This week, an investigation by Motherboard and PC Mag revealed that security brand Avast was using its antivirus software to collect personal user data. The news came just weeks after it had stopped collecting information from its browser plug-in.
Avast has told us that is hasn't been harvesting information from its Secureline VPN product, although privacy-conscious Avast users are bound to feel cautious after this latest news.
Avast isn't alone in selling user data, but its methods are under scrutiny after this latest investigation. We explain what you need to know.
SecureLine VPN is Avast's own VPN client and Avast Secure Browser is a secure, private internet browser powered by Avast. SecureLine VPN and Avast Secure Browser are not included with Avast Free Antivirus, however they are included in paid versions like Avast Pro Antivirus and Avast Internet Security and were likely installed when you upgraded to the paid version. How do I remove Avast SecureLine for Asustek? On the Start menu (for Windows 8, right-click the screen's bottom-left corner), click Control Panel, and then, under. Windows Vista/7/8: Click Uninstall a Program. Windows XP: Click Add or Remove Programs. When you find the program Avast SecureLine for. Hi Wrathofkhash Weclome to the Community Forums. SecureLine is a personal VPN service (see here for a description of what a VPN service is in case you do not know or are unclear) from the Avast security company. I believe that it is a paid for rather than free service but suspect that you PC may have come with a short trial free subscription which you will be offerred a renewal on. Uninstalling or Removing Avast SecureLine VPN from computer 1. On Start Menu click on Control Panel 2. ProgramsPrograms and Features select Avast Free Antivirus and click on “Uninstall/change” button. On Setup window, select “Change” and click on ‘Next’ button to proceed for Avast Installer to.
Avast Secureline and latest Windows 10 Recently when activating the Avast Secureline it prevents all Internet Content. Tried a reinstall - no change both programs are up to date.
Unsure about Avast Secureline? See our guide to the Best VPNs for 2020
Avast Selling User Data via Jumpshot
The investigation, a joint probe by Motherboard and PC Mag, focused on leaks that the publications have obtained. These show that Avast has been selling its users' data to high profile customers, such as Google, Yelp and Pepsi. The information – which Avast maintains is anonymous – has been harvested and repacked for a subsidiary, Jumpshot, which it obtained in 2013. In a 2015 post on its site, Avast explained how the collected data is used and personal data removed:
“We provide Jumpshot with anonymized and aggregated data that we collect from scanning the 150 billion URLs our users visit each month. Using Jumpshot’s patent-pending algorithm, all of the personally identifiable information is removed from the data before it leaves Avast servers. Nothing can be used to identify or target individuals.”
While Avast claims that it has always been open with its users about the data collected – and offered opt-outs for that that didn't want their data harvested – it certainly ran into problems with major browser operators. A number of browsers removed the Avast plug-in from their services after news of the data collection started to filter through last October. Google, Mozilla and Opera all took the decision to remove the problematic plug-in from their stores.
While Avast has stated that it has stopped data collection via its browser plug-ins, it is still gathering information from the free version of its antivirus software, via an opt-in option. According the leaked documents obtained by Motherboard and PC Mag, this data includes information such as the URLs visited by device, plus when and where the browsing happened. The data shows GPS locations, viewed YouTube videos, and even search terms entered on porn sites.
Is it Safe to Use Avast Secureline?
Avast Secureline is a VPN product from the same company. It promises – as all VPNs do – to keep your data private and hide your identity online. Many VPN users would be horrified of the thought of their data being collected in some way. It's a practice we've seen in free VPNs, but as Secureline is a paid-for product, users wouldn't expect to have their information recorded.
Secureline customers are no doubt concerned about the news of Avast collecting information, but we have seen no indication that the company is adopting the same practice with Secureline. All the information available has shown that while the browser plug-in and antivirus software have been used to collect information, nothing points to Secureline being included in this list. VPN products live and die by their ability to provide protection and privacy to paying customers, so it would be something of a misfire on Avast's part to risk this relationship through data collection.
Update: We reached out to Avast and asked for confirmation as to whether Secureline users were having their data collected. It told us that no data is ever taken from Secureline. An Avast spokesperson stated:
“In December 2019, we acted quickly to meet browser store standards and are now compliant with browser extension requirements for our online security extensions. At the same time, we completely discontinued the practice of using any data from the browser extensions for any other purpose than the core security engine, including sharing with our subsidiary Jumpshot.
We ensure that Jumpshot does not acquire personal identification information, including name, email address or contact details. Users have always had the ability to opt out of sharing data with Jumpshot. As of July 2019, we had already begun implementing an explicit opt-in choice for all new downloads of our AV, and we are now also prompting our existing free users to make an opt-in or opt-out choice, a process which will be completed in February 2020.
We ensure that Jumpshot does not acquire personal identification information, including name, email address or contact details. Users have always had the ability to opt out of sharing data with Jumpshot. As of July 2019, we had already begun implementing an explicit opt-in choice for all new downloads of our AV, and we are now also prompting our existing free users to make an opt-in or opt-out choice, a process which will be completed in February 2020.
Our Privacy Policy details the protections we put in place for all our users. Users can also choose to adjust their privacy levels using the broad range of settings available in our products, including control over any data sharing at any time. We voluntarily comply with the GDPR and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) privacy requirements across our entire global user base.
