# Avira

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German computer security software company

Not to be confused with [Arriva](/source/Arriva) or [Aviva](/source/Aviva).

For other uses, see [Avira (disambiguation)](/source/Avira_(disambiguation)).

Avira Operations GmbH & Co. KG Type Subsidiary Industry Computer software Founded Germany (1986) Founder Tjark Auerbach Headquarters Tettnang , Germany[1] Key people Travis Witteveen – CEO Products Security software Revenue 68,752,960.49 euro (2017) Net income 1,551,187.96 euro (2017) Number of employees 500+[1] Parent Gen Digital Website www.avira.com

**Avira Operations GmbH & Co. KG** is a German multinational [computer security software](/source/Computer_security_software) company mainly known for its Avira Free Security [antivirus software](/source/Antivirus_software). Although founded in 2006, the Avira antivirus application has been under active development since 1986 through its predecessor company H+BEDV Datentechnik GmbH. Since 2021, Avira has been owned by American software company NortonLifeLock (now [Gen Digital](/source/Gen_Digital)), which also operates [Norton](/source/Norton_(software)), [Avast](/source/Avast) and [AVG](/source/AVG_AntiVirus). It was previously owned by investment firm [Investcorp](/source/Investcorp).

The company also has offices in the [United States](/source/United_States), [China](/source/China), [Romania](/source/Romania), and [Japan](/source/Japan).[2]

## Technology

### Virus definition

Avira periodically "cleans out" its virus definition files, replacing specific signatures with generic ones for a general increase in performance and scanning speed. A 15 [MB](/source/Megabyte) database clean-out was made on 27 October 2008, causing problems to the users of the Free edition because of its large size and Avira's slow Free edition servers. Avira responded by reducing the size of the individual update files, delivering less data in each update. Nowadays there are 32 smaller definition files that are updated regularly in order to avoid peaks in the download of the updates.[3]

Its file-by-file scanning feature has jokingly been titled "Luke Filewalker" by the developers, as a reference to the [Star Wars](/source/Star_Wars) media franchise character "[Luke Skywalker](/source/Luke_Skywalker)".[4]

### Advanced heuristic

Avira products contain [heuristics](/source/Heuristic) that proactively uncover unknown malware, before a special virus signature to combat the damaging element has been created and before a virus guard update has been sent.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Heuristic virus detection involves extensive analysis and investigation of the affected codes for functions typical of malware. If the code being scanned exhibits these characteristic features it is reported as being suspicious, although not necessarily malware; the user decides whether to act on or ignore the warning.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

### ProActiv

The ProActiv component uses rule sets developed by the Avira Malware Research Center to identify suspicious behavior. The rule sets are supplied by Avira databases. ProActiv sends information on suspicious programs to the Avira databases for logging.

### Firewall

Avira removed its own firewall technology in 2014, with protection supplied instead by [Windows Firewall](/source/Windows_Firewall) ([Windows 7](/source/Windows_7) and after), because [Windows 8](/source/Windows_8), and later the [Microsoft](/source/Microsoft) Certification Program, forces developers to use interfaces introduced in [Windows Vista](/source/Windows_Vista).[5]

### Protection Cloud

Avira Protection Cloud (APC) was first introduced in version 2013. It uses information available via the Internet (cloud computing) to improve detection and affect system performance less. This technology was implemented in all paid 2013 products. APC was initially only used during a manual quick system scan; later it was extended to real-time protection.

### System requirements

Windows: operating system Windows 7, 8/8.1, 10, 11; processor speed 1.6 GHz; requires 256 MB of RAM; hard disk memory 2 GB. Mac: operating system MacOS 10.15 (Catalina) or higher; 500 MB free hard disk space

## Partners

Avira offers its antivirus engine in the form of a [software development kit](/source/Software_development_kit) to implement in complementary products. Strategic and technology partners of Avira include Canonical, CYAN Networks, IBM, intelligence AG, Microsoft, novell, OPSWAT, Synergy Systems and others.

