Avast antivirus
| Avast antivirus
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| Basic data
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| developer | Avast Software sro |
| Current version | 20.6.2420 (build 20.6.5495.0) (Windows) July 30th, 2020 14.5 (Mac) |
| operating system | Windows (from 7), Linux , Android , macOS |
| category | Antivirus program |
| License | Proprietary |
| German speaking | Yes |
| www.avast.com | |
Avast Antivirus is a suite of free and commercial antivirus programs for Microsoft Windows , Android, and macOS . The manufacturer is the Czech software company Avast .
history
Pavel Baudiš, a scientist at the Institute of Mathematical Machines in Prague, discovered the Viennavirus in 1988 and wrote a program that could remove the virus. Together with his colleague Eduard Kučera, he founded the Alwil Software Genossenschaft and converted it into a partnership in 1991 after the political change caused by the Velvet Revolution opened up the possibility of this.
Ondrej Vlček joined them in 1995 and wrote the first antivirus program for Windows 95. In 1996, Avast Antivirus won the Virus Bulletin Magazine “VB100 Award” in all tested categories. By 2002, the number of users had risen to one million, mainly due to the free version available for private users from 2001. By the end of 2006 the number rose to 20 million and the software was awarded the "SC Awards" in the same year in the categories "Best Antivirus, Anti-Malware" (Europe) and "Readers' Choice" (USA). When Alwil became a public company in 2006, Avast Antivirus already had 40 million users.
In 2010, the company took over the name of its antivirus program and changed its name from Alwil Software to Avast Software . In the following two years, offshoots for corporate customers as the “Business Protection Line” and “Avast Free Mobile Security” developed for mobile devices were created around the core product. On the Download.com platform , Avast Free Antivirus was the most downloaded software of 2012 and in 2013 more than 200 million PCs, Macs and Android devices were protected by Avast programs.
Surname
Avast was originally an abbreviation for " A nti- V irus A dvanced S e t ". The acronym plays with its resemblance to an expression that goes back to the exclamation "houd vast!" By Dutch seamen, which means something like "hold on!" This was considered to be a suitable name for the program, as the exclamation can also be understood as “stop!”. Hence the exclamation point.
Versions and functions
The free version for private, non-commercial use offers almost all functions that are also available in the commercial version.
The application works as a resident provider, i.e. as a background process that searches processed data for malware . Due to the division into eight sub-processes (file system, mail, web protection, P2P, IM, network, script and behavior protection), these can be activated and deactivated individually as required.
Avast for Windows has a so-called incremental update function that searches for new program versions and virus information and only downloads the files that are not yet included in its own installation. In this way, the duration of the update, which runs automatically and in the background, can be shortened.
Avast Free Antivirus
Use is free of charge for private, non-commercial use. Users of Avast Home (version 4) or Avast Free Antivirus (version 5 to 12) had to register after a test period of 30 days by entering their name and an email address . Registration had to be carried out again every 12 months in order to continue using the product. With version 17 of Avast Free Antivirus , this obligation no longer applies from July 2017.
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Real-time protection
- File system protection (checks all read and write accesses)
- Web protection (sets up a local proxy server and checks web traffic)
- Mail protection (checks incoming and outgoing emails for malware)
- Network protection (blocks malicious URLs when accessed)
- P2P protection (protects when using peer-to-peer programs)
- IM protection (protects when using instant messengers)
- Behavioral protection (detects unknown threats based on their behavior)
- Script Protection (protects against malicious scripts in websites)
- Anti- phishing
- Real-time anti-rootkit protection
- Anti-spyware protection (protection against spyware)
- Self-protection function (prevents manipulation of the antivirus program by malware)
- Detection of potentially unwanted programs
- Avast AutoSandbox (suspicious programs can run in a protected environment)
- Avast Online Security (when you visit a website, indicates its seriousness, comparable to WOT )
- URL blocking (blocks URLs previously defined by the user on request)
- Software Updater shows outdated installed programs
- Avast Browser Cleanup (removes unwanted browser add-ons)
- Game mode (improves PC performance when running games)
- WLAN inspector (scans the network for weak points and detects possible security risks)
- Avast Passwords (Password Manager)
- Start-time check (checking for threats before running the operating system)
- Avast Rescue Medium
- CyberCapture (Analyzes rare, suspicious files)
- Anti-Exploit (protection against exploits, shellcode etc.)
