Internet security company AVG Monday launched its next generation of products: AVG Internet Security Suite 8.5, and AVG Free 8.5.

All AVG users will now benefit from the Active Search and Active Surf technologies. AVG told PC Advisor that these features protect web surfers by both keeping an updated list of undesirable websites, and screening inbound data on the fly. Both of these features leverage AVG's 80-million strong userbase, according to AVG.

Similarly, AVG is using its userbase, along with technology purchased with Sana Security, to provide behavioural protection for PC users.

Known as 'AVG Identity Protection', AVG describes this behavioural protection as 'an additional layer of protection on top of existing, signature-based security software'.

According to AVG Identity Protection will use behavioural analysis to help prevent thieves stealing passwords, bank account details, credit card numbers and so on. If IDP spots suspicious behaviour, it simply shuts that activity down. And AVG told PC Advisor that IDP can be used alongside other, competing security products.

AVG also said that it will utilise its userbase to reduce the number of false positives, something that can reduce the effectiveness of behavioural analysis.

AVG Identity Protection will be part of the pay-for AVG ISS 8.5, but not included in AVG Free. Users of AVG Free, or indeed other security products from AVG or any other software company, can bolt on AVG Identity Protection for AUD$33.99 for a one year, single user licence.

AVG told PC Advisor that it remains committed to producing and supporting its free antimalware product, and that the release of the AVG IP module doesn't represent a change of policy, or an attempt to monetise its free users.