Category Archives: AVG

AVG

AVG

AVG Business kicks off Cybersecurity Month with free upgrade to 2016 Business Software Suite

AMSTERDAM – September 30, 2015 – AVG® Technologies N.V. (NYSE: AVG), the online security company™ for more than 200 million monthly active users, today announced the release of its 2016 Business Edition software suite with new versions of its AVG AntiVirus Business Edition and AVG Internet Security Business Edition products. The 2016 suite, central to the company’s expanded security strategy for business, provides enterprise scale security to channel partners and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the frontline defense against malware and online threats.

Available worldwide, the products include a free remote management console to provide businesses easy and efficient remote access to all systems on a network. Technical support is also included at no cost.

“Today’s release of our core AntiVirus and Internet Security products for business delivers new and advanced cybersecurity protections and we are excited to get these into the hands of our channel and small to medium businesses across the globe,” said Joanna Brace, VP of Marketing and Product Marketing, AVG Business. “Online security is our core expertise and it is a fundamental requirement for business growth and success in today’s connected world. With the release of these critical security solutions, we are once again demonstrating our online security leadership and commitment to our customers.”

Today’s news is timed with two industry initiatives European Cyber Security Month and National Cyber Security Awareness Month, underscoring AVG’s leadership in online security and its strong commitment to protecting devices, data and people at work and at home. In support of these initiatives, channel partners will receive free upgrades to the 2016 Business Edition with renewals of existing licenses. AVG Business is also hosting security webinars for SMBs and providing comprehensive reseller kits for partners.

Features of the new 2016 Business Edition upgrade include:

  • New Scanning Engine: Scans faster and smarter with cloud-based detection technology
    The 2016 scanning engine implements AVG’s most advanced algorithms, providing better protection and shorter scanning times. It is also driven by new cloud-based detection technologies that leverage the majority of AVG’s 200 million endpoints to rapidly recognize new and emerging threats and deliver virus updates in as close to real-time as possible.
  • New Real-Time Outbreak Detection: Uses crowd intelligence technology for better protection
    Crowd intelligence technology has been added to AVG’s cloud-based outbreak detection to identify even the newest malware variants and outbreaks in software, all in real-time.
  • New Artificial Intelligence Detection: Uses advanced intelligence to identify threats
    Advanced artificial intelligence has been added to proactively identify new threats in real-time before our AVG VirusLab team has catalogued the threats.
  • Online Shield: Uses the Cloud to guard against today’s threats
    The 2016 Online Shield delivers today’s best cloud-based detection to more quickly identify dangerous downloads.
  • Data Safe: Protects your company’s most valuable data
    Data Safe lets businesses create password-protected virtual disks on their system, ensuring they can confidently encrypt and protect folders, files and data securely.
  • File Shredder: Deletes data securely
    Industry-compliant File Shredder securely deletes data to help prevent unintended recovery.

The AVG AntiVirus Business Edition and AVG Internet Security Business Edition are available now.

Channel partners can work directly with their account managers and also download our comprehensive reseller kits at our Reseller Center: https://secure.avg.com/rc-login. SMBs can purchase from the AVG.com web site: http://www.avg.com/business-security.


The AVG Business Portfolio

The AVG Business portfolio includes AVG Business CloudCare™, a free cloud-based administration platform offering channel partners a simple way to implement and manage services such as antivirus, content filtering, online backup and email security services for their customers, using centralized and highly customizable policies; the 2016 AVG Business Edition, a suite of software solutions that includes AVG AntiVirus Business Edition and AVG Internet Security Business Edition and offers comprehensive security protection for channel partners and SMBs;  AVG Business Managed Workplace, a comprehensive remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform with integrated premium remote control for channel partners and their clients; and AVG Business Secure Sign-On, a next-generation mobile device management service.

Supported by a worldwide network of more than 10,000 partners, AVG’s strong IT security heritage complements its proven strength as an RMM provider and partner to help smaller IT companies and MSPs transition and flourish as fully-fledged managed services businesses.

