Avast quietly removing FireFox addons (including NoScript)

[MWink]

Today I noticed that NoScript had mysteriously disappeared from FireFox. After thinking about it, I realized the only notable thing I've done recently is update Avast Antivirus. I did some searching and apparently I'm not alone. It seems that Avast has taken it upon itself to remove various FireFox addons, without asking or even notifying the user. I'm not even sure what component of Avast did this, as I have most of its extraneous features disabled.

I think this is utterly disgusting. I was already debating switching to another AV program but this definitely seals the deal. It seems to me that some of these AV programs are becoming almost virus-like themselves. I just wanted to warn other Avast users to keep an eye out.

 

[mikeymikec]

When I install Avast, I just install the 'file system shield' and that's it (rather than disabling things afterwards and hoping they'll stay that way).

Googling for 'avast noscript' doesn't get any hits for me though, I wonder whether something odd/coincidental occurred. I can't venture anything in the way of experience for your problem since I don't use Avast or NoScript any more.

 

[MustISO]

I saw this briefly happen the other day but when I closed FF and opened it back up the add-on was back.

 

[MWink]

When I install Avast, I just install the 'file system shield' and that's it (rather than disabling things afterwards and hoping they'll stay that way).

Googling for 'avast noscript' doesn't get any hits for me though, I wonder whether something odd/coincidental occurred. I can't venture anything in the way of experience for your problem since I don't use Avast or NoScript any more.

I've often debated how much I should let it install but I usually just let it install most of what it wants and then disable it later. Your method is probably better.

Link: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=160289.0

 

[John Connor]

I have tried damn near all anti-virus software and Avast has always given me problems and slowing down my computer and Internet connection. I have liked Bitdefender Free. Cloud based, no pop ups and light weight. Just create an account. I do use a configured sandbox for browsing though from Sandboxie. Virus programs are old hat anymore, but you should still have a good scanner on your computer to scan downloads. Autoplay should be off too. I use GPedit.msc to do that.