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:…
Tag: blog.avast.com EN
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
In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital world, safeguarding your online presence has become more a necessity than a choice. However, when it comes to online safety, performance, and privacy, one size does not fit all. This is where Avast…
“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…
Avast Threat Report shows humans are better targets that software
When you think of cybercriminals, you might conjure up a movie image of people working in dark rooms with complex spreads of monitors filled with lines and lines of code as they try to break through the security of remote…
Stepping into 2024 with a look at emerging cybersecurity risks
As we head into 2024, the digital world continues to evolve, bringing with it a host of sophisticated new cyber threats. Our threat researchers have been hard at work analyzing data from the previous year to predict what might be…
Holiday Season Online Privacy Recipe | Avast
If you are going online this holiday season (and let’s be real — we all are), then you’ve seen the notice urging you to “accept all cookies.” Have you ever wondered what that means? You’re not the only one! Since…
9 online scams to watch out for this holiday season
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to start shopping for gifts. But it’s not just the hustle and bustle of the holiday season that you need to be aware of; there are also online scams…
Non-delivery and non-payment scams top the charts in holiday fraud
I think very few people have the prowess for gifting like my partner. They’re in an elite group. Like, if thinking of and procuring the perfect gift were a competitive sport, they’d be recruited by Mercedes-AMG or the L.A. Lakers. …
Bringing passwords to the pie table for unconventional holiday discussions
Amidst the festive cheer and mountain of carb-loaded dishes of holiday get togethers, it’s common to engage in conversations that span from reminiscing about the good ole days to your love life and unexpected career change. Lucky for you, we…
Stay safe while shopping online on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These annual shopping extravaganzas have transitioned from in-store chaos to virtual shopping sprees, offering consumers incredible deals from the comfort of their…
Avast researchers detect a September surge in malvertising
Bu Alexej Savčin, Gen Senior Malware Analyst This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Avast researchers detect a September surge in malvertising
AI is fueling a surge in TikTok scams
TikTok has emerged as a fertile ground for financial scams, specifically those involving cryptocurrency. The platform’s wide reach, coupled with its appeal to younger audiences, presents an attractive prospect for malicious actors aiming to exploit unsuspecting users. This article has…
Fall back…into some good digital health habits
Fall is here, and along with cozy sweaters, family gatherings, and PSLs, comes the tradition of turning the clocks back as Daylight Saving Time (DST) ends. Although we’re not certain why this practice lives on in 2023, it lends itself…
Who’s most at risk for scams, hacks, and identity theft? (It’s not who you think)
If you asked this question a few years ago, many might have assumed that older generations would be the primary targets of online scams. It makes sense. Most of us view phishing and email scams as clumsy, low-effort routines designed…
This holiday, you could be inviting a fraudster to your home
As the holiday festivities draw closer, we start to make plans to see the family. Whether you’re a host or a guest, millions will soon gather to catch up, tell stories, watch football, and break bread. Some of us can’t…
Is that how it works? Hacking and scamming in popular TV shows
We like a good hacker story—and like the screens we watch them on, these stories come in wide array of shapes and sizes. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Is that how it works?…
RATs, rootkits, and ransomware (oh my!)
In a vast world of online threats, certain terms can stand out for their mysterious nature and vague implications. They sound technical, jargony, and are often dismissed as too hard for us to get into. Today we’re offering a guide,…
What is Digital Identity? | Avast
They say everyone is likely to have a living, breathing Doppelganger. Whether you believe that or not, this is for certain: if you’ve ever used the internet to do something as simple as create an email account or social media…
Hackers and scammers target classrooms with ransomware. What can you do?
