• Home
  • About 404TS
  • Contact

404 Tech Support

Where IT Help is Found

  • Articles
    • Code
    • Entertainment
    • Going Green
    • Hardware, Gadgets, and Products
    • Management
    • Network
    • News
    • Operating Systems
    • Security and Privacy
    • Software
    • System Administration
    • Talking Points
    • Tech Solutions
    • Web
    • Webmaster
  • Reviews
  • Media
    • Infographics
    • Videos
  • Tech Events
  • Tools
    • How do I find my IP address?
    • Browser and plugin tests
  • Get a Technical Consultation
You are here: Home / Articles / Security and Privacy / Avast updates free Windows and Mac clients to 2015

Avast updates free Windows and Mac clients to 2015

2014-10-23 by Jason

Avast has pushed out an update for the free antivirus clients, updating them to a 2015 version of the popular antivirus.

The install comes bundled with Dropbox as bloatware but you can uncheck a box so it doesn’t get installed at the end of the setup.

avast2015

Regarding new features in 2015, Avast describes SecureDNS (premium only), HTTPS scanning, Smart Scan, and Home Network Security.

SecureDNS is an encrypted tunnel to DNS servers run by Avast to prevent DNS hijacking. HTTPS scanning allows Avast to use its web shield to protect you from possibly malicious pages even over an HTTPS connection. Smart Scan includes a number of Avast’s scanning tools in a single click. Finally, Home Network Security scans your network configuration for possible DNS server changes, default passwords on your router, and other weaknesses that could make your home network more vulnerable.

Avast is the only antivirus that detects infected Wi-Fi routers. You are now able to scan your home router for security issues and possible hijackings by cyber thieves who are looking for your personal data.

avast_homenetworksecurity

View the full press release below:

Avast Introduces First-ever Home Network Security Solution

Avast 2015 identifies vulnerable home routers that can allow identity theft and privacy loss

REDWOOD CITY, California, Oct. 22, 2014 – Avast Software, maker of the most-trusted security in the world, today launched Avast 2015—the latest PC and Mac versions of the security solutions used by more than 175 million people worldwide. All versions, including the completely free version, come with the only home-network security tool designed to address the very real threat of hijacked home networks. Additional features and enhancements include DNS-hijacking prevention, HTTPS scanning, reduced in-product messaging or popups, a simplified and more fun user experience, and faster software updates to improve performance and deliver greater privacy and security.

“Security risks have expanded out from the PC to the home network as more devices than ever connect to the Internet via home routers. As a result, home networks have become the hub of personal computing,” said Avast Chief Executive Officer Vince Steckler. “Our research determined that nearly 80% of all home routers in use today are thinly protected by common, easily hacked passwords, making routers an easy entry point to the home network for hackers. Avast 2015 addresses these issues head-on with several important new features.”

Avast introduces the first home-network security solution
All Avast 2015 products include the free Avast Home Network Security, the only one-click network scan that identifies potential security issues before they can be exploited. Avast scans for misconfigured Wi-Fi networks, routers with weak or default passwords, Internet accessible and vulnerable routers, compromised Internet connections, and enabled, but not protected, IPv6.

One of the biggest risks users of vulnerable routers face is DNS hijacking. Avast SecureDNS encrypts Internet traffic between Avast-protected devices and Avast’s DNS server to prevent users from being directed to hijacked sites. Meanwhile, HTTPS scanning, a component of Avast’s trusted Web Shield technology, now scans HTTPS sites for malware and threats. Finally, the new Smart Scan feature allows users to scan for threats, software updates, network problems, and performance issues with just one click.

Enhanced user experience and protection
Key product modifications include a simplified user interface with clearer orientation and a smoother overall experience, such as the ability to enable or disable features and tools with a single click.
Faster product and third-party software updates also make staying current and secure a snap, while simplified online support means users can more quickly get the help they need.

