Why You Should Avoid Avast and Its Entire Web of Companies
Avast isn’t just a bloated antivirus—it’s a surveillance operation disguised as cybersecurity.
As reported by FMHY Unsafe Sites and corroborated by major tech investigations, Avast collected and sold users’ browsing data through its Jumpshot subsidiary. This included:
- Google searches
- YouTube videos watched
- Porn website visits
- Amazon purchases
- GPS coordinates (from browser metadata)
This was done without proper user consent, and often buried behind vague opt-ins. After massive backlash, Jumpshot was shut down—but not before the damage was done.
Who Owns What? (The Avast Empire Exposed)
What’s worse? Avast owns or is owned by multiple other “security” companies:
| Product | Parent Company | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| AVG Antivirus | Owned by Avast (Gen Digital) | Same data-collection engine as Avast |
| Norton Antivirus | Merged with Avast via Gen Digital | Full telemetry stack included |
| Avira Antivirus | Acquired by Norton (Gen Digital) | Repackaged tracking machine |
| CCleaner | Owned by Avast | Started bundling malware, shady updates |
🛑 If you care about privacy, security, and ethics—you must avoid the entire Avast/AVG/Norton/Avira/CCleaner family.
What to Look For in a Secure Antivirus Tool
When shopping for real security software, consider:
- ❌ No telemetry: No hidden data collection
- ✅ Transparent privacy policy
- ✅ Open-source options or 3rd-party audits
- ✅ No forced cloud uploads or browser extensions
- ✅ No installation of partner bloatware
Top Avast Alternatives Reviewed (2025)
1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free
Features:
Real-time threat detection, anti-phishing, and minimal background use.
Pros:
- Free and fast
- Excellent malware detection
- Privacy-focused
Cons:
- Limited customization
Best for: Users wanting quiet, hands-off protection
2. Malwarebytes Free/Premium
Features:
Anti-malware, adware cleanup, and exploit detection.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Great at removing junkware
- Premium version adds real-time protection
Cons:
- Free version lacks auto-scanning
Best for: Cleaning already-infected systems
3. Kaspersky Security Cloud Free
Features:
File, web, and email protection with excellent virus lab support.
Pros:
- High detection rates
- Respectable privacy in non-cloud version
- Minimal adware
Cons:
- Some regions may block Kaspersky use
Best for: Users outside U.S. needing strong threat labs
4. Sophos Home Free
Features:
Web protection, parental controls, and enterprise-grade malware scanner.
Pros:
- Clean interface
- Web filtering included
- Remote device management
Cons:
- Some cloud connectivity required
Best for: Families and casual users
5. ESET NOD32 Antivirus
Features:
Heuristic malware scanner, anti-ransomware, and low system impact.
Pros:
- No shady history
- Well-respected lab
- Light on system resources
Cons:
- Paid only
- Slight learning curve
Best for: Serious users wanting strong real-time security
6. Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Features:
Built into Windows 10/11, Defender includes basic protection and ransomware shield.
Pros:
- Free and pre-installed
- Works well with 3rd-party firewalls
- No extra software
Cons:
- Lacks advanced threat scanning
- Slow updates occasionally
Best for: Low-maintenance users who don’t want extra tools
Comparison Table
| Antivirus | Free | Telemetry-Free | Open-Source | Best Feature | Avoid? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitdefender Free | ✅ | Mostly | ❌ | Lightweight + accurate | No |
| Malwarebytes | ✅/❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Deep cleanup | No |
| Kaspersky Free | ✅ | Mostly | ❌ | Virus lab excellence | No |
| Sophos Home | ✅ | Partial | ❌ | Web filtering | No |
| ESET NOD32 | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Secure + private | No |
| Microsoft Defender | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Built-in + simple | No |
| Avast/AVG/Norton/Avira/CCleaner | ❌/✅ | ❌ ❌ ❌ ❌ | ❌ | DATA HARVESTING SCANDALS | ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ |
Best Free Antivirus Tools Without User Tracking
- Bitdefender Free
- Malwarebytes Free (on-demand)
- Kaspersky Free (check regional policies)
- Microsoft Defender (built-in)
Stay Away from These Products (2025)
| Product | Reason for Avoiding |
|---|---|
| Avast | Sold user data, bundled spyware |
| AVG | Same engine as Avast, same company |
| Norton | Crypto miner installer, owns Avast |
| Avira | Now part of Gen Digital (Avast’s parent) |
| CCleaner | Known for malware bundling post-Avast purchase |
⚠️ Note: All are now under Gen Digital, a data-centric company masquerading as security.
FAQs – Picking a Truly Private Antivirus
1. Is Avast still safe to use in 2025?
No. It has a track record of spying on users and selling data.
2. Is AVG any better?
No. It’s literally the same backend and data practices.
3. What’s a good no-spy alternative?
Bitdefender Free, ESET, and Malwarebytes are reliable.
4. Is Microsoft Defender enough?
For basic users, yes—especially paired with Malwarebytes.
5. What antivirus doesn’t collect any data?
ESET NOD32 and offline Malwarebytes are top picks.
6. Can I use CCleaner safely?
No. It’s owned by Avast and should be uninstalled.
Conclusion – Ditch Avast and Choose Protection Without Exploitation
Cybersecurity means protecting your system—not monetizing your data. Unfortunately, Avast and its sister companies (AVG, Avira, Norton, CCleaner) have shown us what happens when greed overrides ethics.
If you care about real privacy and protection, use one of the trusted Avast alternatives listed here. Your digital life deserves better than spyware disguised as antivirus.
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