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Norton's Gen Threat Report reveals worrying trends in cybersecurityScams and data breaches are on the riseOver a million records breached in the first quarter of 2025 aloneThe latest Norton Gen Threat Report has revealed its findings regarding Q1 of 2025 - and although a decline in the total number of blocked attacks could point to a reduction in threat activity, the finer details reveal some much more concerning trends.It found data stealing threats have seen a huge surge, with an 186% rise in breached records, and breached user emails alone were up 102%. This translates to over 1.19 million records of ‘high severity’ or ‘critical severity’ impacted - including plaintext passwords.This, of course, represents a huge danger from threat actors, who could use these passwords to directly access user accounts. We recommend regularly checking breach websites like HaveIBeenPwned and also taking a look at the best identity threat protection software if you’ve been affected.Save up to 68% on identity theft protection for Techradar readersTechRadar editors praise Aura's upfront pricing and simplicity. Aura also includes a password manager, VPN, and antivirus to make its security solution an even more compelling deal.Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View DealBreaches on the riseBreach events themselves are on the rise, increasing over 36% year-on-year, which is reflected in the almost 4% rise in the number of users notified of identity protection incidents.Credit alerts that notify users of potential fraud alerts have seen an almost 14% increase, and criminal record alerts, which inform users of potential misuse of their identity have also risen nearly 12%.Data breaches aren’t the only thing on the rise, as scams and social media exploits have also been increasing.For example, malicious push notifications that deliver scams increased over 10% in the risk ratio for Germany, as well as almost 25% in Norway, and over 22% in Denmark.Financial threats gained millions in profits in Q1, especially thanks to AI powered deepfake and cryptocurrency scams, with one campaign from the CryptoCore group resulting in 2,200 fraudulent transactions, and reaping $3.8 million for the scammers.“The Gen Q1/2025 Threat Report revealed an evolving threat landscape where cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging advanced technologies like AI, deepfakes, and cross-platform scams to exploit trust and target their victims. These issues aren’t just technological; they’re deeply personal, affecting real people and real lives,” the report noted.You might also likeTake a look at our picks for the best malware removal software aroundCheck out our choice for best antivirus softwareHow emerging ransomware trends can help inform payment decisions

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak admitted the club “probably should have been more aggressive” on the transfer front last summer as he looked back on their 2024-25 season.Manchester United’s Amad Diallo said he did not regret his actions, alleging he had been reacting to insults about his mother, after the winger appeared to make an obscene gesture towards fans in Malaysia, while England boss Sarina Wiegman expressed her disappointment at no longer having Mary Earps to call upon.Khaldoon on transfersIn his annual end-of-season interview, Khaldoon reflected City should have done more to strengthen going into a campaign that saw them relinquish the Premier League title, finishing third, and exit the Champions League before the last 16.Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan were the only major signings last summer as Julian Alvarez departed, with City subsequently spending big to bring in a number of players in January.Khaldoon told City’s website: “I think when I look back, last summer, we probably should have been more aggressive in some of the changes we needed to do. We didn’t do that and that ended up costing us this year.”Amad addresses gestureI have respect for people but not for the one who insults my mom…I shouldn’t have reacted like that but I don’t regret what I did.🤞🏾We had a great time in Malaysia with good people😄❤️ pic.twitter.com/9d1WeCTMTd— Amad (@Amaddiallo_19) May 29, 2025With United on a post-season trip to Asia, footage shared on social media appeared to show Amad raising his middle finger as he passed a crowd outside the team’s hotel in Kuala Lumpur.United told the BBC the gesture was in response to “serious personal abuse”, while the 22-year-old Ivorian said in a post on X: “I have respect for people but not for the one who insults my mom.“I shouldn’t have reacted like that but I don’t regret what I did.”Wiegman reacts to Earps newsGoalkeeper Earps on Tuesday made the shock announcement of her immediate international retirement, just a