Chief Technology Officer

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Security Evangelist at Gen

Senior Malware Researcher

Family of Brands

The clipboard is a simple yet essential feature we use daily to copy and paste text, links, and other content. But what if this convenience turned into a cybersecurity risk? Cybercriminals have discovered ways to exploit this feature, making it a target for a range of sophisticated attacks.&nbsp;At Gen, we are committed to staying ahead of these threats. That’s why we’ve introduced a powerful clipboard protection feature in our antivirus stack. Now part of Norton, Avast and AVG, this feature proactively protects millions of users against threats like ClickFix and FakeCaptcha,&nbsp;all without requiring any action from our customers.<h2>How Clipboard Attacks Work</h2>Cybercriminals have developed sophisticated ways to manipulate the clipboard, often hiding their malicious intent in plain sight. Here’s how they do it:<ul><li>Exploiting Familiarity: Clipboard attacks rely on users’ comfort with copying and pasting, tricking them into pasting harmful scripts or links into their systems. Our new clipboard protection feature directly addresses this attack vector by scanning the clipboard content whenever something is copied from a webpage.</li><li>Swapping Clipboard Content: Some malware, like clippers, replaces copied data with malicious content, such as fraudulent payment addresses or harmful commands.</li><li>Stealing Sensitive Data: Infostealers monitor clipboard activity, capturing valuable information like passwords or credit card numbers.</li></ul>By focusing on the first attack type, clipboard protection adds a crucial layer of defense to safeguard users during online interactions.<h2>Real-World Threats: ClickFix and FakeCaptcha</h2>Two of the most widespread clipboard-based attacks we’ve observed are ClickFix and FakeCaptcha. Both of these mislead users into copying a script to their clipboard and pasting it into a PowerShell terminal or a Run prompt, executing it.<ul><li>ClickFix: This malware tricks users into copying and executing malicious scripts, often disguised as fixes or solutions to technical issues.</li></ul>

<ul><li>FakeCaptcha: A variant of ClickFix, this threat uses familiar CAPTCHA designs—like those seen with Cloudflare’s reCAPTCHA prompt—to deceive users into copying and pasting harmful code.</li></ul>

One common technique involves prompting users to paste the copied command into the Windows Run dialog. However, the malicious part of the command remains hidden, and the user only sees a benign-looking message like "Verify you are human," masking the underlying threat:

<h2>Introducing Clipboard Protection</h2>To combat clipboard-based threats, we’ve added a new layer of defense to our antivirus stack. Here’s how it works:<ul><li>Automatic Scanning: The feature activates whenever a clipboard manipulation occurs on a website, scanning the content for malicious elements.</li><li>Part of Script Shield: This functionality is integrated within the Script Shield component of our antivirus software.</li><li>Browser Support: Compatible with Chrome and Firefox, covering over 70% of the browser market, and we’re committed to adding support for more browsers to enhance user security.</li><li>No User Action Needed: Delivered through regular engine updates, ensuring all customers have the latest protection without lifting a finger.&nbsp;</li></ul>These clipboard-based attacks like ClickFix and FakeCaptcha have become one of the most prevalent attacks happening nowadays. We have earlier detection layers blocking millions of attacks, but this new protection goes beyond and serves as a safety net, catching threats that evade other detection methods.This clipboard protection feature isn’t just for today’s threats—it’s designed to adapt. If cybercriminals develop new techniques tomorrow, this agnostic protection layer will continue to safeguard our customers.It also helps us refine our detection strategies, enabling faster and more efficient responses to emerging threats.The following heatmap showcases the global impact of Gen's clipboard protection, highlighting regions where the feature has successfully thwarted attacks. This visualization underscores the widespread prevalence of clipboard-based threats and the importance of having robust security measures in place.

The screenshot below shows how Gen's clipboard protection actively safeguards users against clipboard-based attacks. In this instance, Avast identified and blocked a malicious script copied to clipboard on a webpage, attempting to deliver malware through clipboard manipulation. The alert highlights our solution's proactive approach, ensuring users are protected in real-time before harm can occur.

