Web Shield protects you in real-time by scanning data that is transferred when you browse the internet. This prevents malware, such as malicious scripts, from being downloaded and run on your PC. Web Shield can also block websites, enable HTTPS and script scanning, and protect against botnets designed to hack your data or remotely control your PC.

Adjust settings

Web Shield is already configured by default to provide optimal protection. If you need to manually adjust Web Shield settings:

1. Open Avast One, then select Explore ▸ Web Shield.
2. Click Open Web Shield.
3. Ensure that the Settings tab is selected, then optionally enable or disable the following settings:
   • HTTPS Scanning: Ensures that both encrypted (HTTPS) and unencrypted (HTTP) websites are scanned for potential threats.
   • Botnet attack protection: Prevents botnets from using your computer to attack other computers.
   • Script scanning: Prevents browsers and other applications from running potentially malicious scripts. This includes remote threats from the web and outside sources.
   • QUIC/HTTP3 scanning: Scans communications sent and received via Google's QUIC protocol.

Manage blocked websites

To block access to specific websites that you think are malicious:

1. Open Avast One, then select Explore ▸ Web Shield.
2. Click Open Web Shield.
3. Select the Blocked websites tab.
4. Tick the box next to Allow websites to be blocked.
5. Click + Block a new website.
6. Type the URL (for example, www.example.com), then click Block.

The website now appears on your blocked websites list.

Add an exception

If you know that a website is safe, you can add it as an exception so that Web Shield does not scan it:

1. Open Avast One, then select Explore ▸ Web Shield.
2. Click Open Web Shield.
3. Select the Exceptions tab.
4. Click + Add an exception.
5. Type the URL (for example, www.example.com), then click Add.

The website now appears on your exceptions list.

Disable Web Shield

Web Shield is enabled by default for your protection, but you can disable it temporarily for troubleshooting purposes. To temporarily disable Web Shield:

1. Open Avast One, then select Explore ▸ Web Shield.
2. Click Open Web Shield.
3. Click the green (ON) slider, then click Continue to confirm that Tracking Prevention will also be disabled.
4. Select a time duration to specify how long Web Shield will remain disabled.
5. Click OK, Stop.

Web Shield is now temporarily disabled. Web Shield will automatically enable again when the specified time duration elapses. To manually enable Web Shield, follow steps 1-2 above, then click the red (OFF) slider so that it changes to green (ON).