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Chief Technology Officer

Company News

All over the world, people are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in the ways they work, learn and communicate. A recent <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai">report</a> from McKinsey &amp; Company found that companies across industries, regions and sizes are rapidly increasing their use of generative AI (gen AI) to perform regular functions, and that more people are using these tools outside of the office, as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a global leader in Cyber Safety, we recognize our role in considering the impacts of such a revolutionary and widely used technology, particularly one that has direct effects on digital life.&nbsp;&nbsp;To that end, we’re proud to publish a new series of policy papers that discuss what AI means for consumers, our company and the world around us. Together, these documents detail how we can work together to build an AI-enabled digital landscape that centers the issues of transparency, ethics and responsibility.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Our Approach to AI at Gen&nbsp;</h2>The rise of AI has had significant implications for Cyber Safety. AI-powered threats often require AI-powered safeguards, and we’re increasingly incorporating these tools into our efforts to provide the best possible protection to consumers around the globe.&nbsp; &nbsp;To guide our AI research, use and deployment, we’ve identified the following five policy principles:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Integrity – We use and create AI in only positive, legal and ethical ways.&nbsp;</li><li>Accountability – We assess the unique risks of AI and stand accountable for the outputs of the tools we build and use.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Data Protection – We protect company information, including intellectual property and personal data, and we respect the intellectual property rights of others.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Human Involvement – We control the outputs of AI by incorporating human oversight into our processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Transparency – People should be able to understand when they are significantly impacted by AI. We strive to be clear how the AI tools we build work, and how they affect stakeholders.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>We believe these principles allow us to invest in ethical and responsible AI to protect consumers and drive our growth. Read our <a href="https://www.gendigital.com/media/ibhn2tm2/cc-ai-policy-principles-flyer_link.pdf">Artificial Intelligence Policy Principles</a> for more information.<h2>Our Recommendations for Companies and Policymakers&nbsp;</h2>Building ethical AI platforms requires collaboration and alignment. The more organizations operate responsibly, promote transparency and protect against new threats, the more we can deliver an AI revolution that is founded on safety, freedom and trust. Our policy paper <a href="https://www.gendigital.com/media/dz3lghha/cc-gen-ai-thought-leadership-paper_links2.pdf">Artificial Intelligence Concerns &amp; Recommendations</a> lays out how we can do just that. A few examples include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Citizens should only use intelligent chatbots and generative models from providers who offer clear legal guarantees against the misuse of private data.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Companies should enhance transparency regarding AI technical solutions and open widely used AI-supposed ecosystems to public or third-party scrutiny.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Governments and regulators should support any measure that aims to raise public awareness regarding the issue of content authenticity on the Internet.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>&nbsp;Our Research on the AI Threat Landscape&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;We’ve also conducted a detailed analysis of the current landscape of AI-related threats and scams facing consumers and organizations alike. The report covers many of the major issues related to AI adoption, including misinformation, deepfakes, manipulation of personal data, discrimination, AI-generated cyber attacks, and so much more. View the full report, <a href="https://www.gendigital.com/media/skvp0l4u/cc-gen-ai-thought-leadership-paper-report-v4.pdf">The AI Revolution of Good and Bad </a>for a more in-depth perspective.&nbsp;We’re likely only at the beginning of AI’s impacts on our lives. As these new technologies evolve, we believe we can continue to meet new challenges, Power Digital Freedom and build a safer and more trusted AI-supported digital world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gen releases policy papers on Responsible Use of AI

