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Today’s internet safety is difficult to assess. Whereas the internet of yesteryear was a bit like the Far West, where only adventurous spirits wandered into the unknown, it’s a completely different picture today with social media, smartphones, two-factor authentication, and advanced security features such as SSL encryption.
Still, it’s not like cybercriminals decided to give up. Quite the contrary, their attacks and schemes get more sophisticated daily. The same goes for viruses, trojans, and all the malware floating around.
This is why Avast Free Antivirus is, more than ever, a valid, top-tier choice regarding online safety. Millions trust Avast Free Antivirus for this purpose, and perhaps you should, too.
The Need for Online Security
Let’s explore why it’s essential to have a top-notch online safety service nowadays. As we mentioned, online safety is a bit like an arms race. Robust solutions appear, and cybercriminals develop more sophisticated methods.
This is why a threat from a virus developed in the 1990s would be laughable today, but the virus Stuxnet can start a war on its own. And viruses are just a small portion of the malware we face each day.
Another dreaded threat is ransomware. This malware gets a hold of your documents, encrypts them, and then demands a ransom, generally in the form of cryptocurrency. Since you’re dealing with criminals, there’s no way to know if they’ll fulfill their promise to liberate your documents once you pay the hefty fee.
Phishing is another huge problem. Emails or other messages masquerading as a trustworthy platform that prompts you to input data are extremely dangerous. It can result in criminals having your passwords, usernames, credit card and bank information, and much more.
This is why trustworthy antivirus software that offers comprehensive protection against such attacks is necessary. With proper protection, your computer can get scanned to find threats. Proper software can also analyze files and software in real-time and much more.
By the way, these features are just some of what Avast Free brings to the table.
Avast Free Antivirus: A Leading Solution
There isn’t enough space in an article to highlight the many reasons why Avast Free Antivirus is a top choice, so we’ll share the best ones!
To start, the company is a staple in cybersecurity, with more than 30 years of experience. This enabled the team to have the largest threat-detection network in the industry.
We’ll detail some of the specific protection features of Avast Free Antivirus later on. First, one of the reasons for its success that’s not entirely related to safety is worth mentioning. And it’s Avast’s ease of use.
You can download the software and get it ready in just three simple steps, and afterward, you can simply let it manage things for you if you’re not tech-savvy. Computer requirements are minimal, too. You can use it on Windows 7 or higher.
Comprehensive Protection Against Online Threats
Before presenting them, it’s important to mention that the Avast Threats Lab uses Machine Learning algorithms to find and deal with new threats. That means Avast Free Antivirus not only scans your system regularly; it offers real-time protection, an invaluable ally.
Whether viruses, malware, spyware, phishing, and other nasty things, Avast has got you covered. Thanks to its real-time protection, your system is never left unchecked. The ML algorithms from Avast Threat Labs mean that AI can potentially identify unknown threats before they are recognized by anyone.
Unique Features of Avast Free Antivirus
Let’s now look at some of the most essential features Avast Free Antivirus offers.
A six-tiered security system
As you can imagine, you can’t tackle online security from a single angle nowadays. This is why Avast Free is comprised of protection from six different standpoints:
- Smart Scan: This powerful deep scan allows Avast to find threats and vulnerabilities on any system.
- CyberCapture: Once a threat is flagged, it gets sent to Avast’s servers for analysis. If it’s a threat, a cure is administered.
- Behavior Shield: If apps act strangely, it can be a reason for alarm. Avast detects this and gives you an alert.
- File Shield: Similar to the previous item, it checks suspicious files to give you an alert before you open them.
- Rescue Disk: This powerful feature allows you to check the computer for easier malware removal when the system isn’t launched.
- Quarantine: Any potential threat is isolated so it can’t affect the operating system.
Online safety features
Wait! There’s more! Because online safety isn’t just about malware, here are some other worthwhile features.
