17th Jun 2020 10:05
(Alliance News) - Avast PLC on Wednesday announced the launch of a new internet privacy product, saving users from having personal data on "unwanted third-party databases".
The cybersecurity firm said during 2019, there 1,473 data breaches in the US alone, exposing about 164.7 million sensitive records.
The Avast BreachGuard product, the company said, "is designed to give people control over their personal data".
Prague-based Avast added: "Avast BreachGuard detects and notifies users of data breaches affecting their credentials, assists in the removal of personal information from unwanted third party databases, and analyses online accounts for privacy vulnerabilities.
"63% of people Avast surveyed said they believe their information can be found on the dark web. Everyone who uses the internet risks their personal information being compromised as cybercriminals increasingly target large companies which store their customers' confidential data."
The product monitors potential breaches, allows users to reclaim personal information, has options to change privacy settings and also has a privacy score, which is a dashboard akin to a credit score.
The launch of the product comes just months after Avast was in the cross hairs of privacy allegations. It eventually ended its provision of data to subsidiary Jumpshot, after allegations in January that the analytics unit harvested and sold personal data.
Avast had a 65% stake in Jumpshot, which has now ceased operating. Avast itself had not "sold any personally identifiable information to a third party", it said at the time.
Also on Wednesday, Avast said it added Nick Viney, a cybersecurity expert, to its team.
Viney joins as general manger for Telco, Avast's internet of things and family business unit.
He joins from Cyber 1, a cybersecurity firm where he was chief executive officer, and Avast explained he has also held roles with McAfee LLC.
Avast was trading 1.0% higher at 495.20 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.
By Eric Cunha; [email protected]
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