AI at Gen: Unpacking What AI Means for People, Cybersecurity and Our Company

Corporate Communications Intern

Corporate Communication Specialist

As cyberattacks continue to evolve, so does Gen. However, the cybersecurity industry faces a pressing challenge: a growing technical skills gap. This gap is unbalancing the equation of demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals and the available supply of qualified individuals.   &nbsp;&nbsp;We’re committed to continuing to bridge that gap in this increasingly digitized world. &nbsp;&nbsp;Cyberskills versus cyberthreats&nbsp;With the sophistication of threats, both code-driven and human-engineered, the world demands a new generation of cybersecurity engineers equipped to understand emerging systems and defend against rapidly developing threats.  &nbsp;As cybercriminals devise increasingly complex and targeted attacks, the need for cybersecurity experts with specialized skills and expertise has never been more urgent. But, an Eurobarometer survey indicates that the <a href="https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3176">cyberskills shortage is only increasing</a>. While there needs to make staff highly cybersecurity-aware increases with it for companies across the EU.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The diversity gap&nbsp;The shortage isn’t limited to skill sets. There is also a lack of diversity in the cybersecurity workforce. &nbsp;We believe great workers can come from anywhere. Yet, women and minorities are significantly underrepresented in the field. The nature of education and work has grown increasingly dispersed across geolocations, but education and training programs are often not reaching these populations effectively.  &nbsp;The consequences for organizations and individuals alike are far-reaching. This lack of diversity limits the pool of potential cybersecurity talent and hinders the industry's ability to address the skills gap comprehensively. &nbsp;&nbsp;How Gen is working to bridge the gaps&nbsp;Our company and our people recognize the gravity of the cybersecurity skills gap. We’re committed to addressing this issue head-on through various initiatives: &nbsp;<ol><li>Partnering with organizations like <a href="https://www.czechitas.cz/en">Czechitas</a> and <a href="https://nasscom.in/">Nasscom</a> to bridge the gender tech gap and promote diversity in the cybersecurity workforce. &nbsp;</li><li>Joining the <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/index_en">European Commission</a>’s Cybersecurity Skills Academy to discuss free training pledges and market needs.  &nbsp;</li><li>Pledging to close the gender gap in cybersecurity through an exclusive sponsorship with the <a href="https://women4cyber.eu/">Women4Cyber</a> Mentoring Program. This program is open to women of all experience levels and aims to advance skill development and career progression.  &nbsp;</li><li>Embracing <a href="https://www.gendigital.com/us/en/social-impact/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/">DEI initiatives</a> and fostering a company culture that attracts and retains top cybersecurity talent. We take pride in a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued and empowered to contribute to our collective cybersecurity efforts. &nbsp;</li><li>Offering a wide range of <a href="https://www.gendigital.com/us/en/life-gen/learn-gen/">educational programs and resources</a> to help our employees develop and enhance their cybersecurity skills &nbsp;</li><li>Supporting STEM education initiatives and implementing inclusive hiring practices.  &nbsp;</li></ol>The cybersecurity skills gap poses a significant challenge, but it is a challenge that we can continue to overcome through collaborative efforts. By working closely with organizations, pledging to close the gender gap, promoting inclusive hiring practices and fostering a supportive company culture we can create a future where everyone can succeed in the cybersecurity industry and collectively protect ourselves from the evolving threats of cyberattacks. &nbsp;&nbsp;If you’re interested in joining our global team to push back against emerging cybersecurity threats, find out more about <a href="https://gen.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/careers">how you can join our team</a>. &nbsp;

Our call for action and inclusion to create a new workforce

How Gen is committed to bridging the global cybersecurity skills gap

Sr. Manager, CR and Environment

Today’s young people have a lot on their minds. Studies show they’re anxious about global issues like <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/climate-change-anxiety/">climate change</a> and <a href="https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/content/genz-millennialsurvey.html">economic instability</a>, and they’re <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/29/upshot/teens-politics-mental-health.html">losing confidence</a> in their political leaders to reflect their needs and interests. Even many parents <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/02/28/most-in-the-u-s-say-young-adults-today-face-more-challenges-than-their-parents-generation-in-some-key-areas/">agree</a> that young people face more challenges than they did, particularly in areas like saving for the future and buying a home.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.socialshifters.co/">Social Shifters</a> is looking to transform that anxiety into action. The organization is currently accepting submissions for its <a href="https://www.socialshifters.co/global-innovation-challenge/">Global Innovation Challenge 2024</a>, an annual competition that awards funding to young leaders (18-30 years) with an idea, project or business solution to a pressing social or environmental issue. We’re excited to announce that as part of our new partnership with Social Shifters, we are providing $30,000 USD in funding support (this grant is awarded from the Gen Foundation,&nbsp;a corporate-advised fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation). Gen team members will also serve as volunteer judges for this year’s contest.&nbsp;