<h2>Tips for Staying Safe</h2>While clipboard protection adds a robust layer of security, users should remain vigilant:<ol><li>Keep Antivirus Up to Date: Regular updates ensure the latest protections are in place.</li><li>Be Aware: Recognize and avoid threats like ClickFix and FakeCaptcha.</li><li>Avoid Untrusted Software: Never execute scripts or code from unknown sources.</li><li>Spread Awareness: Share knowledge about these threats with family, friends, and colleagues.</li></ol><h2>Protecting Millions Without Lifting a Finger</h2>With clipboard protection now part of the Gen antivirus stack, we’re not just meeting today’s threats; we’re anticipating tomorrow’s. This isn’t about updates; it’s about an unwavering commitment to progress, delivered without disruption. At Gen, we lead with innovation, ensuring that as cybercriminals adapt, we stay steps ahead—so you can navigate the digital world with confidence, knowing your security is our mission.

How Our Clipboard Protection Defends Against Growing Cyberthreats

Clipboard Protection: Our Latest Defense Against Evolving Threats

Brand & Social Media Manager

<h2>LifeLock takes identity theft monitoring very seriously, because members depend on it</h2>In today’s digital age, where personal information is as valuable as currency, choosing the right identity protection service is crucial. Gen knows that it's not just about offering a service – it's about delivering a comprehensive peace of mind. <a href="https://lifelock.norton.com">LifeLock </a>is a leader in identity theft protection in the U.S. and part of Gen, a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Millions of customers trust LifeLock to help protect their identities. With LifeLock, our dedication to protecting our members’ identities goes beyond standard measures, setting us apart in a market where trust and expertise are essential.&nbsp;<h2>How LifeLock stands out&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>Since the beginning of 2005, LifeLock has been at the forefront of identity protection. We offer tailored solutions for everyone to fit diverse budgets protection needs.&nbsp; &nbsp;The fact is, LifeLock monitoring goes far beyond alerts for suspicious transactions, offering broader monitoring services that other companies don’t. &nbsp;<ul><li>Monitoring More: We monitor more than just your credit card numbers; we keep a close watch on your social security number and social media accounts—key targets for identity thieves attempting tax fraud and <a href="https://lifelock.norton.com/learn/identity-theft-resources/synthetic-identity-theft" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synthetic identity theft</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Unlimited Device Protection: Unlike our competitors, we offer protection for an unlimited number of devices, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all your devices. &nbsp;</li><li>Investment Account Surveillance: Our eye on your 401K and other investment accounts alerts you to any unauthorized transactions, protecting financial accounts you might not check every day.&nbsp;</li><li>Up to <a href="https://lifelock.norton.com/offers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$3 Million in Coverage</a>: For maximum security, our premium plans offer up to $3 million in protection, covering personal and legal costs if you ever fall victim to fraud.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>The rising threat of identity theft&nbsp;</h2>The threat landscape is evolving. More than <a href="https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/research/identity-theft-credit-card-fraud-statistics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">800,000 instances of identity theft</a> were reported in just the first nine months of 2023. Credit card theft made up of 318,087 of these cases, and synthetic fraud—where scammers use stolen social security numbers and birthdays to create false identities—led to a staggering $1.8 billion in losses in the first half of 2023 alone. These alarming statistics highlight the need for robust, proactive identity protection.&nbsp;&nbsp;The number of potential incidents will only increase as our work and personal lives become more intertwined with online services. The vast amount of personal data we share creates a broad attack surface for malicious actors. Every digital footprint—from social media posts to online purchases—leaves exploitable traces.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Recovery specialists at the core of LifeLock&nbsp;</h2>The strength of LifeLock comes from our people, particularly in crisis management. Our <a href="https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v134999418" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Identity Restoration Specialists</a> are central to our commitment, working relentlessly as your personal agent to restore your identity fully.&nbsp;&nbsp;When the worst happens, a LifeLock member’s case isn’t just a digital file shuffled from person to person. Support Specialists become personal representatives until your situation is resolved. Whether it’s advising members of their options, coordinating with legal representatives or connecting with the businesses, banks and government agencies for months on end, our dedicated recovery team sets LifeLock apart in the marketplace. &nbsp;Our Promise: Evolving Protection in a Competitive Market&nbsp;In a competitive field, we view every challenge as an opportunity to improve our services. LifeLock is more than a service; it's a promise to continually evolve, adapting to new threats and ensuring our members are protected at every turn.&nbsp;Choosing LifeLock means choosing a partner in your digital security. Our comprehensive, feature-rich solutions are designed with both security and flexibility mind. From extensive account monitoring to our dedicated specialists, every aspect of LifeLock is designed to provide not just protection, but a shield against the ever-evolving landscape of identity threats.&nbsp;How can we help you find the right plan to safeguard your identity? <a href="https://lifelock.norton.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Learn more</a>.&nbsp;

