| Avast Antivirus | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Avast Free Antivirus running on Windows 11 | |
| Developer | Gen Digital Inc. |
| Stable release | 25.7.10308 [1] / 22 July 2025 (Windows version) |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Available in | 45 languages |
| Type | Security software, Antivirus software |
| License | Freeware, proprietary software |
| Website | avast.com |
Avast Antivirus is a family of cross-platform internet security applications developed by Avast, a subsidiary of Gen Digital Inc.. It is available on multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Avast offers free and paid products for computer security, browser security, antivirus software, firewall, anti-phishing, antispyware, and anti-spam, among other services. [2]
Avast Free Antivirus is the base product in the Avast lineup. It provides important security features such as malware protection, phishing protection, data leak tracking and Wi-Fi security scanning. [3] Avast Premium Security also includes advanced features such as real-time ransomware protection, webcam protection, and remote access protection. [4] Avast Ultimate combines Avast Premium Security with additional services such as Avast Cleanup, Avast SecureLine VPN and Avast AntiTrack. [5]
Avast initially launched an freeware enterprise version, Avast for Business, in February 2015. It included antivirus protection, web threat scanning, browser protection, and a cloud management console. [6] This product is now branded as Avast Premium Business Security, [7] as part of the company's cybersecurity solutions product line.
As of January 2015, Avast had the largest share of the market for antivirus applications. [8] In 2016, Avast had more than 400 million users and 40% of the global antivirus market excluding China. [9] Parent company Gen Digital employs approximately 4,000 employees worldwide. In September 2016, Avast purchased AVG Technologies, another antivirus company, for US$1.3 billion. [10] In 2022, Avast merged with NortonLifelock to form Gen Digital.
In January 2020, multiple news sources reported that Jumpshot, a subsidiary of Avast at the time, was selling the browsing history of Avast Free product users. Though Avast claimed all data was de-identified, it was reported that the sold data could in some instances be linked back to users' real identities. [11] [12] [13] In response, Avast announced that it would close the subsidiary over the data privacy backlash. [14] In February 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million for collecting user data [15] [16] and the FTC sent settlement notices to Avast customers by email in February 2025. [17] [18]
