Are AV companies still trustworthy?

General Topics
1

Unfortunately, I don’t think Avast is as trustworthy as they used to be.

I have been a user of Avast for a very long time. Recently, I have noticed Avast has allowed itself to become disabled automatically. To give Avast the benefit of the doubt, I went as far as to wipe my hard drive and re-installed the OS.

The problem still occurred.

I read on the forum installing a beta version of Avast seemed to fix the issue for some users. I tried this, it worked for a couple of days, and the problem occurred again.

Poking around a little further, I notice this issue isn’t only occurring with Avast. It’s also occurring with some other very main stream AV vendors. Funnily enough, I noticed that those AV vendors have offices based in specific countries, with some very specific security laws.

I can understand that Avast is not allowed to distribute software or operate in certain territories without adhering to the regulations/guidelines given to them by the governing bodies. However…

That being said, instead of just giving up your keys, and selling out your customer base. Couldn’t you guys at least attempt to have a greater level of integrity, and just move your offices to somewhere that allow you to have the option of maintaining your security?

Not too long ago, I noticed that the US Government, was removing all installations of a certain AV vendor from their government systems, and when it comes to spying/security especially cyber security, it is worth taking notice of these kind of events.

To cut a long story short…

I tested several AV vendors, with Avast being my personal favorite and the one I have used for the longest period of time. All of them were constantly being disabled, with Avast being disabled on almost a daily basis. I switched to an AV vendor, which I knew from a political stand point would clearly refuse to hand over the keys to certain agencies. Since I have switched to this AV vendor, no big surprise… The AV has not been disabled at all. (They’re a very well known vendor that has impressed me not only by the strength of their AV, but also the functionality of their security suite).

Avast, I understand at your more senior level you are probably restricted to what you can divulge to your customer base due to gag orders etc. However, I think you owe it to your customers to be creative, and think of a way that you can provide your customers with the level of security they deserve.

https://quotesnhumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Disappointment-Quotes6.jpg

2

Embargoed countries are excluded by law by Avast. You don’t say where you reside.

3

Interesting???
I also have used Avast for a very, very long time and regardless of which version Paid or Free; I’ve never experienced Avast disabling itself automatically.
I won’t speak for other Security software but I know from experience, if an OS is not totally cleared of all Remnants of any previous Security related software there is a great possibility of improper functioning of installed AV.
Just saying. :slight_smile:

4

Avast could move their offices to Antarctica and they would still have embargoed laws upon them, it’s not where they’re based that blocks countries I don’t think…it’s being listed on the US stock exchange I believe.

5

@xclusivv,
You are obviously trying to make some political point.
Unfortunately your facts are incorrect. In many statement, the facts are missing.
If you have a problem, let us know what it is and we’ll try to help you resolve it.
If you have a social beef, post it on social media. This is a help forum. Thanks

6

@bob3160

Hello. Thanks for replying. Going over other forum posts, I expected a response from you waving the Avast flag. I’m glad you didn’t disappoint.

Which of my facts are missing/incorrect? Please shed some light on the situation. I didn’t want to name rival AV vendors for obvious reasons. I am not making any political statement, and I don’t use social media. I am just an internet user who is concerned about my safety online and believe that we all have a right to not be snooped on whilst being online. Regardless of what the reasons or justifications are for companies or government to do it, doesn’t make it right. You wouldn’t expect me to come and stare through the windows of your house because I just could, or because I think it’s important to know what people in my neighborhood, town, city or country are doing.

I take the silence from Avast senior staff as a confirmation on what I was already quite certain was the situation. Thank you.

For the person asking, I live in the United Kingdom.

7
I didn't want to name rival AV vendors for obvious reasons.
Not a problem, this forum also have a section fore Non-Avast security products https://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=88.0
Not too long ago, I noticed that the US Government, was removing all installations of a certain AV vendor from their government systems, and when it comes to spying/security especially cyber security, it is worth taking notice of these kind of events.
And that would be Kaspersky https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-cyber-kaspersky/trump-signs-into-law-u-s-government-ban-on-kaspersky-lab-software-idUSKBN1E62V4
8

Your reply is also what I expected. Since you only offer conjecture and not facts, now you resort to personal attacks.
Again, if you have a problem or need actual help, simply state it. If you have a social beef, post it on a social network.

9

A major reason for a need for an antivirus program in the first place is because Microsoft Windows and inherent security flaws built-in. Untrustworthy?