LifeLock is committed to the comprehensive protection of members—a promise that’s been held for more than a decade.

LifeLock: Setting the Standard in Identity Security

Corporate Communications Intern

As a part of the Gen family of brands, Norton is committed to empowering individuals and families to navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape. The back-to-school season brings renewed focus on the evolving role of technology in education, and a recent Norton survey underscores a significant concern for parents: the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. While perspectives on AI vary, an overwhelming 93% of parents with children aged 5 and up express worry about how AI is being integrated into their kids’ school experience.

AI is no longer a distant future concept—it's embedded in the tools and platforms students use daily. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, it’s not just about adapting to new technologies but also about understanding and leading the conversation on how these technologies can be used ethically and responsibly. Rather than shielding children from AI, it’s crucial to equip them with the knowledge and skills to navigate and utilize AI for future success.<h3>The Role of AI in Shaping Education</h3>AI has the potential to revolutionize education by personalizing learning experiences, automating administrative tasks and providing valuable insights into student performance. However, with these advancements come new challenges, particularly concerning privacy, data security and ethical use. As thought leaders in cybersecurity, we at Norton and Gen believe that fostering a balanced and informed perspective on AI is essential. It’s not just about staying safe — it's about leading with integrity in a world where AI is reshaping every aspect of our lives.

<h3>How to Stay Safe and Informed with AI</h3>Protect Personal Information: Educate your children on safeguarding their personal information, especially when interacting with AI platforms or chatbots. Understanding the implications of sharing data is the first step in responsible AI use.Verify Website Safety and Use a VPN: Ensure that you and your children check browser connections and URLs to verify site security, particularly when accessing AI tools or platforms. Using a VPN adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your online activities private and secure.Enable Age-Appropriate Settings: AI tools offer various settings designed for different age groups. Make sure your family is set up for success by configuring these settings and using parental controls to monitor and manage your child’s online activities.Promote Ethical Use: Beyond technical safety, it’s crucial to instill values of integrity and ethical practices in children when using AI. Parents and teachers play a pivotal role in guiding students on how to use AI responsibly and with respect for others.<h3>Resources to Explore</h3><ul><li><a href="https://us.norton.com/products/norton-360">Norton 360 with LifeLock</a>: Provides comprehensive protection, including antivirus, malware, ransomware, and identity theft protection, to keep your children’s personal information secure.</li><li><a href="https://us.norton.com/products/norton-vpn">Norton Ultra VPN</a>: Enhances online security with features like password management and alerts, offering real-time protection against scammers.</li><li><a href="https://us.norton.com/feature/parental-control">Norton Parental Control</a>: Helps parents manage and monitor their children’s online activities, ensuring safe interactions with AI platforms.</li><li><a href="https://thesmarttalk.org/">The Smart Talk by National PTA and Norton</a>: This resource is designed to encourage conversations about responsible digital citizenship and ethical AI use within families.</li></ul>By staying informed and leveraging the tools and resources available, parents can help their children not only embrace the benefits of AI but also lead the way in using it safely and ethically. At Gen, through our Norton brand, we are dedicated to supporting families as they navigate this new frontier in education.

