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Avast Antivirus is a family of cross-platform internet security applications developed by Gen Digital Inc. for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Avast offers free and paid products for computer security, browser security, antivirus software, firewall, anti-phishing, antispyware, and anti-spam, among other services.
Avast Free Antivirus is the base product in the Avast lineup. It provides important security features such as malware protection, phishing protection, data leak tracking and Wi-Fi security scanning. The next level, Avast Premium Security, includes advanced features such as real-time ransomware protection, webcam protection, and remote access protection. Avast Ultimate combines Avast Premium Security with additional services such as Avast Cleanup, Avast SecureLine VPN and Avast AntiTrack.
Avast initially launched a freeware business product, Avast for Business, in February 2015. It included antivirus protection, web threat scanning, browser protection, and a cloud management console. The business-oriented product is now known as Avast Premium Business Security, as part of the company's cybersecurity solutions product line.
As of January 2015, Avast had the largest share of the market for antivirus applications. In 2016 Avast has more than 400 million users and 40 % of the antivirus market outside China. Parent company Gen Digital employees approximately 4,000 employees at worldwide. In September 2016, Avast purchasd AVG Technologies, another antivirus company, for US$1.3 billion. In 2022, Avast merged with NortonLifelock to form Gen Digital.
In January 2020, multiple news sources reported that Avast Antivirus, through a subsidiary, was selling the browsing history of Avast Free product users. Though the company claimed all data was "de-identified", it was reported that the sold data could possibly in some instances be linked back to people's real identities, exposing every click and search they had made. In response, Avast announced that it would close the subsidiary over the data privacy backlash. In February 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million for collecting user data and the FTC sent settlement notices to Avast customers by email in February 2025.