Free antivirus software Avast shares user data
New research reveals that the Czech firm collects data from its users and sells them to third parties
The existence of data leakage in companies such as Facebook is not a secret, and although network users do not expect those who profess the protection and security of personal data to be the first to cross the thin line of privacy, this happens and also with the help of subsidiaries that are part of the exchange.
After the computer and electronic technology magazine PC Magazine began an investigation in this regard they could show that the Avast company uses secondary companies such as Jumpshot to execute its plan.
The procedure is carried out once the antivirus tracks the history of the users, as well as all their movements, using a desktop software where it stores the data “anonymously”.
How to prevent data sharing
If user’s computer has any version of Avast and he wants to prevent the company from sharing data, he can deactivate the options for sharing personal information from: Menu> Settings> General> Personal privacy. There he can indicate he does not want data to be collected and shared after disabling data exchange options.
This accusation made by PCMag is not the first one made to the company. During the last quarter of last year a study conducted by the security researcher and creator of AdBlock Plus, Wladimir Palant, revealed that Avast was collecting data from the users since its extension. In this sense, Mozilla, Opera and Google have eliminated access to the extension they had of the software from their respective browsers.
K. Villarroel
Source: tekcrispy