Strategies and tools from Norton to protect your kids and teach them ethical AI use as schools embrace new technologies

The Future of Learning: How Parents Can Lead in the Age of AI

A Gen study reveals that 58% of Americans and British surveyed believed they could be vulnerable to cybercrime. &nbsp;The truth is, as the nature of technology transforms, so does the advancement of crime. Cybercrimes are more unique and increasingly sophisticated. They range from hacking, phishing, malware and ransomware – all to access, steal or damage sensitive, personal data, disrupt digital systems or extort money. The offenses go on and on. And, still, these crimes differ in techniques, discovery times and victims. &nbsp;But the reality is this: you're probably already at risk. &nbsp;With <a href="https://lifelock.norton.com/learn/data-breaches/att-data-breach-2024?om_ext_cid=ext_social-_-Twitter-_-Rapid%20Response-_-Trending%20News-_-Current%20Events">company breaches</a> happening more frequently, hackers breaking into private accounts and even <a href="https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/how-to-stop-spam-texts">message</a> scams, cybercrime is no longer the distant threat it once was.  &nbsp;Nearly half of people (45%) think cybercrime won't happen to them, leading to only 50% having any form of cybersecurity installed. Many people who chose not to find Cyber Safety protection ultimately paid the price. We did our research to find out just how costly it was.  &nbsp;

<h2>Looking at the Psychological Costs of Cybercrime&nbsp;</h2>Crimes of all types leave a lasting scar on their victims. Whether cybercrime or more conventional, the impact cuts deep. &nbsp;Being the victim of a cyber-attack is a traumatic experience, and will elicit a cognitive, emotional and psychological response. Monitoring an individual’s brain activity has the potential to reveal changes in neural activity. And we wanted to bring those emotions and psychological reactions to life visually. &nbsp;How? We monitored <a href="https://www.gendigital.com/us/en/scam-artists/">three victims of cybercrimes</a> with Electroencephalography (EEG) headsets. The headsets look deeper into our brains to demonstrate brain reactions to specific topics, events or experiences.  &nbsp;What was the outcome? Scam artists. The artwork below showcases the emotional reaction to the feeling of a cyberattack. Of the respondents who had suffered a cyberattack, anger and stress were the top two emotions felt – and for obvious reasons.&nbsp;<h2>Revealing Internalized Emotions &nbsp;</h2>Business Scam Victim&nbsp;&nbsp; The owner of <a href="https://franksremedies.com">Frank's Remedies</a>, Kyle Frank, faced a phishing scam — one of the most common tactics cybercriminals use. Hackers broke into his PayPal account, threatening his business's financial stability. Read more about <a href="https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/business-owner-phishing-story">Kyle's story</a> on the Norton blog and learn how to protect yourself from similar threats.&nbsp;

Identity Theft Victim &nbsp; Personal finance expert <a href="https://www.mrsmummypenny.co.uk/">Lynn Beattie</a>, endured distress when hackers obtained her home address and set up a credit account in her name, ordering over £3,000 worth of merchandise using just her name, address and date of birth. Read more about <a href="https://lifelock.norton.com/learn/identity-theft-resources/identity-theft-victim">Lynn's story</a> and learn essential protection measures to keep your identity safe on the Norton LifeLock blog.&nbsp;

Scam Victim&nbsp; Journalist Moya Crockett, encountered an elaborate scam known as automatic push payment (APP) or impersonation fraud. Scammers contacted her, pretending to be a fraud prevention team, after sending phishing texts to make it seem like her account was compromised. They then drained her account. Read more on the Norton blog to learn the full details of <a href="https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/moya-scam-story">Moya's story</a> and discover how to safeguard yourself and your information.

