Security News
Avast has released a decryptor for variants of the MafiaWare666 ransomware known as 'Jcrypt', 'RIP Lmao', and 'BrutusptCrypt,' allowing victims to recover their files for free. Utilizing Avast's tool, victims of the supported ransomware variants can decrypt and access their files again without paying a ransom to the attackers, which ranges between $50 and $300. However, ransom demands reached tens of thousands in some cases.
Avast has released a decryptor for variants of the Hades ransomware known as 'MafiaWare666', 'Jcrypt', 'RIP Lmao', and 'BrutusptCrypt,' allowing victims to recover their files for free. Utilizing Avast's tool, victims of the supported ransomware variants can decrypt and access their files again without paying a ransom to the attackers, which ranges between $50 and $300. However, ransom demands reached tens of thousands in some cases.
The lone developer of anti-cookie-warning browser add-on "I Don't Care About Cookies" has sold it to Avast, resulting in both concern - and new forks. Enter I don't care about cookies, a handy browser extension by Croatian developer Daniel Kladnik.
That closer look is pretty much done and dusted and the CMA has provisionally decided that the deal doesn't raise competition concerns in the UK. This is due to existing players, including the duo's main rival in the UK, McAfee, and Microsoft's bundling of its own security applications into Windows. Microsoft has adopted somewhat of a scattergun approach to cybersecurity in its flagship operating system; what is built into Windows is known as Windows Security and includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
Two high-severity security vulnerabilities, which went undetected for several years, have been discovered in a legitimate driver that's part of Avast and AVG antivirus solutions. "These vulnerabilities allow attackers to escalate privileges enabling them to disable security products, overwrite system components, corrupt the operating system, or perform malicious operations unimpeded," SentinelOne researcher Kasif Dekel said in a report shared with The Hacker News.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority merger inquiry into NortonLifeLock's proposed $8bn acquisition of rival antivirus provider Avast has now closed, with the regulator concluding that a tie-up could indeed reduce competition in the marketplace. "Advanced discussions" concerning a merger of the two security vendors first surfaced in July 2021, when NortonLifeLock investors were told that a combination with Avast "Would bring together two companies with aligned visions, highly complementary business profiles and a joint commitment to innovation that helps protect and empower people to live their digital lives safely."
Avast takes its endpoint security detection quite seriously, as it scans programs and files utilized by endpoints and ensures their security before allowing them to be used through endpoint devices. Endpoint protection platforms like Crowdstrike Falcon and Avast can also provide security by monitoring endpoint devices connected to your network.
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has invited comments from industry and interested parties about NortonLifeLock's proposed $8bn purchase of fellow infosec outfit Avast. "The CMA is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002," it said.
The discussions between security vendors NortonLifelock and Avast that The Register reported had reached an advanced stage in July have proved fruitful, to the tune of more than $8 billion. While the deal has been styled as a merger, it will see NortonLifelock acquire all Avast shares and result in the combined companies listing on NASDAQ, rather than Avast's current London Stock Exchange home.
Consumer cybersecurity firms NortonLifeLock and Prague-based Avast announced on Tuesday that the two firms have agreed to merge in a deal valued between roughly $8.1-$8.6 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Avast shareholders could receive a combination of cash and newly issued shares in NortonLifeLock, with alternative consideration elections available.