To view our Press Kit, which includes product screenshots, video and other elements of this news, please visit http://now.avg.com/avg-2016-business-edition-press-kit.


About AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG)

AVG is the online security company providing leading software and services to secure devices, data and people. AVG’s award-winning technology is delivered to over 200 million monthly active users worldwide. AVG’s Consumer portfolio includes internet security, performance optimization, and personal privacy and identity protection for mobile devices and desktops. The AVG Business portfolio – delivered by managed service providers, VARs and resellers – offers IT administration, control and reporting, integrated security, and mobile device management that simplify and protect businesses.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

www.avg.com


Contacts:

Zoe Kine
Tel: +1 415-694-3654
Email: [email protected]

Zena Martin
Tel: +44 7496 638 342
Email: [email protected]

 

Press information: http://now.avg.com

AVG

Cybersecurity matters

It’s unusual now to watch a newscast or read a paper and not come across a report or story of some computer security breach, theft or data or malicious program that’s wreaked havoc with a company’s, or the government’s, systems. On September 20th, the New York Times reported that Apple too is the target of malicious software in its App Store.

Tomorrow marks the start of National Cyber Security Awareness Month in the U.S. and the European Cyber Security Month. While there’s no way to insure that your business computers, devices and networks are 100% free from attack, there are a number of simple steps that businesses – even those without dedicated IT resources – can and should take to protect their business, customers and employees.

Perhaps the most important first step is to recognize that every business – even small and medium businesses – are potential targets. Hackers and distributors of malware are simply looking for any opportunity to steal information, accounts, passwords and identities. The less security they encounter, the easier their task. According to Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) of the Congressional Small Business Committee, “…71 percent of cyber-attacks occur at businesses with fewer than 100 employees.”

So how best can a business protect itself, particularly when it has no dedicated IT department or specific technical expertise? By deciding to implement a few easy precautions, to at least make it more difficult for hackers and others. And while our focus is business, these same suggestions work at home too and can help protect families.

  • Awareness and training – Employees should be made aware that there could be attacks and trained to recognize some of the signs of an attack or harmful email or phishing scam. Make sure that processes are in place to address requests for credit card numbers, payment information or personal data and that employees know what to do if those requests are received.
  • Password protection – Passwords are the keys to the kingdom and too often, good password policies aren’t in place or aren’t followed. Passwords should be unique, complex not obvious, and should be changed regularly. There are tools that can help manage passwords to reduce the burden.
  • Backup your data – It’s not difficult and it’s not expensive. A little discipline across all your systems will help a business recover from an attack or a catastrophic event.
  • Implement malware, spyware and firewall software solutions – This is like locking the door of a business at night. So many potential attacks can be stopped before they ever have an opportunity to steal or damage a business. Firewall, antivirus and malware software watches for possible attacks and threats and is exceptionally easy to install and manage.

Though cybersecurity month starts tomorrow, today marks the introduction of the 2016 update of the AVG Business AntiVirus and Internet Security software suite. Faster and less intrusive than ever before, these programs are that starting point for good business security.

Now is the right time to evaluate or review businesses security policies and to implement protection practices and tools if they aren’t already in place. It’s not hard to get started. The 2016 AntiVirus or Internet Security Business Editions are available at http://www.avg.com/business-security. In addition, AVG Business Partners have access to a range of resources to help establish better security and protection for clients.

Good business security doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating, with the right software and by following some simple steps, all businesses can enjoy a little peace of mind.

 

AVG

AVG Performance PRO package is out!

Do you think that slow-downs, crashes, and poor battery life only affect ageing Windows XP (or Vista) PCs or last-generation smartphones? Think again. Even the latest operating systems, such as Windows 10 and Android 6 (Marshmallow) still haven’t found a cure for performance, bottlenecks, storage hogs, and battery drainers.

Whether you’re running an older PC, smartphone or the sleekest, latest hardware, it’s crucial to keep it running at top performance from day one.