We have a long track record of protecting users’ devices and data against malware, and we understand and take seriously the responsibility to balance user privacy with the necessary use of data for our core security products.”
How Can I Protect my Data?
In its coverage, Motherboard reached out to users of Avast antivirus software and found that many of them were unaware that their data was being collected. The story serves as a good reminder to be vigilant and check the permissions you have given to your software provider, to ensure you are happy with the information it is actively harvesting about you.
There's a lot of websites and software out there that are collecting your data, and there's a reason. Money. A profile of you as an individual, your likes, dislikes, spending habits and so on are invaluable to companies with deep pockets.
To protect your identity, especially in the week that Data Privacy Day happens to land, it's worth taking a few minutes out of your day to double check what you're giving away, even if you think your information is secure. So, check your profiles, remove the right to collect information or target you for advertising if you're not happy with it, and take back control of your online persona.
Introduction
![Remove avast vpn secureline Remove avast vpn secureline](https://jianyewiremesh.com/img/9b602e3f296a8617f217d97cfc85104c.png)
Avast is an anti-malware software company.
They offer many different software security products. But they have a mixed record among cyber security professionals.
Their VPN (called “SecureLine”) is especially controversial.
We recommend cancelling it. Here’s how to do it…including a few suggestions for great alternatives that care about your privacy.
Why You Should Uninstall Avast Secureline VPN
We do not recommend that anyone who takes privacy seriously use Avast’s SecureLine VPN product. There are several reasons we recommend uninstalling it and canceling your subscription.
Avast DNS Leaking History
A DNS leak is when your VPN is not actually hiding your IP address. This is half the reason you use a VPN in the first place.
Avast’s forum is littered with reports of DNS leaks.
Reports like these indicate that Avast is not taking your privacy seriously.
Avast Sells Your Browsing Behavior
A much bigger issue with Avast’s VPN is their allegiance to the third parties who pay them to look at your data. PC Mag and Motherboard discovered that Avast was monitoring all of its users’ browsing habits and selling that data to the highest bidders.
While Avast claims they no longer sell this data, this behavior is totally unacceptable from a VPN provider. Using a VPN that monitors its users like this makes browsing less private, not more. You’d be better using no VPN at all.
Avast SecureLine VPN is basically spyware that you pay to use.
Should I Remove Avast Secureline Free
When it comes to Avast’s VPN, we recommend you uninstall it and cancel your subscription. We will make doing both of those tasks very simple, regardless of what hardware you are using.
How to uninstall Avast VPN on Android
To uninstall Avast SecureLine on an Android Device, do the following:
- Open Android Settings.
- Select Apps
- Select Avast SecureLine VPN.
- Select Uninstall
- Select OK to confirm you want to uninstall.
You can now be sure that Avast SecureLine VPN is uninstalled. It will no longer be able to monitor your browsing behavior and hurt your privacy.
How to Uninstall Avast VPN on iOS
To uninstall Avast SecureLine on an iOS Device, do the following:
- Find the Avast SecureLine VPN icon on your home screen.
- Press and hold the icon for a few seconds.
- All the app icons will begin to vibrate, indicating they can be deleted. Tap the x button in the top left corner of the Avast SecureLine App icon.
- Select Delete on the popup to confirm you want to uninstall the app.
- Select the home button to return the home screen back to normal.
Remove Avast On Mac
Avast SecureLine VPN is no longer installed on your apple device. You are now safe from Avast’s monitoring.
How to Cancel Avast SecureLine VPN Subscription
Avast makes cancelling your SecureLine Subscription a hassle. You have to do it from within the app store of your device.
Please note: your subscription will not be canceled by uninstalling the app from your device. If you are using a free trial, you also need to cancel your subscription yourself in the Google Play Store or in the iOS app store.
How to Cancel SecureLine Subscription on Android
- Open the Google Play Store on your device.
- Tap Menu in the top-left corner, then select Subscriptions.
- Select Avast SecureLine VPN from your list of subscriptions.
- Tap Cancel Subscription, then follow the on-screen instructions.
- The Google Play Store confirms that the subscription is canceled.
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What Is Avast Secureline
How to Cancel SecureLine Subscription on iOS
- Open the App Store on your Apple device.
- Tap your profile image in the upper-right hand side of the screen.
- Tap subscriptions.
- Tap Avast SecureLine VPN from your list of current subscriptions.
- Tap Cancel Subscription.
- Select Confirm to finalize cancellation.
Your subscription will stop at the end of the current billing cycle.
Best Alternatives to Avast SecureLine VPN
After you delete SecureLine, you should replace it with a quality VPN (even better one that offers double VPN capabilities. There are a lot of great VPNs out there. Almost any VPN is better than Avast’s SecureLine VPN.
Our favorite is Express VPN, but you can use the graph below to choose which one is right for your budget. You can follow the link to go directly to the site and purchase a subscription.
Company Name | Price | Servers/Countries | Speed | Privacy |
---|---|---|---|---|
$6.65 | 3000 / 160 | Fastest | Amazing | |
$2.88 | 2000 / 140 | Average | Average | |
$1.99 | 1040 / 61 | Fast | Good | |
$3.49 | 5660 / 59 | Fast | Good |