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{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = AVG Technologies
| name = AVG Technologies B.V.
| logo = AVG Logo 2014.png
| logo = AVG Logo 2014.png
| logo_size =
| logo_size =
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| foundation = 27/07/2023
| foundation = {{start date and age|1991}}
| founder = Tomáš Hofer and Jan Gritzbach
| founder = Tomáš Hofer and Jan Gritzbach
| area_served = Worldwide
| area_served = Worldwide
| industry =
| industry =
| fate = Merged into [[Avast]], brand still used
| fate = Merged into [[Avast]], brand still used
|location = [[Prague, Czech Republic]]
| location = [[Brno]], [[Czech Republic]]
| products = [[Software]]
| products = [[Software]]
| operating_income =
| operating_income =
| owner = [[Gen Digital]]
| owner =
| parent = Avast
| parent = [[Avast]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.avg.com}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.avg.com}}
}}
}}


'''AVG Technologies''' is a brand of cybersecurity, privacy, performance and utility software applications for desktop computers and mobile devices developed by [[Avast]], a part of [[Gen Digital]]. AVG was a cybersecurity software company founded in 1991 and it merged into Avast following an acquisition in 2017. It typically offers [[freeware]], earning revenues from advertisers and from users that upgrade to paid versions for access to more features.
'''AVG Technologies B.V.'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=15-12B |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1528903/000119312517093555/d322676d1512b.htm |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=www.sec.gov}}</ref> is a brand of [[cybersecurity]], privacy, performance and utility software applications for desktop computers and mobile devices developed by [[Avast]], a part of [[Gen Digital]]. AVG was a cybersecurity software company founded in 1991 and it merged into Avast following an acquisition in 2017. It typically offers [[freeware]], earning revenues from advertisers and from users that upgrade to paid versions for access to more features.


AVG was founded in 1990 in [[Czechoslovakia]] just as the country was transitioning from [[communism]] to [[capitalism]]. In the early 2000s, AVG expanded internationally and used money from [[venture capital]] investments to fund a series of acquisitions. AVG went public on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] in February 2012. Avast acquired AVG for $1.3 billion in July 2016.
AVG was founded in 1990 in [[Czechoslovakia]]. In the early 2000s, AVG expanded internationally and used money from [[venture capital]] investments to fund a series of acquisitions. AVG went public on the [[New York Stock Exchange]] in February 2012. Avast acquired AVG for $1.3 billion in July 2016.


==History==
==History==
AVG Technologies was founded by Tomáš Hofer and Jan Gritzbach in 1990 under the name Grisoft in Brno, Czechoslovakia.<ref name="Financial Times 2017">{{cite web | title=Anti-virus makers spring from an unexpected source | website=Financial Times | date=7 September 2017 | url=https://www.ft.com/content/5a2ec1c2-e410-11de-bed0-00144feab49a | access-date=30 December 2018|first=Jan|last=Cienski}}</ref> At the time, Czechoslovakia was starting to transition from communism to capitalism.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" /> Initially, Grisoft sold IT equipment and third-party software, in addition to its own antivirus product.<ref name="iDNES.cz 2016">{{cite web | title=Vznikne antivirový gigant, pražský Avast kupuje původně brněnskou AVG | website=iDNES.cz | date=7 July 2016 | url=https://www.idnes.cz/ekonomika/domaci/ceska-antivirova-firma-avast-kupuje-rivala-avg-za-32-miliard-korun.A160707_101955_ekonomika_lve | language=cs | access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref> Grisoft grew as the country loosened its international trade policies, so it could exchange technology with companies in Europe.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" /> By 1998, Grisoft had 13 employees.<ref name="early">{{cite news|date=31 August 1998|title=Czech Detection: Grisoft targets the U.S. antivirus-software market, but will the two California titans even notice?|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|first=David|last=Rocks}}</ref>
AVG Technologies was founded by Tomáš Hofer and Jan Gritzbach in 1990 under the name Grisoft in [[Brno]], Czechoslovakia.<ref name="Financial Times 2017">{{cite web | title=Anti-virus makers spring from an unexpected source | website=Financial Times | date=7 September 2017 | url=https://www.ft.com/content/5a2ec1c2-e410-11de-bed0-00144feab49a | access-date=30 December 2018|first=Jan|last=Cienski}}</ref> Initially, Grisoft sold IT equipment and third-party software, in addition to its own [[antivirus]] product.<ref name="iDNES.cz 2016">{{cite web | title=Vznikne antivirový gigant, pražský Avast kupuje původně brněnskou AVG | website=iDNES.cz | date=7 July 2016 | url=https://www.idnes.cz/ekonomika/domaci/ceska-antivirova-firma-avast-kupuje-rivala-avg-za-32-miliard-korun.A160707_101955_ekonomika_lve | language=cs | access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref> Grisoft grew as the country loosened its [[international trade]] policies, so it could exchange technology with companies in Europe.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" /> By 1998, Grisoft had 13 employees.<ref name="early">{{cite news|date=31 August 1998|title=Czech Detection: Grisoft targets the U.S. antivirus-software market, but will the two California titans even notice?|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|first=David|last=Rocks}}</ref>


