Latest news with #Avast
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
Best Antivirus for Mac (2025): Avast Named Top Malware Protection for Apple Users by Software Experts
NEW YORK, July 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Software Experts has named Avast Premium Security and Avast Ultimate as the top malware protection products for Mac users in its latest independent review. The announcement comes amid growing concerns over cybersecurity threats targeting Apple devices, which, despite common belief, are not immune to malware or other forms of attack. Best Antivirus for Mac Avast - widely recognized for its consumer cybersecurity solutions, providing cross-platform digital protection through antivirus, privacy, and performance tools. While macOS includes several built-in security features, rising online activity and increasingly sophisticated threats have prompted experts to urge Mac users to adopt third-party protection. Malware, phishing sites, scam emails, and unsafe Wi-Fi networks continue to expose vulnerabilities, and users are increasingly turning to security software that can adapt in real time. Software Experts' 2025 analysis focused on product performance across four core areas: malware protection, usability, real-world effectiveness, and feature set. Avast was recognized for delivering strong performance in each category, offering comprehensive coverage through both its standalone Premium Security product and its full-featured Ultimate suite. Avast Premium Security for Mac includes essential protections against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing threats. Features such as real-time malware detection, email scam filtering, and advanced ransomware protection were highlighted for their ability to respond to both traditional and emerging threats. The software also provides alerts for insecure Wi-Fi networks and fake websites, enabling safer online shopping, banking, and browsing. Reinforcing its focus on comprehensive protection for Mac users, Avast has introduced Scam Guardian Pro, an AI-powered feature now included in Avast Premium Security. Designed to combat increasingly sophisticated online scams, Scam Guardian Pro combines three key tools: Avast Assistant for 24/7 natural language guidance on suspicious websites, messages, and links; Web Guard, which scans web content and code in real time to detect hidden threats; and Email Guard, which uses contextual AI to flag risky emails before they are opened. Avast Ultimate expands this offering to a multi-device solution. In addition to the core antivirus protections, it includes a VPN for encrypted browsing, a device performance optimizer, and an anti-tracking tool designed to limit online profiling and targeted advertising. The bundle is compatible with Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS, supporting users who operate across ecosystems. In 2024, independent lab AV-Test awarded Avast the Best macOS Security Award for Consumer Users, stating: "One of the best products for protecting macOS is definitely Avast Security." The company also received strong marks in 2023 from AV-Comparatives, earning the Top-Rated Product Award after achieving Advanced+ in six out of seven categories. AV-Comparatives cited Avast's interface and onboarding process as user-friendly for both experts and first-time users, while also awarding Gold in its Real-World Protection and Malware Protection tests. The recognition from Software Experts aligns with a broader industry consensus. As threats evolve, products that can integrate protection, privacy, and performance have become more important. Avast's consistent performance across third-party testing and cross-platform environments supports its relevance for users who expect more than just antivirus. In particular, ransomware remains a growing concern. Avast's Ransomware Shield, included in both Premium Security and Ultimate, automatically prevents unauthorized apps from modifying, deleting, or encrypting personal files. For users managing sensitive documents or creative work on their Macs, this level of protection can help prevent data loss or extortion incidents. Both Avast Premium Security and Avast Ultimate are available as single-device or multi-device subscriptions. While the single-device plan is suitable for individuals using only one Mac, the multi-device subscription offers broader coverage for users operating across several platforms. The review also acknowledged Avast's Stay Safe Virus Guarantee, which ensures that active subscribers have access to virus removal support. If Avast cannot remove the malware, the service offers a refund, subject to conditions. This guarantee reinforces consumer confidence, especially as threats become more evasive. With device usage increasing globally and cyberattacks growing in volume and complexity, cybersecurity software must provide timely and scalable protection. The rise of hybrid work models, unsecured home networks, and increased personal device usage underscore the need for reliable tools on all platforms, including macOS. While Mac users have traditionally relied on native protections, the evolving nature of online threats highlights the value of supplemental software. Phishing attempts, browser hijackers, and targeted ad tracking represent just a portion of the risks users face in 2025. Software Experts' review emphasizes the role of tested, multi-layered protection in preventing digital compromise. In its assessment, Avast stood out for combining a strong antivirus engine with privacy tools and device optimization - all without compromising performance. The full review, including technical evaluations and comparison data, is available at Software Experts. 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 About Software Experts: Software Experts provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. View original content: SOURCE
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gen Digital Earnings Preview: What to Expect
