Avast news stories
Malware
Avast One extends protection with Online Safety Score
Avast One has extended its cross-platform support by adding its Online Safety Score feature to both the Mac and iOS platforms of Avast One.
Digital
Cybersecurity disconnect between digitally free and unfree countries
People in countries with more digital freedom face fewer cybersecurity risks and stronger privacy regulations.
Malware
Minors using Discord servers to spread malware for cash
Avast has discovered an online community of minors constructing, exchanging and spreading malware, including ransomware and a mix of information stealers and cryptominers.
Cybersecurity
NZ Windows users at risk of devastating cyber attacks
"While businesses are less at risk of encountering a threat than consumers, they more often than not have more to lose if they do fall victim."
Digital Identity
Avast acquires SecureKey, extends digital identity security
"SecureKey is highly complementary to Avast’s prior work in identity and together we will take our offer to the next level, accelerating innovation."
Malware
Avast reveals top 10 malware types troubling Aussie users
Avast has revealed the top 10 malware types putting Australian users at risk of having their personal data and money stolen and losing control of their devices.
Ransomware
Older people targeted by ransomware while young adults fall for TikTok scams
New research from Avast has revealed that older and younger generations are being targeted by different online threats based on the primary device that they use to go online.
Firewall
Avast launches a new firewall in latest product updates
Avast has announced a new firewall will be packaged with its latest free and premium product updates for Windows.
Phishing
Cybersecurity experts urge caution as phishing attacks surge
Phishing was one of the highest incident categories from October to December last year.
SMS
Global SMS scam uncovered on Google Play Store, promoted on Tik Tok and Instagram
More than 150 premium SMS scam applications have been discovered as part of a campaign dubbed “UltimaSMS” using Instagram and Tik Tok.
Appointments
Avast announces three new appointments to leadership team
Daria Loi will serve as head of innovation, Siggi Stefnisson as head of threat labs, and Andrew Gardner as vice president of research and AI.
Android
Misconfiguration sees Android user data at risk of being exposed
“Each one of these open instances is a data breach event waiting to happen and can pose critical business, legal and regulatory risks if they happen."
Avast
New Zealanders are exposing themselves to cybercrime, study shows
According to Avast, many New Zealanders are exposing themselves to unnecessary online risks and cyber threats through careless digital practices.
Malware
NZ business facing higher risk of PC malware attacks
There is an increased risk for cyberattacks on businesses since the start of the pandemic.
Mergers and Acquisitions
NortonLifeLock and Avast to merge
The companies' boards believe the merger has ‘compelling strategic and financial rationale’, and creates an opportunity to create a new cyber-safety business.
Cyber Threats
Chance of PC users encountering cyber threats increase
"The risk ratio has increased worldwide for all malware attacks."
Cloud
Avast and RiskIQ announce threat intelligence partnership
Digital security and privacy company Avast, and RiskIQ, an internet security intelligence company, have announced a threat intelligence partnership.
Cryptocurrency
Avast finds cybercriminals are targeting gamers with cryptomining malware
Avast finds cybercriminals are targeting gamers using cracked games with cryptomining malware Crackonosh.
Malware
Adware, fake apps and banking trojans targeting Android devices
Adware continues to be the most significant threat on Android phones and tablets.
Cloud Security
Avast launches new Business Hub platform for partners and businesses
Avast has announced the official launch of its security platform Avast Business Hub for partners and businesses.
Malware
Avast identifies new cryptocurrency malware Hackboss
Researchers from Avast, the global digital security and privacy company, say they have identified new cryptocurrency-stealing malware.
Cybersecurity
Top cyber threats for Australia in 2020
COVID-19 scams, ransomware attacks, mobile adware and fleeceware, stalkerware and deepfakes were the top cyber threats that impacted Australian and global businesses in 2020.
Artificial Intelligence
Avast and Borsetta join Intel to power AI research
The new collaboration’s purpose is to advance and develop technologies that strengthen privacy and trust for decentralised AI.
Scams
Increase in scams expected for NZ and Australia during holiday shopping season
One of the biggest scams to be aware of this shopping season are phishing attacks.