Grisoft later expanded to the US market, creating an American company called AVG.<ref name="early" /> Grisoft also expanded to the [[United Kingdom]], [[the Netherlands]], [[Germany]], and other countries.<ref name="Novinky.cz">{{cite web | title=Avast koupí konkurenční AVG za 32 miliard | website=Novinky.cz | url=https://www.novinky.cz/internet-a-pc/software/408553-avast-koupi-konkurencni-avg-za-32-miliard.html | language=cs | access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref> For a time, the company was focused on bulk sales of antivirus software to computer manufacturers that sold PCs with Grisoft's software pre-installed.<ref name="early" /> It started marketing software directly to consumers in 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=Grisoft Updates Security Lineup To v. 7.5|publisher=TechWeb|date=3 October 2006}}</ref> In 2008, Grisoft changed the name of its parent company to AVG, the name already used for its software and for its American subsidiary.<ref name="Messmer 2008">{{cite web | last=Messmer | first=Ellen | title=Grisoft changes name to AVG Technologies | website=Network World | date=7 February 2008 | url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/2283162/lan-wan/grisoft-changes-name-to-avg-technologies.html | access-date=1 December 2018}}</ref> TA Associates invested an additional $200 million into the company that year for a minority stake in the business.<ref>Lynn Cowan, "Eight IPOs Line Up, Including AVG And Greenway," VentureWire (27 Jan 2012).</ref>
Grisoft later expanded to the US market, creating an American company called AVG.<ref name="early" /> Grisoft also expanded to the [[United Kingdom]], [[the Netherlands]], [[Germany]], and other countries.<ref name="Novinky.cz">{{cite web | title=Avast koupí konkurenční AVG za 32 miliard | website=Novinky.cz | date=7 July 2016 | url=https://www.novinky.cz/internet-a-pc/software/408553-avast-koupi-konkurencni-avg-za-32-miliard.html | language=cs | access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref> For a time, the company was focused on bulk sales of antivirus software to computer manufacturers that sold PCs with Grisoft's software pre-installed.<ref name="early" /> It started marketing software directly to consumers in 2006.<ref>{{cite news|title=Grisoft Updates Security Lineup To v. 7.5|publisher=TechWeb|date=3 October 2006}}</ref> In 2008, Grisoft changed the name of its parent company to AVG, the name already used for its software and for its American subsidiary.<ref name="Messmer 2008">{{cite web | last=Messmer | first=Ellen | title=Grisoft changes name to AVG Technologies | website=Network World | date=7 February 2008 | url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/810652/lan-wan-grisoft-changes-name-to-avg-technologies.html | access-date=1 December 2018}}</ref> TA Associates invested an additional $200 million into the company that year for a minority stake in the business.<ref>Lynn Cowan, "Eight IPOs Line Up, Including AVG And Greenway," VentureWire (27 Jan 2012).</ref>


