Avast Secureline VPN
Avast is a distinguished company in the cybersecurity industry. It's popular for its antivirus solutions, AVG, and Avast Premium Security. Avast also provides a VPN service called Avast Secureline VPN. This tool offers users a private and secure connection to the Internet by encrypting their sensitive information and concealing their IP addresses.
History of Avast Secureline VPN
Avast, headquartered in the Czech Republic, was formed to create a safer digital space. The discovery of the Vienna virus inspired Pavel Baudiš and Eduard Kučera, the founders, to create a solution to address such threats. This resulted in the development of their first antivirus program and Avast's establishment.
The company expanded its product line to incorporate a VPN service as online privacy concerns grew. Avast Secureline VPN was launched in 2014 to offer users strengthened security and privacy while browsing online. This responded to the growing demand for tools safeguarding personal data from government surveillance and cyber threats.
Features: What Does Avast Secureline VPN Offer?
Secureline is well-known for prioritizing simplicity and user-friendliness over customization. That means Avast Secureline VPN has all the necessary features you might want. [1] You can quickly connect to the provider and access the product's dashboard to view the server you're connected to and your virtual IP address.
Encryption & Security Protocols
A VPN's encryption is vital to achieving high-level security. A strong VPN uses robust encryption to shield your browsing history. Avast Secureline leverages one of the most robust VPN encryptions in the market, AES 256-bit encryption. [2] Since governments and banking sites use this encryption, Avast's VPN should protect you from cybercriminals.
The VPN protocol is also an essential element of your VPN's function. The protocol you choose, coupled with encryption, determines how fast and secure your connection will be. Secureline adopts various protocols for various operating systems. Mac and iOS users can access Secureline's proprietary protocol, IPsec, and Mimic. On the other hand, Android and Windows users can choose between WireGuard and OpenVPN.
Split Tunneling
Avast Secureline also allows you to access split tunneling. This feature lets you select what Internet activity the VPN should protect and what information it shouldn't. For example, you might be traveling overseas and want to watch Amazon, but your work email has to be viewed from your work's IP address. In that case, you could apply split tunneling to ensure your Amazon activity passes through the VPN while your work email doesn't.
Avast Secureline settings allow you to adjust your split tunneling configuration. Unfortunately, you can only access split tunneling on Android devices. The feature isn't available on iOS or Secureline's desktop apps.
Multi-Platform Support
Secureline VPN offers broad compatibility across various operating systems and devices. It supports iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, ensuring consistent user experience across laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. The applications feature intuitive interfaces and critical security features such as DNS leak protection and a kill switch. The multi-platform compatibility lets you maintain your security and privacy regardless of your device.
Kill Switch
Secureline VPN also comes with a kill switch, a highly convenient feature. Suppose your VPN malfunctions or loses connection. In such a case, your public IP address will be exposed, and your Internet activity will no longer be hidden. Fortunately, a kill switch blocks your Internet access in such a scenario. It ensures you browse online with your VPN connection and avoid accidental traffic leaks that might reveal confidential data to your ISP, hackers, or other prying eyes.
No-Logs Policy
A VPN typically encrypts your browser activity and masks your identity. However, some governments and countries require that VPNs keep activity logs on their users. Such requirements would circumvent a VPN's protection. The government or police in these locations may request user data, revealing your browser usage once logged in to the VPN app. Fortunately, a VPN with a no-logs policy may help you address this issue.
It's also worth noting that a VPN's headquarters can contribute to privacy concerns. Many countries are part of data-sharing alliances that usually require institutions to provide customer data to governmental entities. [3] Avast's headquarters are in the Czech Republic, which isn't part of one of these alliances. This allows it to enforce a strict no-logs policy.
Server Selection
One of the most impressive things about Secureline is its server selection interface. Although many VPNs allow you to pick which country's servers you'd like to use for your IP address, Secureline VPN boasts a simple and easy-to-navigate interface. Its extensive server network across numerous countries, such as the U.S., Europe, South America, and Asia, enables you to access geo-restricted content and maintain a reliable connection.
Smart VPN Mode
Secureline VPN allows you to choose between manual or smart VPN modes on Mac and Windows. In manual mode, you configure your VPN settings and then connect manually. On the other hand, the smart mode lets you configure your VPN to activate whenever you use streaming apps, banking sites, public networks, or torrent apps.
Secureline VPN typically connects to a random server using the default options. You can also set your Secureline's desktop applications to launch and connect to a particular server once you open the predefined URL using the "add sites" feature.
Another beneficial smart mode function is the "trusted sites" tool. It generally acts like a URL-based split tunneling feature. That means the VPN won't connect when you access the preselected URLs. A comparable smart VPN mode feature is unavailable in Android and iOS apps. Instead, they offer an auto-connect option that lets you specify when your VPN should connect automatically.
Local Network Bypass
All Avast Secureline apps come with the "local device access" tool. It benefits those depending on local devices like Chromecast, servers, and printers. This feature lets your device access these local devices once you connect to the VPN.
Wi-Fi Threat Shield
Android apps incorporate the Wi-Fi Threat Shield as an automatic mode. The feature constantly scans your Wi-Fi network for threats when it's active. It automatically enables your VPN to protect your privacy and security when it detects an online threat. It's a highly beneficial feature if you're using a public Wi-Fi network.
Torrent Capabilities
Torrenting is usually risky, and getting a DMCA notice from your ISP is scary. [4] Fortunately, Secureline VPN supports this excellent feature to enable you to catch up with your favorite TV show. The VPN provides BitTorrent coverage and P2P connections through data centers in various locations, including Prague, Frankfurt, New York, Amsterdam, London, Seattle, Miami, and Paris.
Customer Support
You have several ways to get help if you stumble upon an issue using Secureline VPN. You can start by browsing Avast's knowledge base to find articles on different topics. [5] You might need a customer support agent's assistance if you encounter a more unusual issue. In such a scenario, write an email or use Avast's live chat to reach customer support.
Summary
Avast Secureline VPN is a reliable VPN service developed by a leading company in the cybersecurity field. It ensures private and secure Internet browsing by offering robust encryption, support across multiple platforms, and a user-friendly interface. The service provides essential features like DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and support for torrenting. Its consistent performance and ease of use appeal to those who want basic to intermediate VPN protection.
References
- Avast [ Download Avast SecureLine VPN ]
- All About Cookies [ Everything to Know About VPN Encryption ]
- All About Cookies [ What You Should Know About the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes Alliances ]
- Sercurity.org [ How to Use a VPN for Torrenting ] May 30, 2024
- Avast [ Avast Support ]
Contributors
Last Modified: July 20, 2024