On 4 September 2014, Avira announced a partnership with Dropbox, to combine Avira's security with Dropbox's "sync and share" capabilities.[6]

Tjark Auerbach, the founder of Avira sold almost 100% of his stake in the company to the [Investcorp Group](/source/Investcorp) of Manama ([Bahrain](/source/Bahrain)) in April 2020.[7][8] The stakes were reportedly sold at a price of 180 million dollars. The Investcorp Group has invested in several other firms from the cybersecurity sector in the past.[9] The directors of Investcorp Group belong to several royal families of Middle East countries like [Kuwait](/source/Kuwait), [Bahrain](/source/Bahrain), [Saudi Arabia](/source/Saudi_Arabia), etc. However, 20% of its total ordinary and preferred shares are owned by the [Abu Dhabi](/source/Abu_Dhabi)-based [Mubadala Group](/source/Mubadala_Investment_Company) since 2017.

On 7 December 2020, [Gen Digital](/source/Gen_Digital) announced acquisition of Avira for approximately US$360 million from [Investcorp Technology Partners](/source/Investcorp).[10] The acquisition was closed in January 2021.[11]

In February 2021, [BullGuard](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=BullGuard&action=edit&redlink=1) [[it](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/BullGuard)] joined Avira as part of [Gen Digital Inc.](/source/Gen_Digital)[12]

## Products

This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. The specific problem is: It is outdated, incomplete and wrong. Please help improve this article if you can. (November 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

### Windows

Avira Free Antivirus Avira Free Security 2025 in Windows 10 Original author H+BEDV Datentechnik GmbH. Developer Gen Digital Inc. Release 1988 Stable release 1.1.107, 2025 Operating system Windows 10 and later Available in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Dutch, Turkish, Japanese, and Chinese Type Antivirus software License Freemium Website https://www.avira.com/

Avira offers the following security products and tools for [Microsoft Windows](/source/Microsoft_Windows):[13]

- Avira Free Security: The free edition antivirus/anti-spyware, for non-commercial use, with promotional pop-ups.

- Avira Internet Security: The premium edition antivirus/anti-spyware.

- Avira Prime: A bundle of Avira's tools. [14]

### MacOS

- Avira Free Mac Security for Mac: Runs on MacOS 10.9 and above.[15]

### Android and iOS

Avira offers the following security applications for mobile devices running [Android](/source/Android_(operating_system)) and [iOS](/source/IOS):

- Avira Antivirus Security for Android: Free application for Android, runs on versions 2.2 and above.[16]

- Avira Antivirus Security Pro for Android: Premium edition for Android, runs on versions 2.2 and above. Available as an upgrade from within the free application, it provides additional safe browsing, hourly update and free tech support.

- Avira Mobile Security for iOS: Free edition for iOS devices, such as [iPhone](/source/IPhone) and [iPad](/source/IPad).[17]

### Other products

- Avira Phantom VPN: Avira's [virtual private network](/source/Virtual_private_network) software for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows.[18]

- Avira Prime: In April 2017 Avira launched a single-user, multi-device subscription-based product designed to provide a complete set of all Avira products available for the duration of the license along with premium support.[19]

Avira Prime is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android operating systems and related devices and is available to consumers in 5- and 25-device editions, dubbed "Avira Prime" and "Avira Prime Unlimited" respectively.[19] Subscriptions are in 30-day and 1-year increments.[19][20]

### Discontinued platforms

Avira formerly offered free antivirus software for [Unix](/source/Unix) and [Linux](/source/Linux). It was discontinued in 2013, although updates were supplied until June 2016.[21]

## Security vulnerabilities

In 2005, Avira was hit by ACE archive [buffer overflow](/source/Buffer_overflow) vulnerability. A remote attacker could have exploited this vulnerability by crafting an ACE archive and delivering it via a malicious web page or e-mail. A buffer overflow could occur when Avira scanned the malicious archive. That would have allowed the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.[22]

In 2010, Avira Management Console was hit by the [use-after-free](/source/Use-after-free) remote code execution vulnerability. The vulnerability allowed remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Avira Management Console. Authentication was not required to exploit the vulnerability.[23]

In 2013, Avira engines were hit by a [0-day vulnerability](/source/Zero-day_(computing)) that allowed attackers to get access to a customer's PC. The bug was found in the avipbb.sys driver file and allowed [privilege escalation](/source/Privilege_escalation).[24]

