Avast claims to have been safeguarding 435 million devices with its award-winning software for over 30 years. The company’s free software has limited functionality. However its premium products like Avast Ultimate are quite comprehensive. The suite includes antivirus software, VPN services, password managers and Cleanup tools to help users manage their passwords, remain secure online, and improve their device.
Avast Ultimate is easy to use, with simple interface that clearly defines the different tools it offers. The malware engine scored well in independent lab tests and was able to detect a variety of threats that often bypass other security tools. Its web protection is efficient, catching a variety of https://nathan-collier.com/ websites that are phishing and slip through Chrome and Firefox’s default protections.
Other tools include RAM boosters, an app lock, and a scan to find vulnerabilities. Its ransomware prevention prevents third-party software from altering, deleting, or locking your data until you pay. The program has mobile apps for Android as well as iOS. The Android application is more feature-rich because of Apple’s restrictions, but both versions offer essential security elements such as malware scanning and protection for websites.
The only downside is the fact that Avast collects your personal data and transmits it to its analytics company, Jumpshot. This was discovered in an PCMag and Motherboard investigation in 2020. This feature is able to be disabled through the settings menu. If you’re still worried, Avast allows you to choose a password which you have to enter before the program can share your IP address and other information with third parties.