AVG Antivirus

By Bayle Emlein

Avast and AVG are the two leading free security software programs. Just about a year ago, Avast bought AVG. However this is a modern marriage and each program maintains its identity and functions as an independent entity in the online world where they met. Which should you choose? Should you look at anti-malware solutions? Definitely. The one thing you should not do is nothing. Make choices based on your personal situation. Avast has over 200 million users world-wide. The free version offers a solid, unobtrusive solution for the home user. Mac and Android versions are available.

The problem with the connected home, or even connected devices, is that they are vulnerable to hacking. The more devices behind a router, the weaker the security for any one of them. As a wider range of the population starts enjoying the connected life, the importance of ongoing safe computing fades into the background. Who thinks about being sure their fridge isn’t opening a leak to their banking information?

The latest version of the AVG Antivirus mobile app comes with a reimagined user experience featuring a modernized design. New features include:

>Anti-Theft Features: Users can control the app online, activate a siren if the phone has been stolen, remotely adjust settings and set custom screen messages.

>Call Blocker: Gives users the options to block unknown callers or send them directly to voicemail. In the new version, this feature has been optimized for users to not only block numbers stored in the address book but also all unknown, and hidden numbers.

>App Permissions: Allows the user to understand which apps installed on their phone have which permissions and what information they can access.

>Wi-Fi Speed Test: Checks the download and upload speed of the Wi-Fi network users are connected to.

>Safe Clean: Cleans residual data and caches to improve smartphone speed and performance.

New features to Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus, include:

>Photo Vault: Encrypts photos from a user’s gallery and imports them into a PIN code-protected vault, accessible only to the user.

>App-locking: Adds fingerprint and pattern locking/unlocking support to the existing feature, which allows users to create a PIN to secure their smartphone apps.

>Power Save: Reduces battery consumption by turning off unused apps and activities, including adjusting settings for battery-draining activities such as Bluetooth and screen settings.

Additionally, for the security of home -based systems, they have partnered with Netis Systems, a leading router manufacturer, to secure its Stonet router with Chime, our router security platform based on AVG technology. Chime offers an extra layer of security by protecting the network from malware, viruses and other malicious behaviour that could compromise the it. Chime also provides parental controls such as app blocking and content filtering as well as on-the-go security alerts via a user-friendly mobile app. Once personal information is in the public domain it is there forever, leaving you vulnerable to embarrassment and much worse. Prevention is the best defense.