Google chrome and Avast security

pennypincher2013

This doesn't happen that often but recently the number of times has increased. With Google Chrome I get the message:
Your Connection is not private
Attackers might be trying to steal your information from https://www.google.com (for example, passwords, messages, or credit cards).

This has been with various websites but mostly when signing into twitter and facebook.

The message I get with Avast is that certificate has expired and has stopped chrome from continuing onto the website. This happens more often than the google chrome message.
Nearly every google message is accompanied with the avast certificated expired message.

Are these related or two separate issues?

I have followed advice by resetting google chrome but it still happens.

hans_2

What happens if you turn off Avast?

pennypincher2013

hans_2 wrote: »

What happens if you turn off Avast?

I don't really know. It happens randomly and not that often. But often enough for me to be concerned. I would have to be on the net for days without Avast on to see if anything happens.

spud17

Time and date correct on computer?

esuhl

It's probably due to Avast intercepting SSL certificates and replacing them with their own. This is pretty risky. It's a technique some malware uses to bypass web security. I'd definitely consider removing any Avast browser add-ons.

http://www.thesafemac.com/avasts-man-in-the-middle/

http://news.thewindowsclub.com/avast-reprimanded-google-weakening-browser-security-81984/

RumRat

If you are sure your date and time are correct, clear all your browsing history, cache, cookies etc.
Or, preferably, disable Avast and either run with defender for a while, or, download another free AV to see if the problem goes.

poppy10_2

esuhl wrote: »

It's probably due to Avast intercepting SSL certificates and replacing them with their own. This is pretty risky. It's a technique some malware uses to bypass web security. I'd definitely consider removing any Avast browser add-ons.

Definitely agree with removing any antivirus browser plugins. They cause more risks than they solve.

pennypincher2013

And there was me thinking Avast was helping.

Time and date on computer are correct.
Cleared browsing history, cache and cookies from Google chrome.
Have uninstalled Avast. I can't see any add ons.
I am currently using Windows Defender but am thinking of going with Avira. I read on pcadvisor that it's currently their no.1 free antivirus software in their tests. Does anyone here use Avira?

I tried using IE and Avast was coming up with
gomicrosoft.com
iecvlist.mcrosoft.com
as expired certifcates. With Google chrome it came up with beacons.gvt2.com
beacons2.gvt2.com
beacons3.gvt2.com
beacons4.gvt2.com
beacons5.gvt2.com
safebrowsing.google.com

These were all from the time of me reading this thread and using google to search for Avira. The most I've had in a short space of time.

Time will tell if Google will stop giving me the Attackers might be trying to steal my information message.

Thank you everyone! :beer:

esuhl

I actually find Avast pretty good if you disable all the junk they bundle with the product (some of which arguably reduces your security).

The "shields" (File Shield, Web Shield and Mail Shield) are the core antivirus components, so leave them enabled. (Although you only need the mail shield if you have an email client installed; not if you use a web service for email.)

You might also want these components installed:

Software Updater, which alerts you if certain software is out of date (web browsers, Flash, etc.).

Rescue Disk allows you to create a bootable CD (or USB stick) to rescue PCs that are so badly infected that you can't get them to work or get rid of viruses with a normal scan.

Home Network Security is something that supposedly checks the security of your network connection. Probably a good idea on laptops, but I haven't noticed it do anything useful on my desktop PC. I have it installed as it doesn't seem to cause any problems.

Secure Virtual Machines is an option that allows potentially insecure code using hardware-based virtualisation instead of a sandbox. Basically, if your PC supports hardware virtualisation, this option makes Avast run faster and possibly makes antivirus cleanup more secure.

All the other options should be unticked.

pennypincher2013

Secure Virtual Machines is missing from the custom list. The components are:
File Shield
Web Shield
Mail Shield
SafeZone Browser
Browser Protection
Software Updater
Remote assistance
SecureLine
Cleanup
Rescue Disk
Browser Cleanup
Home Network Security
Passwords

Could you tell me which one I should install? (apart from the one you've already mention). Thanks! :beer:

hans_2

esuhl wrote: »

IAll the other options should be unticked.

He has already.