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…
Tag: blog.avast.com EN
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
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…