Avast Safezone Browser

[Osem]

I just found a shortcut for this on my desktop and evidently it's a 'free gift' from Avast to its users. Anyone got any thoughts as to whether it's any good and worth using or best to avoid?

TIA as always.

[JPAC]

Just used it and so far so good. Like the video download, like the speed. Not happy that it installed itself, or the way the bookmarks operate.

Worth a try IMO.

[pip08456]

I'll stick with Firefox, Eset Smart Security makes sure everything's safe.

[JPAC]

Mmm, just been viewing the Avast forums, many unhappy users there. They've even changed the forum login so I can't voice my displeasure. The thing is with a security company the important thing is trust, well Avast has lost trust because of this silent install. Avast is supposed to stop PUP not install them.

[Chrysalis]

There was a recent security errata notice released regarding a security compromise I think with this browser, its advised to only use the original browser (chrome in this case) or at least a direct port like chromium or opera.

Opera has nice improvements to the UI, but it has no 64bit build.

Personally I also dont enable any https scanning (keep plain http enabled), because they breach multiple parts of the TLS RFC, not to mention the big one where TLS traffic shouldnt be intercepted. I do this on both eset and avast. e.g. eset has no support for key pinning and OCSP. Prior to v9 they also didnt even have tls 1.2.

[Osem]

Interesting. I used it once briefly since it appeared but not since then and since I'm in no way 'techie' I prefer to wait for feedback from people who know a lot more than I do about such things. Think I'll continue waiting for now until things become clearer.

Cheers.

[Chrysalis]

http://www.pcworld.com/article/30303...e-browser.html

not sure if its the same errata.

the browser comodo distribute turned of a very important security feature that is essential. This is a company that sell security software.

https://bugs.chromium.org/p/project-...id=704&redir=1
https://bugs.chromium.org/p/project-.../detail?id=713

google themselves even took a dig

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/02...sses_chromodo/

[JPAC]

Avast responded tonight;
- We actually stopped pushing SafeZone to Free AV users shortly after this thread was started, to take the time to better understand all the feedback and possibly adjust the strategy
- While we're disappointed that the reaction to the inclusion of this premium feature in the Free AV has generally been rather negative (at least based on the feedback here and other sites), we have made the decision to stop pushing it for the time being
- SafeZone is still part of new Free AV installs though (and of course, as always, can be configured in the Custom installation) -- so in that regard, the free and premium versions of Avast now behave the same
- We are working on a better way to re-introduce the feature to our free user base (and some of the suggestions in this thread have been really useful for that, thanks). We will keep you posted.

[JPAC]

Uninstalled Avast Safezone Browser, looking for new AV.

[SnoopZ]

Originally Posted by JPAC

Uninstalled Avast Safezone Browser, looking for new AV.

I had noticed the safezone icon on my desktop the other week, but luckily in the latest install it is no where to be seen.

[Osem]

I uninstalled it a couple of days ago. Sticking with Avast though.

[JPAC]

Avast forum users report that this browser may reinstall itself even after you've uninstalled it.

[Osem]

It hasn't reappeared here. I did read somewhere that Avast have decided to stop pushing onto users but it's still available to download if anyone wants it.

[SnoopZ]

Not appeared here either.

[JPAC]

Reinstalls after a program update, Avast are incompetent.