Avast antivirus packs a powerful array of features in an easy-to-use package. The malware engine received an excellent score during my tests, and its web security was effective at catching websites that were phishing, and getting past Chrome and Firefox’s default detection systems. The performance scanner performed admirably in keeping its impact on the system speed to a bare minimum. Avast’s performance scanning was more effective than any other software in decreasing the use of CPU.
Avast also offers a number of other tools. These include a password manager, an VPN (exclusive www.alvieprimaryschool.org.uk/avast-antivirus-general-information-about-the-program/ to Avast One), a photo vault as well as a breach monitoring feature. The security toolkit also comes with an application sandbox and a router scanner to check for vulnerabilities.
If you ever have issues, the Avast support website has a comprehensive knowledge base. The search function makes finding the answers to frequently asked questions a breeze. If you are unable to find the answer, Avast’s forums is a great source to seek help from other users.
While Avast claims it no longer sells user information however its history of doing such a thing is still fresh in the minds of a lot of consumers. In January 2020, PCMag and Motherboard revealed that Avast sold the location and other personal information of its users to third party companies via its Jumpshot subsidiary. Avast has since stopped this practice, and now asks for users to opt in when installing its desktop antivirus software. In its privacy policies Avast states that all consumer data is “stripped off and de-identified before being shared with a third party.”