## Awards and reviews

This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (October 2023)

In January 2008, Anti-Malware Test Lab gave Avira "gold" status for proactive virus detection and detection/removal of rootkits.[25]

[AV-Comparatives](/source/AV-Comparatives) awarded Avira its "AV Product of the Year" award in its "Summary Report 2008."[26]

In April 2009, *[PC Pro](/source/PC_Pro)* awarded Avira Premium Security Suite 9 the maximum six stars and a place on its A-list for Internet security software.[27]

In August 2009, Avira performed at a 98.9% percent overall malware detection rate, and was the fastest for both on-demand scans and on-access scans conducted by *[PC World](/source/PC_World_(magazine))* magazine, which ranked it first on its website.[28] Avira was among the first companies to receive OESIS OK Gold Certification,[29] indicating that both the antispyware and antivirus components of several of its security products achieved the maximum compatibility score with widespread network technologies such as [SSL/TLS](/source/Transport_Layer_Security) [VPN](/source/Virtual_private_network) and [network access control](/source/Network_access_control) from companies including [Juniper Networks](/source/Juniper_Networks), [Cisco Systems](/source/Cisco_Systems), and [SonicWALL](/source/SonicWALL).

In February 2010, testing by firm [AV-TEST](/source/AV-TEST), Avira tied for first place (with another German company) in the "malware on demand" detection test and earned a 99% score in the "adware/spyware on demand" test.[30]

AV-Comparatives gave Avira its Silver award (for 99.5% detection rate) in its "Summary Report 2010."[31]

For 2012, AV-Comparatives awarded Avira with "gold" status for its 99.6% performance in the "On-Demand Malware Detection" category and classified Avira as a "Top Rated" product overall for that year.[32]

In the AV-Comparatives August 2014 "Real-World Protection Test," with 669 total test cases tried against various security products, Avira tied for first place.[33]

AV-Comparatives awarded Avira its "AV Product of the Year" award in its "Summary Report 2016."

AV-Test awarded Avira its "TOP Product" award in its "May-Jun/2022 Testing"

[34]