In 2001, Grisoft was sold to a venture capital firm Benson Oak Capital.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" /> The firm then sold a 65 percent interest in Grisoft to [[Intel Capital]] and Enterprise Investors for $52 million in 2005.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" /><ref name="Krazit 2005">{{cite web | last=Krazit | first=Tom | title=Intel invests in Czech security company | website=InfoWorld | date=6 September 2005 | url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/2671554/security/intel-invests-in-czech-security-company.html | access-date=30 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="Gitlin 2005">{{cite web | last=Gitlin | first=Elle Cayabyab | title=Intel acquires US$16 million stake in Grisoft | website=Ars Technica | date=8 September 2005 | url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2005/09/5290-2/ | access-date=30 December 2018}}</ref> The investments were used to fund a series of acquisitions.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" /> Grisoft bought spyware company [[Ewido Networks]] in 2006<ref name="Naraine 2007">{{cite web | last=Naraine | first=Ryan | title=Grisoft AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5 | website=PCWorld | date=21 August 2007 | url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/136193/article.html | access-date=31 December 2018 | archive-date=15 August 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815163341/http://www.pcworld.com/article/136193/article.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> and browser security company Exploit Prevention Labs in 2007.<ref name="Computerworld 2018">{{cite web | title=Grisoft to acquire Exploit Prevention Labs for undisclosed sum | website=Computerworld | date=20 December 2018 | url=https://www.computerworld.com.au/article/200716/grisoft_acquire_exploit_prevention_labs_undisclosed_sum/ | access-date=31 December 2018 | first=Sandra | last=Rossi | archive-date=1 July 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701184743/https://www.computerworld.com.au/article/200716/grisoft_acquire_exploit_prevention_labs_undisclosed_sum/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2009, AVG announced the acquisition of Sana Security, which analyzes software behavior.<ref name="PCMAG 2009">{{cite web | title=AVG Buys Sana's Behavior-Based Security Tech | website=PCMAG | date=13 January 2009 | url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2338797,00.asp | access-date=31 December 2018|first=Neil|last=Rubenking}}</ref> This was followed by the acquisition of mobile security startup DroidSecurity and [[iMedix|iMedix Web Technologies]] in 2011,<ref name="TechCrunch 2010">{{cite web | title=AVG Acquires Mobile Security Startup DroidSecurity For Up To $9.4 Million | website=TechCrunch | date=10 November 2010 | url=http://social.techcrunch.com/2010/11/10/avg-droidsecurity/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="AVGiMedixArch">{{cite web|url=http://investors.avg.com/mobile.view?c=250967&v=202&d=3&id=aHR0cDovL2FwaS50ZW5rd2l6YXJkLmNvbS9maWxpbmcueG1sP2lwYWdlPTgyMTgxMjEmRFNFUT0xJlNFUT0xMTcmU1FERVNDPVNFQ1RJT05fUEFHRSZleHA9JnN1YnNpZD01Nw%3D%3D |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160812164042/http://investors.avg.com/mobile.view?c=250967&v=202&d=3&id=aHR0cDovL2FwaS50ZW5rd2l6YXJkLmNvbS9maWxpbmcueG1sP2lwYWdlPTgyMTgxMjEmRFNFUT0xJlNFUT0xMTcmU1FERVNDPVNFQ1RJT05fUEFHRSZleHA9JnN1YnNpZD01Nw%3D%3D |title=AVG TECHNOLOGIES N.V. filed this Form 20-F on 04/26/2012 |publisher=AVG Technologies N.V |date=26 April 2012 |archive-date=12 August 2016 |access-date=12 August 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> parental control software company Bsecure in 2012,<ref name="TechCrunch 2011">{{cite web | title=AVG Acquires 'Online Family Protection' Software Maker Bsecure | website=TechCrunch | date=1 November 2011 | url=http://social.techcrunch.com/2011/12/01/avg-acquires-online-family-protection-software-maker-bsecure/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> and remote monitoring company Level Platforms in 2013.<ref name="IT Business 2013">{{cite web | title=AVG acquires LPI Level Platforms, providing more cloud services to SMBs | website=IT Business | date=12 June 2013 | url=https://www.itbusiness.ca/news/avg-acquires-lpi-level-platforms-providing-more-cloud-services-to-smbs/36197 | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref>
In 2001, Grisoft was sold to a venture capital firm Benson Oak Capital.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" /> The firm then sold a 65 percent interest in Grisoft to [[Intel Capital]] and Enterprise Investors for $52 million in 2005.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" /><ref name="Krazit 2005">{{cite web | last=Krazit | first=Tom | title=Intel invests in Czech security company | website=InfoWorld | date=6 September 2005 | url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/2671554/security/intel-invests-in-czech-security-company.html | access-date=30 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="Gitlin 2005">{{cite web | last=Gitlin | first=Elle Cayabyab | title=Intel acquires US$16 million stake in Grisoft | website=Ars Technica | date=8 September 2005 | url=https://arstechnica.com/uncategorized/2005/09/5290-2/ | access-date=30 December 2018}}</ref> The investments were used to fund a series of acquisitions.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" /> Grisoft bought [[spyware]] company Ewido Networks in 2006<ref name="Naraine 2007">{{cite web | last=Naraine | first=Ryan | title=Grisoft AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5 | website=PCWorld | date=21 August 2007 | url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/136193/article.html | access-date=31 December 2018 | archive-date=15 August 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815163341/http://www.pcworld.com/article/136193/article.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> and browser security company Exploit Prevention Labs in 2007.<ref name="Computerworld 2018">{{cite web | title=Grisoft to acquire Exploit Prevention Labs for undisclosed sum | website=Computerworld | date=20 December 2018 | url=https://www.computerworld.com.au/article/200716/grisoft_acquire_exploit_prevention_labs_undisclosed_sum/ | access-date=31 December 2018 | first=Sandra | last=Rossi | archive-date=1 July 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701184743/https://www.computerworld.com.au/article/200716/grisoft_acquire_exploit_prevention_labs_undisclosed_sum/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2009, AVG announced the acquisition of Sana Security, which analyzes software behavior.<ref name="PCMAG 2009">{{cite web | title=AVG Buys Sana's Behavior-Based Security Tech | website=PCMAG | date=13 January 2009 | url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2338797,00.asp | access-date=31 December 2018|first=Neil|last=Rubenking}}</ref> This was followed by the acquisition of mobile security startup DroidSecurity and [[iMedix|iMedix Web Technologies]] in 2011,<ref name="TechCrunch 2010">{{cite web | title=AVG Acquires Mobile Security Startup DroidSecurity For Up To $9.4 Million | website=TechCrunch | date=10 November 2010 | url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/11/10/avg-droidsecurity/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="AVGiMedixArch">{{cite web|url=http://investors.avg.com/mobile.view?c=250967&v=202&d=3&id=aHR0cDovL2FwaS50ZW5rd2l6YXJkLmNvbS9maWxpbmcueG1sP2lwYWdlPTgyMTgxMjEmRFNFUT0xJlNFUT0xMTcmU1FERVNDPVNFQ1RJT05fUEFHRSZleHA9JnN1YnNpZD01Nw%3D%3D |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160812164042/http://investors.avg.com/mobile.view?c=250967&v=202&d=3&id=aHR0cDovL2FwaS50ZW5rd2l6YXJkLmNvbS9maWxpbmcueG1sP2lwYWdlPTgyMTgxMjEmRFNFUT0xJlNFUT0xMTcmU1FERVNDPVNFQ1RJT05fUEFHRSZleHA9JnN1YnNpZD01Nw%3D%3D |title=AVG TECHNOLOGIES N.V. filed this Form 20-F on 04/26/2012 |publisher=AVG Technologies N.V |date=26 April 2012 |archive-date=12 August 2016 |access-date=12 August 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> parental control software company Bsecure in 2012,<ref name="TechCrunch 2011">{{cite web | title=AVG Acquires 'Online Family Protection' Software Maker Bsecure | website=TechCrunch | date=1 November 2011 | url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/12/01/avg-acquires-online-family-protection-software-maker-bsecure/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> and remote monitoring company Level Platforms in 2013.<ref name="IT Business 2013">{{cite web | title=AVG acquires LPI Level Platforms, providing more cloud services to SMBs | website=IT Business | date=12 June 2013 | url=https://www.itbusiness.ca/news/avg-acquires-lpi-level-platforms-providing-more-cloud-services-to-smbs/36197 | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref>


AVG Technologies filed an [[initial public offering]] in February 2012.<ref name="Stynes 2014" /> Additionally, former Mozilla CEO [[Gary Kovacs]] was appointed CEO of AVG.<ref name="Ludwig 2013">{{cite web | last=Ludwig | first=Sean | title=AVG buys web privacy firm PrivacyChoice & its smart Privacyfix dashboard | website=VentureBeat | date=21 May 2013 | url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/05/21/avg-buys-privacychoice/ | access-date=4 January 2019}}</ref> He led the effort to create a simple one-page privacy policy that discloses what data the company collects from users and what information about free users it sells to advertisers.<ref name="Osborne 2015">{{cite web | last=Osborne | first=Charlie | title=AVG releases transparent privacy policy: Yes, we will sell your data | website=ZDNet | date=18 September 2015 | url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/avg-releases-transparent-privacy-policy-yes-we-will-sell-your-data/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref>
AVG Technologies filed an [[initial public offering]] in February 2012.<ref name="Stynes 2014" /> Additionally, former Mozilla CEO [[Gary Kovacs]] was appointed CEO of AVG.<ref name="Ludwig 2013">{{cite web | last=Ludwig | first=Sean | title=AVG buys web privacy firm PrivacyChoice & its smart Privacyfix dashboard | website=VentureBeat | date=21 May 2013 | url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/05/21/avg-buys-privacychoice/ | access-date=4 January 2019}}</ref> He led the effort to create a simple one-page privacy policy that discloses what data the company collects from users and what information about free users it sells to advertisers.<ref name="Osborne 2015">{{cite web | last=Osborne | first=Charlie | title=AVG releases transparent privacy policy: Yes, we will sell your data | website=ZDNet | date=18 September 2015 | url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/avg-releases-transparent-privacy-policy-yes-we-will-sell-your-data/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref>