Seeking Solutions to Global IssuesAs Global Innovation Challenge judges, Gen team members will evaluate &nbsp;projects that use technology to address climate change and benefit the environment, such as recycling solutions, renewable energy, resource conservation and beyond. This approach is part of Social Shifters' larger endeavor to align with the United Nations&nbsp;<a href="https://sdgs.un.org/goals">Sustainable Development Goals</a>, a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.&nbsp;Submissions are open until July 31, and judging will take place throughout the month of September. The finalists will then pitch their finished project to a live panel in November, with grants of up to $10,000 USD to be awarded in December.&nbsp;&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.socialshifters.co/our-impact/">Global Innovation Challenge 2023</a>, which included projects addressing the refugee crisis, climate action, water stewardship and more, incubated 1,325 startup projects and businesses that have impacted upwards of 22 million people around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;Elevating the Next Generation&nbsp;Gen is a family of trusted consumer brands built for the next generation of digital life. We’re committed to powering digital freedom, and we’re excited that our partnership with Social Shifters allows us to inspire and empower the leaders of tomorrow. For more on how we do this, check out our <a href="https://www.gendigital.com/us/en/social-impact/social-impact-report/">2024 Social Impact Report</a>.&nbsp;

Gen announces new partnership with Social Shifters

Supercharging Young People to Meet Global Challenges

Head of Digital Trust Services

Imagine you’re a recruiter tasked with hiring a new employee for a critical role. You find the perfect candidate on paper – impressive achievements, Ivy League education, and a long list of technical certifications. But something doesn’t quite add up. It’s a scenario that plays out far too often in the world of talent acquisition, where&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2023/11/05/70-of-workers-lie-on-resumes-new-study-shows/?sh=5842c4924008">70% of individuals</a> have admitted to lying on a job application and the truth is seldom easy to discern.In recruiting, the ability to trust and verify a job candidate’s qualifications can take a lot of the guesswork out of making the right hiring decisions, helping ensure that placements possess the right skills, knowledge, and certifications to succeed on the job.Yet historically, background checks don’t come into the picture until the end of the talent search. They also rely on time-consuming, expensive, and error-prone manual processes. Meanwhile, the rising popularity of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/06/career-consultant-says-gen-z-are-misusing-ai-to-generate-cover-letters.html">AI-generated cover letters</a> and the now estimated&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/emmawhitford/2023/02/21/how-thousands-of-nurses-got-licensed-with-fake-degrees/?sh=65c65eae5c6d">$7B fake diploma industry</a> have flooded the applicant pool with unqualified candidates. In industries like healthcare, this can have potentially life-threatening results.At Gen, we believe in empowering everyone with the tools to navigate the digital world safely, privately, and confidently – which includes the ability to decipher fact from fiction. It’s why we’ve teamed up with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.accenture.com/us-en/services/blockchain/digital-identity">Accenture</a> to bring digital trust to HR and talent acquisition. Together, we’re proud to announce a new pilot program designed to enable HR teams to verify key candidate information in seconds – while minimizing the data they collect and empowering candidates with digital ‘credentials’ they can use elsewhere.The pilot features the&nbsp;<a href="https://midy.com/">Midy</a> wallet, by Gen, and Accenture’s Verifiable Credentials Portal, which has been integrated into Accenture’s Workday instance, the enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform they use to streamline the recruiting process. Upon invitation, participants undergo identity verification via Midy, obtaining a digital credential of their college degree from the National Student Clearinghouse along with a digital credential of their government-issued identity document. These verifiable credentials can then be shared with Accenture to populate their Workday profile with verifiable data attesting to their identity and education.

