Unmissable, Avast's free security suite is one of the most popular in the world. The edition is finally enriched with protection against phishing, but the absence of certain essential functions and the numerous commercial solicitations make it lacking. Avast Free Antivirus: it has almost everything!
The Avast Free Antivirus suite has almost everything of a paid edition except for a few additional functions such as the firewall, the protection of sensitive data, the tool for locking folders against ransomware, or even the VPN (version d trial reduced from 60 to only 7 days free).
These increasingly essential defense-related features require an upgrade to the paid versions of the editor. Alas, the commercial solicitations to migrate to the latter are still numerous and intrusive.
A new "do not disturb" modeThe free version, however, offers a new game mode called "Do not disturb" responsible for blocking alerts and other notifications when users play or run an application in full screen mode.
What about security
Another notable improvement lies in the integration of the anti-phishing module which does not require the installation of the Avast Online Secure extension.
System cleaning and optimization tools, Wi-Fi network monitoring, webcam protection, or password management are always included.
In addition to a traditional cloud-based viral database for continuous signature updates, the software integrates behavioral and heuristic detection modules based on artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.
Avast analyzes the behavior of running processes and all added or opened files to detect all new forms of threats.
The software also has a Messaging Agent for monitoring emails and attachments and a Web Agent still perfectible in the free version to protect Internet browsing. Cross-platform, the software is available for free on Windows, macOS and Android. Note that it is no longer necessary to create an account to be able to install Avast Antivirus.
Antivirus and anti-spyware against viruses and spyware
Suspicious Actions Agent: software behavior analysis module
File Shield: scans all added or opened files
Sensitive data agent: identification and protection of sensitive data such as tax or medical records
Mail Agent: blocks malicious email attachments
Web Shield: Browser protection against dangerous websites and downloads
Ransomware Agent
anti-spam
Firewall
SecureLine VPN: VPN service to secure all exchanges and anonymize the connection (7-day trial offered)
Sandbox: testing files in a secure virtual space
Real Site: blocks counterfeit sites
Securing passwordsPurchase Protection
Cleanup premium: system decluttering tool
Wi-Fi Inspector: monitoring Wi-Fi networks
Do not disturb mode (evolution of game mode)
Software Updater: software updates (automatic mode reserved for paid versions)
File Protection
Webcam Agent: Webcam Protection
Access control for USB keys, mobile hard drives, memory cards
file shredder