Avast shields

[Avosec-UK]

@ Bellzemos
I'm not sure if they would give any detailed 'technical' answer that may help others, competitors or those seeking to avoid detection.

Re. your assumption that because you only view email through your browser you don't need the Mail Shield.

I would say you do as the Mail Shield could be the first indication that your system has a malware problem, either hidden or undetected spambot. I would go further and say you should set the Mail Shield at its highest setting for Sensitivity > Heuristics.

Remember having the Mail Shield enabled, doesn't use any additional resources unless it is actually scanning email.

Same applies for the Web Shield, but for the HTTP and HTTPS protocols.

Note that these protocols are not web-browser exclusive, meaning that any application including malware could use them to download / upload data over HTTP / HTTPS.

[Bellzemos]

David and Avosec, thank you both. I think I'm going to repair my Avast installation and add back the Mail shield.

[DavidR]

You're welcome.

[bob3160]

You also need to realize that 85% of all infections come directly through the internet.
Therefore, disabling any part of your protection that protects from internet related invasions
is a very big mistake and one that you may regret.
Stay safe!