Technology

Avast Expands Identity Protection Solution to Help Tackle Rise in Scam and Identity Theft

Published

1 year ago

January 16, 2025

Avast debuts Avast Secure Identity to 15 new countries outside of the US

TEMPE, Ariz. and PRAGUE, Jan. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Avast, a leader in digital security and privacy and part of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), has expanded the availability of its identity protection solution, Avast Secure Identity, to help people around the world keep their identity safer from escalating scam and identity theft risks.

Over the past year, there’s been a surge in large-scale data breaches. These breaches are an opportunity for cybercriminals to take over peoples’ identities by stitching together personal data from breaches with other information from public sources. The risk of identity theft increases as criminals attempt to break into devices using carefully crafted social engineering attacks that manipulate people into making security mistakes or divulging their private information. The recent Q3/2024 Gen Threat Report highlighted a 614% increase in “Scam-Yourself Attacks,” where cybercriminals use psychological manipulation tactics to trick people into installing malware on their own devices, allowing them to gain access. Avast Secure Identity combined with Avast antivirus provides comprehensive protection against identity theft and other threats like Scam-Yourself Attacks that can lead to it.

“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 continuously monitors for personal information across private forums and the deep and dark web and notifies customers if any of their personal information is detected. Personalized guidance from knowledgeable Identity Restoration Specialists gives people peace of mind if identity theft occurs.

Key features available in Avast Secure Identity include:

Dark Web Monitoring: Continuously scans dark web sites and forums, notifying people if their personal information such as credit card and passport numbers is found.Social Media Monitoring: Monitors popular social media accounts, notifying users of compromised accounts or risky links.Restoration Support: Offers access to Identity Restoration Specialists who guide victims of identity theft through the recovery process, including mediation and disputing fraudulent activities.Stolen Wallet Assist: Helps people by guiding them 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 that may indicate fraud. Currently available in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.Identity Theft Insurance: Provides coverage for specific expenses and losses, including legal expense reimbursement and lost income for time away from work to correct financial records, due to identity theft. Currently available in Australia and New Zealand only.

Avast Secure Identity is now available in 15 additional countries outside of the US, including the UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and Italy. For more information, please visit: https://www.avast.com/en-gb/secure-identity.

AVG, a leader in software security products and part of Gen, has also expanded its Secure Identity product to these countries with these identity protection capabilities.

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, and part of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Avast protects hundreds of millions of users from online threats, for Mobile, PC or Mac, and is top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and others. Avast is a member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, No More Ransom and Internet Watch Foundation. Learn more at Avast.com.

About AVG
AVG is a leader in software security products for families and individuals who want carefree connected living, and part of Gen™, a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. AVG has an award-winning consumer portfolio including internet security, performance optimization, location services, data controls and insights, and privacy and identity protection, for PCs and mobile devices. AVG products and services are continuously rated best-in-class by VB100, AV-Comparatives, and AV-TEST. Learn more at AVG.com.

Mike Healey

Allie Thompson

Gen

press@GenDigital.com

Edelman for Gen

Allie.thompson@edelman.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/avast-expands-identity-protection-solution-to-help-tackle-rise-in-scam-and-identity-theft-302352635.html

SOURCE Gen Digital Inc.

Technology

Asian Hall of Fame Heritage Gala Highlights Impactful Legacy

Published

6 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Benefit supported Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports Scholars

LOS ANGELES, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global ambassador Asian Hall of Fame highlighted positive messages of interracial synergy with its Heritage Gala on May 1, 2026 at the iconic Biltmore Los Angeles. CBS LA Anchor Suzie Suh served as Master of Ceremonies of the festive Asian Heritage Month celebration brought to life by vibrant heritage costumes representing Asia, Latin America, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The intergenerational benefit funded Women In Tech, Entertainment, Science & Sports (WinTESS) scholarships for 103 applicants from all racial backgrounds.

Guests from California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and New York applauded the Class of 2026 Official Announcement, including Asian Hall of Fame’s first-ever Major League Baseball Inductee Hideo Nomo, nominated by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and DTLA muralist Robert Vargas as Goodwill Ambassador.

Dedicated San Marino philanthropist and Board of Governors Chairwoman Melinda Rogers was honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year, with a moving speech presented by her younger brother William Rogers. Chairwoman Rogers highlighted the endearing impact of family, and delighted audiences with her custom Korean hanbok, designed alongside Anna Kim at her Koreatown boutique.

Distinguished philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis (Inductee 2007) shared an inspiring fireside chat with stories of family legacy and community empowerment. Guests received commemorative autographed memoirs, and complimentary gifts from Nan Yang Delight and SUP. Inductees in attendance were Marc Anthony Nicolas, Kristen Lui, incoming Inductees Kitty Lo and Maggie Tseng, Official Design Partner of the 2026 Season.