Employers benefit from streamlined vetting processes, while verified candidates enhance their prospects in competitive job markets.Additionally, the pilot has been designed around the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which sets the rules around sharing of information that may be used to help an individual demonstrate if they qualify for obtaining credit, insurance, or employment. In adhering to these requirements, Midy collects consent from the user before any education data is shared and provides a notification back to the issuing authority (National Student Clearinghouse), without identifying the exact information that was shared. These efforts are designed to promote legal and ethical background checks, protecting both individuals and employers in the process.&nbsp;The magic of this solution lies in the reusable nature of these digital credentials. Individuals hold these credentials (in this case, a government ID card and a diploma) in their Midy wallet, and they can share this data with any integrated party to instantly prove any information held within these documents. This means that the next time they’re asked to verify their name, age, or education, they can do so in a few quick taps – without having to re-scan their government ID or re-do their education verification. Verify once, use anywhere.&nbsp;This pilot with Accenture is the first of several use cases we’re evaluating in the area of education and professional credentials. We’ve also recently integrated Midy with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.credivera.com/">Credivera</a>, a leading exchange for workplace credentialing, to provide our partners with instant access to a wide array of verifiable credentials, including right-to-work checks, licenses, occupational health certifications, and organizational identity credentials.It’s also just the first step in our longer journey with Accenture to unlock the full potential of digital wallets. We’re exploring how this initiative can benefit employers worldwide, and how the same technology can power use cases across industries like travel, finance, insurance, and healthcare. Together, we aim to create a future where verifiable, privacy-preserving, and user-permissioned data exchange is the standard, empowering individuals and businesses alike.

Revolutionizing Recruitment – Gen and Accenture's Pilot Program for Instant, Verified Digital Credentials

Powering Smarter Hiring Decisions with Verifiable Credentials

Brand & Social Media Manager

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the mDevCamp conference, Gen proudly stepped up as the master sponsor, marking our first in-person event in five years. Held in Prague, mDevCamp is Central Europe's premier conference for mobile developers, drawing enthusiasts from across the continent for a day of insightful presentations from companies like Spotify, SoundCloud, Microsoft, and more. This year’s agenda covered essential topics in mobile development, including:<ul><li>Cross-platform development</li><li>Android and Kotlin</li><li>iOS and Swift</li><li>Security measures</li><li>Media technologies</li><li>And much more</li></ul>

Gen led a standout workshop titled "Kotlin Multiplatform - Unleash the Power of Shared Code," which focused on the strategic reuse of business logic from Android apps on iOS platforms. Our session provided a detailed roadmap on achieving efficient code sharing, offering attendees practical tips to enhance their development process. Participants gained insights into common challenges, the evolution of the technology, and the best practices to embark on multiplatform projects. The four-hour workshop was a success, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who participated.&nbsp;We're thrilled and excited to more and more people with so much interest in our industry and company, and we welcome talented developers from everywhere. Join us as we continue to explore the frontiers of cybersecurity and mobile development.

Gen sponsors the 10th mDevCamp in Prague, a conference for mobile developers, and hosts its own session for eager learners

Gen Becomes Master Partner of mDevCamp 2024 

President

Looking back at 2023, "Powering Digital Freedom" resonates as more than just an idea — it's been our driving motivation for all the work we did and continue to do. Our goal has always been to develop technology solutions that enable people to explore the digital world safely, securely and confidently. This last year, we've set new standards for protecting consumers and innovating within the security landscape, making the digital world a safer place for everyone. &nbsp; Our achievements, partnerships and forward-thinking vision continue to prove our standing as the leader in Cyber Safety. &nbsp;We’ve hit many major milestones in our first year as Gen. While there is so much to reflect on and celebrate, here are a few highlights.