## See also

- [Comparison of virtual private network services](/source/Comparison_of_virtual_private_network_services)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-about_avira_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-about_avira_1-1) ["About Avira"](https://www.avira.com/en/about-avira). Avira.com. Retrieved 19 July 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Avira Contacts Page"](https://www.avira.com/en/contact). Avira.com. Retrieved 24 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["AVIRA News – Free version: Avira optimizes update system"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120324114820/http://www.avira.com/en/press-details/nid/439/news/nvdf+update). Avira.com. 17 November 2009. Archived from [the original](https://www.avira.com/en/press-details/nid/439/news/nvdf+update) on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 21 June 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Avira Antivirus Review"](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/avira-antivirus). *PCMAG*. Retrieved 15 July 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-TDI_filters_and_LSPs_are_not_allowed_-_Windows_8.1_HCK_5-0)** ["TDI filters and LSPs are not allowed - Windows 8.1 HCK"](https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/jj124262(v=vs.85).aspx). 27 February 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Avira Partners with Dropbox to Bring Secure Sync and Share to Millions"](https://www.darkreading.com/cloud/avira-partners-with-dropbox-to-bring-secure-sync-and-share-to-millions-around-the-globe). *Dark Reading*. 4 September 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-auto_7-0)** ["Le hacker militaire qui a acheté Avira - The military hacker who bought Avira"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200102225119/https://blogs.mediapart.fr/paolo-fusi/blog/260920/le-hacker-militaire-qui-achete-avira). *MEDIAPART*. Archived from [the original](https://blogs.mediapart.fr/paolo-fusi/blog/260920/le-hacker-militaire-qui-achete-avira) on 2 January 2020. Retrieved 26 September 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Investcorp acquires Germany's leading cybersecurity company, Avira"](https://www.investcorp.com/investcorp-acquires-germanys-leading-cybersecurity-company-avira/). *Investcorp*. 9 April 2020. Retrieved 9 April 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Investcorp acquires Italy's leading cybersecurity company, HWG"](https://www.investcorp.com/investcorp-acquires-italys-leading-cybersecurity-company-hwg/). March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["NortonLifeLock acquires Avira in $360M all-cash deal, 8 months after Avira was acquired for $180M"](https://techcrunch.com/2020/12/07/nortonlifelock-acquires-avira-in-360m-all-cash-deal-8-months-after-avira-was-acquired-for-180m/). *TechCrunch*. 7 December 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["NortonLifeLock's Q3 Growth Momentum Fueled by Cyber Safety Adoption"](https://investor.nortonlifelock.com/About/Investors/press-releases/press-release-details/2021/NortonLifeLocks-Q3-Growth-Momentum-Fueled-by-Cyber-Safety-Adoption/default.aspx). *investor.nortonlifelock.com*. Retrieved 30 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Announcement: Avira + BullGuard"](https://www.avira.com/en/press/avira-bullguard-announcement-feb-2021-en). *Avira*. Retrieved 23 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Avira Official Store"](https://www.avira.com/en/buy-antivirus). Avira.com. Retrieved 26 February 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Download Security Software for Windows, Mac, Android & iOS | Avira Antivirus"](https://www.avira.com/). *Avira*. Retrieved 15 February 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Avira Free Antivirus for Mac Product Page"](https://www.avira.com/en/free-antivirus-mac). Avira.com. Retrieved 1 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Avira Antivirus Security on Google Play"](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avira.android). Avira.com. Retrieved 25 July 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Avira Mobile Security on iTunes"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160306023854/https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/avira-mobile-security/id692893556). Avira.com. Archived from [the original](https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/avira-mobile-security/id692893556) on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Avira Phantom VPN Review"](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/avira-phantom-vpn). *PCMAG*. Retrieved 9 July 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_19-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_19-2) ["Avira Prime: first look at Avira's new premium service - gHacks Tech News"](https://www.ghacks.net/2017/04/04/avira-prime-first-look-at-aviras-new-premium-service/). *gHacks Technology News*. 4 April 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-:1_20-0)** technews (4 April 2017). ["Avira Prime: first take a look at Avira's new premium service - Tech News Port"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170519154441/http://technewsport.com/software/avira-prime-first-take-a-look-at-aviras-new-premium-service/). *Tech News Port*. Archived from [the original](http://technewsport.com/software/avira-prime-first-take-a-look-at-aviras-new-premium-service/) on 19 May 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Discontinuation of Antivirus solutions for Linux systems on June 30th 2016"](https://www.avira.com/en/support-for-home-knowledgebase-detail/kbid/1491). Avira.com. Retrieved 18 December 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Announcement Regarding Non-Cisco Product Security Alerts"](https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/security-alerts-announcement). *tools.cisco.com*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["ZDI-15-445"](https://zerodayinitiative.com/). *zerodayinitiative.com*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Moghimi, Ahmad (22 October 2013). ["Avira Internet Security - 'avipbb.sys' Filter Bypass / Privilege Escalation"](https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/29125). *Exploit Database*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Anti-Malware Test Lab"](http://www.anti-malware-test.com/). Anti-malware-test.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101119100548/http://anti-malware-test.com/) from the original on 19 November 2010. Retrieved 9 November 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["Summary Report 2008"](http://www.av-comparatives.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/avc_sum_200812_en.pdf) (PDF). av-comparatives.org.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Avira Premium Security Suite 9 review"](http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/software/251831/avira-premium-security-suite-9) at *[PC Pro](/source/PC_Pro)* (27 July 2010) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140328214957/http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/software/251831/avira-premium-security-suite-9) 2014-03-28 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Larkin, Erik (24 August 2009). ["Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus Software"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140226163846/http://www.pcworld.com/article/170594/avira_antivir_personal.html). *PCWorld*. Archived from [the original](http://www.pcworld.com/article/170594/avira_antivir_personal.html) on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Awards for Avira products"](https://www.avira.com/en/company/awards.html). Avira.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100907020125/https://www.avira.com/en/company/awards.html) from the original on 7 September 2010. Retrieved 9 November 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["AV-Test release latest results"](http://www.virusbtn.com/news/2008/09_02) (2 September 2008)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["Summary Report 2010"](http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/summary/summary2010.pdf) (PDF). av-comparatives.org. Retrieved 24 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** ["Summary Report 2012"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140308231634/http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/docs/avc_sum_201212_en.pdf) (PDF). av-comparatives.org. Archived from [the original](http://av-comparatives.org/images/docs/avc_sum_201212_en.pdf) (PDF) on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 24 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["Factsheet August 2014 Real-World Protection Test"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150923181127/http://www.av-comparatives.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/avc_factsheet2014_08.pdf) (PDF). av-comparatives.org. Archived from [the original](http://www.av-comparatives.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/avc_factsheet2014_08.pdf) (PDF) on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 24 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["Summary Report 2016"](https://www.av-comparatives.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/avc_sum_201612_en.pdf) (PDF). av-comparatives.org.