In 2014, AVG announced the acquisition of Location Labs, a cybersecurity company focused on mobile devices, for an estimated $220 million.<ref name="Stynes 2014">{{cite web | last=Stynes | first=Tess | title=AVG Technologies to Buy Location Labs | website=WSJ | date=3 September 2014 | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/avg-technologies-to-buy-location-labs-1409764421 | access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref> AVG was acquired by [[Avast]] for $1.3 billion in July 2016.<ref name="McMillan 2016">{{cite web | last=McMillan | first=Robert | title=Avast Software to Buy AVG Technologies for $1.3 Billion | website=WSJ | date=7 July 2016 | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/avast-software-to-buy-avg-technologies-for-1-3-billion-1467896539 | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="TechCrunch 2016">{{cite web | title=Avast acquires antivirus maker AVG for $1.3BN to gain scale and dive into IoT security | website=TechCrunch | date=7 July 2016 | url=http://social.techcrunch.com/2016/07/07/avast-acquires-antivirus-maker-avg-for-1-3bn-to-gain-scale-and-dive-into-iot-security/ | access-date=30 December 2018|first=Natasha|last=Lomas}}</ref> By this time, AVG had 600 employees, $155 million in annual revenue, and 95 million users.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" /> The combined entity became the world's largest antivirus company, with an estimated 20% of the market.<ref name="Fortune 2016">{{cite web | title=Security CEO Says Pivoting From Antivirus Will Be 'Far Easier' After Billion-Dollar Acquisition | website=Fortune | date=7 July 2016 | url=http://fortune.com/2016/07/07/avg-avast-deal-ceo-gary-kovacs/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> There were Avast or AVG installations on 160 million mobile devices and 240 million desktop computers.<ref name="Sayer 2016">{{cite web | last=Sayer | first=Peter | title=Free antivirus pays off: Avast buys AVG for $1.3 billion | website=PCWorld | date=7 July 2016 | url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3092808/security/antivirus-merger-avast-offers-1-3-billion-for-avg.html | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> The new combined entity incorporate their technology into combined software products and developed a new channel program to market them to small business owners.<ref name="ZDNet.de 2017">{{cite web | title=AVG stellt neueste Versionen seiner Sicherheits- und TuneUp-Suiten vor | website=ZDNet.de | date=10 January 2017 | url=https://www.zdnet.de/88285868/avg-stellt-neueste-versionen-seiner-sicherheits-und-tuneup-suiten-vor/ | language=de | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="Kuranda 2017">{{cite web | last=Kuranda | first=Sarah | title=Avast Launches New Business Portfolio And Partner Program, Combining Its Channel Forces With AVG | website=CRN | date=6 September 2017 | url=https://www.crn.com/news/security/300091581/avast-launches-new-business-portfolio-and-partner-program-combining-its-channel-forces-with-avg.htm | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> A few months later, an American private equity firm, [[TA Associates]], bought a 25 percent interest in AVG for $200 million.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" />
In 2014, AVG announced the acquisition of Location Labs, a cybersecurity company focused on mobile devices, for an estimated $220 million.<ref name="Stynes 2014">{{cite web | last=Stynes | first=Tess | title=AVG Technologies to Buy Location Labs | website=WSJ | date=3 September 2014 | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/avg-technologies-to-buy-location-labs-1409764421 | access-date=31 December 2018}}</ref> AVG was acquired by [[Avast]] for $1.3 billion in July 2016.<ref name="McMillan 2016">{{cite web | last=McMillan | first=Robert | title=Avast Software to Buy AVG Technologies for $1.3 Billion | website=WSJ | date=7 July 2016 | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/avast-software-to-buy-avg-technologies-for-1-3-billion-1467896539 | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="TechCrunch 2016">{{cite web | title=Avast acquires antivirus maker AVG for $1.3BN to gain scale and dive into IoT security | website=TechCrunch | date=7 July 2016 | url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/07/07/avast-acquires-antivirus-maker-avg-for-1-3bn-to-gain-scale-and-dive-into-iot-security/ | access-date=30 December 2018|first=Natasha|last=Lomas}}</ref> By this time, AVG had 600 employees, $155 million in annual revenue, and 95 million users.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" /> The combined entity became the world's largest antivirus company, with an estimated 20% of the market.<ref name="Fortune 2016">{{cite web | title=Security CEO Says Pivoting From Antivirus Will Be 'Far Easier' After Billion-Dollar Acquisition | website=Fortune | date=7 July 2016 | url=http://fortune.com/2016/07/07/avg-avast-deal-ceo-gary-kovacs/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> There were Avast or AVG installations on 160 million mobile devices and 240 million desktop computers.<ref name="Sayer 2016">{{cite web | last=Sayer | first=Peter | title=Free antivirus pays off: Avast buys AVG for $1.3 billion | website=PCWorld | date=7 July 2016 | url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3092808/security/antivirus-merger-avast-offers-1-3-billion-for-avg.html | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> The new combined entity incorporate their technology into combined software products and developed a new channel program to market them to [[small business]] owners.<ref name="ZDNet.de 2017">{{cite web | title=AVG stellt neueste Versionen seiner Sicherheits- und TuneUp-Suiten vor | website=ZDNet.de | date=10 January 2017 | url=https://www.zdnet.de/88285868/avg-stellt-neueste-versionen-seiner-sicherheits-und-tuneup-suiten-vor/ | language=de | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="Kuranda 2017">{{cite web | last=Kuranda | first=Sarah | title=Avast Launches New Business Portfolio And Partner Program, Combining Its Channel Forces With AVG | website=CRN | date=6 September 2017 | url=https://www.crn.com/news/security/300091581/avast-launches-new-business-portfolio-and-partner-program-combining-its-channel-forces-with-avg.htm | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> A few months later, an American [[private equity]] firm, [[TA Associates]], bought a 25 percent interest in AVG for $200 million.<ref name="Financial Times 2017" />