<h2>Leveraging AI to fight fraudsters: introducing Norton Genie&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>In response to the evolving sophistication of cyber threats, we introduced Norton Genie to help people take control of their Cyber Safety. This innovative app combines the power of AI with the human intelligence and experience of our teams to combat digital scams, which are becoming more complex and prevalent every day.&nbsp; &nbsp;With proprietary AI models trained on decades of scam and fraud data, Genie provides an accessible and intuitive way for people to intelligently judge the legitimacy of messages across various platforms. Whether dealing with texts, emails or social media messages, Genie operates as a simple yet powerful tool in the fight against digital scams.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our goals for Genie are clear: provide an approachable application that offers a real-time guide for people in a world where scams and fraud are harder to spot than ever. By simply uploading a screenshot of a suspicious message, people can gain immediate insights into its credibility. This accessibility, combined with advanced AI technology, helps to empower consumers to navigate their digital communications confidently and helps to safeguard them against potential threats.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Partnering with the Open Wallet Foundation to promote Digital Freedom&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>In today's world, digital connectivity is essential, enabling individuals to shop, bank, learn and connect from virtually anywhere. As we approach an even more digitally integrated future, we're committed to ensuring that this evolution prioritizes people’s safety, privacy and freedom. Our unique approach focuses on creating a future where digital empowerment and security go hand in hand.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;This year, our partnership with the&nbsp;<a href="https://openwallet.foundation/">Open Wallet Foundation</a>&nbsp;(OWF) marked a significant milestone toward realizing that goal. We advocate for a secure, decentralized means for transactions and identity that turns away from a future where individual companies control people’s data and financial information.&nbsp; &nbsp;The open-source digital wallet, a key goal of the OWF, supports the development of digital wallets that are portable, secure and able to be used on any device, for any service and with any type of data. It’s a sea change for consumer autonomy, offering a solution where privacy, financial information and transaction history are controlled by the individual, rather than individual corporations.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Hitting top 5 for the Fortune Modern Board 25&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>Our recognition by the&nbsp;<a href="https://fortune.com/ranking/modern-board-25/">Fortune Modern Board 25</a>&nbsp;as having one of the top five most innovative boards in the S&amp;P 500 is a proud reflection of our ongoing commitment to consumer protection.&nbsp; &nbsp;Fortune’s prestigious ranking highlights the diverse and innovation-driven members of our board, stretching from Arizona to Prague. Our board members come from backgrounds that reflect expertise in Cyber Safety and other related fields. Their collective diversity, experience, insight and independence are the driving forces behind our innovative approach to navigating the rapidly changing digital climate.&nbsp;&nbsp;On top of this recognition, we also received other accolades that deserve a mention:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>One of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gendigital.com/blog/news/company-news/newsweek-most-trustworthy-companies-2023">America’s Most Trustworthy Companies</a>&nbsp;by Newsweek&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.pcmag.com/articles/best-tech-brands-2024">Best Tech Brands</a>&nbsp;by PCMag, Norton and Avast&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.gendigital.com/blog/news/innovation/se-labs-awards">Best Home and Free Anti-Malware</a>&nbsp;by SE Labs, Norton 360 and Avast Free Antivirus&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.gendigital.com/blog/news/innovation/av-test-awards">Best Protection</a>&nbsp;(Windows) by AV-Test, Norton, Avast, AVG and Avira&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>Honoring our responsibilities and creating a culture of giving&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>We’re committed to making a real impact. And, for us, the best way we know how is to connect our passions with technical knowledge to provide Cyber Safety education and data privacy training around the world. With partners like Nasscom Foundation, Czechitas and The Trevor Project, we’re able to support and empower people of all ages and from all walks of life.&nbsp;From large-scale efforts like $424K donated on Giving Tuesday, our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gendigital.com/blog/impact/community/gen-volunteer-day-2023">Global Volunteer Day</a>, and Back-to-School volunteering to individual efforts for sustainability, 2023 has been full of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gendigital.com/us/en/social-impact/social-impact-report/">positive impact</a>&nbsp;that people can feel. We’re very grateful that others have recognized us for that.&nbsp;<ul><li>One of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/americas-most-responsible-companies-2024">America’s Most Responsible Companies</a>&nbsp;by Newsweek&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://bit.ly/3RktM1Z">Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index</a>&nbsp;by S&amp;P Global&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.pointsoflight.org/press-releases/points-of-light-announces-2023-honorees-of-the-civic-50-and-releases-key-insights/">The Civic 50</a>&nbsp;by Points of Light&nbsp;</li></ul>Our social impact work helps us to bring equity, opportunities and safety to people all over the globe.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Our commitment to innovation and protection continues&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>As we look to the future, our dedication to protecting people around the world from scams, viruses, malware and other exploits remains steadfast. Gen stands to be at the forefront of Cyber Safety innovation and our global reach informs our understanding of cultural nuances and vulnerabilities in our fight against cyberthreats. For 2024, we’ll continue to adapt and address the ever-evolving threat landscape, now exacerbated by weaponization of AI, to provide comprehensive protection for people worldwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;We're proud of the strides we've made in our purpose of Powering Digital Freedom and excited for what lies ahead. We invite you to delve deeper into our accomplishments and future plans by visiting the&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.gendigital.com/">Gen newsroom</a>&nbsp;and exploring our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gendigital.com/us/en/family-of-brands/">product advancements</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Together, we can continue to shape a future where Digital Freedom and security are not just ideals but realities for everyone. Join us in creating a safer digital tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

