I’ve had to use the “Avast Secure Browser” for a while and something I’ve been conscious of is noticing when entering a URL it will briefly show a different, Avast related URL in the address bar before directing me to my chosen site. I don’t know if it’s a genuine security process or if it’s another data harvesting technique or similar.
One example URL that I copied when it hung is: https://avastbrowser.ampxdirect.com/74401?&sub1=instantsearch&sub2=74401&sub3=brand&sub4=g
I do think it’s actually an intended part of Avast Secure Browser, but also don’t use Avast Secure Browser.
It’s not any more secure than any other browser, you even have proof here that they’re at least monitoring your traffic. Avast isn’t considered a particularly trustworthy or honest company.
Firefox with some extensions is gonna be infinitely more ‘secure’, but you don’t need to use Firefox there are other good options too.
Yes, data harvesting under the guise of redundant malware blocking. Stop using it if possible. Major browsers already have Google Safe Browsing. Pair it with uBlock Origin and sensible browsing practices, and malware payloads should not be an issue.
I see. Do you have any specifics on them not being trustworthy? I’ve had my doubts for a while, and one thing I’ve noticed in all the times I’ve seen people recommend VPNs for example I’ve never once seen the Avast VPN recommended which I’m given to use and always wondered if it’s due to them not advertising it well enough or if it’s due to legitimate reasons not to use it.
Thought so. Agreed, I’ll try to get moved onto another. I’ve used Brave also, would you recommend it or to stay away from that also?
I mean, redirecting your traffic through a third party service is one of the most sketchy things you can do. It can’t magically make your browsing better or more secure in any way (because that’s not how browser technology works), so we know it’s only there so they can harvest your data.
We also know that Avast doesn’t actually make their own browser. They’ve taken Chromium (Google Chrome) and done the equivalent of adding a few extensions, then repackaged it as a product.
I’d say that both of these are directly untrustworthy, and alone would be enough to discourage me from using any of their software. (Which is also my advice, if you’re paying for Avast then cancel it and uninstall)
Avast software just does the same thing your device would normally do silently in the background on it’s own, except it makes a very big deal out of it in order to convince you that it’s necessary.
I personally think Brave is fine, though I find their crypto stuff distracting and unnecessary. I actually wrote a post on how to turn all that stuff off a few years ago. Brave’s default ad blocker is pretty good and allows you to add custom filters afaik, so you don’t need to install uBlock Origin.