Avast Scandal: Why We Stopped Recommending Avast/AVG?
Reading time: 12 min
Updated on August 30, 2023
We’ve taken a big step by deciding not to recommend Avast and AVG. You might be wondering why we’ve made this choice, especially since these antivirus brands are quite popular. The reason is simple: we genuinely care about your privacy!
Unfortunately, Avast was caught selling customers’ browsing data to third parties through a subsidiary, Jumpshot and AVG is owned by Avast. With hundreds of millions of users worldwide, this is actually a huge scandal, especially coming from a company expected to protect users’ personal information.
These practices just didn’t sit right with us, and that’s why we’ve decided to kick Avast and AVG off our recommendation list. We’ve got some better options in mind that really value your privacy. Norton antivirus, for example, has a spotless track record and nails it with a 100% malware detection rate – it’s our top pick!
Protect your devices with Norton
What’s the Avast/AVG Scandal and How It Allegedly Worked
The Avast/AVG scandal rocked the tech industry, raising serious concerns about user privacy and data protection. It exposed the data-collection practices of Avast Software and its subsidiary AVG Technologies, both popular antivirus software companies. The allegations revealed a troubling operation that many Avast users were worried about.
In early 2020, investigations uncovered the truth. Avast and AVG were discovered to be harvesting and profiting from user data through their free antivirus products. These programs were quietly gathering highly sensitive information, including browsing history, search queries, and even GPS coordinates, which were then sold to third parties.
To facilitate this data-selling process, Avast and AVG employed a subsidiary known as Jumpshot. Jumpshot acted as an intermediary, receiving the harvested user data from Avast/AVG, aggregating and anonymizing it to a certain extent, and subsequently selling it to various clients, including major brands and marketers.
Unsurprisingly, the Avast/AVG scandal triggered a wave of outrage among privacy advocates and users who felt betrayed by the breach of trust. After all, they had relied on these antivirus programs to safeguard their privacy, only to discover that their personal data was being shared without their knowledge or consent.
In response to the public backlash, Avast promptly discontinued the sale of user data through Jumpshot and made the decision to shut down the subsidiary altogether. The company acknowledged the need for increased transparency and consent when handling user data, acknowledging the lessons learned from the scandal.
The Avast/AVG scandal sparked a broader conversation about data privacy, prompting individuals, organizations, and regulators to reevaluate their approach to data handling and protection. It serves as a reminder that user privacy should never be compromised in the pursuit of profit and that responsible data practices must always be employed by companies.
Protect your privacy with Norton
Why Cybersecurity Companies Have to Be Held Especially Accountable
In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity companies hold a critical responsibility in safeguarding sensitive data and defending against malicious cyber threats. Given the importance of their role, these companies must be held to a higher level of accountability for their actions and practices.
One of the primary reasons why cybersecurity companies should face heightened scrutiny is their access to vast amounts of user data. Any breaches or lapses in their security measures could have severe consequences, ranging from identity theft and financial loss to compromised national security.
Additionally, breaches of trust, unethical behavior, or inadequate security practices undermine their ability to combat cyber threats effectively. Accountability measures, such as transparency and adherence to industry standards, are essential to maintain public confidence and ensure ethical conduct, bolstering trust in their capabilities.
Cybersecurity companies also play a crucial role in setting industry standards. Their actions and practices serve as benchmarks for other organizations within the cybersecurity sector, and even for governments and NGOs. Holding them up to the highest standards of security, ethics, and accountability encourages healthy cybersecurity practices for all.
Overall, due to the critical and sensitive nature of their work, cybersecurity companies must be held especially accountable. This ensures the protection of user data and privacy, maintains public trust, sets industry standards, and mitigates potential conflicts of interest.
The Best Avast/AVG Alternatives – Fully Tested in 2024
1. Norton — Overall Best Antivirus on the Market in 2024
Key Features:
- Achieves 100% malware detection rates.
