Avast Expands Identity Protection Solution to Help Tackle Rise in Scam and Identity Theft
TEMPE, Ariz. and PRAGUE, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Avast, a leader in digital security and privacy and part of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), has broadened the availability of its identity protection solution, Avast Secure Identity, aiming to help individuals worldwide safeguard their identities from the increasing dangers of scams and identity theft.
Over the past year, a surge in large-scale data breaches has created opportunities for cybercriminals. These criminals exploit the leaked personal data, combining it with information from public sources to steal identities. The risk of identity theft rises when criminals attempt to hack into devices using sophisticated social engineering attacks. These attacks manipulate people into making security mistakes or sharing personal data.
The recent Q3/2024 Gen Threat Report revealed a 614% increase in “Scam-Yourself Attacks.” In these attacks, cybercriminals use psychological manipulation to trick people into installing malware on their own devices, granting the criminals access to their systems.
Avast Secure Identity, when combined with Avast antivirus, offers comprehensive protection against identity theft and various other threats, including Scam-Yourself Attacks.
“Identity theft is on the rise, and as the severity and frequency of data breaches increases, cybercriminals will continue to use the personal information they have access to in even more sophisticated ways,” said Leena Elias, Chief Product Officer at Gen. “Identity theft has no borders. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, and potentially cause lasting financial and reputational harm. If the worst happens, the process of restoring somebody’s identity is often exhausting. We’ve expanded the availability of Avast Secure Identity so that more people around the world can better protect their identities and receive the support they need to restore them if they fall victim.”
Avast Secure Identity continually monitors private forums and the dark web for personal information, alerting customers when any of their information is detected. Identity Restoration Specialists provide personalized guidance, offering peace of mind to victims of identity theft.
Key features of Avast Secure Identity include:
- Dark Web Monitoring: Continuously scans dark web sites and forums, notifying users if their personal information, such as credit card and passport numbers, is found.
- Social Media Monitoring: Monitors popular social media accounts and notifies users of compromised accounts or risky links.
- Restoration Support: Offers access to Identity Restoration Specialists who guide identity theft victims through the recovery process, including mediation and disputing fraudulent activities.
- Stolen Wallet Assist: Guides users on how to cancel or replace key documents like credit cards and driver’s licenses if their wallet is stolen.
- Financial Monitoring: Tracks recurring subscriptions and alerts people to suspicious transactions on bank accounts, potentially indicating fraud. (Currently available in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.)
- Identity Theft Insurance: This provides coverage for specific expenses and losses, including legal expense reimbursement and lost income for time away from work to correct financial records, owing to identity theft. (Currently available in Australia and New Zealand only.)
Avast Secure Identity is now available in 15 additional countries outside the US. These include the UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and Italy.
For more information: https://www.avast.com/en-gb/secure-identity.
AVG, also part of Gen, has extended its Secure Identity product to these countries with similar identity protection capabilities.
Avast Secure Identity
Insurance Disclaimers:
- Australia: Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. See the Identity Theft Insurance Australia Policy Information Booklet found on https://www.nortonlifelock.com/au/en/legal/ for details.
- New Zealand: Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. See the Identity Theft Insurance New Zealand Policy Information Booklet found on https://www.nortonlifelock.com/aa/en/legal/ for details.
About Avast
Avast is a leader in digital security and privacy, part of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company committed to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Avast protects hundreds of millions of users from online threats on Mobile, PC, or Mac and is highly ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs, and other organizations. Avast is a member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, No More Ransom, and the Internet Watch Foundation.
Learn more at Avast.com.
Avast logo (PRNewsfoto/Gen Digital Inc.)
About AVG
AVG is a leading provider of software security products for families and individuals seeking carefree connected living, and part of Gen™, a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. AVG’s award-winning consumer portfolio includes internet security, performance optimization, location services, data controls and insights, and privacy and identity protection, for PCs and mobile devices. AVG products and services consistently achieve top ratings from VB100, AV-Comparatives, and AV-TEST.
Learn more at AVG.com.
