Avira Antivirus now installs spyware without your consent. Now resolved.

[uberman]

Avira Antivirus now installs spyware without your consent. I installed Avira antivirus free version. Immediately, my browsing habits were evaluated for each and every webpage visited.

I called Avira tech support where I was assured that “Avira Browser Safety” is not spyware. I was advised that it is “free.” It is installed for “free” with Avira Antivirus and cannot be uninstalled. It does track and record your browsing habits and makes recommendations based on them. It is installed for free without your knowledge. It cannot be uninstalled without uninstalling the antivirus program. It sounds malicious to me.

What antivirus are you guys using now? How about recommendations please, they are changing all the time.

 

[Lorthreth]

When I installed Avira last week, it didn't do it without asking.

I specifically got prompts to install the Browser Safety extension into Chrome.
And it's just an extension, just right click it to remove.

And at least according to AV test Avira is one of the best, even thinking of buying the Pro version soon.

 

[Berryracer]

One of the best and lightest AVs I used is Panda AV Cloud, check their rating on the latest AV Comparative results, superb:

AV-Comparatives - Real World Tests

Also, before installing any free AV, make sure to read this:

Emsisoft - Dangerous Free AVs

 

[Ketchup]

Windows 7 through 10 and most browsers/websites track what you do (some require optional updates) so one more probably isn't going to make a difference. But I do understand where you are coming from.

Microsoft Security Essentials only sends data if you tell it to. Other software may not, just remember that data can be sent behind your back, and you would be none the wiser. Avira is just being blatant about it.

If you have safe browsing habits, MSE is fine. If you don't, Kaspersky is probably the most consistent av with a good ranking/reputation.

 

[balloonshark]

I've been using Emsisoft Anti-Malware paid for about 1 1/2 years and I'm pretty satisfied. It also has an behavior blocker and is pretty good about privacy.

 

[uberman]

When I installed Avira last week, it didn't do it without asking.

I specifically got prompts to install the Browser Safety extension into Chrome.
And it's just an extension, just right click it to remove.

And at least according to AV test Avira is one of the best, even thinking of buying the Pro version soon.

Thank you Lorthreth. I read what you wrote and pondered it. I’ve two new Thinkpads (X201) that I was just setting up after a clean Win 7 install. I had to get some anti-virus on them for service. I was ticked off because I didn’t like 2 failed Avira installs on a nice clean Windows.

I know how software is so screwed up today. To avoid problems I always try to go to the authors site for less bundled and manipulated software. Two Google searches took me to the same download page for Avira. It was there that I simply downloaded and installed Avira Antivirus that was preset to install the browser spy ware scheme. I did not offer a chance to remove the spy ware. Hearing your info., I went back and went to Avira a different way with different selections and styles for installing. It was there that I was able to have Avira simply install the anti-virus, without the spy program. I got the two Thinkpads finished.

Its now resolved. Thank you.

Thanks to the other folks for Antivirus suggestions.

 

[OrionMaster]

Folks that want to cheap out on a license are getting what they deserve. Nothing is free in this world, as some people say with some companies "you are the product"

 

[uberman]

Folks that want to cheap out on a license are getting what they deserve. Nothing is free in this world, as some people say with some companies "you are the product"

Thank you for your input. I have more than 10 machines for which I'm the sole operator. Of course you would buy 10 licenses. You are the wise one.

 

[mikeymikec]

Folks that want to cheap out on a license are getting what they deserve.

Hum.

Norton Safe Search
McAfee SiteAdvisor / (and whatever its safe search is called)
AVG Safe Search
as well as their search providers... the list probably goes on.

All using obviously flawed methods if evaluated for how effective they are for protecting users from dodgy websites, however they're quite effective at taking a peek at your searches.

AVG also tries to pitch snake oil "tune up" products after the user has bought one of their security products, Norton in the UK costs more if you resubscribe online rather than buy a CD from a shop.

Who's "getting what they deserve" in these scenarios?

 

[Mem]

One of the best and lightest AVs I used is Panda AV Cloud, check their rating on the latest AV Comparative results, superb:

AV-Comparatives - Real World Tests

Also, before installing any free AV, make sure to read this:

Emsisoft - Dangerous Free AVs

My new favourite is Bitdefender Free version,no popups/adware and very light.