In 2015, AVG acquired the [[VPN]] company Privax<ref name="Osborne 20152">{{cite web | last=Osborne | first=Charlie | title=AVG acquires desktop, mobile VPN firm Privax | website=ZDNet | date=6 May 2015 | url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/avg-acquires-desktop-mobile-privacy-firm-privax/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> and an Israeli-based gallery app company called MyRoll.<ref name="Sawers 2015">{{cite web | last=Sawers | first=Paul | title=AVG acquires Israeli photo-management startup MyRoll, plans to integrate the technologies | website=VentureBeat | date=12 November 2015 | url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/11/12/avg-acquires-israeli-photo-management-startup-myroll-plans-to-integrate-the-technologies/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> It also released new software products for businesses that incorporate the technology of both companies.<ref name="Kuranda 2017"/> In July 2017 AVG acquired [[Piriform Software]], a UK-based company that developed [[CCleaner]], a cleanup utility with 130 million installations.<ref name="Thubron 2017">{{cite web | last=Thubron | first=Rob | title=Avast acquires Piriform, the maker of CCleaner and Speccy | website=TechSpot | date=20 July 2017 | url=https://www.techspot.com/news/70213-avast-acquires-piriform-maker-ccleaner-speccy.html | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref>
In 2015, AVG acquired the [[VPN]] company Privax<ref name="Osborne 20152">{{cite web | last=Osborne | first=Charlie | title=AVG acquires desktop, mobile VPN firm Privax | website=ZDNet | date=6 May 2015 | url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/avg-acquires-desktop-mobile-privacy-firm-privax/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> and an Israeli-based gallery app company called MyRoll.<ref name="Sawers 2015">{{cite web | last=Sawers | first=Paul | title=AVG acquires Israeli photo-management startup MyRoll, plans to integrate the technologies | website=VentureBeat | date=12 November 2015 | url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/11/12/avg-acquires-israeli-photo-management-startup-myroll-plans-to-integrate-the-technologies/ | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> It also released new software products for businesses that incorporate the technology of both companies.<ref name="Kuranda 2017"/> In July 2017 AVG acquired [[Piriform Software]], a UK-based company that developed [[CCleaner]], a cleanup utility with 130 million installations.<ref name="Thubron 2017">{{cite web | last=Thubron | first=Rob | title=Avast acquires Piriform, the maker of CCleaner and Speccy | website=TechSpot | date=20 July 2017 | url=https://www.techspot.com/news/70213-avast-acquires-piriform-maker-ccleaner-speccy.html | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref>
Line 39: Line 39:
AVG develops and markets software for IT security, privacy, performance optimization, and other utility services on desktop computers and mobile devices.<ref name="AVG.com 2019">{{cite web | title=Compare All AVG Products - Find the Perfect Software | website=AVG.com | date=4 January 2019 | url=https://www.avg.com/en-us/all-products | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> It is one of the largest brands of cybersecurity software.<ref name="Sawers 2016">{{cite web | last=Sawers | first=Paul | title=Avast acquires rival AVG for $1.3 billion to create a security software giant | website=VentureBeat | date=7 July 2016 | url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/07/07/avast-acquires-rival-avg-for-1-3-billion-to-create-a-security-software-giant/ | access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref>
AVG develops and markets software for IT security, privacy, performance optimization, and other utility services on desktop computers and mobile devices.<ref name="AVG.com 2019">{{cite web | title=Compare All AVG Products - Find the Perfect Software | website=AVG.com | date=4 January 2019 | url=https://www.avg.com/en-us/all-products | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref> It is one of the largest brands of cybersecurity software.<ref name="Sawers 2016">{{cite web | last=Sawers | first=Paul | title=Avast acquires rival AVG for $1.3 billion to create a security software giant | website=VentureBeat | date=7 July 2016 | url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/07/07/avast-acquires-rival-avg-for-1-3-billion-to-create-a-security-software-giant/ | access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref>


AVG is best-known for its antivirus product.<ref name="TW1" /> [[AVG AntiVirus]] is a [[freeware]] program<ref name="TW1" /> that relies heavily on [[heuristic analysis]] to determine if a program's code is behaving like malicious software.<ref name="early"/><ref name="var">{{cite news|title=Grisoft Adds Partners -- The Czech vendor targets U.S. VARs with antivirus offering|newspaper=VARBusiness|date=21 August 2006}}</ref> It scans a computer's documents, programs, and emails for suspicious behavior,<ref name="iDNES.cz 2002">{{cite web | title=Antiviry: AVG 6.0 | website=iDNES.cz | date=22 January 2002 | url=https://www.idnes.cz/technet/software/antiviry-avg-6-0.A020121_0049656_bezpecnost | language=cs | access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref> then rates each file's risk based on its behavior and alerts the user of files with a high rating.<ref name="var" /> AVG Antivirus has features intended to protect the user's PC from [[malware]], [[phishing]], and [[viruses]].<ref name="PCMAG 2018" /> It also has firewall, identity protection, anti-ransomware, anti-spam, and webcam control features for paid users.<ref name="PCMAG 2018" /><ref name="PCMAG 20182">{{cite web | title=AVG Internet Security - Unlimited | website=PCMAG | date=4 December 2018 | url=https://www.pcmag.com/review/365233/avg-internet-security-unlimited | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="Plus 2011">{{cite web | last=Plus | first=PC | title=AVG Internet Security 2011 | website=TechRadar | date=12 February 2011 | url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/utilities/anti-malware-software/avg-internet-security-2011-927248/review | access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref>
AVG is best-known for its antivirus product.<ref name="TW1" /> [[AVG AntiVirus]] is a [[freeware]] program<ref name="TW1" /> that relies heavily on [[heuristic analysis]] to determine if a program's code is behaving like malicious software.<ref name="early"/><ref name="var">{{cite news|title=Grisoft Adds Partners -- The Czech vendor targets U.S. VARs with antivirus offering|newspaper=VARBusiness|date=21 August 2006}}</ref> It scans a computer's documents, programs, and emails for suspicious behavior,<ref name="iDNES.cz 2002">{{cite web | title=Antiviry: AVG 6.0 | website=iDNES.cz | date=22 January 2002 | url=https://www.idnes.cz/technet/software/antiviry-avg-6-0.A020121_0049656_bezpecnost | language=cs | access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref> then rates each file's risk based on its behavior and alerts the user of files with a high rating.<ref name="var" /> AVG Antivirus has features intended to protect the user's PC from [[malware]], [[phishing]], and [[viruses]].<ref name="PCMAG 2018" /> It also has firewall, identity protection, anti-[[ransomware]], anti-spam, and webcam control features for paid users.<ref name="PCMAG 2018" /><ref name="PCMAG 20182">{{cite web | title=AVG Internet Security - Unlimited | website=PCMAG | date=4 December 2018 | url=https://www.pcmag.com/review/365233/avg-internet-security-unlimited | access-date=5 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="Plus 2011">{{cite web | last=Plus | first=PC | title=AVG Internet Security 2011 | website=TechRadar | date=12 February 2011 | url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/utilities/anti-malware-software/avg-internet-security-2011-927248/review | access-date=3 January 2019}}</ref>


