Avast antivirus investigated by FTC for selling customer data

Avast is the subject of a complaint by the Federal Trade Commission for selling the sensitive data of its antivirus customers. Ironically, while Avast's antivirus claim to protect customers from intrusive advertising, in reality Avast-owned Jumpshot was taking data from Avast customers and selling it for advertising purposes. While Avast claimed that the data they sold was anonymous (unable to be linked to individuals), closer examination by the FTC showed that the data could be linked to individual devices and the people who owned them. 

Since the unsavory revelations came to light, Avast has been bought out by Gen Digital, who owns security companies such as Norton, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, and CCleaner, among others.

While Avast has been ordered to stop selling consumer data, we recommend staying away from them and all of the above-named companies, and doing business with a more ethical antivirus organization. Our top pick is Malwarebytes, which has a long record of consumer advocacy including blocking advertising that other antivirus apps let through.

Click here to read details about the FTC's crackdown on Avast.