Introduction

Avast Secure Browser (previously Avast SafeZone) is a Chromium based web browser developed by Avast. Initially, Avast Secure Browser was available alongside Avast's paid versions of Avast Antivirus. However, as of March 2016, Avast started to include the browser with the free version of its anti virus software. This particular browser focuses heavily around the matter of Internet security and privacy, including features such as:

  • Ad Block: A content filter that comes with the EasyList and Adblock Plus Acceptable Ads Program subscriptions.
  • Bank Mode: A browsing mode that is designed to protect the user against "a potentially hijacked host or network, and also prevents key-loggers and network-based eavesdropping from capturing any [data]." Bank Mode automatically activates when it detects that the user has reached a banking website or a payment page, although it can be manually invoked. It runs from an alternate desktop that is isolated from other processes that cannot be called within Bank Mode.
  • Passwords: A password manager and form auto-filler. It also suggests allegedly secure passwords on sign up forms. Passwords allows the user to sync passwords across browsers, desktop and mobile via the Avast Passwords add-ons and apps that are synced to the user's Avast Account.
  • Video Downloader: A plug-in that offers to download videos being watched by the user on selected websites. It allows the user to choose video quality and, in some cases, to download the soundtrack of the video as an audio file.
  • Anti-tracking and anti-fingerprinting: The software prevents the collection of information about the user's computer or browsing history that could be used to build a profile of the user.
  • Anti-Phishing: A module analyses internet traffic for phishing attempts before malicious software is executed.
  • Avast Secure Browser also blocks the user from accessing known malicious web pages and extensions. All of the software's features are controlled from a central user interface called the "Security & Privacy Centre".