Tag: Antivirus Software

  • Norton 360 Adds Genie Scam Protection to Safeguard Your Bitcoin and Photos

    Norton 360 Adds Genie Scam Protection to Safeguard Your Bitcoin and Photos

    Key Takeaways

    1. Norton has launched the AI-driven Genie Scam Protection feature in Norton 360 to help identify hard-to-recognize scams.
    2. Norton is known for effective antivirus solutions, consistently rated highly by AV Comparatives and AV Test.
    3. Traditional antivirus software often fails to detect scams in SMS and online interactions, which use harmful links and impersonation.
    4. Genie Scam Protection includes various features for Norton 360 users, with additional benefits for Norton 360 with Lifelock users.
    5. Users can try the free Norton Genie tool to test its effectiveness against their scam messages before purchasing Norton 360.

    Norton has introduced the AI-driven Genie Scam Protection feature across all its Norton 360 security software offerings. This innovative Genie utilizes artificial intelligence to identify scams that are often hard for individuals to recognize, thereby safeguarding their finances and private data from theft.

    Proven Antivirus Solutions

    Norton has a long-standing history of producing antivirus solutions, consistently ranking high in evaluations by AV Comparatives and AV Test. Antivirus software works by scanning a computer’s memory and hard drive for virus signatures that may compromise or damage data. Nevertheless, traditional antivirus solutions typically struggle to identify scams prevalent in text messages (SMS) and online interactions, which frequently employ harmful links, impersonated identities, and deceptive phone numbers to commit theft.

    Features of Genie Scam Protection

    For Norton 360 users, Genie Scam Protection offers the following features:

    For those using Norton 360 with Lifelock, Genie Scam Protection encompasses everything mentioned above and also adds:

    If users are uncertain about whether Genie Scam Protection fits their needs, they can experiment with the free Norton Genie tool using their own scam messages. Those who find this feature appealing can purchase any Norton 360 version (available here on Amazon) to benefit from Genie Scam Protection on their computers and mobile devices.

    Stay Informed About Scams

    Individuals who tend to click on every link they see should educate themselves on the various tactics that criminals employ to scam unsuspecting victims.

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  • Kaspersky Antivirus Accounts Sold to UltraAV with Service Transfer

    Kaspersky Antivirus Accounts Sold to UltraAV with Service Transfer

    US Kaspersky antivirus accounts have been acquired by UltraAV, a branch of the Pango Group. This acquisition follows Pango’s recent separation from Aura, a security firm led by CEO Hari Ravichandran. The move comes after Kaspersky was compelled to exit the US market due to a ban imposed by the Biden administration. This ban was formalized through a Final Determination issued by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on June 20, 2024, aimed at preventing Russia from accessing and exploiting data on American citizens.

    Elevated Privileges of Antivirus Software

    Antivirus software possesses a unique characteristic – it is granted significant permissions that typical applications do not receive. This is necessary so that antivirus programs can detect, isolate, and eliminate malware and viruses that may be deeply embedded within compromised systems. Countries can instruct friendly antivirus companies to utilize these heightened permissions for monitoring users, gathering data, and controlling systems. The BIS determined that Russia was instructing Kaspersky to perform such actions on American computers.

    Transition to UltraAV

    Due to the BIS order, Kaspersky’s US operations and antivirus updates will cease at the end of September 2024. However, this prohibition does not extend to Kaspersky’s global operations, allowing users outside the US to continue using the software. As a final measure in closing its US operations, Kaspersky has sold all of its accounts to UltraAV, a US-based security provider. UltraAV claims to operate independently from Kaspersky.

    All current Kaspersky users, estimated at around a million, will be automatically transitioned to the UltraAV antivirus and service unless they opt out. The service will be available at the same price for existing users. For new customers, the antivirus service will be priced at $47.88 for the first year, followed by an annual fee of $149.99. The antivirus service supports up to 20 devices and is compatible with Android, iOS (with limited functionality), Mac, and Windows platforms.

    Alternatives to Kaspersky

    While Microsoft has significantly enhanced its built-in antivirus software available with Windows at no cost, paid antivirus solutions tend to provide superior protection against infections. Leading alternatives include AVG, Avast, Bitdefender, McAfee, and Norton, as reported by AV Comparatives, AV Test, and Virus Bulletin. It is important to note that UltraAV has not yet been evaluated by these organizations, leaving its real-world performance uncertain.

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