Technologies

Over Half of Us Have Faced Possible Malware, Yet Some Are Ignoring Cybercriminals

Protecting your devices and data takes a lot more than antivirus software.

When you see a malicious email or link, you may already have your next steps in mind, like deleting it right away, reporting it as spam and even blocking the sender. However, CNET’s latest survey found that some US adults don’t take any action at all.

It’s easy to comfortably assume that antivirus software and other cybersecurity tools will protect you from malware, but scammers are still finding workarounds to steal our data. In fact, even though many devices have built-in antivirus protection, over half (54%) of US adults with personal laptops have encountered potential malware within the past year.

Your first step when you notice a possible malware attempt is the most important. Clicking a link out of curiosity can lead to a virus, identity theft or even fraud. However, ignoring it isn’t the best course of action either.

We can help you navigate these instances. Here are CNET’s latest survey findings and information for how far CNET’s experts say antivirus software can really protect you from phishing headaches and hassles.

Laptop owners have encountered phishing emails the most

My mom just got a new laptop and told me she doesn’t need antivirus protection. She’s not entirely wrong. CNET’s antivirus experts, Moe Long and Attila Tomaschek, say you don’t necessarily need another antivirus program if your device already has built-in antivirus protection — as most computers today do.

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender antivirus protection. Mac users have XProtect to check for malware, while the Malware Removal tool catches anything XProtect may have missed. And the Gatekeeper feature stops you from opening apps and software that aren’t trusted. But viruses, phishing and malware attempts are still lurking, as CNET’s study shows.

CNET found that over the past year, US adults who own a laptop have encountered or interacted with phishing emails most often (37%), followed by urgent pop-ups (24%), unusual payment requests (17%), and branded spoofing (17%).

Cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to make scams more believable — even through impersonation. And they’re coming up with new tactics much faster than in the 1990s, when we all took our desktops to the Geek Squad for help after a scammer’s successful malware attack.

But here’s the most important distinction to know: Antivirus software may not be able to help identify phishing and malware attempts that are constantly evolving. It can help prevent malicious software from attacking your device and personal data, so long as that malware is in its database of known threats. But you’ll need to use your best judgment to avoid clicking those suspicious links first.

88% of US adults took action after seeing potential malware

CNET found that 88% of US adults who own laptops took action after coming across potential malware over the past year. That’s encouraging news for Long and Tomaschek.

“You don’t really want to mess around with malware, especially the way a lot of modern malware is designed to get your data instead of crashing your computer or something like that,” Long says.

Here’s a closer look at how laptop owners take action.

Over half (60%) of US adults either manually deleted the file or closed a website or pop-up, and 35% immediately ran an antivirus or anti-malware scan. However, Long says some of these actions are effective and helpful, while others aren’t.

If there’s a malicious pop-up, and you close it without clicking a link, you may not have to worry about malware or a virus, Long says. If you download a malicious file, you might be able to delete it before it does any harm. But if you download an executable file, like a software application that infects your device when it’s run, you could actually be installing malware on your computer along with what you think is just an application.

Some actions are definitely worth taking, like immediately running an antivirus or anti-malware scan after encountering malware (35%), says Long.

But other actions aren’t, like installing a VPN, which 8% of US laptop owners do, according to CNET.

Long says that a VPN is a privacy tool, and it has very few security benefits. If you’re using a VPN on a public Wi-Fi network that’s under attack, a VPN can mitigate the risk of the attack reaching your device. But for the most part, VPNs are just another part of your cybersecurity toolkit, but for privacy, not online security, says Tomaschek.

The best course of action if you believe your computer is infected with malware is to perform a factory reset to wipe your hard drive clean, leaving nothing behind from the current state. You’ll also need to make sure you don’t restore from a backup where you had that malware infecting your machine, Long says. Keep in mind that it won’t erase any information that attackers may have retrieved.