- Wi-Fi network security: This nifty feature allows you to connect to Wi-Fi networks safely by blocking hackers and other third parties. It even works on insecure public hotspots.
- Safe browsing and emailing: Avast prevents you from someone taking over your device when browsing the web or checking your emails.
- Ransomware protection: Thanks to its built-in protection features, it prevents unauthorized apps from messing with your files.
- Data leak alerts: Compromised passwords linked to your email address can become available to hackers. Avast checks if your information has been part of a data leak, prompting you to take action.
Advantages Over Other Solutions
The online protection market is a very competitive one. As such, many features are shared across different solutions, and it’s sometimes difficult to assess which one is better.
When it comes to online safety, the most important feature is how protected you are. This is an area where Avast excels. According to AV-Test, an independent German lab that tests cybersecurity solutions, Avast detects an incredible 100% of 0-day and older threats. Other tests have shown over 99% of accuracy.
In terms of real-time protection, it managed to identify 99.98% of all threats, with just ten false alarms. Top Reputation among Users and Industry Experts
Regarding protection and practicality, Avast Free Antivirus is an incredible choice supported by users worldwide. For instance, TV Guy Jay mentions, “I've been using Avast now for many years. My I.T. guy suggested the free version for our company, before hacking was as prevalent as it is today. Since that time, Avast has grown to be a robust fully protective software, and is worth the few hundred dollars we spend for VPN, virus protection, tracker blocking and more.”
Others highlight the availability of top protection for both Apple and Windows machines. Eric S. says, “Thank you, Avast, for the excellent work you do. I run your antivirus software on both my Mac OS X and my Windows machines. You have the best products on the market, period.”
Myra Auston has been a loyal Avast customer for more then 10 years, and for good reason: “I love Avast: It is free, smart, and takes care of my (historic) computer lol. It runs silently in the background and updates when it needs to. I have been using it on all my devices, Which is fantastic. Not normally a problem with it at all. My daughter once tried to put McAfree, and had nothing but problems with it. I tried calling their help number but was NO help. I don't have one problem with Avast. It is great!!!! Good job everyone!!!!!”
Get Avast Free Today
If you aren’t yet using Avast Free, you should get it right away! You’ll be joining millions who have confirmed from first-hand experience everything mentioned in this article. Afterward, you can sit and relax, knowing your data and computer are safe.
Summing Up
We went into a lot of detail in this article, and hopefully, you’re better informed on what online threats are lurking and what to do about them. As you can now understand, tackling these issues is a multidisciplinary approach.
Thankfully, Avast Free Antivirus offers protection against all kinds of cyberthreats and, as an industry leader, is at the vanguard of innovation.
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respectable companies (especially large international companies) have enterprise policies that restrict (prohibit) the use of third-party closed-source programs.
So if used Windows OS, will use its first party program “Windows Security”. It’s just that ignorant people are lured into third-party products by cunning snake oil-like advertising.
The principle of security is to “avoid danger”, and it is important for users to correctly learn, understand, and practice what is dangerous and how to avoid it.
Trying to rely on third-party “AV” products without learning or practicing anything is just stupid.
“respectable companies (especially large international companies) have enterprise policies that restrict (prohibit) the use of third-party closed-source programs.” where did this come from? Doesn’t sound right to me. When I worked at a massive clothing company, many computers had Adobe Creative Cloud/Suite installed.
@bruh,
> “respectable companies (especially large international companies) have enterprise policies that restrict (prohibit) the use of third-party closed-source programs.” where did this come from?
My example is the company I work for (manufacturing industry with a wide base of supply chains).
Therefore, different companies have different “enterprise policies”.
Enterprise Policy (EP) is not available in normal Windows OS.
For that reason, it is necessary to conclude a contract with Microsoft with a volume license for the enterprise version (limited to large corporations).
That EP is a policy set by the company.
Since our company has a very large supply chain, we have our own “Systems Headquarters” where we manage, control and maintain the entire company’s systems.