Avast 2015 also introduces Avast Rewards, which are designed to make using Avast security features more fun and interactive by awarding users Karma points and badges when they take steps to protect themselves. Additional protection includes an added buffer with hardware-assisted virtualization, creating a virtual “test area” to automatically analyze suspicious items. PUP (potentially unwanted programs) detection identifies programs users may not have intended to install, giving them the option to remove them to accelerate PC performance.

Leading protection for PCs, Macs, businesses, and mobile devices
The Avast 2015 solution for PCs is available in four consumer variations—Avast Free Antivirus, Avast Pro Antivirus, Avast Internet Security, and Avast Premier—and in 45 languages.
Avast Mac Security is free and will include the The Home Network Security scan and SecureDNS features as of the first quarter of 2015.
Avast also provides world-class protection for businesses and mobile devices.

ABOUT AVAST :
AVAST Software (www.avast.com), maker of the most trusted mobile and PC security in the world, protects more than 220 million people, mobile devices, and computers with its security applications. In business for over 25 years, AVAST is one of the pioneers in the computer security business, with a portfolio that includes free antivirus for PC, Mac, and Android, to premium suites and services for both consumers and business. In addition to being top-ranked by consumers on popular download portals worldwide, AVAST is certified by, among others, VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, OPSWAT, ICSA Labs, and West Coast Labs.

Filed Under: Security and Privacy, Software

Trending

  • How To See If Your Computer is Part of a BotNet
    In Media, Security and Privacy
  • AmpliFi now available for pre-order on Amazon and new standalone Amplifi HD router announced
    In Hardware, Gadgets, and Products, Network
  • Product Review: Tripp-Lite 6U Wall-Mount Rack Enclosure
    In Hardware, Gadgets, and Products, Network, Reviews

Latest Media Posts

Find Out Where To Download SNES ROMs

Find Out Where To Download SNES ROMs

Multifunctional Video Conversion Tools – Wondershare Video Converter

Multifunctional Video Conversion Tools – Wondershare Video Converter

  • Popular
  • Latest
  • Today Week Month All
  • How to ‘Unblock’ multiple files at a time with PowerShell How to 'Unblock' multiple files at a time with PowerShell
  • Increase IIS Private Memory Limit to improve WSUS availability Increase IIS Private Memory Limit to improve WSUS availability
  • Command line to take ownership and change permissions Command line to take ownership and change permissions
  • Creating and editing views in phpMyAdmin Creating and editing views in phpMyAdmin
  • Configure Outlook to recurring appointments for the last weekday of the month Configure Outlook to recurring appointments for the last weekday of the month
  • How to Purchase Cryptocurrencies? How to Purchase Cryptocurrencies?
  • Top 6 necessary aspects to consider when hiring Angular developers Top 6 necessary aspects to consider when hiring Angular developers
  • Full guide on drawbacks and benefits of Node.js for making the perfect choice for your business Full guide on drawbacks and benefits of Node.js for making the perfect choice for your business
  • Benefits of End-To-End Testing That Will Match Company Expectations Benefits of End-To-End Testing That Will Match Company Expectations
  • 3 Key Features of Pets Health Monitoring Systems 3 Key Features of Pets Health Monitoring Systems
Ajax spinner

Elevator Pitch

404 Tech Support documents solutions to IT problems, shares worthwhile software and websites, and reviews hardware, consumer electronics, and technology-related books.

Subscribe to 404TS articles by email.

Recent Posts

  • How to Purchase Cryptocurrencies?
  • Top 6 necessary aspects to consider when hiring Angular developers
  • Full guide on drawbacks and benefits of Node.js for making the perfect choice for your business

Search

FTC Disclaimer

404TechSupport is an Amazon.com affiliate; when you click on an Amazon link from 404TS, the site gets a cut of the proceeds from whatever you buy. This site also uses Skimlinks for smart monetization of other affiliate links.
Use of this site requires displaying and viewing ads as they are presented.

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in