Tempe, Arizona-based Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) engages in the provision of cyber safety solutions for individuals, families, and small businesses. With a market cap of $18.8 billion, the company offers Cyber Safety brands, Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner. The cyber security company is expected to release its Q2 2025 earnings on Thursday, August 7, after the market closes. Ahead of this event, analysts project GEN to report earnings of $0.55 per share, which represents a 12.2% growth from $0.49 in the same quarter last year. The company has surpassed or matched Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in two of the past four quarters, while missing on two other occasions. More News from Barchart Opendoor Stock Is Surging Higher in a Frenzied Retail Rally. How Should You Play OPEN Shares Here? This Penny Stock Wants to Become the MicroStrategy of Dogecoin Robinhood Stock Stumbles as S&P 500 Inclusion Is Once Again Off the Table for HOOD Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, analysis, and headlines. For fiscal 2025, analysts forecast GEN to report an EPS of $2.28, marking a 13.4% increase from $2.01 reported in fiscal 2024. Moreover, in fiscal 2026, its earnings are expected to grow 13.6% year-over-year to $2.59 per share. GEN stock has grown 18.9% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund's (XLK) 18.3% surge and the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 14.5% uptick during the same time frame. On July 14, Gen Digital stock closed up more than 1% after B Riley Securities analyst Hal Goetsch initiated coverage on the stock with a recommendation of 'Buy' and a price target of $46. Analysts' consensus view on GEN is moderately optimistic, with an overall "Moderate Buy" rating. Out of eight analysts covering the stock, opinions include five "Strong Buys" and three "Holds.' Its mean price target of $34.25 suggests a 13.1% upside potential from current price levels. On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Sign in to access your portfolio
Digital Trends
18-07-2025
- Business
- Digital Trends
Avast's online security is 80% off right now, here's why you'll want it
We live in a time where our online lives are every bit as real as our day to day, walking around town lives. Perhaps, for the most digitally connected of us, more real. Fortunately, we also live in a time where we have plentiful access to the best free antivirus software. But is it enough? What about online scams, ransomware, phishing, data tracking, and all the things that could go wrong that nobody thinks about until it is too late? That's where a paid service can come in and help. However, they're often too expensive to bother trying or have a free trial that's too short to be handy when they're needed. That's why we really like this deal that gets you an Avast plan at 80% off its normal price for an entire year giving you plenty of chances to encounter places where the software is actually useful before deciding if you want to pay full price for it. Avast is already one of our favorites of the aforementioned free antivirus software provides, so their online security just makes sense for a more complete package. Tap the button below to start getting Avast Premium Security for $16 for a year (instead of $78, a savings of $62) or Avast Ultimate for just $22 for the year (instead of $110, a savings of $88). Or, keep reading to see how they'll help you. Why you should try Avast Premium Security or Avast Ultimate The Avast Premium Security plan gives you malware and virus protection, just like you would expect, but goes further by offering other services. For example, it can protect you against ransomware attacks, help you detect online scams, and even check up on Wi-Fi network security to make sure you're safe. It also helps with more unusual situations, such as remote access attacks on your PC, phishing sites, and protecting you from fake websites that look like their legitimate counterparts. Avast Ultimate does all of this and then, for the equivalent of just $0.53 more per month (while this deal is on, at least) it also gives you three bonus features: A secure VPN, software to clean and tune up your PC, and anti-tracking assistance to keep your online identity hidden. Put altogether, this package will keep your PC in tip-top shape while also keeping you ultra secure. If either of these products sound nice to you, this is an excellent time to buy an annual plan. Remember, Avast Premium Security is usually $78 for a year, but you can now get it for just $16, a savings a $62. Likewise, Avast Ultimate is usually $110, but if you get it now you can save $88 and only spend $22. These quick pickups give you a full year to see their advantages, all for about the same cost as a month of your favorite entertainment package. Tap the button below to ensure you get you plan while this offer is still on.
RNZ News
09-07-2025
- RNZ News
Online security risk: Half of older Kiwis writing down their passwords, study finds
Photo: 123RF A cyber security company says normalising discussions about scams will improve online security. Research by software company Avast shows half of older New Zealanders still write their passwords on paper, while nearly a fifth of those with older relatives say they'd rather go to the dentist than help family members navigate the internet. Avast spokesperson Stephen Kho told Morning Report young people should be talking to older relatives about cyber security. "This is a cultural change we need to help change because there's often a lot of stigma and shame to being scammed." Victims were often defensive and reluctant to take advice on strengthening their online security practices. "What we need to do is change the narrative and make it common family every day conversations." He said he received scam messages every day and by regularly discussing them with his relatives he could take away the embarrassment. "Making that conversation normal and not shameful is a key thing we need to achieve here." Kho said writing passwords on paper was a bad idea because it meant people opted for simpler passwords or the same one. "Things are easy to guess ... You end up with very similar or the same passwords for your banking, for your tax, for your online shopping." If the piece of paper was left somewhere or lost, people were left "totally exposed". Hackers were getting clever and data breaches were occurring around the world on a regular basis. "Whenever it happens these hackers will try to attack all other accounts using these same passwords. "So the idea or best practice is to have complex and long passwords across all your different online accounts." The best way to keep track of them was with a password manager and then the user would only have to remember one lengthy password to access the list. Kho said the list would sync across all devices. The study was conducted online within New Zealand by Dynata on behalf of Gen from 24 April to 9 May 2025 among 1001 adults ages 18 and older. Data weighted where necessary by age, gender, and region, to be nationally representative.
RNZ News
09-07-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Nearly half of older NZers write passwords on paper: Research
technology life and society 35 minutes ago New data shows half of older New Zealanders still write their passwords on paper. The research also shows nearly a fifth of New Zealanders with older relatives say they'd rather go to the dentist than help their family members navigate the internet. Avast Director of Offensive Security Stephen Kho spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
