The amount of data being sent goes far beyond what’s necessary for the extension to function, especially if you compare to competing solutions such as Google Safe Browsing.Īvast Privacy Policy covers this functionality and claims that it is necessary to provide the service. In the process, it will transmit data that allows reconstructing your entire web browsing history and much of your browsing behavior. When Avast Online Security extension is active, it will request information about your visited websites from an Avast server. Avast products promote this browser heavily, and it will also be used automatically in “Banking Mode.” Given that Avast bought AVG a few years ago, there is also a mostly identical AVG Secure Browser with the built-in AVG Online Security extension. It is hidden from the extension listing and cannot be uninstalled by regular means, its functionality apparently considered an integral part of the browser. This isn’t obvious but Avast Secure Browser has Avast Online Security installed by default. The culprit is the Avast Online Security extension that these products urge you to install in your browser for maximum protection.īut even if you didn’t install Avast Online Security yourself, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t affected.
Avast Online Security and Avast Secure Browser are spying on youĪre you one of the allegedly 400 million users of Avast antivirus products? Then I have bad news for you: you are likely being spied upon.
