Avast Expands Identity Protection to 15 Countries

Avast has expanded its identity protection solution, Avast Secure Identity, to 15 new countries, including the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, in response to a significant rise in identity theft and scams linked to large-scale data breaches. The recent Q3/2024 Gen Threat Report revealed a staggering 614 percent increase in 'Scam-Yourself Attacks,' where cybercriminals manipulate victims into installing malware on their devices. Leena Elias, Chief Product Officer at Gen, emphasized the borderless nature of identity theft, which can cause lasting financial and reputational damage. Avast Secure Identity aims to provide comprehensive protection by continuously monitoring personal information across various platforms and alerting users if their data is compromised. The service combines identity protection features with Avast antivirus systems to combat evolving cyber threats. This expansion is part of Avast's broader initiative to better safeguard individuals against the growing risks of identity theft worldwide.