We count on antivirus software to protect our devices and personal data against cyber threats. But some of those software may collect data about you while it protects you.
That is the concern that is fueled by AV comparisons in a 2023 report, an independent test laboratory that evaluated how 20 of the most popular antivirus programs handle user data. The study has looked at what data these products collect, how much control users have and whether that data is shared with third parties. It has also considered how the data policy of simple companies can be understood and how transparent they are about this policy.
The collection meals? Antivirus aids do their work, but many collect more data than most people realize. This is what you need to know.
Read more: Best antivirus software for maximum protection in 2025
What data does my antivirus software collect?
Antivirus software needs to know some things about your system to keep it safe. But in many cases it collects more information than it needs.
The AV comparison report showed that most antivirus programs collect a mix of system information, network data, user data and file-related information. This includes basic principles such as your operating system version, how much RAM you have, your CPU type and even the name of your computer. Some go further, collect BIOS info, a list of installed apps or details about the execution of processes.
They also withdraw network data, such as your local and external IP addresses, DNS server and network name. This helps them to see potential threats, but it also gives them a clear picture of where and how you connect.
User data starts to feel things more personal. About half of the products in the study send your Windows user name to the company. Depending on your setup, that can be your full name. Time zone, language and general location -Info are also collected. And if your antivirus contains web protection, this can follow every URL you visit, the previous URL where you come from and the IP address of the site.
Then there are the stuff on your computer. Antivirus software often uploads file names, locations and hashes when scanning something suspicious. But in some cases it also sends entire files – including harmless such as documents – without first asking.
That can be a problem.
Does my antivirus software share my data with others?
Let’s say that your antivirus software has collected your data for legitimate reasons. What it does with that data is important.
According to the AV comparison report, some antivirus companies are quite responsible when it comes to how they handle your data. Others, not so much.
F -Secure, G Data and K7 were among the best artists when it comes to data collection and expression practices. However, Norton, Panda and McAfee scored badly for how they share user data.
AV-Comperationes
Now, to be honest, not all data exchange is bad. Part of it helps to improve malware detection. Many antivirus programs, for example, send suspicious files or file shaes to services such as Virustotal, where various security companies work together to identify threats. That kind of cooperation is logical and helps everyone keep it safer.
But not every company pulls the line in the right place. AVG, which was later taken over by Avast, collected users’ browsing history and sold it to advertisers from third parties. In June 2024, the FTC forbade the Avast from the Sales or License of User Websembrows and fines this $ 16.5 million. Not exactly the type of behavior you want from software that your privacy should monitor.
Some antivirus aids are clearer than others about what is happening behind the scenes. If privacy is important to you, it is worth digging in these details before you reach the installation.
How can I prevent my antivirus software from collecting and sharing my data?
In a perfect world, antivirus software would only collect and share data that were absolutely necessary. Because that is not the world in which we live, you must be proactive in protecting yourself. Here is how.
Go to your settings
Most antivirus programs have tucked out options in their menus with which you can unsubscribe from things like:
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Upload suspicious files
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Logging the websites you visit
These functions are often switched on as standard, so it is worth giving around for a few minutes and to switch off everything that you do not want to run in the background. If you are not sure what is being shared at the moment, you can always first disable the antivirus first and view the options later.
Vertis when installing
Many people fly through the software setup process without realizing that they agree to send all kinds of data. Search for all check boxes with regard to product improvement or data exchange and switch it off if you prefer not to participate.
Avoid free antivirus software
Free antivirus aids can be tempting, but they have to make money somehow. That sometimes means collecting and selling user data. If you care about privacy, it is usually safer to deal with a paid version of a seller who is more in advance about how your info deals with.
Choose a privacy-conscious seller
In the AV comparison report, F-Secure, ESET and G-data all scored well for how they handle and share data. Avoid the software that was not doing so well.
Read the privacy policy actually
Yes, we know. It is not the best to read, but the privacy policy and the license agreement for end users will usually tell you what kind of data is collected and what the company does with it. Some suppliers even have simplified versions or frequently asked questions that make things easier to understand.
Here are a few that you can view:
Do I have to worry about installing antivirus software to install security reasons?
It is fair to worry about how much data antivirus software collects, but that does not mean that you have to throw it away completely.
Antivirus is still one of the most important tools that you can have to protect yourself against malware, phishing attacks and all the other mess around online. Yes, some programs grab more data than they probably need, but most use it to improve security, not to spy on you.
The key is choosing antivirus software that is in advance about what it collects and you give some control over it. Many great options offer solid protection without going overboard when collecting data.
So yes, it is smart to be careful, but without going to go antivirus software, makes you much more exposed than the use of a good rating who respects your privacy.
