Avast Business Antivirus Release Notes 2023

This Article Applies to:

Avast Business Antivirus

Avast Business Antivirus releases run approximately two weeks behind the consumer release of new Antivirus versions, in order to allow further testing. CloudCare does not follow the same cycle. For this console specifically, Antivirus is released quarterly. The releases are made to Avast and AVG brands at the same time, including managed and unmanaged versions. In some cases, a version can be skipped (e.g. due to a defect in a particular version).

Microupdates do not have any specific schedule and are released as and when required to release a fix to a previous version immediately, rather than waiting for a full release (see Microupdates FAQ for more information).

The macOS Antivirus does not have such frequent releases as the Windows Antivirus (every Q is a loose timeframe). CloudCare does follow the same release cycle as the Hub for the macOS Business Agent, they cannot be released separately.

This article provides information on the Business Antivirus 2023 releases and is updated throughout the year.

November 2023

Windows Antivirus Version 23.11 (November 29)

Release Summary

The new version of Avast Business Antivirus will be available for new installations immediately. All existing devices will start the automatic upgrade to this version later.

If you wish to upgrade your devices to this version prior to the automatic upgrade, you can create a new Task (Update device > Program update task) from your console.

A system reboot will be required to complete the installation. There will be no forced reboot, unless you have set this in your device policy settings.

New Features & Enhancements

The Web Shield component now provides protection against fake online shops attempting to mimic legitimate ones.
Exclusions can now be added for the Anti-Rootkit component. The exclusion must be specified as the full path to the excluded file in the All Scans and Shields part of the policy, or the File path for unmanaged devices.

Resolved Issues

Various minor fixes have been implemented in this update to address any issues or bugs reported by users. These fixes further enhance the overall stability and performance of the software.

Windows Antivirus Version 23.10 (November 1)

Release Summary

The new version of Avast Business Antivirus will be available for new installations immediately. All existing devices will start the automatic upgrade to this version later.

If you wish to upgrade your devices to this version prior to the automatic upgrade, you can create a new Task (Update device > Program update task) from your console.

A system reboot will be required to complete the installation. There will be no forced reboot, unless you have set this in your device policy settings.

New Features & Enhancements

We have improved the detection and customization in the Firewall settings so users can be better protected from network threats.
A lot of improvements have been implemented for the Web Control feature, which is currently available in Avast Business Hub as a public beta.

Resolved Issues

Various other minor fixes have been implemented in this update to address any issues or bugs reported by users. These fixes further enhance the overall stability and performance of the software.

October 2023

Windows Antivirus Version 23.9 (October 10)

Release Summary

The new version of Avast Business Antivirus will be available for new installations immediately. All existing devices will start the automatic upgrade to this version later.

If you wish to upgrade your devices to this version prior to the automatic upgrade, you can create a new Task (Update device > Program update task) from your console.

A system reboot will be required to complete the installation. There will be no forced reboot, unless you have set this in your device policy settings.

New Features & Enhancements

We've introduced a new enhancement for Webcam Shield, allowing you to protect your microphone from unauthorized access by strangers or apps. Please note that while this feature is not currently manageable from Avast Business Hub, we are actively working on its implementation. Soon, you will have the capability to control it directly from the console.

Resolved Issues

Various other minor fixes have been implemented in this update to address any issues or bugs reported by users. These fixes further enhance the overall stability and performance of the software.

September 2023

Windows Antivirus Version 23.8 (September 6)

Release Summary

The new version of Avast Business Antivirus will be available for new installations immediately. All existing devices will start the automatic upgrade to this version later.

If you wish to upgrade your devices to this version prior to the automatic upgrade, you can create a new Task (Update device > Program update task) from your console.

A system reboot will be required to complete the installation. There will be no forced reboot, unless you have set this in your device policy settings.

New Features & Enhancements

Enhanced protection for your web browsing: we’ve introduced a new layer of detection with DNS scanning, focused on finding advanced malware in your device.

Resolved Issues

Various other minor fixes have been implemented in this update to address any issues or bugs reported by users. These fixes further enhance the overall stability and performance of the software.

August 2023

macOS Antivirus Version 15.7.0 (August 29)

Release Summary

This release contains new improvements and bug fixes.

New Features & Enhancements

Various UI fixes for macOS El Capitan and Sierra.
This is the last program update for macOS El Capitan and Sierra. New Apple developer tools no longer support these OS versions.
Virus definitions will continue to be updated for El Capitan and Sierra.
Network Inspector: Added onboarding into location services as required by macOS Sonoma (October hotfix).
Other bug fixes and stability fixes.

Resolved Issues

Fixed issue with Ransomware Shield being incorrectly enabled in CloudCare devices.

Windows Antivirus Version 23.7 (August 9)

Release Summary

The new version of Avast Business Antivirus will be available for new installations immediately. All existing devices will start the automatic upgrade to this version later.

If you wish to upgrade your devices to this version prior to the automatic upgrade, you can create a new Task (Update device > Program update task) from your console.

A system reboot will be required to complete the installation. There will be no forced reboot, unless you have set this in your device policy settings.

New Features & Enhancements

Scanning of DNS traffic: we’ve improved our scanning to monitor your network by filtering out malicious domains and patterns early on.
Web Shield performance: enjoy faster browsing and performance on websites and streaming sites (e.g. Netflix) while staying protected.

Resolved Issues

Various other minor fixes have been implemented in this update to address any issues or bugs reported by users. These fixes further enhance the overall stability and performance of the software.

July 2023

Windows Antivirus Version 23.6 (July 19)

Release Summary

The new version of Avast Business Antivirus will be available for new installations immediately. All existing devices will start the automatic upgrade to this version later.