- Provides strong anti-phishing security to prevent data loss.
- Has a built-in VPN to protect you when browsing.
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
- Offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Norton is the safest antivirus on the market, thanks to its strong focus on protecting user data privacy. They make use of military-grade encryption, secure protocols, and data loss prevention technology to protect your data from any cyberthreats.
When it comes to securing you from cyber criminals, Norton tops the list of the best antivirus on the market. Just to be sure its protection against cyber-attacks is true, I planted over 1,000 malware samples on a test computer and ran a full disk scan. I was pleased to see that Norton detected 100% of the malware samples, including those discovered in the last 24 hours.
Norton goes beyond virus scans and offers additional security features, including:
- Sophisticated Firewall — secures your device communications by monitoring inbound and outbound connections.
- Encrypted Cloud Storage — protects sensitive files with secure cloud storage of up to 500GB (in the US).
- PC SafeCam — blocks unauthorized access attempts to your system’s webcam.
- Password Manager — safely stores passwords and other sensitive information.
- Built-in VPN — ensures online safety by using AES 256-bit encryption.
- Dark Web Monitoring — alerts you if your logins were compromised in data breaches.
- Parental Controls — provides tools to monitor, manage, and protect your children’s online activity.
All of Norton’s features worked well and were useful in providing comprehensive protection for all my devices. I like Norton’s password manager, which allowed me to generate secure passwords, organize them in a protected vault, and auto-fill my logins seamlessly. Plus, Norton is compatible with popular devices like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Norton has different plans to choose from starting at $29.99 such as Norton Antivirus Plus, Norton 360 Standard, and Norton 360 Deluxe. I recommend going for the Norton 360 Deluxe plan. It offers comprehensive features, protection for 5 devices, and complete malware protection. Plus, you can try it risk-free using the 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. TotalAV — Comprehensive Protection and Advanced Features
Key Features:
- Detects 100% of malware threats.
- Offers ID theft protection and other privacy tools.
- Comes with a VPN to protect your internet traffic.
- Has multiple system optimization tools to speed up your computer.
- Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TotalAV is a robust antivirus solution that offers users comprehensive protection against a wide range of digital threats. With its strong emphasis on privacy and security, TotalAV ensures that your personal information remains safe and secure. Their privacy policy is transparent as it shows exactly how data is handled.
When it comes to malware detection rates, TotalAV excels like Norton, scoring perfect detection rates. Its advanced scanning engine swiftly identifies and eliminates malware, viruses, ransomware, and other malicious software that could potentially harm your devices.
During my tests, TotalAV detected and removed 100% of the malware samples I planted on my test computer. It offers one of the most intuitive Windows antivirus programs on the market.
In addition to its powerful malware detection capabilities, TotalAV comes equipped with a range of extra features to enhance your overall digital security. These include:
- A secure browsing extension — protects you from visiting harmful websites.
- Password manager — manages your online credentials securely.
- System optimization tools — improve your device’s performance.
- A VPN — encrypts your entire connection to browse securely.
One standout feature is the password manager. With this feature, you can securely store and manage all your passwords in one place, generating strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. This not only ensures the security of your accounts but also eliminates the hassle of remembering multiple passwords.
Starting at $19.00, TotalAV offers flexible pricing options. I recommend the TotalAV Internet Security plan which you can try risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. It provides advanced protection, and additional features, and covers multiple devices, making it an ideal choice for individuals and families.
Protect your computer with TotalAV
3. Intego — Best Mac-Alternative to Avast
Key Features:
- Removes 100% of Mac-specific threats.
- Offers a network security tool to block suspicious network activity.
- Has a Mac Washing Machine feature that lets you speed up your Mac device.
- Comes with backup and data recovery tools.
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Intego is a leading name in Mac security, offering a range of robust solutions to protect your Apple devices from cyber threats. With its strong commitment to privacy and airtight security measures, Intego ensures your sensitive data remains safe and secure. Their privacy policy is stringent, guaranteeing the confidentiality of your personal information.
