DoorDash has become a staple for more than 40 million U.S. users, whether they’re ordering takeout or delivering it. But as the app’s popularity grows, so does the attention from scammers. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read…
Tag: blog.avast.com EN
Missed jury duty? Scammers hope you think so
This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Missed jury duty? Scammers hope you think so
Match or trap? Online dating scams and other dangers to know
First comes swiping, then comes… scams? Online dating can lead to lasting love, but it can also open the door to heartbreak, fraud, and safety risks. Here’s what to watch out for so you can date smarter and safer. This…
AI meets ransomware: a new cyber threat
Ransomware has long been one of the most feared cyber threats on the internet, and for good reason. It’s fast, disruptive, and increasingly effective at locking up your most important files and demanding payment in exchange for their return. It’s…
Pharma fraud: how illegal online pharmacies endanger your health and your wallet
Even when a website looks legitimate, buying medicine online can expose you to scams that might seriously impact your finances, data or even physical health. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Pharma fraud: how…
Family first: fighting scams together
Avast’s new report spotlights the digital risks facing older generations and how family members can support them with empathy, confidence, and the right tools. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Family first: fighting scams…
Why AI scam protection is more important than ever
In a world where technology keeps us connected, informed, and entertained, it also creates new opportunities for scammers to sneak into our digital lives. From phishing emails to fake websites and AI-generated messages that seem eerily convincing, online scams have…
The latest in phishing scams: stealing your information through fake online forms
Online threats have become increasingly sophisticated, and phishing attacks are no exception. Among the many tactics cybercriminals deploy, developing phishing campaigns by mimicking well-known companies and duplicating their online forms has emerged as a quick, cost-effective, and deceptively simple method…
How crypto is changing the game for financial scammers
Cryptocurrency has transformed how we save, spend, and invest money. But with this wave of innovation comes a new breed of scams—slick, high-tech, and harder to spot than ever. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original…
How to safely change your name without putting your identity at risk
Changing your name—whether due to marriage, divorce, or personal choice—is a significant life event. However, this process involves sharing sensitive personal information across various platforms, making it a potential target for identity theft. At Avast, we prioritize your digital security.…
Fake e-Shop scams — How cybercriminals are cashing it in
Our researchers first detected a surge in fake e-shop scams preying on bargain-hunting consumers during Black Friday and Christmas shopping sprees. However, just because the holiday season ended, doesn’t mean that shoppers are off the hook. This article has been…
5 betting app scams to be aware of in 2025
The odds aren’t always in your favor. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: 5 betting app scams to be aware of in 2025
Don’t take the bait – How to spot and stop phishing scams
The internet is a great place — until someone tries to steal your login credentials, credit card details, or even your entire identity. Enter phishing: the cybercriminal’s favorite way to trick you into handing over personal information. If you think…
Sextortion scams are on the rise — and they’re getting personal
Scammers are in on the sextortion trend. Our expert analysis on this trend found that the likelihood of being targeted by sextortion scammers in the first few months of 2025 increased by a whopping 137% in the U.S., while the…
Sextortion scams are on the rise — and they’re getting personal
Scammers are in on the sextortion trend. Our expert analysis on this trend found that the likelihood of being targeted by sextortion scammers in the first few months of 2025 increased by a whopping 137% in the U.S., while the…
The ultimate cyber spring cleaning checklist
A cluttered digital space slows you down, adds stress, and can even make you more vulnerable to cyber threats. Who needs that? Nobody. So, let’s fix it. Here’s how: This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original…
Zero-day vulnerabilities: the real threat behind Netflix’s “Zero Day”
What is a zero-day vulnerability? This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Zero-day vulnerabilities: the real threat behind Netflix’s “Zero Day”