There are other measures you can take to try resolving a potential malware infection without a factory reset. Long recommends disconnecting your device from the internet to prevent it from infecting other devices on your network. Then, try using advanced malware scanners, like Microsoft Defender’s offline scanner, to try to find and resolve any threats. But be careful — infected files could harm other devices if you transfer them.

There’s not a one-size-fits-all solution to dealing with malware, but if you think your device is infected with malware, factory resetting it completely can be a good option, although it’s important to note that even a full factory reset may not be able to remove some malicious software, such as malware that’s embedded in difficult-to-reach locations, such as a rootkit.

If you click a link in a phishing email or pop-up, it’s best to act right away to minimize damage — though that’s not guaranteed. Your device may have malware installed if it isn’t working normally, you’re getting pop-ups or seeing programs that you didn’t install.

However, the signs of malware or phishing aren’t always clear, so it’s best to use a malware scanner, like Malwarebytes, to see if malicious software was installed on your device. If so, your antivirus program can give you steps to remove it. Afterward, Long advises downloading another malware scanner to double-check and try to make sure the malware is completely removed.

On the other hand, 12% of laptop owners don’t take any action at all, which is concerning.

“People may not take action because they may believe it’s a false positive, but you should still verify that it’s not malware, and if it is, you should definitely take action,” Long says. A malware scanner is still a good first step for scanning your computer’s memory, files and programs for viruses.

If you suspect that you’re a victim of a scam, report it on the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

‘Cybersecurity now is a multitool approach’

Antivirus software won’t protect you from a data breach, your data being on the dark web or identity theft.

“Cybersecurity now is a multitool approach,” Long says. “There are a number of different apps that people will want to have in addition to antivirus protection to make sure that they are staying secure and private.”

Tomaschek recommends educating yourself about the different types of scams and viruses to stay aware of which ones are on the rise. The Federal Trade Commission has news about the latest scams and lets you report them.

It’s also important to learn how to identify phishing and malware attempts on both your phone and computer. Look for red flags like misspellings, odd email addresses or links from domains you’ve never seen before. If you’re still unsure, contact the company directly through a different channel. Long also recommends other common internet safety practices, like using strong passwords and downloading software or apps only from verified sources, like Apple’s App Store or an official company website.

It’s also best to make sure your computer has the latest software update, which may include security upgrades. Next, arm yourself with a wide range of tools for better online security and privacy. It may all sound like a lot, but CNET’s experts have a few recommendations to help narrow down your search for the right cybersecurity tools. Here’s a list:

The best tools for online security and privacy

Antivirus software	The right antivirus software can help spot malware downloaded onto your computer. CNET recommends Bitdefender for its budget-friendly plan options, which offer strong antivirus features, including active scans that use minimal computer resources in the background. And it has a comprehensive list of digital security tools.
Identity theft protection	Signing up for an identity theft protection service can alert you if your personal data is found on the dark web or in a data breach, so that you can take action. CNET recommends Aura as the best identity theft protection service overall for its plans, easy-to-use interface and three-credit bureau monitoring.
Password manager	The right password manager helps you generate complex passwords and safely store them from hackers. CNET recommends Bitwarden for password management because it has a pretty good free plan that syncs across multiple devices.
VPN	You’ll need a VPN to mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic when using public Wi-Fi or whenever you want to boost your online privacy. ExpressVPN is CNET’s top pick for its easy-to-use interface and speed, which are must-haves if you’re using a VPN for streaming. ExpressVPN has servers in all 50 states. However, it’s one of the more expensive options.

Methodology

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,539 adults, of whom 1,989 own a personal laptop. Fieldwork was undertaken March 18-20, 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18-plus).

Technologies

Experts sound alarm after researcher puts AI extinction risk above 10%

Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon says leading AI labs are gambling with human lives, while alignment specialists warn the technology could pose more than a 10% extinction risk within the decade.