- Avast Secure Browser
- UEFI scan
- Protection against botnet attacks
- Ransomware protection
Deprecated versions (Avast Pro and Avast Internet Security)
In 2019 Avast decided to combine all paid modules under one package, " Avast Premium Security " (see there). Since then, Avast Internet Security is no longer available on the website for downloading. In July 2020, Avast announced that Avast Pro would no longer be developed. Registered Internet Security or Pro users received the new version of Avast Premium Security at no extra charge when updating to version 20.5 .
Avast Pro Antivirus
(in addition to the Avast Free Antivirus features)
- Command line scanner
- Avast sandbox
- Avast SafeZone
- Real Site (protection from DNS hijacking )
- May be used for commercial purposes
- Can be used in German and also in 43 other languages
Avast Internet Security
(in addition to the features of Avast Pro Antivirus)
- Firewall
- Spam protection
- Ransomware protection
- Protection for sensitive data
Avast Premium Security (formerly: Avast Premier)
(in addition to the Avast Internet Security features)
- Data shredder
- Software Updater automatically updates installed programs
- Webcam protection
- Password protection for browsers
- Protection against remote access (Remote Access Shield)
Avast Ultimate
(in addition to the features of Avast Premium Security Antivirus)
- Avast SecureLine (VPN)
- Avast Cleanup Premium
- Avast Passwords Premium
Avast Mobile Security
In February 2012, Avast Software released a free security solution for smartphones with the Android operating system . The software was certified as good quality by the trade magazine PC-Welt . During tests in 2014 with the software, Heise Security found significant problems with data protection.
Other Avast programs
Avast Secure Browser
A free internet browser with many protection options.
Avast SecureLine VPN
Encrypts the internet connection for privacy.
Avast Driver Updater
Searches for outdated drivers on the computer and, after registering, downloads the new driver versions if desired. It also has functions for backing up and restoring the drivers on the computer (which also work in the unregistered version).
Avast AntiTrack Premium
Protects against tracking. A free scan is offered on the website.
Avast Cleanup Premium
Cleans, accelerates and optimizes the computer, updates apps and fixes computer problems.
Avast Passwords
A password manager. In the paid premium version, it also monitors the Internet and warns the user if a website has been hacked and his accounts are in danger.
Avast Battery Saver
Reduces the CPU performance on laptops and switches off Bluetooth, WLAN and hard drives when they are not in use to increase the battery life.
Avast Omni
Avast Omni is a security system consisting of a software app and a hardware component, the " Avast Omni hub ", which is integrated into your home network via the router's LAN port (Ethernet). It monitors all devices connected to the in-house WLAN network and issues a warning if cyber threats are detected. It also protects computers, tablets, and cell phones from hackers and malware. It also has Internet parental controls (blocking unsuitable content and apps, time limit or temporary blocking for Internet surfing) and an offline parental control function (geo-location service to determine the whereabouts of children; alarm messages if they have a certain Leaving or entering the location [e.g. home, school], report on the battery level of the children's cell phones).
Avast Omni is currently only offered in the United States. It is only displayed on the Avast website if their region / language setting is set to "United States (English)".
Avast Family Space
The online and offline parental controls mentioned at Avast Omni are also available in a separate app, "Avast Family Space", (for Android and iPhone). Unlike the entire Avast Omni package, which is currently only available in the US, this app is also offered to users from a few other countries (currently Canada, Germany, France, Great Britain and Spain). For the app to be displayed on the Avast website, the US and Canada language settings must be in English (not Spanish or French).
