How to allow a server exception for Apple Updates

[anon123]

I would like to know if anyone knows how to setup an exception in the Web Shield to allow "Software Update..." to be able to successfully check for updates, without disabling the Web Shield.

[GeoffBur]

I'm assuming you are using the new Avast 9 beta?

If so, the only way I've found to get Apple Updates (and a few other services) to work is to disable "scan secured connections".
Do this through the preferences - web shield - advanced - general

This was a problem in the betas of version 8 as well,  I really don't understand why Avast has not fixed it, or at least set the default setting to disabled.

[tumic]

This was a problem in the betas of version 8 as well,  I really don't understand why Avast has not fixed it, or at least set the default setting to disabled.

We enable HTTPS scanning in the betas to test the most possible scenarios. In the final release, it will be disabled by default.
In the release versions, we will not enable this option by default before we have application based exceptions for the Web shield.
(HTTPS scanning is not broken, applications that use hardcoded SSL certificates like the AppStore or Dropbox can not be
scanned by design.)

[REDACTED]

Hi Tumic,
I have a problem with the updates of AppStore, Adobe, Dropbox client and other softwares I guess.
Do you really want me to create rules for every exception? I don't know the server addresses for each software!
(Avast

[tumic]

Hi Tumic,
I have a problem with the updates of AppStore, Adobe, Dropbox client and other softwares I guess.
Do you really want me to create rules for every exception? I don't know the server addresses for each software!
(Avast

No. HTTPS scanning is disabled by default (in release versions). Actually it is meant so, that you can enable it,
if you are going to browse some "grey zone" pages (porn, warez,... ;-)). When we enable it by default, there will
be a (internal) whitelist for browsers, so it will not affect applications like dropbox, online games or Apple updates.

[jputting]

Hi anon123,

To allow a server exception for Mac Software Updates and the App Store without disabling the avast! Web Shield you need to do the following:

Open your avast! Preferences,

Click the Lock in the left bottom corner,

Enter your Mac Administrator Password,

Click on Web Shield Advanced button,

Click Exclusions,

Click the + button in Lower Left Corner,

Click on the Form Field and type in swscan.apple.com,

Select Service as https,

Click Done,

You will then need to add a second Exclusion to the avast! Web shield,

Using the steps detailed above,

Add swdist.apple.com,

Select Service as https,

Click Done,

Then select the General Tab in the avast Web Shield Preferences,

Unselect Scan Secured Connections,

Click Done,

Click the Padlock in the Lower Left hand Corner to lock your avast! Preferences.

You will now be able to get all your essential Mac updates.

I personal think that is quite shameful that a basic avast! configuration error like this has existed since avast! for Mac was first made available.

It simply would NOT take a great deal of time or effort for avast! to get this fixed, But yet this problem still remains.