Avast also develops software for [[data backup]], [[parental controls]], and other services.<ref name="Investor's Business Daily 2013">{{cite web | title='Freemium' Model Works Well For AVG Technologies | website=Investor's Business Daily | date=5 August 2013 | url=https://www.investors.com/stock-lists/global-leaders/freemium-model-works-well-for-avg/ | access-date=4 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="TW1">{{cite news|title=AVG Maker Grisoft Launches Anti-Spyware|publisher=TechWeb|date=19 June 2006}}</ref> AVG produces a variety of other computer optimization and utility software products.<ref name="Sawers 2016" /><ref name="Stynes 2014"/> For example, a browser extension called AVG SafePrice looks for better deals online when the user is on a shopping site.<ref name="PCMAG 2018">{{cite web | title=AVG AntiVirus Free | website=PCMAG | date=22 October 2018 | url=https://www.pcmag.com/review/364460/avg-antivirus-free | access-date=31 December 2018|first=Neil|last=Rubenking
Avast also develops software for [[data backup]], [[parental controls]], and other services.<ref name="Investor's Business Daily 2013">{{cite web | title='Freemium' Model Works Well For AVG Technologies | website=Investor's Business Daily | date=5 August 2013 | url=https://www.investors.com/stock-lists/global-leaders/freemium-model-works-well-for-avg/ | access-date=4 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="TW1">{{cite news|title=AVG Maker Grisoft Launches Anti-Spyware|publisher=TechWeb|date=19 June 2006}}</ref> AVG produces a variety of other computer optimization and utility software products.<ref name="Sawers 2016" /><ref name="Stynes 2014"/> For example, a browser extension called AVG SafePrice looks for better deals online when the user is on a shopping site.<ref name="PCMAG 2018">{{cite web | title=AVG AntiVirus Free | website=PCMAG | date=22 October 2018 | url=https://www.pcmag.com/review/364460/avg-antivirus-free | access-date=31 December 2018|first=Neil|last=Rubenking
Line 47: Line 47:


==Controversy==
==Controversy==
In May 2012, AVG Technologies issued a copyright claim, referred to as a '[[takedown request]],' for a [[YouTube]] video of 1987 pop song "[[Never Gonna Give You Up]]", performed by British singer [[Rick Astley]].<ref name="rickroll1">{{cite web|url=http://torrentfreak.com/rickroll-meme-destroyed-by-copyright-takedown-120523/ |title=Rickroll Meme Destroyed By Copyright Takedown |publisher=TorrentFreak |date=23 May 2012 |access-date=26 May 2012}}</ref><ref name="rickroll2">{{cite web|url=http://www.tomsguide.com/us/Rickroll-AVG-Copyright-Removed-Original-Rick-Astley,news-15349.html |title=Rickroll Video Removed Due to Copyright Claim from AVG |publisher=Tom's Hardware |date=24 May 2012 |access-date=26 May 2012}}</ref><ref name="rickroll3">{{cite news|url=http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/original_rickroll_video_returns_youtube_after_24-hour_copyright_hiatus |title=Original RickRoll Video Returns to YouTube After 24-Hour Copyright Hiatus |newspaper=Pcgamer |publisher=MaximumPC |date=24 May 2012 |access-date=26 May 2012}}</ref><ref name="rickroll4">{{cite web|url=http://www.technolog.msnbc.msn.com/technology/technolog/news-rickroll-meme-death-greatly-exaggerated-791074 |title=News of 'Rickroll' meme death greatly exaggerated |publisher=MSNBC |date=25 May 2012 |access-date=26 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526143721/http://www.technolog.msnbc.msn.com/technology/technolog/news-rickroll-meme-death-greatly-exaggerated-791074 |archive-date=26 May 2012 }}</ref> The video, which as of October 2015, has over 150 million views and 300,000 comments, had been uploaded in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/oHg5SJYRHA0 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=RickRoll'D - YouTube |publisher=YouTube |date=15 May 2007 |access-date=26 May 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and was restored within 24 hours by YouTube.<ref name="rickroll1" /><ref name="rickroll2" /><ref name="rickroll3" /><ref name="rickroll4" /> The video's name refers to the internet meme commonly referred to as '[[Rickrolling]],' where someone pranks others by tricking them into going to the video.
In May 2012, AVG Technologies issued a copyright claim, referred to as a '[[takedown request]],' for a [[YouTube]] video of 1987 pop song "[[Never Gonna Give You Up]]", performed by British singer [[Rick Astley]].<ref name="rickroll3">{{cite news|url=http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/original_rickroll_video_returns_youtube_after_24-hour_copyright_hiatus |title=Original RickRoll Video Returns to YouTube After 24-Hour Copyright Hiatus |newspaper=Pcgamer |publisher=MaximumPC |date=24 May 2012 |access-date=26 May 2012}}</ref><ref name="rickroll4">{{cite web|url=http://www.technolog.msnbc.msn.com/technology/technolog/news-rickroll-meme-death-greatly-exaggerated-791074 |title=News of 'Rickroll' meme death greatly exaggerated |publisher=MSNBC |date=25 May 2012 |access-date=26 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526143721/http://www.technolog.msnbc.msn.com/technology/technolog/news-rickroll-meme-death-greatly-exaggerated-791074 |archive-date=26 May 2012 }}</ref> The video was restored within 24 hours by YouTube.<ref name="rickroll3" /><ref name="rickroll4" /> The video's name refers to the [[internet meme]] commonly referred to as '[[Rickrolling]],' where someone pranks others by tricking them into going to the video.


