There are many antivirus software options available in the market, but one that has captured the attention of many users is Avast. Avast is a Czech-based cybersecurity company that offers various products such as antivirus, VPN, and password management. As of 2021, Avast has over 435 million active users and ranks fourth on the list of the most popular antivirus software.
In this article, we will be analyzing Avast's features, its history, and how it stacks up against its competitors.
History of Avast
Avast was founded in 1988 by Pavel Baudis and Eduard Kucera in Prague, Czech Republic. Initially, it started as a cooperative project between the two founders, who were still studying at the time. They developed their first antivirus software named 'Avast,' which had the capability to detect and remove the Vienna malware.
That was the beginning of their journey to protect people from cyber threats. In 1995, with the advent of the internet, they developed their first antivirus tool with an automatic update mechanism. Their product quickly grew in popularity, leading to an expansion of their operations across the world with offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Avast Features
Avast is an all-in-one security tool that offers antivirus, VPN, Password Management, and many more features. In this section, we will be looking at its essential features:
Antivirus
The fundamental feature of Avast Antivirus is to protect your computer from viruses and malware. Avast uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technology to detect and remove malicious software. It offers real-time protection and virus definition updates that keep your PC secure from the latest threats.
VPN
Avast also offers a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that enables you to mask your IP address and encrypt your internet connection. This allows you to browse the internet anonymously and securely by using public Wi-Fi networks without risking the safety of your personal data.
Password Management
With Avast's Password Management feature, you can manage all of your passwords in one place, instead of having to remember them for each account. It generates strong passwords for your accounts, stores them securely, and autofills them when you need them.
Firewall
The Avast firewall feature provides an extra layer of security from hackers and intruders by monitoring network activity. It blocks unauthorized access to your network and allows you to manage which applications have access to your internet connection.
Parental Controls
Avast offers parental controls that allow you to manage your child's online activity. You can block inappropriate websites, monitor their social media accounts, and control the amount of time they spend browsing the internet.
Performance
When it comes to performance, Avast does not disappoint. It has a minimal impact on your computer's speed, even when running in the background. According to AV-Test, an independent antivirus testing lab, Avast scored 6 out of 6 in performance for its Windows software.
Pricing
Avast offers various pricing plans to cater to the needs of different users. They have a free antivirus software, which provides basic protection, while the premium plans offer more advanced features. Their pricing plans are as follows:
Free - Basic protection for your PC
Premium Security - This plan offers all the features of the free plan along with additional advanced features such as a firewall, VPN, and password manager. It costs $89.99/year.
Ultimate - This package includes all the features of the Premium Security plan and adds identity protection that helps to protect your online identity. It costs $119.99/year.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to its competitors, Avast proves to be a reliable antivirus software.
AV-Test, an independent testing lab, has tested various antivirus software to determine their effectiveness. In their most recent test, they found that Avast detected 100% of malware attacks, including zero-day attacks. This puts them at the top of the list in terms of protection against new and unknown threats.
Avast's performance is also impressive when compared to other antivirus software. In another test conducted by AV-Test, Avast was found to have a minimal impact on a computer's speed, scoring 6 out of 6 for performance.
Conclusion
Avast is a reliable antivirus software that offers advanced features at an affordable price. With its modern approach to cybersecurity using AI and ML technology, it ensures that your computer and internet connections are secure from the latest threats.
Its performance is impressive, and it has minimal impact on a computer's speed. Avast's pricing plans cater to the needs of different users, providing basic protection for free and more advanced features for a premium.
If you're looking for an all-in-one security tool that provides reliable protection for your computer and internet activity, Avast is a perfect choice.