AVG Performance comes bundled with 3 products to help keep all of your Windows computers, tablets, Mac computers, and Android phones/tablets clean and fast. The AVG Zen platform is built into each product, so you can optimize all your devices from one place.

An overview of what’s new:

  • AVG PC TuneUp (Version 16.2): comes with a completely new interface, better cleaning and Windows 10 support. It’s available as a standalone application if you just want the PC version
  • AVG Cleaner for Android: has a new App Manager and a fresh design. Available on the Google Play store
  • AVG Cleaner for Mac (Version 14): has a fresh design and new iPhoto & video cache cleaning. Available from the Mac OS X store.

AVG’s products and suites will now be auto-updated on a continual basis, so if you purchase AVG Performance you will no longer need to worry about keeping your products up to date.

Let’s get to into the detail of what’s new:

 

NEW AVG PC TuneUp (version 16.2)

AVG PC TuneUp

Remember how quickly your PC ran when you first got it? The latest version of AVG PC TuneUp helps you keep your computer at peak performance even more so than before:

  • NEW Tuning Dashboard: Gives you faster access to all tuning features so you can easily see performance potential.
  • ENHANCED PC cleaning: Now cleans up hidden and leftover files from even more Steam games, your Download folder and other applications like VMware.
  • NEW Support for Windows 10

So you may ask: PC tuning? Why would I need that on my new machine? Well, whether you’ve got a 2008-era desktop PC or a shiny new ultrabook, AVG PC TuneUp can do something for you. In our internal tests, we looked at how we could improve performance on both new and old machines, here are some of the results*:

PC TuneUp results

 

AVG Cleaner for Android 

AVG Cleaner for Android

AVG Cleaner for Android helps you clean up your Android phone or tablet more easily, and can help keep tabs on performance-draining apps better than ever before, thanks to:

NEW App Manager: The new ‘App Manager’ feature gives you an immediate overview of renegade apps from a single screen and helps you get rid of them:

  • Running Apps: Shows running apps and how much RAM they’re consuming.
  • Unused Apps: Identifies apps that the you haven’t used in a long time.
  • Data Usage, Battery Usage and Storage: Helps you spot the largest apps and the ones with the most battery and mobile traffic drain.

Curious to try it out for yourself? Download it from the Google Play store for free – if you like what you see – upgrade to the PRO version and benefit from improved battery life enhancements, too.

 

AVG Cleaner for Mac (version 14)

AVG Cleaner for Mac

AVG Cleaner for Mac scans for hidden data trash and unwanted duplicate files that gather on Mac computers through everyday use, helping to free up disk space for more of your precious photos, music, and other files.

We’ve added lots of new features for all you Mac fans out there:

  • FRESH Design: The new Cleaner for Mac app sports a new user interface.
  • NEW iPhoto Cache & video cache: iPhoto creates its own “cache” folders which help speed up the viewing of photos, but also take up more space over time. With help from user feedback we’ve now implemented a means to remove iPhoto caches effectively for deleted photos.

You can try our Performance package as a 30-day trial from www.avg.com/performance.

Over the course of the next few weeks, we’ll show you how these products work in greater detail including some step-by-step guides. Stay tuned.

 * The results from our internal test lab are indicative only. Your results may vary.

AVG

Apple finds apps infected with malicious code – XcodeGhost

You’ve probably heard the news: Potentially millions of Apple iPhone and iPad users may be at risk after the first-ever major Apple hack — a breach made possible by fake developer tools used to create iOS apps that made their way onto the Apple App Store.

Developers in China sought to reduce software download times by downloading a copy of the Xcode developer tools hosted on a Chinese server instead of the official version available from Apple. Unknown to developers, this counterfeit version of Xcode automatically embedded some malware, called ‘XcodeGhost’, into their apps. According to Apple this may have led to a number of infected iOS apps leaking, “some general information such as the apps and general system information.”