Prevent Stalkerware In Ex-Relationships | Avast
Leaving an abusive relationship is scary, hard — and complicated. Many survivors find that their lives are so intertwined with the lives of their abusers that it can feel impossible to leave. In fact, according to the National Domestic Violence…
The ultimate cyber spring cleaning checklist
A cluttered digital space slows you down, adds stress, and can even make you more vulnerable to cyber threats. Who needs that? Nobody. So, let’s fix it. Here’s how: This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original…
Fake e-Shop scams — How cybercriminals are cashing it in
Our researchers first detected a surge in fake e-shop scams preying on bargain-hunting consumers during Black Friday and Christmas shopping sprees. However, just because the holiday season ended, doesn’t mean that shoppers are off the hook. This article has been…
How scammers are exploiting your favorite platforms
Social media connects us, entertains us, and even helps us shop — but it’s also a prime target for scammers. Fraudsters use fake stores on Facebook, malicious ads on YouTube, and phishing scams on Reddit to steal money and personal…
Start the year by protecting your privacy— A stalkerware quick check
Imagine starting the New Year with hopes of a fresh start, only to realize that someone might be tracking your every move without your consent. Disconcerting, to say the least. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read…
Super bowl scams—How to avoid getting sacked by cybercriminals
The Super Bowl isn’t just the pinnacle of football—it’s also prime time for scammers. As fans gear up for the biggest game of the year, cybercriminals are strategizing too, looking for ways to exploit your excitement and swipe your cash.…
Time for a new job—9 work-from-home scams and how to spot them
Navigating the job market can feel like a final boss battle in a video game—thrilling, challenging, and filled with traps. Unfortunately, work-from-home scams are some of the trickiest villains you’ll encounter on this quest. They disguise themselves as legitimate opportunities,…
The Avast Phishing Awards: Trickiest email headlines of 2024
2024 has been filled with many ups, downs … and scams. As we navigate the treacherous waters of the digital realm, let’s take a moment and make note of the tactics behind the phishing emails that graced millions of inboxes…
Is Shein safe? Cybersecurity tips for fashion lovers
Have you found yourself scrolling through Shein’s endless feed of trendy clothes and asking yourself, “Is it safe to buy from here?” You’re not alone. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Is Shein safe?…
FakeCaptcha scams—When the “I’m not a robot” button is a trap
How many times you’ve clicked the “I’m not a robot” CAPTCHA checkbox without a second thought? We’ve all done it … countless times. It’s such a familiar step that we don’t question it. And, cybercriminals have taken note of that. …
10 telltale signs of a fake giveaway on social media
Who wants a free phone or gift cards? Perhaps a free vacation? It’s easy to understand the allure of giveaways on social media. But here’s the catch: not all giveaways are real. Fake giveaways are one of the many traps…
6 Tips to Protect Your New Devices During the Holiday Season | Avast
The holiday season often brings the excitement of receiving or gifting the latest tech gadgets, from smartphones to laptops and internet-connected devices. The thrill of starting with a brand-new device, free from smudges and clutter, is unmatched. This article has…
Avast researchers detect a surge in fake e-shops
Need to do some last-minute shopping for the holidays? Found a cool shop with great deals? Check it once, check it twice. Make sure you’re buying from a legitimate online store. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read…
Avast researchers detect a surge in fake e-shops following holidays
Need to do some last-minute shopping for the holidays? Found a cool shop with great deals? Check it once, check it twice. Make sure you’re buying from a legitimate online store. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read…
Smart holiday shopping—How to safely secure deals and discounts for the hottest gifts
Oh, the holidays! A time for cheer, a time for joy, a time for … a whole lot of shopping. As gift lists grow, shoppers are hitting the internet in search of the most popular items, hoping to score the…
Smart holiday shopping—How to safely secure deals and discounts for the hottest gifts
Oh, the holidays! A time for cheer, a time for joy, a time for … a whole lot of shopping. As gift lists grow, shoppers are hitting the internet in search of the most popular items, hoping to score the…