When it comes to malware detection rates, Intego delivers excellent results. Their powerful scanning engine is specifically designed to identify and eliminate Mac-specific threats, including viruses, adware, spyware, and ransomware.
With multiple scanning options available, such as full system scans and real-time protection, Intego ensures thorough coverage while minimizing any impact on system performance.
Intego doesn’t stop at malware protection alone. Like Norton and TotalAV, the software comes packed with a host of additional features to further enhance your Mac’s security. These include:
- Network Protection — monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic for any suspicious activity.
- Robust firewall — controls and stops any unauthorized connections.
- Mac Washing Machine — optimizes your Mac’s performance.
- Backup and Data Recovery — stores your files securely.
- Parental Controls — manages and monitors your child’s online activities.
One notable extra feature is the Mac Washing Machine, which optimizes your Mac’s performance by removing unnecessary files, duplicates, and other clutter that can slow down your system. With this feature, you can enjoy a smoother and faster Mac experience, maximizing productivity without compromising security.
Intego offers flexible pricing options to suit different needs. Their plans start at $19.99 and include plans such as Mac Internet Security and the Mac Premium Bundle. The “Mac Premium Bundle” is its best-value plan because it includes Washing Machine, backup tools, and Content Barrier. You can try Intego risk-free using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Comparison Table: 2024’s Best Overall Antivirus Software
| Malware detection rates | Firewall | VPN | Number of devices | Money-back guarantee | |
| Norton | 100% | ✔ | ✔ | 10 | 60 days |
| TotalAV | 100% | ✘ | ✔ | 6 | 30 days |
| Intego | 100% | ✔ | ✔ | 5 | 30 days |
FAQs on the Avast/AVG Scandal (Updated 2024)
Can Avast be trusted?
Following the data sharing scandal, Avast’s trustworthiness has been seriously questioned. The incident involved the sale of users’ browsing data through its subsidiary, Jumpshot, raising concerns about user privacy and data protection.
Avast has since discontinued Jumpshot and claims to have strengthened its privacy policies, so there’s no actual reason to distrust Avast/AVG.
Has Avast stopped its data-gathering practices?
Yes, Avast has made changes to its data-gathering practices following the data-sharing scandal. The company discontinued its subsidiary, Jumpshot, which was involved in selling users’ browsing data.
Avast has taken steps to strengthen its privacy policies and has made efforts to rebuild trust with its users. Also, Avast has since been acquired by another parent company which seems to be more privacy-friendly.
Does Avast have good protection against malware?
Yes, Avast does provide good protection against malware, and its technical capabilities are commendable. The software excels in detecting and combating various forms of malware effectively.
The primary concerns that have affected Avast’s reputation were related to its data practices, such as the data sharing scandal. However, in terms of malware protection, Avast remains a reliable option with impressive detection rates and performance.
How to uninstall Avast?
To uninstall Avast, go to the Avast user interface, access Settings, navigate to the Uninstall section, and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the process.
Confirm the removal when prompted and wait for it to complete. You may need to restart your computer to finalize the uninstallation. Once you’ve uninstalled Avast, it’s important to not leave your computer unprotected. You should install a reputable antivirus program like Norton that comes with real-time protection against the latest cyber threats.
Stay Safe and Protect Your Privacy With the Best Antivirus Software
Avast’s data-sharing scandal has left an indelible mark on its reputation, which means we can no longer recommend the product. We understand that Avast has robust detection abilities and a huge number of users.
However, we advise our readers to be cautious with the antivirus software. There are better Avast alternatives out there with impeccable security features and perfect detection scores.
Top on the list is Norton 360 antivirus. Norton offers comprehensive protection, tons of features, and excellent performance. Plus, Norton is backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee. So, you know you’re buying in confidence.
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