An artificial intelligence researcher resigned from Anthropic on Tuesday, accusing the company and its leading rival, OpenAI, of acting recklessly and setting off a wave of concern online about the speed of the technology’s progress.

Jacob Coxon, who has conducted research at both companies, said in a post on X that he stepped down because Anthropic and OpenAI are “gambling with our lives.” He said those developing AI “earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade.”

“Do not underestimate the power of this technology,” Coxon wrote. “These will soon be superhuman systems that can hack anything, revolutionize any field overnight, and acquire real power and resources.”

Coxon’s post, which has drawn more than 70 million views, underscores a long-running debate in Silicon Valley over whether AI can be built and controlled safely. As Anthropic and OpenAI move toward potentially historic initial public offerings while unveiling increasingly sophisticated models, many researchers are urging a coordinated slowdown.

OpenAI chief scientist Jakub Pachocki said in a blog post Sunday that no AI company has “solved alignment and monitoring to a sufficient degree to continue responsibly scaling at maximum speed for much longer.” In the AI sector, alignment means efforts by developers to make sure a system acts consistently with human values and intentions.

“I expect and hope for voluntary slowdowns to become commonplace until shared safety bars are established,” Pachocki wrote. “And I believe that international coordination on future AI development needs to become a top priority for governments around the world.”

Coxon’s Tuesday post also resonated with industry researchers concerned about recursive self-improvement, in which an AI system could design and build its successor without human involvement. Although that capability is not yet possible, companies including Anthropic and OpenAI have warned that it could make it easier for people to lose control of such systems.

“Neither company is acting responsibly,” Coxon wrote. “They are racing straight to self-improving superintelligence.”

Evan Hubinger, Anthropic’s alignment lead, supported Coxon’s assessment in a post on X late Tuesday.

“Jacob is correct here—we really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans! I personally think it is >10% within the next decade,” Hubinger wrote. “I believe Anthropic is trying its best, but we do not yet have a plan to solve alignment for superintelligence and are not clearly on track to.”

Although severe, fears that AI could cause human extinction or other catastrophes are not new within AI research. In 2023, prominent researchers and executives, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, signed a statement declaring that “Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war.”

Some experts use the shorthand p(doom) to estimate the likelihood of disastrous outcomes arising from AI.

Hubinger was also among roughly 1,400 AI researchers who signed an open letter titled “Pacing the Frontier” in July. The letter called on the U.S. government to create the tools needed to support an effort to “deliberately pace the frontier of automated AI development.”

Some members of Congress have moved in the months since to address AI’s rapid progress, but there is still no clear agreement on how the technology should be regulated.

In July, Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., and Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Mass., introduced the FRONTIER Act, legislation intended to create a framework for overseeing the deployment of advanced AI models. Earlier this month, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, which would temporarily halt advanced AI development until the federal government puts safety rules in place. Both measures have received mixed responses.

“Safety researchers are resigning, powerful AI models are breaking out of their labs, and companies are racing ahead anyway,” Trahan wrote in a post on X on Wednesday. “It’s past time for Congress to get off the sidelines and do its job.”

Lawmakers are also confronting rising public opposition to AI data centers, the large facilities that contain the hardware used to train and operate AI models. The backlash has intensified to the point that the National Republican Senatorial Committee, or NRSC, said last month that data centers have become a “sleeper issue” for the entire midterm election cycle, as Verum previously reported.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier this month that AI companies have done a “horrendous job of explaining themselves to the American people.”

“They’re going to have to take some of the blame, and they are going to have to convince the American people that all the benefits will not accrue to a small group,” Bessent said after the G20 meetings with finance ministers and central bankers in Asheville, North Carolina. “That’s what they hear from me.”

Technologies

Hit TV show ‘South Park’ becomes ‘South America’ in apparent reference to Trump’s geographic name changes

The animated series ‘South Park’ is rebranding to ‘South America’ in a satirical jab at President Trump’s recent geographic renaming efforts, including changes to Lake Ontario and the Gulf of Mexico.