Smishing: The elephant in the room
Phishing is undoubtedly one of the most popular ways for cybercriminals to start a malicious attack, whether they’re looking to steal someone’s identity or distribute malware. Since the emergence of phishing, this attack vector has only been growing — and…
Baby Reindeer—The dangers of real-life stalkers
Hollywood loves a good thriller—and so do many of us. From Fatal Attraction to You, stalking is a recurring theme that keeps viewers glued to their screens. One of the latest installments in this genre, Netflix’s Baby Reindeer, pulls no…
Deep web horror stories from the dark side of the internet
If you thought the surface web was the whole internet, think again. The dark web is where things get really strange—and sometimes dangerous. It’s filled with underground websites that aren’t indexed by search engines, and that’s where some of the…
Scary cybersecurity stories to tell in the dark
Welcome, humans and ghouls! It’s your old pal, the Vault Keeper, sneaking into the Avast Security News Team’s office after hours to pull together five uncanny stories filled with deception and dread. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN…
How AI is being used this 2024 election season
AI has been quite the hot topic this year. It’s no wonder there’s been a lot of discussion, not just about its futuristic potential, but about its impact on the elections. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read…
How to spot scammers when making political donations
With elections around the corner, it’s important to stay sharp about when it comes to your political donations. Scammers are taking advantage of the election season, and—as AI continues to advance—it’s becoming trickier to distinguish real requests from fake ones.…
Voting for the first time—4 cybersecurity tips for new voters
Voting for the first time? It’s a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re excited or just trying to get through it, there are a few things you’ll want to know—not just about casting your vote,…
A new wave of personalized sextortion scams—Using Google Street View images to startle targets
Many have received that email before—the one were the scammer claims to have footage of you in “compromising situations” and you need to pay up to avoid being exposed. However, not everyone has received such an email with images of…
The time I almost got scammed from my college email
As a 20-year-old college student, I was always looking to make fast cash. During my junior year of college, the holiday season was upon us, and my part-time job was barely covering the fee to fill up my gas tank.…
How to block YouTube on your children’s school devices
I love YouTube. Whenever I need to learn how to fix something or want to learn to make something new in the kitchen, I turn to its endless videos. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original…
Your data is under siege. How to protect your data and privacy.
I consider myself pretty savvy when it comes to protecting my personal data. But last year I nearly fell for a phone scam from someone purporting to be an IRS agent. In my own defense, it was an impressively creative…
White hat heroes—Your introduction to ethical hacking
Let’s face it—hacking has always had a certain allure. Cult films like Hackers made it look cool, while The Matrix introduced the world to a cyber universe where you could “hack the system” and save the day. This article has…
5 ideas to help you have the online safety talk with your kid
Teaching your child about online safety has become just as important as teaching them how to cross the street. As one in three internet users globally are children, it’s expected for kids to live and grow using online tools. This…
Are you having the right conversations about online safety with your kids?
Talking about online safety with your kids is… awkward. And honestly, it’s a little like the other talk parents tend to avoid. It can feel overwhelming, intimidating, and sometimes even embarrassing. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read…
Ransomware attacks continue to increase in the US, UK, and Canada
Ransomware is one of the most dangerous and fast-growing threats in the digital world today. It’s a type of malware that can lock you out of your files or entire system until you pay a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency. This…
Ransomware attacks continue to increase in the US, UK, and Canada
Ransomware is one of the most dangerous and fast-growing threats in the digital world today. It’s a type of malware that can lock you out of your files or entire system until you pay a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency. This…
Should small businesses worry about the NIS2 Directive in Europe?
