DuckDuckGo

[1234ava]

The Avast program keeps telling me I should change default Search. I already chose to keep it, but new warnings popped up.
Why does Avast dislike DuckDuckGo? Are the warnings just based on the fact that not as many users use the aforementioned search engine, compared to Google, Yahoo or Bing, thus a lesser "reputation"?
But then, seems to me, DuckDuckGo is not some obscure software or add-on among thousands, nor an unknown web page among millions. "Reputation" may be useful when you can not verify directly. Search engines are not millions, and DuckDuckGo is well know to expert users.  I think Avast should check and tell us if there are real security concerns, or not. If not, if it is actually safe, Avast "warnings" are just misleading, in my view.
I found this  article about the topic (translated from French to English). I cannot believe there are commercial reasons, still the "reputation" reason seems weak in this case. https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fr&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=it&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.infobidouille.com%2Favast-duck-duck-go-indesirable

[wizzlbang]

I'd never even heard of duckduckgo until this thread
I'd say reputation is a big part of it, I think Avast automatically labels any search engine without a 'big name' (google, bing, yahoo. etc) as being something less than desirable and possibly stuffed into your computer by adware

Never used duckduckgo, but it looks pretty ok, I wouldn't worry about it too much

[1234ava]

Blekko or Wolfram Alpha do not have a big name either, but Avast lists them among five possible "good" choices, if you take a look at the screenshot in the link.
Also, Yahoo is actively "recommended" by Avast rather than Google or Bing. Why?
As to DuckDuckGo, it does not have a name as big as the big dogs, right, but a number of users like it because it is very clear  about privacy: "DuckDuckGo does not collect or share personal information". Period. That is not the case of some search bars stuffed into your PC by adware.

[stibi]

I use DuckDuckGo for about half a year - no problems with avast ...

[ky331]

DuckDuckGo is a reputable choice... no reason to question it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DuckDuckGo

[Cluster-Lizard2014]

Same here  - no problem with DuckDuckGo, Dogpile, IxQuick, Startpage or any other search engine I've ever tried.

I do hate it when AVAST flags up a problem with software just because it is 'rare' and/or less often used. If Avast's WebRep rating is poor for the item then it is understandable - I welcome an extra reminder as long as I can choose to ignore it. But relative popularity or obscurity is a pretty poor indication of potential threat.   

[1234ava]

Here are the screenshots from the above linked article (in French, sorry, but "non recommandé" just means "not recommended", and "risque pour la confidentialité" means "privacy risk"!).

P.s. I've just noticed in the screenshot, it actually is "DuckDuckGo Next", which is a variant based on DuckDuckGo beta version, so that might explain the issue, BUT on my own PC I use the official DuckDuckGo search and I remember having seen the same pop-up a couple of times, although choosing to keep the existing search bar (DuckDuckGo), and then I had the other warning too.

[Asyn]

-> https://www.avast.com/faq.php?article=AVKB115

[lakrsrool]

DuckDuckGo is a reputable choice... no reason to question it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DuckDuckGo

Exactly, there should absolutely be no reason to question this search engine at all, I use DuckDuckGo as well as Ixquick if I'm interested in privacy.  I have no problems using either and absolutely should not.

[1234ava]

@Asyn
Thanks for the link, but it does not really explain much.
It says
"Avast Browser Cleanup offers a list of approved and AVAST-tested new search providers" etc. etc.
So I gather that only five search engines are "approved and AVAST-tested": Yahoo ("recommended"), Bing, Blekko, Google, Wolfram Alpha.
That's all good and fine, but I would like to know: was DuckDuckGo tested?

If yes, did it not pass the test? Are there concerns?

If not, why not? DuckDuckGo is used by users who care about privacy, so I hope Avast tests it.

I also wonder: why is Yahoo "recommended" over Google and others? Is Yahoo really a superior choice? Or does it come down to commercial reasons?

[Asyn]

I suggest you ask in the BCU section.
-> https://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=54.0

[1234ava]

@Asyn
Done!
https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=170363

[REDACTED]

The Avast program keeps telling me I should change default Search. I already chose to keep it, but new warnings popped up.
Why does Avast dislike DuckDuckGo?

Have the same problem, Avast keeps on telling me what to do...

If you feel DDG being your search engine of choice you are free to keep it by selecting "Keep existing".

To be honest: we reviewed DDG (found it good) and had some discussions with them. However, DDG themselves decided not to be listed in BCU for some reason.

Does not convince me: can you be a bit more specific please? And after all it's Avast that decides on where and why this annoying popup keeps on appearing.
Could you perhaps add a button "Don't warn me again in the future" or something the like?

Tnx for you anti-virus assistance, thoudh ! 

[Asyn]

Post/Ask in the BCU section: https://forum.avast.com/index.php?board=54.0

[REDACTED]

After receiving an AVAST Business Security "Warning!" this morning regarding the DuckDuckGo search engine which we use have standardized on all of our computers was a concern.
AVAST is great...however, not perfect...

DuckDuckGo - "Avast Business Security Warning" should be removed.

Researching if there really was a reason behind the "Business Security Warning" we found nothing.  Just the opposite. Positives.

1) Mozilla Firefox began recommending DuckDuckGo over all other search engines in 2014 with Release 33. The same release that included the "Forget button" for security. Because DuckDuckGo tested to be the best secure browser available. Still is in our opinion. Great search features.

http://venturebeat.com/2014/11/10/mozilla-updates-firefox-with-forget-button-and-duckduckgo-search-rolls-out-sponsored-tiles-to-new-tab-page/

2) Web of Trust (WOT) which is a great solution has high marks for DuckDuckGo; another great security add on for browsers; no ads....
https://www.mywot.com/en/scorecard/duckduckgo.com


3) The founder is cool. Gabriel Weinberg.
Gabe's blog = http://ye.gg/
MixEnergy Inverview with Gabriel = https://mixergy.com/interviews/gabriel-weinberg-duck-duck-go-interview/

4) Why DuckDuckGo should be viewed as a "Positive" versus a "Warning"
https://searchenginewatch.com/sew/study/2441428/should-you-be-paying-more-attention-to-duckduckgo

Thanks for reading this message and hope to see more "positives"...

21infosec