AVG Family Safety® - App Review

AVG Family Safety really has two main uses. One is to protect yourself from potential viruses, malware and identity theft, the other is to restrict access to sites from a parental control point of view. This is an aid to prevent online bullying and so-called cyber-grooming, and works (amongst others) to filter Facebook and Twitter.

The App is basically a replacement browser (instead of Safari) and how one sets it up depends on the intended use.

Now for the ACIDS test:

Aesthetics
If the intention is 'just' to protect yourself then, simply use AVG Family Safety instead of safari. The two are fairly similar, with bookmarks, multiple pages, refresh, back and forward buttons. This App varies in that there is an 'eye' button that checks the site for trackers and the ability to add to your block list (more about this in a moment). You simply rely on the massive database that AVG maintain of potential threats to keep you protected.

The mum and dad know best implementation is slightly different at the beginning. You need to set up an AVG Family Safety account with AVG that enables you to set the type of access blocking you require, such as categories, times, password overrides, and more. This however must be set-up on a device that supports Flash, so it needs to be done on a Mac or PC.

Having done this you then need to disable Safari. This involves going to 'Settings/General/Restrictions' on the iOS device to turn this feature on (and supplying a four digit code). You then need to turn Safari to 'off' and disable the ability to download material (otherwise all your efforts will amount to nothing as it is simple to download another browser.

There are detailed instructions with the App and it is suggested that you read them.

Cost
The App is free but the AVG Family Safety account is based on an annual fee.

Indispensability
It really depends on your attitude to potential threats on the Internet.

Dependability
The App seems a little slower than Safari but, it is not a problem.

Security
That's what this App is all about. There is no doubt that, from a security point of view, you are better protected by AVG Family Safety than Safari.

ACIDS Test Rating:

Don't be put off by the name.

To find out how the ACIDS Test works, click here.

You can get AVG Family Safety® here and support for the App here.