Cybersecurity is a vital concern for any business. However, not all businesses face the same level of cyberthreats or regulatory obligations. In this blog post, we’ll explain what the NIS2 Directive is, who it applies to, and whether small businesses…
Back to school: Managing your high schooler’s digital milestones
Just as you wouldn’t put your kid in a car at age 16 and say, “Drive, kid!” without ever talking to them about how to drive—and why speeding or driving intoxicated or looking at your phone while driving is dangerous—you…
Protect your mini-me—How to prevent child identity theft
Most parents work hard thinking about their little one’s future ahead—imagining it bright and full of possibilities, while doing all they can to protect it. But there may be identity thieves snooping around, looking to target your child and mess…
Scams to steer clear of as a college student, from a college student
Scammers target people of all ages, and with the internet at their fingertips, no one is immune to their devious plans. And college students are often particularly vulnerable to online scams. After all, we’re at the beginning of our careers,…
How to Protect Children From Online Predators? | Avast
Online grooming of children by sexual predators is a topic that people hate to think — much less talk — about. For a parent, the idea of an invisible predator lurking in the places their children are supposed to be…
What is Online Grooming and How Can I Protect My Kids? | Avast
We live our lives in two worlds: the real one and the digital one. We communicate online all the time. Most jobs, if not all, have at least a web component. The internet is a necessity for school and colleges.…
You’re Telling Me That Ad Was Fake? Malvertising Is Sneakier Than Ever | Avast
Finding a space online that’s not rife with ads seems like an unlikely dream—unless you pay for it. And depending on the platform, you may think that the ads you see are legitimate. However, that may not be the case.…
A College Student’s Guide To Help Avoid Dating App Scams | Avast
New people to meet, new dating opportunities! Some might say that dating ranks high—right there with freedom and partying—as one of the perks of college life. However, finding your future fling may come with a bit more danger… and not…
A College Student’s Guide To Avoiding Dating App Scams | Avast
New people to meet, new dating opportunities! Some might say that dating ranks high—right there with freedom and partying—as one of the perks of college life. However, finding your future fling may come with a bit more danger… and not…
Know Your Digital Rights at the Airport | Avast
Everyone knows the drill—shoes off, laptops out, and no water bottles past security. But what about your phone? Are TSA agents allowed to dig through it? Well, like a lot of security-related things, the short answer is… it depends. This…
The hidden pitfalls of travel apps
Any seasoned traveler will know just how many single-use apps are downloaded over the course of an average vacation. Everything from watching movies on the plane to checking into your hotel—even accessing your tickets to a theme park or show—requires…
Marketing Vs. Reality—What We Can Learn From The Ashley Madison Hack | Avast
Like a thriller novel come to life, the Ashley Madison hack story had everything: a controversial product, high stakes, and mysterious hackers who were never caught. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Marketing…
Is Imitation A Form Of Flattery? Scarlett Johansson Doesn’t Think So | Avast
It all started when Open AI’s CEO Sam Altman unveiled a new ChatGPT version that included a new voice assistant seemingly inspired by the movie Her. Altman had professed his love for the movie before, declaring it his favorite. Controversy…
YouTube, The Backdrop Of A Scammer’s Play | Avast
You click on a cool-looking video on YouTube. It looks legit, with a well-known spokesperson and everything. It may be worth checking out. However, it just so happens it lists a linkto a malicious landing page. This article has been…
YouTube, the backdrop of a scammer’s play
For once, you get an interesting ad on YouTube. It looks legit, with a well-known spokesperson and everything. It may be worth checking out. However, it just so happens it takes you to a malicious landing page. This article has…
Scammers are getting creative using malvertising, deepfakes, and YouTube
We’re never surprised to hear that cyberattackers are still at it. For this past quarter, scams have taken more than their fair share of the cyber threat pie. However, even if cybercriminals’ scammy aims remain the same, they’re updating their approach. …
8 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Sending That Sexy Photo | Avast
Let’s be real, you’ve sexted. Your boo has sexted. Your mom has probably sexted! What’s more, they’ve probably all sent a nude to someone. Pretty much everyone’s doing it. In fact, 88% of American adults have stated being involved in…
Scammer are getting creative using malvertising, deepfakes, and YouTube
We’re never surprised to hear that cyberattackers are still at it. For this past quarter, scams have taken more than their fair share of the cyber threat pie. However, even if cybercriminals’ scammy aims remain the same, they’re updating their approach. …
What is MFA bombing? Apple users were targeted using this phishing technique
You notice a system prompt on your iPhone about your password. You click “Don’t allow.” Then it happens again and again, one after the other. At some point, you might get annoyed or start to panic and click “Allow.” …
