

During the setup, Avast will attempt to load a new system extension, and this action will require your permission.

When the System Extension Blocked notification appears:

1. Click Open Security Preferences
2. Click Allow

If your settings are locked, click the lock icon in the bottom left, enter your Administrator Password and click Unlock.

Adding Proxy Configurations

Certain proxy configurations will need to be added for Mail Shield and Web Shield in order to create the MITM-type scanning.

To add proxy configurations:

1. Click Open Confirmation Dialog
2. Click Allow

Allowing Full Disk Access

Avast will also need permission to access your disk so it can scan it for threats.

To provide full disk access to Avast Business Antivirus:

1. Click Open System Preferences
2. Go to the Privacy tab
3. Select Full Disk Access in the left panel
4. In the right panel, tick the checkbox next to the Avast product you're setting up (if it's not listed here, add it via the plus sign)
5. If prompted, click Quit & Reopen

If your settings are locked, click the lock icon in the bottom left, enter your Administrator Password and click Unlock.

Updating Cerificate Settings

Avast certificates need to be added to your Keychain so that various browser threats can be identified and stopped.

1. Click Open Confirmation Dialog
2. If prompted, type in your Administrator Password
3. Click Update settings