Despite the differences in the attacks they faced, Kyle, Lynn and Moya all experienced the same emotional turmoil. Not only did they face similar emotions, but their experiences also highlighted how diverse and advanced scams have become, emphasizing that anyone is vulnerable to cyberattacks.  &nbsp;We connected with award-winning psychologist Lee Chambers to shine a light on the inherent human instincts that often result in complacent behavior when it comes to digital safety. &nbsp;“Overall, we can see that being a victim of a cyber-attack and having information breached resulted in a cognitive, psychological and emotional impact on the participants, and recalling their experience has highlighted suppression and prominence of their brain waves. These effects can potentially be long lasting, especially when the scams are intricate, enduring or have a significant life impact,” said Chambers. “And this is why digital literacy and having the right cyber protection in place can mitigate the risk of facing these scenarios and the emotional load they come with.” &nbsp;<h2>A High Price to Pay  &nbsp;</h2>Victims of cybercrime often spend countless hours remediating the damage caused by attacks, including resetting passwords, canceling credit cards and disputing fraudulent charges. This lost time can have significant personal and professional consequences, impacting productivity, relationships and, of course, overall well-being. The psychological and emotional toll on victims is one of the most devastating indirect costs, as exemplified by Kyle, Lynn and Moya's experiences. &nbsp;“Despite knowing I wasn’t the only victim out there, I felt terribly ashamed. And that shame, combined with the shock of losing my life savings, quickly curdled into something very cold and dark,” said Moya.&nbsp;<h2>Creating Smarter Digital Citizens in The Face of Growing Threats  &nbsp;</h2>“Cyber threats today are bigger, more pervasive and more sophisticated than ever before, and they are here to stay,” said Leena Elias, Chief Product Officer. “In fact, during our last fiscal year, Gen blocked more than 14 billion attacks. We’re focused on helping people feel confident engaging with the digital world with our products that protect against evolving and emerging threats.”  &nbsp;Cybercrime is not a static entity; it is constantly evolving, with perpetrators devising increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise unsuspecting individuals and organizations. This ever-changing landscape underscores the need for continuous vigilance and adaptation.  &nbsp;Personal responsibility and proactive measures are essential safeguards. Gen considers part of our responsibility in the marketplace is not just to protect consumers, but to inform them as well.   &nbsp;Victims like Kyle, Lynn and Moya highlight the diverse and sophisticated nature of cyber threats. From phishing scams to identity theft and impersonation fraud, these incidents demonstrate that cybercrime can impact anyone.&nbsp;<h2>Blocking Crime on The Global Scale  &nbsp;</h2>Cybercrime is a borderless threat, and its consequences transcend national boundaries. Addressing this global challenge requires a shared commitment to improving cybersecurity across the globe.  &nbsp;By empowering ourselves with knowledge, adopting secure practices and investing in cutting-edge solutions, we can create a more secure digital world and mitigate the devastating impact of cybercrime on our lives and economies. Together, we can make a difference and protect individuals like Moya, Lynn and Kyle from falling victim to these threats. &nbsp;

A visualization of the emotional toll cybercrime has on victims

Scam Artists: The Impact of Cybercrime

Independent testing institutions <a href="https://www.av-comparatives.org/consumer/">AV-Comparatives</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.av-test.org/en/">AV-Test</a> have recognized multiple products across Gen brands: Norton, Avast, Avira and AVG.As part of the testing process, cybersecurity products undergo systematic evaluations that assess real-world protection, malware protection as well as overall performance. The recognition from these independent testing labs&nbsp;across four of Gen’s leading brands demonstrates the company’s best-in-class technology driven with leading machine learning and AI capabilities.&nbsp;

“We know these are incredibly rigorous tests, and we’re proud to have received awards from two of the top cybersecurity benchmarking institutions,”&nbsp;said Michal Pechoucek, Chief Technology Officer for Gen. “Our best-in-class technology combined with a team with comprehensive cybersecurity experience enables us to deliver on the brand promises our customers count on.”&nbsp;“While our brands regularly receive accolades from consumers, these awards from independent labs validate the trust in our technology,” said Krista Todd, Chief Marketing Officer for Gen. “Gen strives to offer the industry’s most innovative and intuitive solutions for comprehensive Cyber Safety, and this recognition reaffirms the impact and peace of mind we aim to bring to our customers every day.”