If you wish to upgrade your devices to this version prior to the automatic upgrade, you can create a new Task (Update device > Program update task) from your console.

A system reboot will be required to complete the installation. There will be no forced reboot, unless you have set this in your device policy settings.

New Features & Enhancements

Applications run inside Sandbox will be prevented from taking screenshots and screen recordings.
Folder dialog has been modernized to make it easier to work with files.

Resolved Issues

Fixed minor performance issues in Web Shield related to shutting down or restarting the computer.
Various other minor fixes have been implemented in this update to address any issues or bugs reported by users. These fixes further enhance the overall stability and performance of the software.

Known Issues

Several users may receive a pop-up message within the local Antivirus UI asking for a sign-in to an Avast account. This is not relevant for Business edition users and can be ignored. This bug will be fixed later by an automatic UI version update.

June 2023

Windows Antivirus Version 23.5 (June 14)

Release Summary

The new version of Avast Business Antivirus will be available for new installations immediately. All existing devices will start the automatic upgrade to this version later.

If you wish to upgrade your devices to this version prior to the automatic upgrade, you can create a new Task (Update device > Program update task) from your console.

A system reboot will be required to complete the installation. There will be no forced reboot, unless you have set this in your device policy settings.

New Features & Enhancements

The Web Shield has been optimized to scan based on DNS parameters, providing better protection against a wider range of online threats. This improvement enhances your overall security while browsing the internet.
The update enhances protection against malware found in OneNote file attachments that are often used in phishing emails. This feature ensures better safeguarding of your system and data when dealing with such attachments.
The Support Tool has been upgraded to address user issues more quickly and effectively. The communication process between users and the support team is now smoother, leading to faster resolutions of any problems you encounter.
The software now incorporates the new OpenSSL 3.1.0, which includes additional security fixes. By adopting the latest OpenSSL version, the software ensures a more secure environment for users.

Resolved Issues

Previously, there was an issue where the managed Antivirus client displayed an incorrect microupdate build version in the Avast Business Hub. This issue has been resolved, and the correct version number is now displayed.
Various other minor fixes have been implemented in this update to address any issues or bugs reported by users. These fixes further enhance the overall stability and performance of the software.

May 2023

Windows Antivirus Version 23.4 (May 17)

Release Summary

The new version of Avast Business Antivirus will be available for new installations immediately. All existing devices will start the automatic upgrade to this version later.

If you wish to upgrade your devices to this version prior to the automatic upgrade, you can create a new Task (Update device > Program update task) from your console.

A system reboot will be required to complete the installation. There will be no forced reboot, unless you have set this in your device policy settings.

New Features & Enhancements

Sensitive Data Shield component now supports all FATx-based hard drives. (Avast Small Office Protection).
Implemented a new version of OpenSSL to enhance security.

Resolved Issues

Fixed an issue where the Password Protection component failed to start after upgrading to an SBS subscription.
Resolved an issue with settings in the Exchange Shield component. Previously, settings for Exchange Shield were not being properly reflected on the client.
Wildcards are now accepted for the Exchange Shield file name mask for attachment blocking. Previously, wildcards were rejected.

March 2023

Windows Antivirus Version 23.2 (March 21)

Release Summary

This release contains new improvements and bug fixes for our Avast Business Antivirus client.

The new version of Avast Business Antivirus will be available for new installations immediately. All existing devices will start the automatic upgrade to this version later.

If you wish to upgrade your devices to this version prior to the automatic upgrade, you can create a new Task (Update device > Program update task) from your console.

A system reboot will be required to complete the installation. There will be no forced reboot, unless you have set this in your device policy settings.

New Features & Enhancements

Immediate detection in Network Inspector — Get notified immediately of new network security issues, especially if you're connected to an unprotected Wi-Fi network. The notifications have a new look as well.
Faster File Shield — We’ve improved the speed of File Shield by using Kernel EAs, so it can scan files and programs faster for any malicious threats.

Resolved Issues

If the Firewall rule Allow incoming file and printer sharing over SMB protocol is disabled, it does not block outgoing SMB connections anymore.
Fixed issue in Exchange plug-in that could cause Exchange to stop functioning until the plug-in was disabled.

macOS Antivirus Version 15.6.0 (March 8)

Release Summary

This release contains new improvements and bug fixes to our Avast Business Antivirus macOS client.

New Features & Enhancements

Fixed integration with the Startup Items feature under System Settings in macOS Ventura.
Changed versioning to use 3 numbers.
Web Shield: Improved handling of some certificate types.

Resolved Issues

Agent can be updated to the latest version (managed Avast Business Antivirus).

February 2023

Windows Antivirus Version 23.1 (Late February)

Release Summary

This release contains new improvements and bug fixes to our Avast Business Antivirus client.

The new version of Avast Business Antivirus will be available for new installations immediately. All existing devices will start the automatic upgrade to this version at a later time.

If you wish to upgrade your devices to this version prior to the automatic upgrade, you can create a new Task (Update device > Program update task) from your console.

A system reboot will be required to complete the installation. There will be no forced reboot, unless you have set this in your device policy settings.

New Features & Enhancements

Added support for network paths in Ransomware Shield allowed apps.
Improved the %USERPROFILE% variable for Ransomware Shield.
Added support for future implementation of privacy features controls and new Firewall alerts (both require new version of Avast Business Hub to be implemented in the future).
Bug fixes and other small improvements.

Your privacy is our priority and we want to be transparent about how we process your personal data. See the latest version of our Privacy Policy at https://www.avast.com/privacy-policy.