In other words, the system headquarters manufactures (sets up) all company PCs, seals them so that they cannot be customized on terminals (office and remote work), hands them directly to each department (and members), and provides them (installation or a loan).
All company PCs can only connect to the company’s (constantly monitored) host server and nothing else, preventing unauthorized use. When working, even if you are at home, you are obliged to wear a uniform, and you are prohibited from bringing in personal items or contacting the outside world (phone calls, visitors, etc.).
Because it is such a special system, it is impossible to customize the specifications set up by the system headquarters.
No data can be stored locally on the PC, everything resides on the company’s hosted servers. Of course, there is no download or installation function on the terminal. There is also no ability to open attachments. Critical information exchanges take place in meetings and (tracked) mail and courier services.
The above is only an outline in a as far as safe (no problem) with category due to the confidentiality obligation for security measures.
Another important point is “measures against eavesdropping and leakage”, which forces a wired connection (Wi-Fi connection is not available).
My example:
Of course, Windows OS machines use “Windows Security”.
“Windows Security” will be able to perform hidden functions, and fine-tuning by using ConfigureDefender and DefenderUI.
https://github.com/AndyFul/ConfigureDefender
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/manage-microsoft-defender-with-defenderui
Moreover, used “simplewall” to control all of communication, and strengthen measures with AdGuard for Windows.
https://github.com/henrypp/simplewall
https://adguard.com/en/welcome.html
Furthermore, Unchecky and AppCheck Anti-Ransomware are also registered and enabled on startup.
https://unchecky.com/
https://www.checkmal.com/product/appcheck/
Others use EmoCheck, Start Emergency Kit Scanner, Malwarebytes, AdwCleaner, RogueKiller to run checks as needed.
https://github.com/JPCERTCC/EmoCheck
https://www.emsisoft.com/en/emergency-kit/
https://www.malwarebytes.com/
https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/roguekiller/
Importantly,
Set the executable file to “Administrator permission required”.
In principle, “JavaScript” is disabled. Therefore, I never use browsers (such as Google chrome) or apps that cannot disabled it.
Avast Software (Czech Republic) acquired AVG (Netherlands) for $1.3 billion in July 2016, and in July 2017 acquired CCleaner developer Piriform (UK) for an undisclosed amount. After that, due to repeated scandals, it was completely acquired by Gen Digital Inc. (formerly Symantec Corporation and NortonLifeLock) in the same industry in September 2022. From that background, AVG and Avast are only nominal and are “actually Gen Digital” products.
Scandal in Avast products:
In 2014, Avast’s online support forums were famously compromised, exposing the names, passwords, and email addresses of 400,000 people.
Additionally, an illegal incident with CCleaner after Avast acquired it (forcing users to run a malicious version of CCleaner with a backdoor, unable to End task or even uninstall).
Installing products of Avast Software (Avast Secure Browser, Avast Passwords, CCleaner, etc.) without consent and setting them as default apps.
Avast Software products collect and sell user data (collecting user data such as browsing behavior and history and sending it to remote servers).
Even in this “gHacks Technology News”, there have been articles about Avast Software for a long time, and there are many comments. In those, consistently concluded that Avast-related products were “deceptive and should be avoided”.
Above all, users must understand that the product is capable of scanning everything in your system and sending the data out under the guise of inspection.
If it’s a “closed source program”, it’s not trustworthy.
This is a program that should be avoided as well as “Google” products.
But what is this article (written by Shaun) published under the name gHacks?
Although it bears the name of “gHacks”, it is actually nothing more than “Advertising”, and is it not a “fraudulent business method using brand power” that deceives readers (who do not know the history of the past)?
> As a teacher of mine used to say : “Everything is information, even a lie”.
This is right in matters of the world, but there should be no deception and lies when it comes to the “gHacks Technology News” billboard. That is the lifeblood of “gHacks”.
