Avast PLC Launch of BreachGuard

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Avast PLC

17 June 2020

Avast Enables Users to Gain Control of Personal Data with Launch of BreachGuard

New privacy software provides real-time dark web monitoring, an automated data broker removal service, and tools to enhance online privacy long-term

June 17, 2020 - Avast (AVST:LSE), a global cybersecurity leader, today announced the launch of its new privacy product, Avast BreachGuard , which is designed to give people control over their personal data that resides on the internet. Avast BreachGuard detects and notifies users of data breaches affecting their credentials, assists in the removal of personal information from unwanted third party databases, and analyzes online accounts for privacy vulnerabilities.

Sixty-three percent of people Avast surveyed said they believe their information can be found on the dark web. Everyone who uses the internet risks their personal information being compromised as cybercriminals increasingly target large companies which store their customers' confidential data. In 2019, there were 1,473 data breaches in the United States which exposed more than 164.68 million sensitive records. Consumers' online privacy is also vulnerable to third-party data miners on webpages. While legal, these trackers constantly observe browsing behavior and use that information to target people for advertising and marketing purposes. For individuals, not being able to control how their data is used and exploited has been a challenge, with nearly half of US-based internet users surveyed by Avast (46%) expressing fear of having their personal information exposed via connected devices.

"The majority of people we talk to say they believe that their information is already on the dark web. This is deeply worrying to them, but it's overwhelming and frankly too difficult for an individual to monitor the nearly daily breaches to make sure their information is safe. It leaves people feeling overwhelmed and helpless," said Chandler Givens, head of consumer privacy at Avast. "People are increasingly aware of the need to redraw the lines around online privacy and Avast is deeply committed to delivering privacy tools that give people the tools to take back control of what's rightfully theirs."

Avast BreachGuard provides detection, resolution, and ongoing monitoring and prevention to ensure users' privacy is safeguarded at all times. Product features include:

 
      --   24/7 Breach Monitor: Avast BreachGuard automatically scans the 
            dark web for leaked personal information, immediately alerting 
            users when their information appears in a data breach or in a database 
            on the dark web. To reduce the risk of identity theft, users receive 
            advice on how to fix the issue and secure their accounts. 
      --   Data Broker Removal: Avast BreachGuard enables customers to reclaim 
            their personal information by sending a request to remove it from 
            data broker databases through an automated process. This could 
            prevent real-world consequences of privacy infringements, such 
            as price discrimination where, for example, an insurance company 
            might raise your rates based on your internet search history. 
      --   Privacy Setting Advisor: Avast BreachGuard offers resources to 
            enhance your online privacy proactively, including personalized 
            tips for optimizing privacy settings on common services such as 
            Facebook and Google. It also monitors for privacy setting updates 
            and alerts customers to changes that they should consider making 
            in areas like privacy, sharing, and location data. 
      --   Privacy Score: Avast BreachGuard includes a dashboard that displays 
            an individual's privacy score and areas for improvement, similar 
            to a credit score. It keeps track of your progress as you resolve 
            any privacy vulnerabilities and lets you know what you can do to 
            improve your score. 
      --   News Feed: Avast BreachGuard also includes a real-time news feed 
            of breaches as they happen. 
 

"BreachGuard takes the burden off the individual to monitor and manage all the possible privacy vulnerabilities in their online life," said Givens. "We watch the dark web, the breach notices, and the data brokers so you don't have to, putting the knowledge and the tools in your hands to improve your online privacy."

Avast BreachGuard is available today for download in the United States, and will be made available to other markets later this year. The software costs $39.99 for a one-year subscription. To download, please visit https://www.avast.com/breachguard .

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About Avast

Avast (LSE:AVST) is a global leader in digital security and privacy products. With over 400 million users online, Avast offers products under the Avast and AVG brands that protect people from threats on the internet and the evolving IoT threat landscape. The company's threat detection network is among the most advanced in the world, using machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to detect and stop threats in real time. Avast digital security products for Mobile, PC or Mac are top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs, and others. Visit: www.avast.com .

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June 17, 2020 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)