Top 10 Things You Must Know about Scout, Avira's Security-focused Web Browser

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 20 Mar 2017

Scout, the security and privacy-oriented web browser that Avira has been working on since the summer of 2015, has finally been released as a stable product that’s ready for the general public.

If you’re excited to get started with Avira Scout, here are the 10 main things you need to know about this web browser.

1. It is based on Google's Chromium

Avira Scout is based on Google’s Chromium open source project, and that is definitely a good thing. It means you get the same minimalist interface you get from Chrome, the same ease of use you get from Chrome, and the same speed & stability you get from Chrome. What you don’t get is Chrome’s always-on tracking elements.

"We’ve integrated together a selection of best-in-class security and privacy features, stripped out the Chromium always-on tracking elements, and created a safer and more private online user experience," said Daniel Popa, Avira Product Manager for the Scout Browser."


2. It is available for Windows only

Avira Scout provides support for 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 7, Windows 8 or 8.1, and Windows 10. The system requirements for running Scout on a PC are quite low: a Pentium 4 processor, 512MB of RAM, and 350MB of free storage space should suffice, according to Avira.

You can get Avira Scout for Windows right here on FindMySoft.


3. It will automatically import your browsing info

After I installed Avira Scout on my PC, I was greeted with a message that said "Avira Scout automatically imported the profile from your default browser." My default browser is Mozilla Firefox and Scout automatically imported my open tabs, my browsing history, the websites I had bookmarked, and my passwords.

If you don’t like this, Scout does give you the option to "reset profile and restart." I for one would have liked it better if Scout asked if I want to import the profile from my default browser or not.


4. It doesn’t use Google Search by default

Although it’s based on Chromium, Avira Scout doesn’t use Google Search as its default search engine. What it uses instead is Avira’s own search engine, Avira SafeSearch.

With a quick dip into the Settings menu you can easily switch to Google Search or some other search engine, like the privacy-oriented DuckDuckGo for example.


5. It keeps you safe and secure

From a security point of view, Avira Scout has the following to offer:
  • It protects against malicious and phisihing websites.
  • It uses the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s HTTPs Everywhere to make sure you’re on a secured, encrypted connection whenever possible.

6. It blocks trackers

Avira Scout uses anti-tracking technology to block analytical services, advertising networks, and social platforms from monitoring what you do online.

"Trackers cumulatively build a portrait of your online life which can be sold and resold to whomever," explained Kirill Krechetnikov, Manager Browser Extension Development at Avira. "With Scout, people are empowered to control what trackers can learn about them."


7. Autopilot has 3 modes to offer

The green icon in the upper right hand corner is Autopilot, a browser extension that’s exclusive to Avira Scout and that includes all the functions of the popular Avira Browser Safety security add-on. Autopilot has three modes to offer:
  1. Safe Surfing – enhanced privacy and safe browsing without requiring user input or changing their experience.
  2. Safe and Private – provides a higher level of security and privacy with easy-to-use Scout pop-up boxes.
  3. Custom – pick what features and functions are enabled and which aren’t.

8. You’ll have to manually install Flash

Avira explained that because there are a lot of security issues with Adobe Flash, the Scout web browser comes without it by default. The browser is fully compatible with Flash though, so if you want to watch a Flash video or view Flash elements on a website, you’ll have to install Flash first.

If you want to get Flash for Scout, Avira says you should download it here.

9. It is free

"At Avira, we believe security is a right, not a privilege. With Scout, Avira is demonstrating its commitment to enhanced user privacy at absolutely no cost," the security company explained in a press release.

"Scout is available for free at Avira.com and major download sites. Designed for the demands of Windows operating systems from 7 onwards. It is available in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), and Russian.


10. You’ll also get Avira Connect

Avira Connect (formerly known as Avira Launcher) will be installed alongside Avira Scout. Avira Connect is a free control panel that lets you manage all the Avira programs you’ve installed on your device.




Download Avira Scout for Windows right here on FindMySoft.



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