The school bell rings, kids of all ages take their seats, and there’s an atmosphere of anticipation. Students open their textbooks and laptops, ready to explore language, history, science, and math, and further expand their horizons. Yet, unbeknownst to many,…
If the worst happens: How to prep your accounts so your loved one can get into them
It’s not fun to think about: But if you should unexpectedly die, could your spouse, partner, children or other loved ones access your bank accounts, online credit card portals, retirement accounts, and social media accounts? This article has been indexed…
Do you really need to tell FedEx your Social Security number? How to avoid package-delivery scams
Do you order cartons of strawberries, flat-screen TVs, running shoes, and light bulbs online? You’re far from alone. Oberlo reported that in 2023, the number of people who shop online rose to 2.64 billion worldwide. That’s equal to 33.3% of…
A college student’s guide to dating app scams
For all the conveniences they provide, dating apps can be a headache. Not only do you have to worry about coming up with the perfect opener or who to use your super likes on, but these days there’s also the…
When kids fly the nest, secure your digital nest eggs
It’s a landmark shift when our children leave the house to begin their lives as adults. As they pick up the last boxes and bags from their room and set out into the world, we give them love and encouragement…
Too good to be true? That online auction price could be triangulation fraud
Do you crave the hunt for an online deal? When you decide that you want to buy a thing, is part of the satisfaction of acquiring it how good of a deal you can find? This article has been indexed…
Fleeceware drains money from account slowly over time – here’s how to spot it
If you’re anything like me, every few days you look at your credit card or bank transactions on your mobile and scroll through just to see if anything unusual jumps out at you. And more often than not, there’s nothing…
Why Whac-A-Mole is not a strategy for defending against ransomware attacks
Recently, I participated in a training exercise where a team of hackers (the red team) simulated an attack on an organization’s infrastructure, and a team of Cyber experts (the blue team) was tasked with responding to the incident and restoring…
Web-based adware’s crafty games and how to sidestep them
If you’ve ever been online (and, well, you’re here, so obviously you have), you’ve probably crossed paths with something called web-based adware. Let’s take a moment to unpack that. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original…
New Report Finds Shift in Cyber Crime | Avast
Something is changing in the world of cybersecurity. In the first half of 2023, Avast researchers observed a notable shift in threat trends. While traditional consumer-focused cyber threats experienced a slight decline, social engineering, and web-related threats, such as scams,…
The 3 Cs of Renting vs Buying Ebooks | Avast
Well, it’s that time of the year again: Students are scrambling to find the cheapest version of their textbooks they can. And with textbook prices being as high as they are, most of us usually decide to just take the…
The 3 Cs of renting vs buying textbooks: Cost, convenience, and cybersecurity
Well, it’s that time of the year again: Students are scrambling to find the cheapest version of their textbooks they can. And with textbook prices being as high as they are, most of us usually decide to just take the…
Ebooks are cheap, but you might pay in other ways
The practice of buying textbooks is practically a scam itself. Spending hundreds of dollars twice a year for books that you’re not even guaranteed to use? No wonder so many students try to find cheaper alternatives. This article has been…
Unzipping the truth: The hidden dangers of .zip domains
We all love the convenience of the internet, right? But sometimes, it can be a bit like the Wild West, with new threats popping up where we least expect them. With that in mind, we want to talk about a…
A fan-made Mario game says ‘Lets-a-cryptomine’
The world’s most iconic plumber has been spotted as the subject of a fan-made video game that’s widely available for download across the internet—but keep reading before you go to download it. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN…
Are my apps spying on me? A paranoid’s guide to digital life
Downloaded a weather app to your phone? You might think it’s no big deal, just a quick way to determine if you should grab your umbrella before heading out on a lunch date. But that weather app? It might be…
How scammers used SEO to disguise themselves as an electric utility
Summer is at its height, and it’s a good time to go sit by the pool with a glass of iced tea, go out and see that hugely promoted film in a nice cool theater, or maybe relax at home…
How to use Discord’s ‘Family Center’ to help protect your child
If your children are using the popular messaging platform Discord to connect with friends while playing games, they aren’t alone. Discord now has about 154 million active users who are 13 years of age and older. This online community is…
Unmasking HotRat: The hidden dangers in your software downloads
We all love a good deal, right? And what’s better than free? Would you like to get the last version of Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop? And what about some games like Age of Empires IV or Sniper Elite 4?…
Mario movie malware might maliciously mess with your machine
There are probably few among us who, never have they ever, downloaded questionable content. Whether it was a hit song in the Napster era or a Blockbuster movie you found on a “special” site online, you can probably think of…
How to use Wi-Fi to get your mother-in-law to go to therapy
You may have witnessed the social media trend of people talking to their significant others’ phones to influence their ad algorithms. Believe it or not, it isn’t that far-fetched, even if the exact method of talking to someone’s phone isn’t…