Apple, which prides itself as one of the most secure OS platforms in the world, quickly responded and apparently removed over 300 pieces of malware-infected software from the App Store. It also simultaneously began working with developers to make sure they were using the correct version of Xcode, and not the fake developer code used to create the infected apps.

The full list of affected apps has not yet been disclosed, but Apple has published a list of the most popular currently-known impacted apps.

Ironically, the Apple hack occurred just as Chinese leader President Xi Jinping was arriving in the U.S. to attend a summit with President Barack Obama to discuss concerns about China’s slowing economy and cooperation on cyber security; as well as meet with top tech firms including Apple.

If you feel you’re at risk of having downloaded any infected apps, here are some things you can do:

  • Check the Apple breach list for the known infected apps and delete any of the iOS apps noted above.
  • Be on the look out of prompts asking for your name, password or other information, such as your social security number or other sensitive information from a source you cannot verify.
  • Change your passwords, including your Apple account password.
  • Make sure your apps are up to date.

AVG

AVG launches its next generation consumer products

AMSTERDAM – September 30th, 2015 – AVG® Technologies N.V. (NYSE: AVG), the online security company™ for more than 200 million monthly active users, today announced the availability of its next generation consumer product releases for PC and mobile. AVG’s products and suites will now be auto-updated on a continual basis, so users will always have the latest features and capabilities and will no longer need to worry about keeping their products up to date.  This is AVG’s first step towards Security as a Service.

As well as including AVG’s latest protection and performance products for Windows, Android, iOS and Mac OSX devices, both suites feature AVG’s flagship AVG Zen® platform, which makes it easy for users to monitor and manage protection and performance across an unlimited number of their own devices, and those of family members, from a single dashboard on any PC or Android device.

AVG has coordinated these releases with two, industry initiatives: European Cyber Security Month and National Cyber Security Awareness Month, to underscore its leadership in online security and its strong commitment to protecting devices, data and people, at home and at work.

“From the number of devices we own, to the types of apps we use, the digital world is now more intrinsically linked with our lives than ever before; and this dependency shows no sign of stopping,” said Andrew Reid, SVP, Products at AVG Technologies. “However, with the online landscape getting more complicated on a daily basis, we know that consumers and businesses cannot afford to be left unprepared. That is why we are constantly evolving our products – giving our customers peace of mind that their devices will always be protected and performing at their best, no matter how their device use changes.”

New features of the updated AVG Protection and AVG Performance suites include:

AVG Protection

Available in FREE or PRO versions, AVG Protection includes AVG’s leading AVG AntiVirus software for Windows, Android or Mac, and features the following updates:

AVG AntiVirus for Windows

  • Real-Time Cloud Detection: helps instantly spot new malware outbreaks using up-to-the-minute cloud-based crowd intelligence.
  • AI Detection: uses advanced artificial intelligence and crowd-sourced data to proactively identify new threats in real-time, before our AVG VirusLab team has catalogued the threats.
  • Improved Online Shield: in the PRO version includes cloud-based detection to identify dangerous downloads faster than ever.

AVG AntiVirus for Android

  • Better malware protection: Better protect your phone or tablet, thanks to new smart cloud scanning, shortened scan times, and improved detection.
  • Improved Anti-Theft: Improved algorithms make remote location faster on FREE and PRO.
  • More informative: To make scan results easier to understand, we’ve integrated with AVG VirusLab to provide more information about the threats we find.
  • Improved Battery Save mode: We’ve made it easier to improve your battery life by allowing you to turn on Battery Save mode from directly within the low-battery notifications in your phone’s notification panel.

AVG AntiVirus for Mac

  • New Quarantine: in AVG AntiVirus for Mac now lets users isolate infected files from the rest of their Mac devices, so they can decide how to handle them at a later time.