2023 at Gen: Our Year in Review

Looking Back at 2023 and Dreaming of 2024 

What do we mean by an “open” wallet? &nbsp;

In contrast to proprietary technology or a “walled garden,” an open wallet ecosystem enables individuals to move their data freely across the internet – with the ability to safely and privately share information with trusted brands, peers and devices. If an individual switches from Apple to Android, or vice versa, they should be able to take their wallet with them – just as they can transfer money between banks. If you think of digital wallets as the keys to your digital life, then an open wallet ensures that these keys can never be “locked in” to a proprietary wallet. The individual is always in control. &nbsp;

OpenWallet Foundation (OWF) recently published its definition of what it means to build a truly, <a href="https://openwallet.foundation/2023/08/23/join-us-in-building-a-truly-open-wallet-foundation/">“open” wallet community</a>. This is an effort Gen strongly supports because, as a founding Premier member of the OWF, we believe it is critical to the growing open wallet movement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To explain why this matters, let’s start with something more familiar: a physical wallet. If you think of the wallet, clutch or purse you use every day, you likely have a variety of paper or plastic cards that can be used to either make a purchase or prove your identity. These wallets come in all sorts of shapes and carry different brand names and security features, like RFID blocking, but ultimately, they are a vessel for carrying these payment and identity cards. If you’re at checkout, it makes no difference to the retailer what brand your wallet is, and you can move your cards from one wallet to another with no impact.&nbsp;

A digital wallet is much the same, except instead of being restricted to pocket-sized cards, you can now store any type of digital document, from diplomas to deeds. There is a growing movement across the public and private sectors to digitize paper records and make them easier to securely share online using digital wallet technology. Most notably, we’re seeing a new specification for mobile driver licenses available in select US states, which can already be stored in an Apple or Google Wallet. We’re also seeing a host of individual brands offering their own digital wallets to enable a variety of use cases, from omnichannel authentication to loyalty programs.&nbsp;

While we’re still in the early days, we believe digital wallets – and the ability they represent for individuals to be able to control their data – will be a cornerstone of the future of our digital world. They could become just as important as the browsers and smartphone apps you use every day. They could arguably be even more important because the wallet will become the primary tool through which individuals maintain their digital security, protect their digital privacy and assert their digital autonomy.&nbsp;

Your digital wallet will contain the “keys to your kingdom”— the cryptographic keys you will use to securely unlock everything in your digital life, from your devices and files to your accounts and services. Your wallet will also contain the set of verifiable digital credentials that you need to provide proof of your identity and permissions at all the various sites and services you use — just like you need the credentials in your physical wallet today to board a plane, rent a car and reserve a hotel room.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Forty years ago, the open internet started unlocking billions of dollars in new value for people, businesses and governments all over the world. In the 2000’s, the open web repeated the feat, unlocking trillions more in value. &nbsp;

