I just noticed a new (??) “Sensitive Data Shield” in the Privacy Tab, enabled (apparently by default).
[I’m using avast Free 17.5.2303 build 3585.192 on Win XP SP3]
Has anyone heard or know anything about this?
Also: When I try running a scan, it gets part-way (e.g., somewhere between 11 and 17%) and just “disappears” — i.e., closes down the avast UI.
It isn’t in my FREE version
http://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1501280932440-33543.png
In my Free Version 17.5.2303 Just noticed that on Windows 10 Pro x64bit here
Screenshots: Files attached
Screenshot would help.
Please check your version #
It’s present only on my WinXP SP3 system, but NOT on my Win7x64 SP1.
Both using Free version 17.5.2303 build x.3585.192
I’ve added XP SP3 screenshots in post (Reply #3, above).
When you click on the Sensitive Data Shield what happens ???
Starts a scan, then finds sensitive documents, then stays you’ve protected the documents at the end, how protected them, not sure lol, but that’s what it stated
It starts its scan, immediately at 10%.
It continued for a short while, to somewhere between 11% to 17%, and then just VANISHES… the interface closed down.
I tried two or three times, and the same thing happened.
That’s when I wrote this post/inquiry.
Ah… as I was writing this, I see Patrick responded, saying his scan completed.
Reported to Avast. Wait for a reply from them. 
For what it’s worth, on the 5th (6th?? 7th??) attempt, the scan finally completed — reporting that no sensitive documents were found. (Not surprising, since I’ve moved my personal documents off my XP system onto my Win7 system years ago).
Avast Sensitive Data Shield is an upcomming feature.
But as far as I know it is for Paying users, so I am surprised it is showing in Free.
Originally is was placed under the Performance tab ( see attached screenshot ) but that was the wrong place.
Greetz, Red.
Well definitely showing on Free on my Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit system and my Windows 10 Pro 64bit Desktop here, scans, shows 14 Documents that may contain senstivtive information, and about all it does that I can tell
Thnx for the screenshot
As a Beta tester and payed user I don’t have this feature ( right now ), so I am not sure what is happening.
Greetz, Red.
Most Welcome for the Screenshot, and no idea what is happening lol, I just happened to notice it like the thread starter did
Bob has already forwarded it on Slack, so we have to wait for a reaction from Avast.
Greetz, Red.
EDIT : Also forwarded by Ali Khan, and he thinks too it was meant to be for payed users.
Mine said it was for AIS and Premier users. It appears to work…every time I do a Smart Scan, it says certain sensitive docs are unprotected…select protect and then it says you’re protected.
The Sensitive Data Shield has indeed been released for a few users.
What I don’t get is how it will protect the files for free users…
For Internet Security and Premier, it will probably add the files to the Ransomware Shield.
By making you aware when these certain files attempt to be changed without your knowledge or consent.