Avast 2019 Extends Artificial Intelligence Technology to Block Advanced Phishing Attacks

Avast, the global leader in cybersecurity products, announced the Avast 2019 release of its free and premium flagship consumer security software. The new version features enhanced artificial intelligence-based phishing protection, privacy protection, and ensures zero interruptions when using full screen mode.

Improved Threat Detections

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Avast 2019 ensures enhanced detection of phishing websites by automatically checking a site's URL for suspicious tokens, domain meta information, and inspecting the visual aspects of sites. This unique technology allows Avast to recognize new phishing sites in seconds, protecting Avast users across all platforms from falling victim of phishing scams and other fraudulent emails.

Do Not Disturb Mode

Avast’s new Do Not Disturb Mode silences alerts including those from third party applications, such as Windows, email, chat and browser notifications while users run applications in full screen. Do Not Disturb Mode is a free feature and prevents applications from distracting or embarrassing users while gaming or presenting.

Sensitive Data Shield

Sensitive Data Shield is a feature that protects premium Avast customers with an additional safety net from cybercriminals and spies. The feature identifies sensitive files, such as tax files, health records, and travel documents, and gives users the option to “shield” and protect access to these files. This way, unauthorized third parties and programs, such as malware, are unable to read and alter the files, allowing users to take back control of their sensitive data.

Improved Smart Scan

Avast’s Smart Scan feature combines scans for viruses, software updates, network problems, and performance issues into one concentrated scan. It allows free and premium users to check for a range of issues with just one click and has been optimized to scan and identify any problems with the PC, twice as quickly as before.

Enhanced Network Security

Avast’s Wi-Fi Inspector feature, a free feature which scans routers, PCs, mobile and IoT devices connected to users’ network and provides solutions on how to fix issues found, has been enhanced for improved device identification and more thorough detection of security vulnerabilities and similar weaknesses. The feature displays devices found on the network in a detailed map, making it easier for people to navigate and control the devices connected to their local network.

“Under the hood, we have extended our AI-based capabilities to ensure the ongoing enhancement of detections and security response. We are proud of our scores in third party tests blocking threats, but we know it is a continuous battle where we need to keep outsmarting the bad guys with new methods and technologies in order to win,” said Ondrej Vlcek, Avast EVP & CTO.

“Phishing is a very effective social engineering technique and cybercriminals have recently upped their game when it comes to creating phishing sites to trick people into giving up sensitive information, which is why we need to use powerful technology to combat the threat. Avast 2019 brings together next generation phishing protection with great usability and convenience features, to provide our customers with the best security and privacy protections,” he adds.

The Avast 2019 family of products includes Avast Free Antivirus, Avast Internet Security and Avast Premier. Avast Free Antivirus provides protection from malware, such as ransomware, crypto miners and spyware, from phishing threats, malicious URLs on the web and in emails, as well as malicious attachments.

Avast Free Antivirus also alerts users of security risks in the home network with Wi-Fi Inspector, and offers simple password management with Avast Passwords, and easy vulnerability patching with Software Updater.

Avast Internet Security users will get advanced protection from ransomware with Ransomware Shield, the ability to run files in a safe environment with Sandbox, a Firewall and Anti-Spam protection. Avast Premier users also have the option to protect themselves from spies via Webcam Shield, and to safely delete no longer needed but sensitive files with Data Shredder.