Articles by authors other than Martin and Ashwin should be clearly displayed as “just Advertising”.
Although labeled just “SPONSORED CONTENT” at the beginning, but many readers will perceive (create the illusion of) it as “gHacks Technology News.
Should improve presentation so that no one misunderstands!
I don’t get the people who complain about gHacks dying.
gHacks has always looked out for its readers and what better way to do that than to let them know that they could get better security than what they already have – for free! This helps users privacy far more than advertising some half baked alternative to proprietary software made by a bunch of hobbyists so I’m glad gHacks is keeping it real and looking out for us.
Ghacks indeed is alive!
I’d say, it’s not because a product is sponsored that it would mean it’s a bad product, no more than a good one.
I think we must make the effort to differentiate the various aspects of a product :
– is it sponsored or not? If it is, why is it? To increase market share, to get a market share, to be better known?
– technically, is it good, bad, does it work as announced?
– when it comes to applications/software, is it malware, is it secure, does it respect privacy, does it hide trackers?
– Ease of use and aesthetics, what about?
– … ? : Non exhaustive list, any other considerations?
Maybe do we have the tendency to evaluate a product on the basis of above points selectively which would bias an objective approach.
A product may be of high quality but if I focus on privacy I may very well condemn it, i.e. Google products.
I’ve seen software, even add-ons be poorly rated on the ground their interface was unaesthetic: come on!
Some comments here sort of dig into a product’s owner, its history within several owners, and those owner’s very history as to having been concerned with reliability in terms of quality and/or morality : I believe that is another point to consider but also that companies policy *can* change over time, as well as we, individually, may progress, or not : would I condemn anyone eternally once proven he has changed? Same with a product, I’d prefer to try to remain objective : what is the situation NOW (as CNN’s ‘Situation Room’!).
Whatever, hatred never enlightens, when hatred is concerned of course, no more than systematical partial judgements based on priorities which may be a sufficient argument for ourselves but perhaps far less when it concerns our comments meant to deliver a global appreciation. This is why, personally, I consider ratings, scores as null when they are not accompanied by an an argument, an explanation, an objective explanation.
RIP gHacks :(
ghacks is a commercial ad site…
think of softonics, anyway…
am so turned down now,
from 100 to below zero…
still visit here daily, though
out of habit… but duhh,
feel so sorry for them who
come and all who seek.
I feel so sorry for everyone
and all who come here,
like me.
Well written and sadly so true.
Ghacks.net/author/martin
It’s a blend. Fish ‘n’ sharks. Most of us recognize sharks, not always when sharks are disguised as fish in which case they should be labeled as such ; sponsored. Yet some non-sponsored articles may appear as sponsored : I may promote a product free of whatever sponsorship : there is a user’s subjectivity to take into consideration.
Many sites proceed as such, mixing informative articles with sponsored ones (though sponsored articles may also be informative, I guess it depends a lot on the sponsor and on the writer). For instance one of the French sites I visit quite often (no language option) is [https://www.presse-citron.net/], and this site does exactly that : many interesting articles about technology, the digital world but not only, in a similar way to the “new” Ghacks. There’s a comment section for most articles, though non for sponsored ones, lol. People there don’t complain, or when they do it’s more about an article’s pertinence than about the site including sponsored articles. That’s how it goes, money is everywhere, be it to survive be it for profit, be it for astronomical profits, and the latter doesn’t concern web sites.
The main thing IMO is that valuable, objective articles remain. Otherwise, we skip. This said some objective articles may very well be poorly thought/written and sponsored ones written with talent and informative. Binary approaches are seldom the ones which allow interesting approaches of life, IMO of course.
As a teacher of mine used to say : “Everything is information, even a lie”.
My last reaction to Avast was “nope, thanks” it was overloaded with stuff that don’t belong to an antivirus when I only need an antivirus.
Defender is enough for mostly all common W10/11 users anyway.