Avira Antivirus is a German-based, specialized AV program designed to ensure all-encompassing protection against viruses and every form of malicious codes. Avira performs this function utilizing its heuristic technology to uncover malware that infects the computer systems. It is an award-winning antivirus solution that provides an effective solution primarily against ransomware, helps you secure your electronic payments through trusted gateways, and guarantees real-time detection and removal of suspicious files with the possibility of viruses.
Avira Antivirus
was under development since 1986 under its predecessor H+BEDV Datentechnik GmbH
but was launched only after 20 years in 2006 with its headquarters in Tettnang,
Germany. The company additionally has its branches around the globe in
countries like the USA, China, Romania, and the Netherlands.
The free version
of Avira software has been one of the best AV programs in recent times to
stagnate even the paid ones when it came to complete protection against
viruses.
In 2012, Avira Antivirus registered about 100
million users in its name. Avira has partnered with leading software companies
like IBM, Microsoft, Cyan Networks, AG, Synergy Systems, etc. to avail complementary
benefits. It is ranked among the top ten pioneers in the antivirus market as
per 2019.
Avira Antivirus Versions:
Avira has launched
both, Free as well as exclusive paid packages to make flexible cybersecurity
benefits available to the users. The first version of Avira Antivirus was
designed for Unix with Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to monitor the
functioning of the system and the network it was connected to.
The latest
subsequent versions that followed up were:
Avira Security Management Centre
Avira AntiVir Server Windows, Version 10 –
Came with a bonus feature of scanning VMware files offline
Avira AntiVir Professional, Version 10
Specials – This version came up with an integrated desktop firewall that
enabled the user to control outgoing and incoming network traffic.
Avira Premium Security Suite, Version 10
Specials – Introduced Parental Control to their program limiting the overall
time the kids could use the internet for.
The newest addition is the Avira AntiVir,
Version 10 (Avira AntiVir Personal, Premium, Premium Security Suite, and
Professional) – This has a brand new host-based incursion prevention system to
monitor the behavior of the system and prevent any form of interruptions
caused. This version can detect when the system is prone to a possible malware
attack and identifies its source. It then blocks the source and allows the user
to carry out his task smoothly.
Parallel to this, there is another version known as Avira Prime, including licenses for iOS and Android apps as well as soft wares of PC and Mac.
The most recent
free version of this program is known as Avira Free Antivirus 2018 runs on
Windows 7/8/8.1 and 10 only.
Devices
supported by Avira:
Apart from the
above-mentioned versions, the following are the security packages Avira
supports various devices with:
For Microsoft Windows:
Avira Free Antivirus: The free edition antivirus designed for most domestic use, with promotional benefits.
Avira has a
three-layer design of antivirus protection. The regular malware scanner scans
and compares a suspicious file to other files. The scanning choices range from
full, quick or custom as desired by the user. You can also schedule an
automatic scan once every week.
Avira adopts a
heuristic technology to monitor to examine malicious codes and detect possible
security threat. It can detect multiple threats and allows you to be aware of
the source as well as details of the emerging threats to your system.
This program also uploads the malicious files to the Avira scanning lab for analysis. This is done to prevent a dangerous file from further being transmitted to other users. Whatever is found malicious is immediately blocked from being accessible to the other systems using the Avira AV program. The program then keeps a collective data stored with itself containing system profiles of various customers, their usage statistics and browsing histories. Any user can opt-out of this by emailing the support system about the matter.
Initially, Avira
did have a Firewall Technology of its own but later abandoned it in 2014 to
collaborate with Windows Firewall, facilitated by Windows 7 and subsequent
versions.
The free version
of Avira scans suspicious files and blocks the unauthorized sites which can be
possible sources of malware. However, it scans email attachments only after
they get downloaded.
In addition to the
above security features, there’s a browser safety option available for Firefox,
Opera and Chrome that forbids you from accidentally visiting any
malware-infested website. They also block ads and track cookies of such
websites.
Avira has also
launched a protection cloud of its own in 2013 to improve its capability of
virus detection and allow the system to not be affected by the presence of the
virus. It was initially developed as a quick function for manual scanning but
was later updated to ensure real-time protection.
Avira AV program
has a lot to offer its users. It uses effective malware detection technology
and keeps its database updated regularly to provide quality protection against
all forms of malware.
The program
monitors every activity that takes place within the system and acts immediately
when a possible threat tries invading the computer system. It is equipped with
every antivirus, Anti Adware / Spyware / Ransomware, Anti-Spam, Anti Dialler,
and Anti Rootkit as well as Anti Bot and Anti Phishing equipment to ensure
complete protection of your confidential matter against cybercriminals.
The newly
introduced WebGuard module of the updated version of Avira lets you surf the web
and download files without the risk of being gripped by malicious programs or
web links. It flags the sites and webpages that have a tendency of posing
threats to your internet experience. It is an effective toolbar compatible with
most of the web browsers like Firefox and Chrome.
Avira works with
Microsoft’s personal Windows Firewall that helps to block any malicious
activity taking place in your system. It can sense the cookies that may breach
your private information and transmit them to cybercriminals. A firewall
immediately traces such kind of porting and blocks them. The Windows Firewall
is easy to configure and you can modify its functioning according to your
convenience.
There’s also a
policy of Privacy Pal that helps you get rid of online ad tracking and alters
that part of the information you share online that can be viewed to others.
Avira’s System
Speedup feature frees the space of your RAM up, encrypts file to protect their
content, as well as accelerates the performance of your PC.
The Phantom VPN
Client and Service allows you to have free monthly access to 1GB data. Avira
Safe Shopping allows you to have a window display of only those online retail
sites that are safe and free from security threats. Avira Home Guard helps you
in identifying tactics through which hackers can gain access to your smart
devices and helps you take necessary measures.
The free version
is endowed with the many features of the Premium version like the Password
Manager, Browser Safety, Phantom VPN, Avira Safe Shopping, Avira Safe Search
Plus, Free System SpeedUp, Home Guard, Software Updater, Privacy Pal, and Avira
Protected Opera Browser with built-in data encryption and password protection.
Avira
Performance and System Impact:
Avira’s malware
scanner is efficient but mostly of an average utility. Avira has the capacity
of blocking around 96% of the malicious software but an A-grade AV program
needs to be more competent than this.
Avira is efficient
in stopping around 99% of active malware. A variety of lab tests indicate that
Avira has seen a slight decline in its malware detection and scanning tests the
most recent being a score of 98% only. However, Avira provides excellent
Phishing Control and Firewall Protection and one of the few free antivirus
software to have so many supplementary features to offer its users.
Avira Antivirus Interface:
The latest version of Avira Antivirus software comes with a modular interface. The main screen shows Real-Time Protection and Firewall Manager. At the top of the screen is a green checkmark indicating that your system is protected from all types of threats. Quick Scan can also be started from the main screen itself.
The other screen
options are available on the dialog box at the left-hand side of the screen.
The Settings icon at the bottom of the screen manages blocking adware, phishing
as well as harmful .exe files.
Last but not
least, the update facility can be availed through the Task Tray icon. You can
also send your valuable feedback to the developers through this icon.
Avira Installation and Support:
The initial size
of the AV installer program is 5.2 Mb. It also offers to install the encrypted
Opera Web Browser and takes about 7 minutes to get installed completely.
It is not an
obligation for you to sign up an online Avira account but it is advised to do
so. Signing in helps you in keeping a track of all your devices you have
installed this software on.
The developers do
provide a lot of online support services from which the customers can contact
their team but there is no facility of phone or email to the executive team.