The dramatic Heritage Costume Show, sponsored by Meridien Vacation Homes, presented pageant holders including a Rose Pageant Princess, Miss Asia USA, Miss Teen Latina Global, Hi-Teen USA, Miss International U.S. Virgin Islands, Miss Taiwanese American, and Mrs. Asia Glamour.

Maki Mae performed from her upcoming album release with pianist Jason Lo and cellist Ryan Phipps. Walter Nishinaka and Los Angeles Taiko Collective kicked off raffle drawings, including an 18-carat gold ring donated by long-standing supporter Vartan Kazanjian, owner of Estate Jewelers of South Pasadena.

ABOUT ASIAN HALL OF FAME
Established in 2004, Asian Hall of Fame strengthens interracial synergy by advancing mainstream recognition of Asian and Native legacy. Inductees include Connie Chung, Kristi Yamaguchi, Margaret Cho, amongst others. Contact: press@asianhalloffame.org, (626) 600-9418, www.asianhalloffame.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asian-hall-of-fame-heritage-gala-highlights-impactful-legacy-302771594.html

SOURCE Asian Hall of Fame

Technology

Notice of Data Privacy Incident

Published

6 hours ago

May 13, 2026

MOUNT STERLING, Ill., May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brown County

Brown County, Illinois provides notice of a data privacy incident involving personal information of certain county constituents and staff.

What Happened? On April 3, 2025, we received alerts of unusual activity in one of our email accounts. We launched an immediate investigation, and retained independent cyber incident response specialists to assist. The investigation determined that two email accounts experienced unauthorized access. We have no evidence of fraud or identity theft from this incident.

What Information Was Involved. The information involved varied by individual, and may have included a first and last name along with a Social Security number, driver’s license number, government issued identification number, medical information, or health insurance information.

What We Are Doing. In addition to the above, we are offering complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services to individuals whose Social Security numbers were believed to be involved.

What You Can Do. Generally, it is best practice to remain vigilant for incidents of identity theft and fraud from any source by reviewing your account statements and credit reports for suspicious activity and errors. If you discover any suspicious or unusual activity, promptly contact your financial institution or service provider.

Individuals are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228.

Individuals may further learn about identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps to take to protect personal information by contacting the credit reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or state Attorneys General. The FTC encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. It may be reached at 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

For More Information, you may contact us at 1-800-405-6108, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST for further assistance.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/notice-of-data-privacy-incident-302771596.html

SOURCE Kennedys CMK LLP

Technology

SharkNinja Set to Join S&P MidCap 400; Flowers Foods and F&G Annuities & Life to Join S&P SmallCap 600

Published

6 hours ago

May 13, 2026

NEW YORK, May 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — S&P Dow Jones Indices will make the following changes to the S&P MidCap 400, S&P SmallCap 600:

SharkNinja (NYSE: SN) will replace Flowers Foods Inc. (NYSE: FLO) in the S&P MidCap 400, and Flowers Foods will replace CSG Systems Intl Inc. (NASD: CSGS) in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to the opening of trading on Monday, May 18. NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) is acquiring CSG Systems Intl in a deal expected to close soon, pending final closing conditions.F&G Annuities & Life Inc. (NYSE: FG) will replace Mister Car Wash Inc. (NASD: MCW) in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to the opening of trading on Tuesday, May 19. Leonard Green & Partners L.P. is acquiring Mister Car Wash in a deal expected to close soon, pending final closing conditions.

Following is a summary of the changes that will take place prior to the open of trading on the effective date:

Effective Date

Index Name

Action

Company Name

Ticker

GICS Sector

May 18, 2026

S&P MidCap 400

Addition

SharkNinja

Consumer Discretionary

May 18, 2026

S&P MidCap 400

Deletion

Flowers Foods

FLO

Consumer Staples

May 18, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Addition

Flowers Foods

FLO

Consumer Staples

May 18, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Deletion

CSG Systems Intl

CSGS

Industrials

May 19, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Addition

F&G Annuities & Life

Financials

May 19, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Deletion

Mister Car Wash

MCW

Consumer Discretionary

ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES

S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has been innovating and developing indices across the spectrum of asset classes helping to define the way investors measure and trade the markets.

S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

S&P Dow Jones Indices
index_services@spglobal.com

Media Inquiries
spdji.comms@spglobal.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sharkninja-set-to-join-sp-midcap-400-flowers-foods-and-fg-annuities–life-to-join-sp-smallcap-600-302771602.html

SOURCE S&P Dow Jones Indices