Avast Cybersecurity News

If someone is blackmailing you with private photos or threats, do not pay. We know it’s scary, but you don’t need to comply. Learn how to handle sextortion threats, and discover how Avast can help secure your privacy.

How a simple “I found your photo” message can quietly take over your account

Holiday shopping is in full swing, and so is the hunt for great deals. As online shopping becomes the default for many, a shadowy industry of fake e-shops is growing right alongside it.

Scammers are using deepfake technology to replicate your child’s voice in a kidnapping hoax, catfish with AI-generated video dates, and impersonate executives to steal millions. Learn how to spot deepfake fraud, and use Avast Scam Guardian to help verify what’s real before it’s too late.

‘Tis the season… for scams The holidays are a time for goodwill, warmth, and connection. Unfortunately, it’s also the perfect moment for scammers to strike. Between last-minute shopping, travel plans, and a flurry of digital distractions, it’s easy to overlook red flags. That’s exactly what scammers count on, whether they’re running slick fake shopping sites or sending urgent “package delivery” texts designed to trip you up when you’re busiest.

When we think about protecting our personal data, we often think of our home address, passwords, or banking credentials. But a recent discovery of vulnerability in WhatsApp shows that our phone numbers deserve the same caution.

Every holiday season brings excitement, and unfortunately, a surge in SMS scams targeting unsuspecting consumers. These scam messages might be tiny, but their impact can be huge, ranging from financial loss to identity theft.  

You’re in line for coffee when your phone buzzes: “Hi! We reviewed your profile for a remote job. $1,200/week, no experience needed! Text YES to learn more.” Looks tempting at first glance, right? But if your scam radar isn’t going off yet, it should be. This “job offer” is suspiciously vague, and that’s just the beginning of the red flags.

You get a text saying you’re owed an Amazon refund. Sweet, right? Not so fast. If it’s the Amazon refund text scam, that sweet deal could cost you more than you think. Here’s how to protect your devices with Avast Free Antivirus.

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.