AV-Comparatives Recognizes Avast, AVG and Avira as ‘Top Rated Products’AV-Comparatives named Avast, AVG and Avira ‘top rated products’, awarding Gold to Avast and AVG for Real World Protection and Malware Protection and silver to Avira in both categories as well as in Performance Test category. Certification by AV-Comparatives provides a globally recognized official seal of approval for software performance.&nbsp;Norton, Avast and AVG Earn AV-Test Awards Across Operating SystemsThrough intensive evaluation, Norton, AVG and Avast each earned ‘Best Protection’ titles for the Windows operating system for home users by AV-Test. Avast and AVG were also both recognized as the Best MacOS Security for home users, and Avast was acknowledged for enterprise security, earning Best Protection for Windows business users.Andreas Marx, CEO of AV-Test said, “Our testing has proven an exceptionally high standard of protection across the range of security products from Gen brands. We have thoroughly tested these products, and the consistent performance speaks to the longstanding care they provide to their customers.”&nbsp;

Here is a full breakdown of all the awards.AV-Test Awards&nbsp;Best Protection (Windows Home Users):<ul><li>Norton</li><li>Avast</li><li>AVG</li></ul>Best Protection (Windows Business Users):<ul><li>Avast</li></ul>Best MacOS Security (MacOS Home Users):<ul><li>Avast</li><li>AVG &nbsp;</li></ul>AV-ComparativesTop Rated Products&nbsp;:<ul><li>Avast&nbsp;</li><li>AVG&nbsp;</li><li>Avira&nbsp;</li></ul>Real World Protection Test:<ul><li>Avast - Gold&nbsp;</li><li>AVG - Gold&nbsp;</li><li>Avira – Silver&nbsp;</li></ul>Malware Protection Test:<ul><li>Avast – Gold&nbsp;</li><li>AVG – Gold&nbsp;</li><li>Avira – Silver&nbsp;</li></ul>Performance Test:<ul><li>Avira - Silver&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;

Norton, Avast, Avira and AVG clinch 16 awards from leading testing institutions, AV-Comparatives and AV-Test 

Gen Brands Earn 16 Award Recognitions

As a company dedicated to creating security solutions that allow people to take full advantage of the digital world, we work to provide people with best-in-class protection for their computer and smartphone across our brand and platforms. Today we are proud to announce the win of 10 AV-TEST Institute awards. These awards recognize the reliable protection across a variety of operating systems, fast performance speeds and user-friendly experiences that Norton, Avast, AVG, and Avira provide.&nbsp;This year, Gen brands awarded includes the following: &nbsp;<ul><li lang="EN-US">Norton: Best Protection (Windows), Best MacOS Security Product, and the Best Android Security Product&nbsp;</li><li lang="EN-US">Avast: Best Protection (Windows),&nbsp;Best MacOS Security Product,&nbsp;and Best Android Security Product&nbsp;</li><li lang="EN-US">AVG: Best Protection (Windows),&nbsp;&nbsp;Best MacOS Security Product,&nbsp;and Best Android Security Product&nbsp;</li><li lang="EN-US">Avira: Best Protection (Windows)&nbsp;</li></ul>Throughout the year, AV-TEST, an independent cybersecurity testing institution, evaluates the effectiveness of endpoint security solution defenses against advanced attacks. Each product evaluated at the AV-TEST Institute is required to undergo demanding and realistic tests to consistently excel in categories of protection, performance and usability.To learn more information about these award wins, visit <a href="http://www.av-test.org/">AV-Test.org</a>.&nbsp;

Gen Earns 10 AV-TEST Institute Product Awards Across Norton, Avast, AVG and Avira