Is Avast Safe? Evaluating Avast for Your Data Security

Introduction to digital security

With our current digital age, cybersecurity is considered an important aspect of every individual and organization. Given the threat of online threats, malicious websites, unsafe downloads, and other such threats, having strong digital security in place is a must. Digital security requires the use of antivirus software which is the foundation block that defends and protects a user’s devices from malware, viruses and other online threats. Avast Antivirus is one of the best antivirus software having all the advanced features like real time virus protection, WiFi network security, identity protection, etc. But is it safe after all? 

Avast antivirus overview

Avast Antivirus is an antivirus software for complete protection from malware, ransomware, and other threats on the Internet. According to AV Comparatives, an independent lab, Avast’s free version has outperformed competitors in independent lab tests regularly, with such results there is confidence in product effectiveness as well as a detection capability. 

The company provides a variety of antivirus solutions, such as Avast Free Antivirus, Avast Premium Security, and Avast One. Avast is a known high detection rate of threats compared to any other security solution such as Kaspersky and McAfee. Avast’s software is available for various devices, such as Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Avast browsers and VPNs

To secure the online privacy and security of its users, Avast has a range of browsers and VPNs to offer. Avast Secure Browser is created with the advanced security solutions, such as automatic shields, a killer switch and no tracking. The secure browser guarantees that all online activities remain private and safe from sites that may be malicious. It also has ad blocking, anti phishing and more to ensure you have a great browsing experience.

Avast SecureLine VPN encrypts internet traffic and protects users’ Internet privacy. This one VPN is available for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices now offering complete coverage over all your platforms. Besides this, Avast offers browser extensions such as Avast Online Security and Avast SafePrice. In addition to these extra security features, these extensions warn you about unsafe websites and help you find where the best deals are online. To give better protection and online security for the users, Avast’s browsers and VPN’s secure users’ personal life online and make them browse easily.

Avast features and plans

Avast provides various features and plans to ensure that the users stay away from malware, viruses and other online threats. For basic protection, you are provided with basic protection such as real time protection, smart scan and WiFi network security. Users who need basic protection without paying anything will find this free antivirus solution fit for it. As for the Avast Premium Security plan, it is a good deal for those who desire better features. It contains a ransomware shield to safeguard your personal files, secure browser to experience secure web transactions and password manager to safeguard your online accounts.

Avast has special plans for mobile devices, such as Avast Mobile Security and Avast Antivirus for Android. They give protection for your mobile devices; these plans protect all your data without even being exposed in mobile devices. Also, Avast has a VPN service, which encrypts the web traffic and safeguards users’ privacy online. It is particularly useful when working on public WiFi networks. Avast’s plans are compatible with different operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Android, so you will have it on all your devices.

Avast safety measures

Avast has quite a few advanced features to protect from online threats.

🔐Real-time threat detection and smart scan. This feature is AI powered with deep knowledge of threat detection networks but consumes system resources heavily when detecting malware, ransomware and other threats. To make sure your device is performing at its best, Avast quite effectively finds and destroys programs that could potentially damage your device.

🔐Web shield and email protection. By blocking malicious websites and scanning incoming emails, Avast prevents phishing and malware attacks before they hit your device.

🔐Sandboxing. Avast runs suspicious files through a test environment (sandbox) to see how they behave, however without putting your system at risk.

🔐WiFi inspector. With this tool, hackers won’t be able to use your home or public WiFi because it scans your network for weaknesses such as weak passwords or devices still running outdated firmware.

🔐Ransomware shield. Sensitive documents and pictures are blocked from unauthorized access to ransomware and suspicious apps.

🔐Data shredder. For premium users, Avast comes with a secure deletion tool to perform a wipe of files that will permanently remove the whole file so that it cannot be successfully recovered.

🔐Compliance. GDPR requires Avast to secure users’ personal data, to provide transparency and control over their information, as well as to have robust privacy features in place.

Avast safety concerns

Avast antivirus subscription has several security features, but there is a cause for concern in relation to privacy controversies:

👾Data collection practices. Avast was criticized for selling user data, including browsing history through another subsidiary, Jumpshot, last year. Despite the company saying it was anonymized, the controversy around the data being anonymized caused serious concerns about how much user information Avast secure browser collects. Companies such as Avast collect User data which are sold to a large corporation, which violates the User’s privacy.