The next step is the open wallet era — and it is well on its way. For example, on its six-month anniversary last week, the OpenWallet Foundation (OWF) <a href="https://openwallet.foundation/2023/08/23/openwallet-foundation-announces-google-as-premier-member/">announced two milestones</a>: the addition of Google as the newest Premier member and the contribution of digital wallet code components from the Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP), an open-source platform for national scale digital identity systems.&nbsp;

Open wallet infrastructure is poised to generate tremendous value yet again for our digital world — while at the same time giving us a powerful new tool for solving many of our deepest cybersecurity, privacy and digital equity problems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At Gen, we consider open wallets to be closely aligned with our purpose of powering Digital Freedom, and it’s why we’re so proud to <a href="https://www.gendigital.com/blog/news/company-news/openwallet-foundation">support the work of the OpenWallet Foundation</a>. Beyond the OWF, members of our Digital Trust Services group are also leading work on open standards for digital wallets and trust infrastructure at the World Wide Web Consortium, the Decentralized Identity Foundation and the Trust Over IP Foundation. We’re also a very active contributor to one of the large-scale pilots for the European Digital Identity Wallet Initiative (<a href="https://blog.avast.com/eidas-2.0-avast">eIDAS 2.0</a>), which emphasizes the importance of openness, portability, and interoperability.&nbsp;

We invite you to join us in building a strong and resilient open wallet community.&nbsp;

What the work of the OpenWallet Foundation means for the future and for digital freedom.

The Growing Progress of the Open Wallet Movement 

We’re honored to share that Gen™ has been recognized for the second year in a row on Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies. We do not take for granted the millions of people around the world who trust us to help them safely navigate our complex digital world. Our family of consumer Cyber Safety brands, Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner, enable people to take full advantage of the digital world, safely, privately, and confidently.

Here at Gen, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We’re guided by our principles and purpose, and we feel great responsibility for the trust and confidence our customers, employees, and all stakeholders place in us. With increasing and changing cyberthreats, our products and employees have become more vital than ever.

Whether it’s the products we develop or our community-based initiatives, everything we do is with a people-first mindset with trust at its core. As cyberthreats continue to evolve and the digital landscape becomes more complex, we’re grateful for all our customers who look to us as a reliable, trustworthy resource they can turn to for all their digital safety needs.

America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023 were identified in an independent survey based on a vast sample of U.S. residents who rated companies based on the three pillars of trust: Customer, investor and employee trust. All companies headquartered in the US with a revenue over $500 million were considered in the study, resulting in the top 700 Most Trustworthy Companies across 23 industries.

Check out the full list of Newsweek’s America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023 at <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/most-trustworthy-companies-america-2023">www.newsweek.com.</a>

This marks the company’s second recognition since Newsweek’s inaugural list in 2022.

Gen Recognized as One of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America

Today marks the formal launch of the <a href="https://openwallet.foundation/">OpenWallet Foundation</a> (OWF), the first global collaboration on open source code for interoperable, multi-purpose digital wallets. Although it may not be apparent right now, in the future we will look back on this and see it as a very important inflection point for the whole digital ecosystem.&nbsp;

Why? Because the universal digital wallet is going to be a critically important tool that has the potential to allow people to keep their personal data safe and private and build more trusted online relationships.&nbsp;

This is why Gen, the world’s leading consumer Cyber Safety company, worked with the <a href="https://www.linuxfoundation.org/">Linux Foundation</a> to help organize the OWF and contribute as a <a href="https://linuxfoundation.eu/newsroom/linux-foundation-europe-launches-open-wallet">Founding Premier Member.</a>&nbsp;

Our Gen cybersecurity experts have long recognized that the deepest problems in online fraud, misinformation, bot attacks, and other cybercrime were ultimately rooted in the ability of attackers to fake their identities and impersonate legitimate actors.&nbsp;

