New Update Re-visit to AVG in 2025

[Khushal]

Meanwhile some engines out there are pulling an Ana de Armas — still gorgeous, but actually dangerous under the hood.

 

[nickstar1]

I hope they make a new Internet Security GUI soon they did a good job on the new VPN one.

 

[nickstar1]

One of the most unique features of AVG is its Browser Defense capability. This feature helps protect your sensitive information by blocking attacks that attempt to access your saved passwords or browser cookie data. It is especially effective at stopping data-stealing threats. Once an app tries to access the data you will be alerted that the suspicious app is trying to access data and to block it.

 

[Parkinsond]

One of the most unique features of AVG is its Browser Defense capability. This feature helps protect your sensitive information by blocking attacks that attempt to access your saved passwords or browser cookie data. It is especially effective at stopping data-stealing threats. Once an app tries to access the data you will be alerted that the suspicious app is trying to access data and to block it.

Can stop any infostealer, even if not in its signatures or detected by its behavioral blocker?

This feature, if working properly, is a game changer; it's unique to Avast/AVG.

We need a video demo of how it works.

 

[nickstar1]

Can stop any infostealer, even if not in its signatures or detected by its behavioral blocker?

This feature, if working properly, is a game changer; it's unique to Avast/AVG.

We need a video demo of how it works.

I ran a Data Stealer sample today. AVG detected it as a browser intrusion and blocked the attack. The sample was not present in the virus definitions, but the detection still occurred when Browser Defense was triggered. At the same time, the IDP (Intrusion Detection/Protection) module was also activated and successfully detected and removed the malware.

This was my observation during the test. Yes we need more tests of this protection but in my experience its very good.

 

[Parkinsond]

Browser Defense was triggered. At the same time, the IDP (Intrusion Detection/Protection) module was also activated and successfully detected and removed the malware

That is the catch; to evaluate the "Browser Defense" module, IDP should be disabled before testing; if not, it is the behavioral analysis which has detected the infostealer, not the Browser Defense, like K and B.

 

[nickstar1]

That is the catch; to evaluate the "Browser Defense" module, IDP should be disabled before testing; if not, it is the behavioral analysis which has detected the infostealer, not the Browser Defense, like K and B.

My assessment was correct. The Browser Defense triggered first, and then the IDP module activated. The suspicious behavior from the data stealer initially set off the Browser Defense, and that same behavior also triggered AVG’s IDP module afterward. The browser defense blocked the attack first not IDP.

 

[Parkinsond]

The suspicious behavior from the data stealer initially set off the Browser Defense, and that same behavior also triggered AVG’s IDP module afterward.

So if the infostealer behavior provokes IDP anyway, what Browser Defense can do, IDP cannot?

 

[SeriousHoax]

That is the catch; to evaluate the "Browser Defense" module, IDP should be disabled before testing; if not, it is the behavioral analysis which has detected the infostealer, not the Browser Defense, like K and B.

I cannot even copy any cookie, history and other similar files from my browser's profile to another folder without triggering this "Browser Defense" feature. So in theory, it should be able to prevent any process from accessing those files except the browser exe. I don't know if there are stealers that abuses the browser process itself to access and steal those files. If there is then that would be interesting

 

[nickstar1]

I cannot even copy any cookie, history and other similar files from my browser's profile to another folder without triggering this "Browser Defense" feature. So in theory, it should be able to prevent any process from accessing those files except the browser exe. I don't know if there are stealers that abuses the browser process itself to access and steal those files. If there is then that would be interesting

Yes, it is very strict and difficult to bypass, which is a good thing. Why would anyone want an app to have that level of access to their personal data?

 

[Parkinsond]

So in theory, it should be able to prevent any process from accessing those files except the browser exe

Could a malicious code be injected in browser.exe to bypass Browser Guard in theory?

 

[SeriousHoax]

Yes, it is very strict and difficult to bypass, which is a good thing. Why would anyone want an app to have that level of access to their personal data?

I like this strict approach.

Could a malicious code be injected in browser.exe to bypass Browser Guard in theory?

Maybe. I don't know. But that would probably fall under a browser vulnerability so should be rare if my assumption is correct.

 

[Parkinsond]

I like this strict approach.

Maybe. I don't know. But that would probably fall under a browser vulnerability so should be rare if my assumption is correct.

Browser Guard is really a nice feature; needs more marketing.

 

[nickstar1]

AVG VPN speed! speed is usually 600mbps so not that much of a drop impressive!

 

[Sorrento]

If I wasn't using the latest Nord with a two year sub as I really like it & its added security features I would give AVG a good try, with all the good input on this thread its a good choice for the other friends & relatives PC's i care for i must say.

 

[franz]

I am now running AVG on my main computer and Norton on my wife's computer. Great mix.

 

[razorfancy]

@nickstar1 According to AVG Beta build 26.3.10822, the user interface is gonna get some tweaks:

What is New

User Interface

• Improved product interface: Several updates improve layout consistency, button placement, and screen readability across the application.
• Clearer dialogs and messages: Updated dialogs and notifications make actions and results easier to understand.
• Better onboarding screens: Improvements to setup and welcome screens help new users get started more easily.

Updates

• Improved update experience: Updates to the update system make checking for and installing updates more reliable.

Languages & Translations

• Updated translations: Multiple languages received updated and improved translations for better clarity and consistency.

General Improvements

• Product experience improvements: Various enhancements across the application improve usability, reliability, and overall performance.

Full release notes here:

New beta version – build 26.3.10822

Hello everyone, there is a new beta version ready - build 26.3.10822. ▶ Release notes Download links: AVG AntiVirus Free AVG Internet Security AVG Clear Enjoy this beta! We are looking forward to your feedback. AVG Team

community.avast.com

 

[nickstar1]

@nickstar1 According to AVG Beta build 26.3.10822, the user interface is gonna get some tweaks:

What is New

User Interface

• Improved product interface: Several updates improve layout consistency, button placement, and screen readability across the application.
• Clearer dialogs and messages: Updated dialogs and notifications make actions and results easier to understand.
• Better onboarding screens: Improvements to setup and welcome screens help new users get started more easily.

Updates

• Improved update experience: Updates to the update system make checking for and installing updates more reliable.

Languages & Translations

• Updated translations: Multiple languages received updated and improved translations for better clarity and consistency.

General Improvements

• Product experience improvements: Various enhancements across the application improve usability, reliability, and overall performance.

Full release notes here:

New beta version – build 26.3.10822

Hello everyone, there is a new beta version ready - build 26.3.10822. ▶ Release notes Download links: AVG AntiVirus Free AVG Internet Security AVG Clear Enjoy this beta! We are looking forward to your feedback. AVG Team

community.avast.com

OMG thank you so much for sharing this I'm going to download it now to see what's changed. Many thanks keeping on top of things!

 

[nickstar1]

Yup some things have changed ill post screenshots but it's not a significant change.

 

[nickstar1]

So this is still a BETA anything can change but this is the new scanning progress bar they haven't really made any new changes. The fonts on the alerts are slightly different that's about it.