The Avast antivirus software is secure, with encryption, regular software updates, advanced authentication, and a relatively minimal data logging policy. However, Avast has had cybersecurity issues in the past, as recently as October 2019. Although the company solved the breach relatively quickly, it still decreased its overall privacy score. And even though users can delete their data (which includes their IP address and device data), Avast shares it with third parties unless users specifically request it be deleted.
Encryption
| In Transit |
Yes |
| At rest? |
Yes |
| All network communications and capabilities? |
Yes |
Security Updates
| Automatic, regular software/ firmware updates? |
Yes, must opt in |
| Product available to use during updates? |
No |
Passwords
| Mandatory password? |
Yes |
| Two-Factor authentication? |
Yes |
| Multi-Factor authentication? |
Yes |
Vulnerability Management
Privacy Policy
| Link |
https://www.avast.com/privacy-policy |
| Specific to device? |
No |
| Readable? |
Yes |
| What data they log |
Name, address, email address, phone number, social media accounts, payment info, IP address, device data |
| What data they don’t log |
n/a |
| Can you delete your data? |
Yes |
| Third-party sharing policies |
Shares information with third parties. |
Surveillance
| Log camera device/ app footage |
n/a |
| Log microphone device/ app |
n/a |
| Location tracking device/ app |
Can opt in |
Parental Controls
| Are there parental controls? |
Yes, Family Space lets parents control what their kids do online and track their locations. |
Company History
| Any security breaches/ surveillance issues in past? |
Yes |
| Did they do anything to fix it? |
Yes |
Additional Security Features
| Anything like privacy shutters, privacy zones, etc.? |
n/a |
