Avast Antivirus Review
Avast antivirus has a complete set of features that are included in a simple package. Its malware engine scored an excellent score in my tests, and its web security was effective in identifying websites that were phishing, and getting past Chrome and Firefox’s default detection systems. Its performance scanner also performed well in keeping its impact on system’s performance to a minimum. In fact Avast’s performance scanner was more effective at reducing CPU usage than any other program I tried.
Besides the malware protection and performance scan, Avast offers a host of other tools. Avast One is the only one to offer the VPN as well as photo vaults, and a tool to monitor data breaches. The security toolkit it offers is quite extensive, with a sandbox to run applications inside and a router security scanner that checks for potential vulnerabilities.
Avast has a comprehensive support site with a knowledge base for when you encounter problems. Its search function allows you to locate answers to frequently asked questions. If you’re unable to find the answer, Avast’s forums is a great way to get assistance from other users.
Avast may claim that it has stopped selling information regarding its users, but the past of this practice is present in a lot of people’s minds. PCMag and Motherboard reported in January of 2020 that Avast had sold personal information as well as location data of its customers through its Jumpshot subsidiary. Avast has been able to stop this practice and now asks users to opt-in when they download new installations of its desktop AV software. The privacy policy of the company states that consumer data is “stripped and removed from identification” before being shared with third-party.