Although the Internet identity industry has spent 25 years developing public key infrastructure (PKI) and federated identity systems to combat these threats, they have not been able to hold back the massive tide of new AI-driven attacks. What’s worse, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ransomware">ransomware-as-a-service</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deepfake">deep fakes</a>, and more recently, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChatGPT">rapid advancements in the AI technology</a> are escalating these concerns to a whole new level. It is rapidly becoming all but impossible for an ordinary mortal to determine what is or is not authentic online.&nbsp;

The solution lies in the new model of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-sovereign_identity">decentralized digital identity</a> that, ironically, is based on the same way we have been proving our identity in the real world for centuries: with wallets containing credentials. Only now they will be digital wallets containing digital credentials.&nbsp;

Many smartphone users are already using some form of digital wallet on their devices. However, these are proprietary digital wallets owned and controlled by the vendors of those devices, with a limited set of capabilities and credentials they choose to support.&nbsp;

The future of the Internet — and most importantly of digital freedom — lies in the consumer having their choice of open standard digital wallets. Wallets that can accept digital credentials from any issuer, present them to any verifier, transact over any payment or value exchange network, and help manage your own set of trusted digital relationships — for life. And all of that across all popular platforms, with no walled gardens and vendors lock-ins.&nbsp;

This is the vision and mission of the OpenWallet Foundation: to bring together companies, government agencies, open source projects, and non-profit organizations from around the world to develop the core “engine” that anyone can use to build a secure, privacy-respecting multi-purpose digital wallet.&nbsp;

Our Premier membership in OWF underscores Gen’s commitment to the future of decentralized identity and digital trust infrastructure that we believe will be fundamental to powering Digital Freedom.&nbsp;

Digital wallets offer a future that provides improved privacy and safety for everyone online.

Why Gen is a Founding Premier Member of the OpenWallet Foundation

In September we announced NortonLifeLock and Avast officially coming together as one company. Today, we’re proud to share we’ve accomplished the milestone of joining together with a greater and more powerful mission than ever before. We’ve launched a new company, Gen: For the next generation of digital life.

<h2>Digital life is life</h2>

Think back to when your life started going digital. Some remember what life was like without having access to the internet at all. When you were introduced to technology, you embraced it as a part of your life. For others, a digital footprint was created before you took your first step.

With each generation comes the advancement of technology beyond what could have been imagined. Today, that line between what was digital life and real life is gone. Digital life is life. We work, shop, learn and socialize online. And it’s kept us connected and helped keep us going, beyond what we’d expect.

For those who can remember, there was a time when you could pick up antivirus products at the store and install it on your computer. That was considered sufficient at the time, but the world has irrevocably changed with convenience and connection at our fingertips 24/7. This digital evolution has also created opportunities to expose more of our lives to crime. In fact, <a href="https://www.nortonlifelock.com/us/en/newsroom/press-kits/2022-norton-cyber-safety-insights-report-special-release-online-creeping/">more than half of consumers have experienced a cybercrime</a>. It’s not just our devices that need protection now — it’s our identity and privacy, too.

<h2>Powering Digital Freedom for generations</h2>

Gen’s family of consumer brands is rooted in protecting the first digital generations. And now there’s a new generation — it’s not Gen X, Y, or Z. It’s Gen D. Generation digital. A generation of people linked by being a part of digital life as we know it today.

Today’s technology goes beyond the wildest dreams of previous generations and has helped us unlock endless possibilities, but we’re not free to fully embrace and enjoy them until we’re protected and empowered in all aspects of our digital life.

That’s why we’ve made it our purpose to power Digital Freedom for consumers through Gen’s family of trusted consumer brands: Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, Reputation Defender and CCleaner. We’re committed to bringing our energy, our smarts and global presence to systematically tackle cyber threats and challenges for this generation and the next.

Separate we were strong. But together, we're setting out to put control, freedom, and empowerment into the hands of hundreds of millions of people around the world. Welcome to Gen.