 

AVG Performance

Comprising AVG’s three tuneup products – AVG PC TuneUp, AVG Cleaner for Android and AVG Cleaner for Mac – the upgraded AVG Performance suite includes the following:

AVG PC Tune Up 

  • New Tuning Dashboard: giving users faster access to all tuning features and better visibility of potential performance issues.
  • Enhanced PC cleaning: now cleans up more games from Steam, the Download folder and additional applications such as VMware.
  • Enhanced Browser Cleaner: removes 60 types of browser traces from the latest browsers such as Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Firefox.

AVG Cleaner for Android

  • New App Manager: gives users an immediate overview of the most draining apps from a single screen and helps to get rid of them once and for all.

AVG Cleaner for Mac

  • New iPhoto Cache cleaning: to stop iPhoto ‘cache’ folders taking up space and preventing photo deletion over time.

AVG Protection and AVG Performance are available to download now* via the AVG website. PRO versions of both suites, which include features such as AVG Internet Security, are also available for 30-day trials, or to purchase as annual subscriptions for $59.99 (Protection) or $39.99 (Performance). * The upgraded products will be available in Brazil in Q4 2015

To view our Press Kit, which includes product screenshots, video content and further details on this news, please visit http://now.avg.com/avg-new-protection-performance-press-kit/

 

About AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG)

AVG is the online security company providing leading software and services to secure devices, data and people. AVG’s award-winning technology is delivered to over 200 million monthly active users worldwide. AVG’s Consumer portfolio includes internet security, performance optimization, and personal privacy and identity protection for mobile devices and desktops. The AVG Business portfolio – delivered by managed service providers, VARs and resellers – offers IT administration, control and reporting, integrated security, and mobile device management that simplify and protect businesses.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

www.avg.com

 

Contacts:

North America:
Deanna Contreras
Tel: +1 415 371 2001
Email: [email protected]

Rest of World:
Zena Martin
Tel: +44 7496 638 342
Email: [email protected]

Press information: http://now.avg.com

AVG

Self-driving cars – who is really in control?

Self-driving cars got a boost earlier this month from Toyota, which committed $50 million dollars to Stanford University and MIT for artificial intelligence and driverless car labs.

Unlike others in the race to put a driverless car on the road, Toyota has said its approach is not to build a fully autonomous car, but to provide “semi-autonomous assists” that will keep the driver in ultimate control.

At the Toyota announcement event, Re/Code reported that MIT’s Artificial Intelligence lab director Daniela Rus suggested artificial intelligence (AI) could, for example, enable a car to analyze your behaviour to assist in your driving and make it safer. She also described how AI features could make driving more pleasurable. For instance, if you were in a bad mood, it would begin playing your favorite music.

Meanwhile, a fascinating new book by the Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times senior science writer and long-time tech reporter John Markoff, called “Machines of Loving Grace”, offers an exploration of the future of what smart machines can do for us and what they can help us do. The book, which is subtitled “The Quest for Common Ground Between Humans and Robots,” is an excellent primer on the topic of AI and autonomous cars. The question central to Markoff’s exploration is: Will we control these smart machines, or will they control us?  (You can listen to an interview with Markoff on his book and the topic of AI and driverless cars that aired on National Public Radio).

Now is a good time to consider the question while driverless-car and other AI-driven technologies are still in early stages of development.

Most experts and insiders involved believe, for example, that it’s a five-year scenario before autonomous cars become a reality.  However, in the meantime, we will continue to see more aspects of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) impacting our daily lives, in and out of the car.

One example playing out right now is how major auto insurance companies are embracing and using the IoT to monitor vehicles and collect data on drivers’ habits and track their behaviour. This includes things like changes in speed, how often we drive, and the time of day we drive, etc.

In a new report, research by Business Intelligence estimates that there are 155 million cars on the road in the U.S. capable of being monitored today through On Board Diagnostic (OBD-II) dongles, or plugs, that sends analytics about the driver’s driving habits back to the insurance company. The purpose touted is that insurance firms can then offer clients potentially lower premiums based on the driving data and their ability to analyze and assess a clients’ risk levels. That’s certainly an incentive to drive well, but raises some concerns.