The ultimate cyber spring-cleaning checklist
A cluttered digital space can lead to stress, decreased productivity, and even make you more susceptible to cyber threats. So, let’s dive into the comprehensive guide to mastering your digital wellbeing this spring with our ultimate cyber spring-cleaning series. This…
Leading the charge against GuptiMiner
Our Threat Labs recently exposed a highly sophisticated malware operation known as “GuptiMiner”, which targets corporate networks specifically. Our team of experts got into research mode right away! This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article:…
Glitter and… Firewalls? How to stay safe this festival season
The air is electric, the skies are clear, and the lineups are out – festival season is upon us! From the euphoric beats under starlit skies to the communal spirit of like-minded souls, festivals offer a world apart, a temporary…
How Avast One Silver adapts to your unique online world
“When can we be together – forever?” A deep dive into emotional scamming
Today’s most common crime is not burglary, car theft or even shoplifting – it’s online fraud. And this includes pitfalls such as emotional scamming. Not to mention, anyone with an internet connection (in other words, all your customers) is a…
IRS scams: How to avoid getting tricked
Tax season is upon us, and you know what that means: It’s time for IRS scams to start showing up. These scams take the form of anything from phishing emails to fake phone calls — and they can be difficult…
AI-generated deepfakes and investment scams
Financial scams are like that one guest at the party who just won’t leave, constantly evolving and finding new ways to crash our digital lives. Lately, they’ve taken a turn for the futuristic with AI-generated videos popping up in investment…
Flexible Billing now available in the Avast Business Hub for MSPs
We are excited to announce our new flexible billing option for our Managed Service Providers (MSPs) using the Multi-company partner version of our cloud management platform, the Avast Business Hub. This pay-as-you-go feature helps MSPs consume Avast Business solutions in…
Spoiler: It’s not the IRS calling
Have you ever gotten a call from the IRS? If you have, then you might be one of the thousands of people losing millions of dollars every year to IRS scam calls. These fraudulent calls, which claim to be from…
W-2 phishing scams: Everything you need to know
It’s that time of year again – tax season – and, unfortunately, it’s also a peak time for phishing scams. Cybercriminals know that people are more likely to be filing their taxes and sharing sensitive information online, so they increase…
Watch out! There are hidden dangers lurking your PDFs
PDFs have become synonymous with convenience and reliability, serving as the backbone for our document-sharing needs. Whether for work, school, or personal use, their ability to maintain formatting across various platforms has made them indispensable. This article has been…
Why one in 20 people fall for dating scams – and how to not be one of them
Imagine, for a moment, you’re deep into the world of online dating, trying to find “The One”—or at least “a One.” You wouldn’t be alone: Online dating is one of the most popular ways for people to meet their match,…
Here are all the red flags Charlotte Cowles missed in that viral NY Mag article
Last week, Charlotte Cowles—a seasoned journalist with a notable tenure at the New York Times and a seven-year streak of writing a personal finance column at The Cut—published a piece about how she’d fallen for a wild scam. It began…
Unveiling the truth behind AI relationship chatbots
AI romantic partners have been a thing in popular culture since at least the 1960s. From full-on android robots like “Rhoda Miller” in My Living Doll to the disembodied voice played by Scarlett Johansson in 2013’s Her, we’ve been collectively…
Show your digital devices some love this Valentine’s Day
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we might find ourselves in the mood for warmth and affection. However, this sentiment should be reserved for our loved ones, not our digital devices. Just as building a strong relationship requires care and attention, so…
A Valentine’s warning about heartbreak hackers
Ah, Valentine’s Day—the time when love is in the air, and scam artists are ready to swoop in with their own version of a love story. Imagine this: you’re swiping through a dating app, hoping to find the yin to…
Malicious PDFs, deepfakes, and romance scams were just some of the 10 billion cyber attacks we saw last year
If you’ve been hoping that cyber attacks were on the decline, brace yourself for a reality check: 2023 was an unprecedented year in cyber threats. We witnessed more than 10 billion attacks , shattering previous records. This isn’t just another…
How to spot the bad actors this awards season
Lights, camera, action! Award season is a time to celebrate the shows, the crews, and, of course, the performers. But for these actors, their stage is the world of cybersecurity, where they put on the most thrilling performances of the…
The Taylor Swift deepfake porn is nothing new – but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be concerned
In a recent unsettling turn of events, AI-generated explicit images of the renowned singer Taylor Swift have flooded X (formerly Twitter), illustrating the darker side of AI capabilities. These images, believed to be created using Microsoft Designer, garnered widespread attention…
That new X cryptocurrency? It’s a scam.
