How Avast is making cyber security everyone’s responsibility

Browse Avast deals

Protecting a charity against cyber threats is a job for everyone, not only the person who looks after IT. Being able to identify phishing tactics, understanding different threats, and regular updating our systems and devices are all cyber security protocols within our control, minimising our vulnerabilities to cyber breaches and helping keep our data secure.  

Having the tools in place to support these efforts is vital. Antivirus software such as Avast can help charities patch their vulnerabilities and push updates to ensure that devices remain protected against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. While it might tick along in the background for most charity employees and volunteers, antivirus software is the first line of defense against such threats and ease of use for all is key.  

Indeed, while cyber security appears, and often is, complex, having software in place that is easy to use no matter what your technical ability, helps everyone take responsibility for keeping their charity protected. Avast, for example, highlights abnormalities with simple traffic light colour coding, telling users the actions they must take to address a problem if it arises. 

It is also helpful for charities to have a full, connected overview of their cyber security, particularly in the increase in Bring Your Own Device workplaces and remote working. Avast allows users to remotely access and manage their network with their remote connect features. Users can remotely configure security settings, monitor and diagnose issues on end devices, and provide support to anyone on your network. With staff and volunteers able to work from anywhere, the ability to see and monitor the security of all devices on your network is crucial to reducing cyber risks and patching up vulnerabilities.  

Charities can access Avast products at a discount here on the Charity Digital Exchange. Below, we speak to Exchange user Matthew McCormick, Digital Communications Manager at education charity OCN Northern Ireland, about his experience using Avast to protect his charity against cyber threats. 

Avast: A charity review 

 
How much of a concern are cyber threats to your organisation? 

Cyber threats are a very real concern to our organisation, it seems every day there are reports of further attacks. Ensuring we are covered is vitally important to us. 

Why did you start using Avast? 

It was available on the [Charity Digital] Exchange, and the ability to push updates and use the remote connect feature was very helpful.  

Are there any Avast features/tools that standout to you? 

The remote connect features and the ability to see all devices and version numbers.

What are the pros and cons of using Avast?

Ease of use 

Not any cons really 

How confident do you feel in your cyber security with Avast? 

Very confident, system works well and keeps me informed of any issues 

How would you describe using Avast to someone who has never used it before? 

User friendly, plenty to get your teeth into. Helpful for first time users, but lots you can learn around the system too 

What score would you give the product overall and why? 

I’d give Avast a score of 8 out of 10. We’ll continue to use the platform in the future. It has all we need it to do.