The hidden pitfalls of travel apps
Any seasoned traveler will know just how just how many single-use apps are downloaded over the course of an average vacation. These days, everything from watching movies on the plane to checking into your hotel or accessing your tickets to…
Avast researchers uncover disturbing crowdfunding scheme
The landscape of cybercrime is vast and constantly evolving, and cybercriminals are always coming up with new and novel ways to manipulate people. Avast’s cybersecurity researchers recently uncovered one such scheme, which involves a crowdfunding scam that preys on the…
Virus definition updates for Avast version 9/10/11 end in summer 2023
Updates for Avast version 9 — which was launched in 2014 — are being discontinued. Since we know that this change will affect the loyal Avast users who are still running version 9, we’ve put together a quick list of…
Safe summer travel: Your essential cybersecurity checklist
Hello, fellow travelers! As we prepare for the summer travel season, it’s crucial to remember that cybersecurity is just as important as packing your suitcase. As a cybersecurity expert with Avast, I’ve been asked to compile a comprehensive checklist to…
Don’t panic! These scammers don’t actually have photos of you
Imagine this: You open your email and find the following message: “I am a hacker, and I’ve gained access to your operating system. I’ve been watching you for months…” This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article:…
Malicious extensions: Avast detects new threats on the Chrome Web Store
In the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, new threats emerge every day. Our team at Avast recently discovered a series of malicious browser extensions on the Chrome Web Store that are spreading adware and hijacked search results. These are significant threats, as…
The rise and fall of ransomware: Insights from Avast’s Q1/2023 Threat Report
What’s on your computer right now? Let’s make a list. Start with every work-related document you’ve used or created in the last six months. After that, perhaps your monthly budgets, pictures from your last vacation, all your passwords (in a…
Champions League: How to stay safe while streaming matches
Jan,* an Avast threat researcher, is a huge football fan (soccer, to any Americans reading), and he’s always trying to find ways to stream games that are airing outside of his native Czech Republic. But during the first matches of…
Protecting your business: Advice to SMB CEOs from a former CIO
The acronym CIO is sometimes understood to stand for “Career Is Over,” and here’s why: Business leaders in charge of information technology are not only tasked with driving automation, productivity, business intelligence, digitization, and cloud platforms, but often also with…
Don’t fall for it! How scammers are tricking businesses with fake invoices
Picture yourself in a position where you’re in charge of approving and paying capital expenses for a big-name company worth tens of billions of dollars. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Don’t fall for…
The rising trend of phishing on IPFS: What you need to know
Web3, often described as the next generation of the internet, promises a more decentralized and secure online experience. One of the key components of Web3 is the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), a peer-to-peer (P2P) storage solution that allows for the…
AI-related threats: How should SMBs approach them?
At the end of 2022, the world was wrapping up a year that saw — among other major events — the unofficial end of the Covid-19 pandemic, the start of the war in Ukraine, and the passing of Queen Elizabeth…
Avast discovers and helps patch a major vulnerability
This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Avast discovers and helps patch a major vulnerability
Scammers get sneaky: New malware distribution tactics revealed in Avast Threat Report
The first quarter of 2023 saw a notable rise in cyberattacks targeting trust in established tech brands Microsoft and Adobe, according to the Avast Q1 2023 Threat Report. The report also revealed a 40% increase in the share of phishing…
AV-Comparatives reveals top anti-phishing solutions
In the first quarter of 2023, phishing attacks made up 31.98% of all threats blocked by Avast. Despite this significant number, there remains a lack of tests evaluating how anti-malware software and browsers protect users against phishing threats. That’s why…
SMB cyber safety: De-risking catastrophic events
September 15, 2008: The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers triggers a 4.5% one-day drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, then the largest decline since the attacks of September 11, 2001. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read…
How to fortify your cryptocurrency security
In today’s uncertain economic climate, people are searching for alternative ways to invest and store their money. With high inflation rates during the last month and yet another crisis in the financial system, one option that has gained significant popularity…
The importance of independent third-party testing of anti-malware solutions
Being a part of the Threat Labs of one of the world’s most prominent security companies, you can imagine that securing our customers is at the center of our lives. We have fantastic teams working in different fields, from phishing…
Digital Home Hygiene Checklist | Avast
With any spring cleaning project, a checklist can help you remember all of the essential tasks for organizing, decluttering, and maintaining your physical home. The same is needed to keep your digital home spotless and secure. This article has been…
Anti-malware tests: How to interpret them
It can be overwhelming navigating the world of anti-malware software. With so many different products and test results out there, it can be difficult to know which one to choose in order to keep your computer and information safe. With…
2FA: Why to use it — and what are the best options?