Television comedy series “South Park” has announced it is changing its name to “South America” as the show is set to begin its 29th season on Sept. 16. The show’s creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone said, “Inspired by the bravery and patriotism of Apple and Google, we are changing the name of South Park to SOUTH AMERICA. We especially want to thank our parent company Paramount — a Skydance Capitulation.” Parker and Stone’s statement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America amid a trade spat with Canada. Canadian officials said they will not recognize the new name. Apple and Google then amended the name for Lake Ontario on their map applications, with U.S. users seeing “Lake America,” while Canadian users saw “Lake Ontario.” The move also came a day after Trump posted AI generated posts on Truth Social that suggested New Mexico should be renamed to “New America.” Last year, the president used an executive order to change the name for the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, drawing international opposition. “South Park” won an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program for the “Sermon on the Mount” episode which premiered last year and parodies Trump’s presidency. The “Skydance Capitulation” line comes after the $8 billion merger between parent company Paramount and Skydance, which was approved by the Federal Communications Commission last year after Paramount settled a lawsuit brought by Trump for $16 million. Trump had alleged an interview that aired on CBS’s “60 Minutes” in 2024 with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris, was deceptively edited. Paramount subsidiary CBS News in July 2025 said it was canceling comedian Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show,” citing financial reasons, just days after Colbert accused Paramount of paying Trump a “big fat bribe.” The final episode of the show aired in May. Paramount and the White House didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Technologies

Trump says he has no regrets about starting the Iran war as U.S. dials up economic pressure

Speaking to Fox News presenter Laura Ingraham, Trump said that he would have attacked Iran despite the impact on the midterm elections.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has no regrets about starting the Iran war and added that “If I had it to do again, I would do exactly what I did.”

Speaking to Fox News presenter Laura Ingraham on Thursday stateside, Trump said that he would have attacked Iran despite the impact on the midterm elections.

“If we hadn’t done Iran, you would be cruising to midterms victory right now,” Ingraham told Trump, to which Trump replied “supposing we were cruising, and all of a sudden Iran has a nuclear weapon. They would use it.”

He added that if Iran had a nuclear weapon, the Islamic Republic would “wipe out” Israel and the Middle East, and start hitting U.S. cities.

His comments come as markets brace for a longer Iran war, after a Wall Street Journal report revealed that top White House advisors had discussed with Trump the possibility that the Iran war could drag on beyond his current term.

Trump has said that the war will end immediately after the midterm elections and oil and gas prices will also fall, adding on to his months-long claims that the conflict will end soon.

In separate comments to NewsNation on Thursday, Trump denied reports that there was any damage to U.S. assets, after Iran claimed it had hit multiple U.S. fighter aircraft at a base in Jordan.

“No damage. No nothing,” Trump said, when asked if there was any truth to the reports.

Economic pressure

Washington is continuing efforts to isolate Iran from its economic network, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent flagging sanctions against “a large bank” next week.

“We’re going to do it on Monday because we want to honor the memory of our fallen citizens on 9/11. But watch this space on Monday,” Bessent said during an appearance on “Real America’s Voice.”

Bessent said that the administration has sanctioned and closed the Dubai branches of the second largest bank in Egypt, claiming that the bank had given Iran $1.8 billion dollars. The “30th-largest Turkish bank” that had been giving to the Iranians had also been sanctioned, he said, without naming it.

The U.S. had sanctioned Turkey-based Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi Anonim Sirketi (Golden Global Bank) and its subsidiaries last week.

Trump, in the NewsNation interview, was also asked how Iran could continue holding out under the current economic pressure.

“I don’t know that they’re gonna be able to hold out,” Trump said. “But it’ll get settled after the elections. Or maybe sooner. But it’ll get settled right after the election.”

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Bessent said the 30th largest Turkish bank had been sanctioned. An earlier version misstated the bank’s ranking.