Development history
| (Main) version | date | description |
|---|---|---|
| ? | ? | - |
| 4.0 | 2003 | From version 4.8 in 2008, the virus scanner includes a rootkit scanner and a spyware blocker. Both protection mechanisms cannot be configured by the user; they can be deactivated in the settings. |
| 5.0 | 2009 | New user interface and a behavior blocker. Since this version, which Windows 98 no longer supports, there is the paid version "Internet Security" with a firewall and a sandbox. |
| 6.0 | 2011 | The free version now also includes an auto sandbox, a browser plug-in for Internet Explorer , Firefox , Google Chrome (version 6.0.1091 or higher) and a script blocker. |
| 7.0 | 2012 | From version 7 Avast contains “hybrid updates”, a combination of conventional signature updates and so-called “streaming updates”, with which there is a permanent connection to the Avast servers, which send the updates directly to the installations. A function called FileRep has also been added, which uses a database to determine the proliferation of executable files in order to draw conclusions about their maliciousness. Remote support has also been added, which makes it possible to help other people with problems. Furthermore, the WebRep plug-in now also supports the two web browsers Opera and Safari . It is now possible to create an Avast Account, which can be used to remotely administer multiple Avast installations on other computers. |
| 8.0 | 2013 | Avast 8 redesigned the user interface and added a component that updates outdated programs. |
| 2014 | 2013 | AI-controlled DynaGen technology; Avast SecureLine VPN, a virtual private network for encryption and anonymization of web activities and Avast GrimeFighter for optimization / acceleration |
| 2015 | 2014 | Four new features: Home Network Security, Secure DNS, HTTPS Scanning, and Smart Scan |
| 2016 and 11 | 2015 | Simplified user interface, improved performance. |
| 12 | 2016 | The remote support introduced in Avast 7 has been removed without comment from both the free and paid Pro version of the software. A disappointment for those customers who trusted this function and expected it to be further developed in the future. |
| 17th | 2017 | Jump of the (main) version number from 12 to 17 with the introduction of a new design. As of this version, minor updates once or twice a month, marked as 17. [month number] .x. |
| 18th | 2018 | Optimization of the scan of downloaded executable files (.exe) as well as a new module: Anti-Exploit. |
| 19th | 2019 | First pure 64-bit version. Settings revised. The version is no longer compatible with Windows XP and Vista operating systems. |
| 20th | 2020 | Security statistics, protection against botnet attacks, new firewall drivers and password protection for browsers. From 20.5: Protection against remote access (Remote Access Shield), ransomware protection in Avast Free. |
| Legend: | Older version; no longer supported | Older version; still supported | Current version |
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criticism
On December 2, 2019, the Mozilla Foundation, the manufacturer of the Firefox browser, decided to remove both Avast Online Security and AVG Online Security from the add-on catalog. The news portal gHacks Tech News reported on the background that the manufacturer of Adblock Plus had found that the add-ons send far more information from the browser's history to Avast than is necessary for their function. Avast and Mozilla are now talking about the question of whether these add-ons will be added to the catalog again or instead will be put on the list of blocked applications by Mozilla.
Avast stated in a statement on December 4, 2019 that the extension would have to record the user's surfing history in order to protect them from attacks. This is done without recording or storing the identification of a user. Updated versions that “fully meet all of Mozilla's new requirements for extensions and are transparent” should “be available as usual in the Mozilla Store” in the near future. The Avast and AVG add-ons remained listed in the directory for the Google Chrome browser.
In January 2020 it was announced that Avast, through Jumpshot, part of the Avast Group, was selling users' browser data to other companies on a larger scale, e.g. B. Google , Microsoft or McKinsey . Data passed on were, for example, Google search queries, information on downloaded YouTube videos, GPS data from Google Maps and porn sites visited, but no personal data.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Avast Contacts | Contacting AVAST Software. Retrieved December 16, 2019 .
- ↑ a b c d e Avast - Releases. In: Avast Forum. Retrieved April 17, 2020 .
- ↑ avast.com: About us
- ↑ Good news! You no longer need to register. In: website of the manufacturer. Retrieved September 10, 2017 .
- ↑ Antivirus comparison ( Memento from December 3, 2013 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ Avast Free Mobile Security. Retrieved March 18, 2013 .
- ↑ Test: Norton Mobile Security and Avast Mobile Security with Theft Aware. Retrieved March 18, 2013 .
- ↑ Android virus scanners sniff out surfing behavior. heise Security, accessed on July 2, 2014 .
- ↑ Avast Omni | Security Everywhere You Connect. Accessed April 13, 2020 (English).
- ↑ a b Avast 7 is here. Archived from the original on March 1, 2012 ; Retrieved March 18, 2013 .
- ↑ Avast 7 sandbox. Archived from the original on March 14, 2012 ; Retrieved March 18, 2013 .
- ↑ Avast 8 Release Candidate 2 (UPDATE !!!). Avast, accessed February 21, 2013 .
- ↑ cf. Where can I find remote assistance? . In: Avast Customer and Tech Support , accessed August 26, 2016
- ^ Martin Brinkmann: Mozilla removes all Avast Firefox extensions. In: gHacks Tech News. December 3, 2019, accessed December 3, 2019 .
- ↑ a b Daniel Berger: Mozilla blocks Firefox add-ons from Avast and AVG - heise online news. Retrieved December 3, 2019 .
- ↑ Eva-Maria Weiß: Avast Antivirus sells massive amounts of browser data from its users . heise online from January 28, 2020, accessed on January 30, 2020
- ↑ Eva-Maria Weiß: Avast apologizes for selling data and closes Jumpshot . heise online from January 30, 2020, accessed on January 30, 2020