AVG's browser add-on, AVG Secure Search, has been criticized as being adware,<ref name="ZD1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.zdnet.com/article/avg-security-toolbar-is-the-worst-foistware-ive-ever-seen/|title=AVG Security Toolbar is the worst foistware I've ever seen {{!}} ZDNet|last=Protalinski|first=Emil|website=ZDNet|access-date=22 September 2016}}</ref> since it is frequently [[Software bundles|bundled with other software]] and is often mistakenly installed, and exhibits malware-like behavior. AVG Secure Search is also advertised to users of the free versions of AVG products.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.avg.com/answers?id=906b0000000DA01AAG|title=How do I make these AVG popups STOP??? {{!}} AVG|date=13 August 2015|language=en-US|access-date=22 September 2016}}</ref> Although the add-on offers legitimate malware-blocking capabilities, the default behavior of changing the internet browser's default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to AVG Secure Search is reminiscent of a [[potentially unwanted program]] (PUP), problems uninstalling the add-on have been widely reported,<ref name="ZD1" /> and the add-on could potentially make an internet browser more vulnerable to attacks. AVG fixed these problems in its browser extension.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.howtogeek.com/239950/dont-use-your-antivirus-browser-extensions-they-can-actually-make-you-less-safe/|title=Don't Use Your Antivirus' Browser Extensions: They Can Actually Make You Less Safe|access-date=22 September 2016}}</ref>
AVG's browser add-on, AVG Secure Search, has been criticized as being [[adware]],<ref name="ZD1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/avg-security-toolbar-is-the-worst-foistware-ive-ever-seen/|title=AVG Security Toolbar is the worst foistware I've ever seen|last=Protalinski|first=Emil|website=ZDNet|access-date=22 September 2016}}</ref> since it is frequently [[Software bundles|bundled with other software]] and is often mistakenly installed, and exhibits malware-like behavior. AVG Secure Search is also advertised to users of the free versions of AVG products.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.avg.com/answers?id=906b0000000DA01AAG|title=How do I make these AVG popups STOP??? {{!}} AVG|date=13 August 2015|language=en-US|access-date=22 September 2016}}</ref> Although the add-on offers legitimate malware-blocking capabilities, the default behavior of changing the internet browser's default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to AVG Secure Search is reminiscent of a [[potentially unwanted program]] (PUP), problems uninstalling the add-on have been widely reported,<ref name="ZD1" /> and the add-on could potentially make an internet browser more vulnerable to attacks. AVG fixed these problems in its browser extension.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.howtogeek.com/239950/dont-use-your-antivirus-browser-extensions-they-can-actually-make-you-less-safe/|title=Don't Use Your Antivirus' Browser Extensions: They Can Actually Make You Less Safe|date=26 January 2016 |access-date=22 September 2016}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 00:54, 10 September 2024

AVG Technologies B.V.
Company typeSubsidiary
Founded1991; 33 years ago (1991)
FounderTomáš Hofer and Jan Gritzbach
FateMerged into Avast, brand still used
HeadquartersBrno, Czech Republic
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsSoftware
ParentAvast
Websitewww.avg.com

AVG Technologies B.V.[1] is a brand of cybersecurity, privacy, performance and utility software applications for desktop computers and mobile devices developed by Avast, a part of Gen Digital. AVG was a cybersecurity software company founded in 1991 and it merged into Avast following an acquisition in 2017. It typically offers freeware, earning revenues from advertisers and from users that upgrade to paid versions for access to more features.

AVG was founded in 1990 in Czechoslovakia. In the early 2000s, AVG expanded internationally and used money from venture capital investments to fund a series of acquisitions. AVG went public on the New York Stock Exchange in February 2012. Avast acquired AVG for $1.3 billion in July 2016.

History

[edit]

AVG Technologies was founded by Tomáš Hofer and Jan Gritzbach in 1990 under the name Grisoft in Brno, Czechoslovakia.[2] Initially, Grisoft sold IT equipment and third-party software, in addition to its own antivirus product.[3] Grisoft grew as the country loosened its international trade policies, so it could exchange technology with companies in Europe.[2] By 1998, Grisoft had 13 employees.[4]

Grisoft later expanded to the US market, creating an American company called AVG.[4] Grisoft also expanded to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and other countries.[5] For a time, the company was focused on bulk sales of antivirus software to computer manufacturers that sold PCs with Grisoft's software pre-installed.[4] It started marketing software directly to consumers in 2006.[6] In 2008, Grisoft changed the name of its parent company to AVG, the name already used for its software and for its American subsidiary.[7] TA Associates invested an additional $200 million into the company that year for a minority stake in the business.[8]

In 2001, Grisoft was sold to a venture capital firm Benson Oak Capital.[2] The firm then sold a 65 percent interest in Grisoft to Intel Capital and Enterprise Investors for $52 million in 2005.[2][9][10] The investments were used to fund a series of acquisitions.[2] Grisoft bought spyware company Ewido Networks in 2006[11] and browser security company Exploit Prevention Labs in 2007.[12] In 2009, AVG announced the acquisition of Sana Security, which analyzes software behavior.[13] This was followed by the acquisition of mobile security startup DroidSecurity and iMedix Web Technologies in 2011,[14][15] parental control software company Bsecure in 2012,[16] and remote monitoring company Level Platforms in 2013.[17]

AVG Technologies filed an initial public offering in February 2012.[18] Additionally, former Mozilla CEO Gary Kovacs was appointed CEO of AVG.[19] He led the effort to create a simple one-page privacy policy that discloses what data the company collects from users and what information about free users it sells to advertisers.[20]