In today’s digital age, it’s essential to protect your online accounts from hackers and cybercriminals. Unfortunately, the traditional method of protecting an account with just a password is still used by the vast majority of people. With the number of…
Cyber spring cleaning: Maintaining your digital home
Spring cleaning prompts many of us to refresh and reorganize our homes with an initial burst of enthusiasm. However, it’s the required maintenance that most of us falter on. So, much like for our physical homes, committing to a year-round…
Cyber spring cleaning: Decluttering your digital home
Spring cleaning provides the perfect opportunity to declutter both your physical and digital homes. Although digital clutter doesn’t leave a physical trace, it can undoubtedly take up significant mental space. A messy digital environment can trigger stress, hinder productivity, and…
New data extortion email campaign copying ransomware gang techniques
The Avast Threat Labs have identified a new data extortion scam targeting companies. The scam is designed to look like it’s coming from a ransomware or data extortion cyber gang and is sent via email to employees of different companies,…
Life finds a way: OneNote malware on the rise
Macro viruses have been a security nightmare for years. First appearing in 1995, they didn’t start gaining global popularity until 1999, when the Melissa virus showed up. Melissa virus was distributed via email attachments, and it quickly became the most…
AV-Comparatives Anti-Phishing Test | Avast
If an antivirus is doing its job, you never really have to think about it. It should be running in the background, protecting your devices from all types of attacks. But if that’s the case, how do you know it’s…
New Instagram scam uses fake SHEIN gift cards as lure
Avast researchers have detected a new scam targeting Instagram users from various countries including the UK, Australia, France, Spain, and Poland. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: New Instagram scam uses fake SHEIN gift…
Cyber spring cleaning: Organizing your digital home
Spring cleaning season is among us, and that means tackling overstuffed drawers, orderless cabinets and overflowing closets. It’s time to tidy upthose neglected spaces not only in your physical home but in your parallel digital home as well. And we…
Carol Shaw: The groundbreaking career of this video game pioneer
Ever flown your jet fighter down the River of No Return to blow up enemy tankers, helicopters, jets and bridges? Then you’re familiar with the work of video game pioneer Carol Shaw. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN…
SXSW 2023: Protecting your digital identity in cyber warfare
South by Southwest (SXSW) is one of our favorite events each year. Our team is always inspired by the variety of sessions and discussions with speakers and attendees who are driving change. At this year’s event, the Tech Track at…
Amazon call scams are on the rise — here’s what you need to know
Has someone claiming to be an account executive from Amazon ever called asking for your Amazon account number, credit card information, or Social Security number? Maybe they’ve claimed it’s to prevent fraudulent purchases on your account or to verify that…
(Ab)using Adobe Acrobat Sign to distribute malware
Bad actors have been distributing malware through email for decades. Over time, security technology has evolved and improved greatly, making this task harder for cybercriminals. 20 years ago, we witnessed the frequent distribution of email worms, which caused inboxes to…
Stalkerware has grown by 239% worldwide over the past three years
Over the course of the past three years, Avast researchers have discovered a diverse range of mobile applications intended for non-consensual stalking. This article has been indexed from blog.avast.com EN Read the original article: Stalkerware has grown by 239% worldwide…