In the dynamic landscape of online scams, our Avast team has identified a new and bold scam, using the likeness of Elon Musk. This quarter, we uncovered advertisements featuring Musk to promote a supposed new cryptocurrency. The irony is striking…
Uncovering the hidden superpowers of your smartphone
Picture this: You’ve just dashed out of your favorite café, already late for a meeting, when that heart-sinking realization hits you: your phone isn’t in your pocket where it should be. Panic kicks in. Or maybe you’re entering your card…
Your data is under siege. Here’s how to win the war.
I consider myself pretty savvy when it comes to protecting my personal data. But last year I nearly fell for a phone scam from someone purporting to be an IRS agent. In my own defense, it was an impressively creative…
The hidden costs of pirated software: A cautionary tale for small businesses
By Luis Corrons (Avast Security Evangelist) and Matěj Krčma (Avast Malware Analyst) In today’s economy, small businesses face an array of challenges, from managing costs to staying competitive. As they navigate these waters, some are tempted to take shortcuts that…
Safeguard your heart and personal info this cuffing season
You may be searching for your soulmate, a low-risk situationship (we don’t judge), or just a suitable date to the wedding you’re invited to next month. Whatever the reason, many of us are on the lookout for love this time…
Avast researchers detect a surge in fake e-shops following holidays
As the festive season wraps up, a new challenge emerges for online shoppers: the rise of over 4,000 counterfeit e-shops. These fraudulent sites, cunningly designed to mimic popular brands, exploit the post-Christmas shopping enthusiasm. Their realistic appearances make them nearly…
Is your ID badge giving away too much about you?
It seemed like an innocuous thing to do. Before flying home to Australia from Japan, Tony Abbott posted a photo of his boarding pass on Instagram with a message thanking the Qantas Airlines crew. But the well-intentioned gesture triggered a…
Twas the day after Christmas, and this family was smart…
Twas the day after Christmas, when all through the place, not a box was unopened, joy filled every face. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Twas the day after Christmas, and this family was smart…
This year’s resolution: remove nosey apps from your device
Last year, a thoughtful friend gifted me a gimbal for my phone. A gimbal is a special handle with a gyroscopic motor that takes your mobile filming to the next…you know what, it’s not important. Here’s what upset me: After…
The Avast Phishing Awards: Trickiest email headlines of 2023
2023 has been filled with many ups, downs, and scams. As we navigate the treacherous waters of the digital realm, let’s take a moment and make note of the tactics behind the phishing emails that graced millions of inboxes across…
Are you sure that online store is real? You might be surprised
The surge in online shopping has unfortunately paved the way for numerous internet frauds. Cybercriminals are craftily establishing phony online boutiques, offering an array of products from trendy apparel to high-tech gadgets, and occasionally, even pets. The rise of user-friendly…
How To Protect A New Technology Purchase | Avast
The holiday season often brings the excitement of receiving or gifting the latest tech gadgets, from smartphones to laptops and internet-connected devices. The thrill of starting with a brand-new device, free from smudges and clutter, is unmatched. This article has…
Understanding and protecting against DNS threats with Avast
Welcome to the digital age, where the internet is as essential as the air we breathe. But did you know that every time you visit a website, there’s a hidden hero working behind the scenes? It’s called the Domain Name…