In 2014, AVG announced the acquisition of Location Labs, a cybersecurity company focused on mobile devices, for an estimated $220 million.[18] AVG was acquired by Avast for $1.3 billion in July 2016.[21][22] By this time, AVG had 600 employees, $155 million in annual revenue, and 95 million users.[2] The combined entity became the world's largest antivirus company, with an estimated 20% of the market.[23] There were Avast or AVG installations on 160 million mobile devices and 240 million desktop computers.[24] The new combined entity incorporate their technology into combined software products and developed a new channel program to market them to small business owners.[25][26] A few months later, an American private equity firm, TA Associates, bought a 25 percent interest in AVG for $200 million.[2]

In 2015, AVG acquired the VPN company Privax[27] and an Israeli-based gallery app company called MyRoll.[28] It also released new software products for businesses that incorporate the technology of both companies.[26] In July 2017 AVG acquired Piriform Software, a UK-based company that developed CCleaner, a cleanup utility with 130 million installations.[29]

Software

[edit]

AVG develops and markets software for IT security, privacy, performance optimization, and other utility services on desktop computers and mobile devices.[30] It is one of the largest brands of cybersecurity software.[31]

AVG is best-known for its antivirus product.[32] AVG AntiVirus is a freeware program[32] that relies heavily on heuristic analysis to determine if a program's code is behaving like malicious software.[4][33] It scans a computer's documents, programs, and emails for suspicious behavior,[34] then rates each file's risk based on its behavior and alerts the user of files with a high rating.[33] AVG Antivirus has features intended to protect the user's PC from malware, phishing, and viruses.[35] It also has firewall, identity protection, anti-ransomware, anti-spam, and webcam control features for paid users.[35][36][37]

Avast also develops software for data backup, parental controls, and other services.[38][32] AVG produces a variety of other computer optimization and utility software products.[31][18] For example, a browser extension called AVG SafePrice looks for better deals online when the user is on a shopping site.[35]

A majority of AVG's revenues come from free users upgrading to paid versions.[38]

Controversy

[edit]

In May 2012, AVG Technologies issued a copyright claim, referred to as a 'takedown request,' for a YouTube video of 1987 pop song "Never Gonna Give You Up", performed by British singer Rick Astley.[39][40] The video was restored within 24 hours by YouTube.[39][40] The video's name refers to the internet meme commonly referred to as 'Rickrolling,' where someone pranks others by tricking them into going to the video.

AVG's browser add-on, AVG Secure Search, has been criticized as being adware,[41] since it is frequently bundled with other software and is often mistakenly installed, and exhibits malware-like behavior. AVG Secure Search is also advertised to users of the free versions of AVG products.[42] Although the add-on offers legitimate malware-blocking capabilities, the default behavior of changing the internet browser's default search engine, homepage, and new tab page to AVG Secure Search is reminiscent of a potentially unwanted program (PUP), problems uninstalling the add-on have been widely reported,[41] and the add-on could potentially make an internet browser more vulnerable to attacks. AVG fixed these problems in its browser extension.[43]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "15-12B". www.sec.gov. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Cienski, Jan (7 September 2017). "Anti-virus makers spring from an unexpected source". Financial Times. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  3. ^ "Vznikne antivirový gigant, pražský Avast kupuje původně brněnskou AVG". iDNES.cz (in Czech). 7 July 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
  4. ^ a b c d Rocks, David (31 August 1998). "Czech Detection: Grisoft targets the U.S. antivirus-software market, but will the two California titans even notice?". The Wall Street Journal.
  5. ^ "Avast koupí konkurenční AVG za 32 miliard". Novinky.cz (in Czech). 7 July 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
  6. ^ "Grisoft Updates Security Lineup To v. 7.5". TechWeb. 3 October 2006.
  7. ^ Messmer, Ellen (7 February 2008). "Grisoft changes name to AVG Technologies". Network World. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
  8. ^ Lynn Cowan, "Eight IPOs Line Up, Including AVG And Greenway," VentureWire (27 Jan 2012).
  9. ^ Krazit, Tom (6 September 2005). "Intel invests in Czech security company". InfoWorld. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  10. ^ Gitlin, Elle Cayabyab (8 September 2005). "Intel acquires US$16 million stake in Grisoft". Ars Technica. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
  11. ^ Naraine, Ryan (21 August 2007). "Grisoft AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5". PCWorld. Archived from the original on 15 August 2017. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  12. ^ Rossi, Sandra (20 December 2018). "Grisoft to acquire Exploit Prevention Labs for undisclosed sum". Computerworld. Archived from the original on 1 July 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  13. ^ Rubenking, Neil (13 January 2009). "AVG Buys Sana's Behavior-Based Security Tech". PCMAG. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  14. ^ "AVG Acquires Mobile Security Startup DroidSecurity For Up To $9.4 Million". TechCrunch. 10 November 2010. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
  15. ^ "AVG TECHNOLOGIES N.V. filed this Form 20-F on 04/26/2012". AVG Technologies N.V. 26 April 2012. Archived from the original on 12 August 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  16. ^ "AVG Acquires 'Online Family Protection' Software Maker Bsecure". TechCrunch. 1 November 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
  17. ^ "AVG acquires LPI Level Platforms, providing more cloud services to SMBs". IT Business. 12 June 2013. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
  18. ^ a b c Stynes, Tess (3 September 2014). "AVG Technologies to Buy Location Labs". WSJ. Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  19. ^ Ludwig, Sean (21 May 2013). "AVG buys web privacy firm PrivacyChoice & its smart Privacyfix dashboard". VentureBeat. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  20. ^ Osborne, Charlie (18 September 2015). "AVG releases transparent privacy policy: Yes, we will sell your data". ZDNet. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
  21. ^ McMillan, Robert (7 July 2016). "Avast Software to Buy AVG Technologies for $1.3 Billion". WSJ. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
  22. ^ Lomas, Natasha (7 July 2016). "Avast acquires antivirus maker AVG for $1.3BN to gain scale and dive into IoT security". TechCrunch. Retrieved 30 December 2018.
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