Avast is an antivirus program based in Prague, Czech Republic.
As part of the Gen Digital cybersecurity group (alongside Norton, AVG, and Avira), it has been offering antivirus protection for several years and is highly regarded by beginners for its user-friendly interface.
In this version, Avast has been further improved with a few tweaks, particularly to the interface.
Let’s see how Avast performs.
Interface :
In this 2026 release, Avast has revamped its interface with a new look. I like it—it looks more professional.
There are still a few prompts to upgrade to the paid version (especially during AutoScan), but we’ll let that slide: Avast offers a free version, and you can disable the “nagging.”
I also like Avast’s explanatory and educational approach, where it uses a pop-up to explain the different menus: what each one does, the shields, etc., without confusing the user.
Web protection: 9/10
Avast blocks all links except one, which is a Rozena/CobaltStrike Trojan. It won't run and will display an error message.
Fake crack : N/A
The sample is too old and the site that distributed it was down.
Skipped.
Malware Pack : 25 out of 101 threats remain
Although Avast has a good antimalware scanner and its IDS can catch some infections, it unfortunately falls short.
During the test, Avast had some bad luck with a few scripts and allowed a system process to become infected by a RAT without issuing an alert.
Even though it managed to stop a few launches, block payloads, and prevent various connections, the machine became infected fairly quickly.
Even during the cleanup, Avast displayed a detection of a blocked IP address belonging to a botnet, understand that the PC is being controlled by a cybercriminal through a botnet (hence the term "botnet").
Its firewall never reacted, even though it was enabled.
Too bad—Avast is falling behind when it comes to unknown malware!
Final scan :
Avast : 1 - IP blocked => Botnet
NPE : 5
KVRT : 10 - Memory infected
Final opinion:
Overall, Avast remains a reliable antivirus with solid protection features.
However, if it’s pushed to its limits, its proactive defenses fall short and won’t be able to protect you effectively.
If you browse the web cautiously or securely, Avast is a good choice.
But if you engage in risky browsing, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
As part of the Gen Digital cybersecurity group (alongside Norton, AVG, and Avira), it has been offering antivirus protection for several years and is highly regarded by beginners for its user-friendly interface.
In this version, Avast has been further improved with a few tweaks, particularly to the interface.
Let’s see how Avast performs.
Interface :
In this 2026 release, Avast has revamped its interface with a new look. I like it—it looks more professional.
There are still a few prompts to upgrade to the paid version (especially during AutoScan), but we’ll let that slide: Avast offers a free version, and you can disable the “nagging.”
I also like Avast’s explanatory and educational approach, where it uses a pop-up to explain the different menus: what each one does, the shields, etc., without confusing the user.
Web protection: 9/10
Avast blocks all links except one, which is a Rozena/CobaltStrike Trojan. It won't run and will display an error message.
Fake crack : N/A
The sample is too old and the site that distributed it was down.
Skipped.
Malware Pack : 25 out of 101 threats remain
Although Avast has a good antimalware scanner and its IDS can catch some infections, it unfortunately falls short.
During the test, Avast had some bad luck with a few scripts and allowed a system process to become infected by a RAT without issuing an alert.
Even though it managed to stop a few launches, block payloads, and prevent various connections, the machine became infected fairly quickly.
Even during the cleanup, Avast displayed a detection of a blocked IP address belonging to a botnet, understand that the PC is being controlled by a cybercriminal through a botnet (hence the term "botnet").
Its firewall never reacted, even though it was enabled.
Too bad—Avast is falling behind when it comes to unknown malware!
Final scan :
Avast : 1 - IP blocked => Botnet
NPE : 5
KVRT : 10 - Memory infected
Final opinion:
Overall, Avast remains a reliable antivirus with solid protection features.
However, if it’s pushed to its limits, its proactive defenses fall short and won’t be able to protect you effectively.
If you browse the web cautiously or securely, Avast is a good choice.
But if you engage in risky browsing, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
And as always, another wonderful review 
).