## External links

- [Official website](https://www.avira.com/)

- [Auerbach Stiftung (Foundation)](http://www.auerbach-foundation.com/)

v t e Gen Digital People Gary Hendrix (founder) Gordon Eubanks (1990s CEO) Vincent Pilette (current CEO) Products Current Avast Avast Antivirus Avast Secure Browser Avast SecureLine VPN AVG AVG AntiVirus AVG PC TuneUp Avira CCleaner Defraggler Recuva Speccy HMA LifeLock Norton Norton 360 Norton AntiVirus Norton Family Norton Insight Norton LiveUpdate Norton Power Eraser Norton Safe Web Norton System Insight SONAR Spin off Backup Exec Enterprise Vault Ghost Solution Suite (enterprise) Symantec Endpoint Protection Veritas File System Veritas Storage Foundation Veritas Volume Manager Discontinued Drive Image Norton Ghost GoBack GrandView MORE Norton 360 Norton AntiBot Norton CleanSweep Norton Commander Norton ConnectSafe Norton Internet Security Norton PC Checkup Norton Personal Firewall Norton Security Norton SystemWorks Norton Utilities PartitionMagic pcAnywhere Q&A SQZ! SUM THINK C THINK Reference TimeLine Visual Café WinFax Acquisitions and mergers @stake Altiris Avast AVG Technologies Piriform Software Avira Binary Research BindView Blue Coat Systems Breakthrough Software Brightmail Central Point Software Delrina Dynamic Microprocessor Associates Fast Track Fifth Generation Systems Leonard Development Group LifeLock LIRIC Associates ON Technology Peter Norton Computing PowerQuest Quarterdeck Quest Development Recourse Technologies Revivio Riptech SecurityFocus TurnTide Veritas Software† Whitewater Group † Demerged in 2016 Category Commons

v t e Antivirus software Companies Bitdefender Check Point ZoneAlarm Cisco ClamWin Comodo Dr.Web ESET F-Secure Fortinet FRISK G Data CyberDefense Gen Avast AVG Avira Norton Intego Kaspersky Kingsoft Lavasoft Malwarebytes McAfee Microsoft NANO Security Panda Quick Heal Qihoo 360 Sophos Trend Micro VIPRE VirusBlokAda Webroot Products Desktop, server 360 Total Security Avast Antivirus AVG AntiVirus Avira Internet Security Bitdefender ClamTk ClamWin Clam AntiVirus Comodo Antivirus Comodo Internet Security Dr.Web ESET NOD32 F-Secure F-PROT Fortinet G Data Immunet Mac Internet Security Kaspersky Anti-Virus Kaspersky Internet Security Malwarebytes McAfee VirusScan Microsoft Defender Antivirus Microsoft Security Essentials NANO Antivirus Norton AntiVirus Norton Internet Security Panda Sophos Symantec Endpoint Protection Spyware Doctor Trend Micro Internet Security Vba32 AntiVirus VirusBarrier ZoneAlarm Mobile, tablet Avast Antivirus AVG AntiVirus Avira Free Android Security Bitdefender Mobile Security CM Security Comodo Mobile Security Dr.Web Mobile Security Suite ESET Mobile Security F-Secure Mobile Security FireAMP Mobile G Data Mobile Security McAfee Mobile Security Trend Micro Mobile Security VirusBarrier

[47°39′42.613″N 9°35′31.371″E / 47.66183694°N 9.59204750°E / 47.66183694; 9.59204750](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Avira&params=47_39_42.613_N_9_35_31.371_E_)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Avira](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avira) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avira?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.