👾Trust issues. While Avast shut down Jumpshot after the backlash, many users are still wary of privacy. Except you can select to opt out of this even today, Avast still collects usage data.

👾System performance. Some users claim that Avast can also slow down their device, more specifically when it is conducting a full scan or running in background on pokey hardware. Although it makes some functions clear and available the user is also assured of faster PC performance.

👾Pop-ups and upselling. One limitation of using Avast’s free version is that you’re likely to get popped up with an excessive number of unwanted popups asking you to purchase the paid version. This aggressive marketing is disruptive and annoying.

👾Third-party software bundling. Avast’s installer may contain other tools or software which is not required or needed by the users.

Performance and speed

This is to ensure that Avast Antivirus takes up minimal resources on your device and uses the minimum amount of resources for offering a perfect experience. Protection is complete, for the virus to be detected and neutralized it has to be on the device and on the operating system. Malware is quickly detected and removed through the smart scan feature of the software while the quick scan feature quickly scans important areas of the device. 

In addition to its antivirus program, Avast also features a selection of performance enhancing capabilities for its antivirus readers such as automatic shields that keep malicious sites and downloads from coming in. In addition, Avast gives an extra layer of security by encrypting Internet traffic by using a virtual private network (VPN) so you can protect your sensitive data.

Usability and user experience

Avast Antivirus possesses a user friendly interface so you can navigate its menus/user interface smoothly. Avast antivirus is competent in detecting threats, and the software is easy to cancel a subscription. The dashboard of the software is clear, easy to read, and can be used to get an overview of the overall security status of your device with an ease of understanding alerts and notifications. 

Except for virus detection, Avast virus software offers additional usability features, including the Network Inspector that scans the WiFi network for vulnerabilities, or the Password Manager that secures internet accounts. Besides, Avast’s customer support team is at your service, so the best of their assistance and guidance will be available to make using it a delightful experience.

Avast threat detection and removal

The purpose of Avast’s threat detection and removal technology is to protect users’ devices from online threats such as malware, viruses and so on. Avast’s antivirus software contains advanced algorithms and machine learning to find and take away threats in real time. The smart scan searches for malware and other threats on devices and analyzes your system completely. The quick scan feature allows you to check in only a moment for fast and efficient scanning.

The ransomware shield that Avast offers is a very important feature that prevents ransomware from encrypting your personal files and therefore securing the rest of your sensitive data. Email shield helps the users by shielding them from malicious emails and these are preventing phishing attacks and other email based threats. Avast’s threat detection and removal capabilities feature award-winning protection against malware and online scams with these advanced features. Your devices will remain safe and secure.

How to use Avast safely

So, to make the best of Avast and minimize any risks involved, here are a few simple steps to follow:

💫Customize privacy settings. Avast allows its users to control what data it shares. Disable the data sharing and analytics features if privacy is a concern and go to the settings. Avast’s website helps you effectively manage your subscription.

💫Update software regularly. Make sure that your Avast app is always updated. They plug known holes, and they upgrade the system in many ways.

💫Use trusted sources. As malware laden tampered versions of Avast could be in place, downloading it from the official site is your best bet.

💫Avoid unnecessary tools. During the installation, make sure you are going with the custom setup, that does not require installing the unnecessary tools and that only essential applications are being installed. To request a return of subscription payment, you can get to the payments page on the company’s website.

💫Combine with a VPN. VPN is a different layer than antivirus, it protects your connection while antivirus protects your device.

Why choose VeePN for secure Avast use

In addition to a masked IP address and hiding your location VeePN includes protection for your entire online activity with the use of public WiFi encryption.

🛡️With VeePN, you can ensure the protection of your personal data while looking for new threats on websites, downloading files, using financial apps, and so on. It also works flawlessly with antivirus software for a complete digital protection.

🛡️The servers of VeePN are available in more than 89 locations and there are over 2,500 servers, so you will have fast and stable connection. It can be used on up to 10 devices at once which is great for families with many devices.

This is our final verdict, Avast Free Antivirus used together with VeePN can provide robust security with the desired protection with privacy features, thereby giving it a mark as highly valuable for the user who needs pure and simple online security.

Download VeePN today and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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