As Accenture analyst Mark Halverson points out in a recent article on the topic: “Big data is a boon for insurers, which use it for underwriting, pricing and more. For consumers, however, it’s more of a mixed blessing, as they sometimes fail to see the benefit of sacrificing privacy for convenience (to the extent they even know they are sacrificing privacy).”

If you are one of the hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. driving with OBD-II, do you know if your insurance company is monitoring your data?

Halverson argues that for the industry to provide a model of “purposeful” data collection and urges, “insurers should at the very least clearly state their purposes for collecting data, and ensure that the data will be handled securely.”

Ultimately, there are many questions to be answered about who will be in control of the drivers seat in the not too distant future.

AVG

Managed Workplace 9.2 makes big debut

As we shared last week, Managed Workplace 9.2 is now globally available to our channel partners and offers our slickest remote management and monitoring (RMM) solution to date. Now with premium remote control integrated directly into our RMM platform at no extra cost, we’re making it easier than ever for our MSP partners to provide remote IT management services to their business customers.

The new platform is also catching press attention and our AVG execs have been busy sharing the highlights with tech and channel media reporters at ChannelBuzz, Channel Insider, ChanelLine, CRN UK, CRN U.S., Lanline.de, and MSP Mentor.

More interviews are scheduled across our markets over the next few weeks. The response has already been overwhelmingly positive, with press coverage describing our updated platform as ‘game-changing’ and also touting the new premium remote control, backup disaster and recovery, and Mac support features.

As with Managed Workplace 9.1, the development process was driven in large part from the input of hundreds of our partners around the world. We want to ensure that our products meet their evolving needs and we are proud to say that our latest version of the platform does just that.

In developing 9.2 and integrating additional features, we continue to partner with the best in the industry. Partners such as ISL Online, a Slovenian company with more than 200,000 customers in more than 100 countries helped us integrate premium remote control seamlessly into our platform. Our Backup and Disaster Recovery partner Infrascale is also a proven leader, recently named a Gartner Cool Vendor as ‘innovative, impactful and intriguing.’

The value of strategic partnerships like these can clearly be seen in the reaction to the end product. Initial feedback from our channel partners has been fantastic. Many have said using the updated platform will be a ‘no brainer’ for them. Some of our partners have already previewed the updated platform, with Advanced Technology Services (USA) providing feedback that “it works great on both Macs and PCs, features a new user interface that instantly shows all activity, and also enables us to seamlessly view user sessions.”

We recognize that our channel partners need IT simplicity and efficiency. The updates we have made to Managed Workplace 9.2 show our ongoing commitment to putting partners first.

We are listening and appreciate your feedback.

AVG

From Beacons to Dash – a glimpse at the future of retail and IoT

According to a new research by Juniper Research, retailers will invest $2.5 billion on IoT within the next five years — four times the investment being made in 2015.

Some of the biggest retail IoT investments are being made in location-based beacon technology. Bluetooth-based beacon technology, like Estimote, transmits location information from beacons to smartphones and allows retailers, once you’ve opted in, to track your whereabouts and communicate real-time via their own app. The retailers can provide customers with personalizedm relevant ads and other useful information.

Forgot your shopping list? No worries, you’ll be reminded of products when you enter the store based on your previous purchases, or access shared shopping lists, and receive relevant special in-store coupons and deals.

Target is among the growing list of retailers testing the technology. It launched a test of beacons in 50 stores. One of the features integrated in Target’s app allows it to push timely recommendations and deals in proximity to a shopper’s location.

For a glimpse of how beacons are taking root at retail, Mobile Commerce Daily recently profiled a pilot program at Illinois-based Niemann Foods’ County Markets. The 44-store chain’s launch of in-store beacons provide shoppers with personalized digital offers, location-specific coupons and in-store maps to streamline the purchasing experience.

The results have been positive, including coupon redemption rates as high as 50 percent, compared to a printed ad coupon industry average of below 2 percent, reports Nathaniel Jones, the electronic marketing manager at Niemann’s.

According to the 2015 Store Operations Survey by Retail Touchpoints, nearly 46% of retailers either now have or plan to use beacons in their stores. For now, most of the beacon programs are being deployed in pilots on a small scale as retailers try to understand how the technology can foster customer engagement. So far, analysts report that the biggest barrier to adoption is getting consumers to turn on the Bluetooth capability on their phones.

Now, in new developments at the other end of the IoT retail spectrum away from the store and more conveniently located in your own home comes the new Amazon Dash Button. The eCommerce giant has begun offering the Wi-Fi-enabled Dash buttons for its Prime customers to install in their homes to make it possible to re-order online without even needing to login to Amazon. The inexpensive (US$4.99) small plastic Dash buttons are designed to be placed throughout the home to make it easy to re-order anything from coffee to soap — from where you use it most — with just a press of the button. No need to hassle with a shopping list, Dash is on the case!

On the downside, the Dash service is still in early stages and currently has limited product availability. However, it is earning the support of major brands from Maxwell House to Clorox. And, for the near-term, Dash does not provide immediate gratification; you still have to await a typical Amazon Prime shipment and delivery timeframe of overnight or later, depending on the product availability. (But that may change with Amazon’s planned deliveries by Drones sometime in the future!)

Also on the downside, think of the results if a button-pushing happy child or a teenager plays with Dash? What to do with twenty bags of dog food delivered at your door?

Looking even further ahead to where retail IoT is headed, Time Magazine asks in its review of Dash: “What happens when consumption becomes even less of a conscious process — when, say, our smart cupboards and refrigerators, empowered to monitor what we’re using, start making buying decisions autonomously?”

Indeed. There are definitely a few things to be worked out about the future of IoT and retail in our lives. Chief among them, we believe, are privacy and security safeguards. All the new retail and other IoT technologies and services hinge on data — your data. They are feeding customer data and behavior back to retailers and their vendors to be tracked, analyzed and recorded.

Both the beacon apps and Dash are opt-in services, and consumers must give their permission and have a choice to use them or not. But increasingly with IoT, consumers will face the question: Are you more concerned with privacy or convenience?

And the same question is of supreme importance to businesses in their adoption of IoT. Business owners, small or large, have to gauge these new IoT opportunities for the potential and risks involved…not to mention the potential for annoying customers.

The IoT may prove to be the biggest game-changer since the Internet itself, with wide-ranging implications to society. And like the Internet before it, all of those implications and protocols that will be needed, aren’t yet known. It’s a brave new world and we all need to get ready for it.

At AVG, our prime concern is with privacy and data security, and that’s why we are involved at the industry level to protect them.  For example, we support the OTA IoT Trust Guidelines Framework, which was issued this past month. To read the full Framework Goals you can visit the OTA site.

AVG

Understanding AVG’s new privacy policy

Our CEO, Gary Kovacs, announced at Mobile World Congress that AVG was developing a clear and simple version of its privacy policy for its users, and challenged the industry to do the same.

The new privacy policy does not come into effect until October 15th. We released the new privacy policy a month before it becomes effective to give our users time to provide any feedback they might have.

When creating our new policy format, we decided that our customers should have the ability to choose whether or not to participate in our anonymized data collection program.

We are currently adding this option to some of our FREE consumer products, and we can confirm that no sharing of data will happen until our customers are able to make this choice.

Most software products and websites collect usage data.

Usage data allows them to customize the experience for their customers and also share data with third parties that allow them to improve or develop new products.  Knowing that 10 million users like a certain TV program gives broadcasters the data to get producers to make more of that type of program.  This is also how taxi firms know how to distribute their fleets; and how advertisers know where to place banners and billboards, for example.  Even at AVG, we have published non-personal information that we have collected regarding App performance.

We do not, and will not, sell personally identifiable data to anyone, including advertisers. 

AVG has continually challenged the industry to simplify its privacy policies and provide an informative, one-page view. We are proud of our new privacy policy and intend to continue our drive for more transparency and greater user choice.