In the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the year 2026 marks a significant shift from traditional virus blocking to a broader spectrum of threats. Phishing schemes, AI-generated scams, fake websites, account takeovers, ransomware, and fraudulent calls have become commonplace, necessitating a more comprehensive approach to security. For resellers, IT service providers, and businesses across Africa, the focus is now on safeguarding individuals, identities, and online activities alongside devices.
Leading the charge in this transformation are renowned cybersecurity firms such as Avast, AVG, and Norton. Their latest offerings not only maintain established antivirus and malware protection but also integrate advanced artificial intelligence, scam detection, privacy tools, and multi-device security. Through Avert IT Distribution (Avert ITD), African resellers and organizations gain access to these innovative products, along with essential licensing and support services. Avert ITD serves as the official distributor for Avast and AVG in Africa and also provides Norton solutions to partners and organizations.
Avast: AI-powered scam protection takes centre stage
Avast is placing a strong emphasis on scam prevention with its innovative Scam Guardian technology. This feature merges automated protection with the Avast Assistant, an AI-driven tool capable of analyzing suspicious messages, links, offers, and screenshots while offering clear guidance to users. The mobile version, Avast Premium Security, now boasts Scam Guardian Pro, which consolidates SMS Guard, Call Guard, Email Guard, and Avast Assistant to help users identify potential threats from texts, calls, emails, and other deceptive content. This is particularly crucial as many modern attacks initiate not with malicious files but rather with convincing messages designed to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information.
Furthermore, Avast One continues to unify antivirus, privacy, and performance tools within a single application. For organizations still operating legacy systems, Avast assures that its solution can protect Windows 10 devices even after Microsoft’s general support for the platform concluded in October 2025.
AVG: familiar security with stronger AI and mobile defence
For those seeking straightforward cybersecurity, AVG remains a practical choice. The latest iteration of AVG AntiVirus prominently features AI-driven protection against scam websites, malicious links, unsafe downloads, and other online threats. Meanwhile, AVG Internet Security enhances protection against ransomware, phishing, hackers, and fraudulent sites.
Mobile security is gaining prominence as well. AVG’s current Android offerings include Scam Guardian features like Web Guard, while Scam Guardian Pro introduces Call Guard, SMS Guard, and Link Guard. These tools empower users to identify or block suspicious communications and websites on devices that are frequently used for banking, shopping, messaging, and authentication.
For business clients, AVG Business continues to provide centrally managed endpoint protection. The AVG Cloud Console offers administrators comprehensive visibility into managed devices, policies, antivirus versions, and overall security status, thus enabling resellers and IT teams to manage larger customer environments with greater efficiency.
Norton: broader digital-life protection and major VPN upgrades
Norton has expanded its portfolio beyond traditional antivirus solutions. The Norton 360 plans now incorporate AI-powered Scam Protection, designed to detect phishing attempts, scam texts, fraudulent websites, and deepfake-related threats. Additionally, the Norton Genie serves as an AI assistant, helping users evaluate suspicious content and address cyber-safety inquiries.
For small and medium enterprises, Norton Small Business combines device security with a secure browser, software updates, password management, dark web monitoring, and 250GB of cloud backup. The Premium version enhances this offering with features such as Secure VPN, 500GB of cloud backup, financial monitoring, social media oversight, Driver Updater, and round-the-clock Business Tech Support.
Significant improvements to Norton’s VPN capabilities were also announced in 2026. On 31 July 2026, Norton unveiled an upgrade to ML-KEM-1024 post-quantum encryption, along with faster and more reliable mobile connections and the addition of servers in 11 new countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tanzania. This expansion is particularly beneficial for African customers and partners, with internal testing revealing that mobile connection times have decreased by over half, while connection failures have dropped by more than 60%.
Why Avert ITD matters for African resellers and businesses
While technology plays a crucial role in effective cybersecurity deployment, factors such as product selection, licensing, renewals, technical guidance, and local support are equally vital. Avert ITD provides African resellers, partners, and organizations with regional access to all three brands, along with essential licensing, renewals, and technical support.
This localized approach offers a significant advantage for African channel partners. Rather than relying solely on international purchasing and support channels, resellers can collaborate with a regional distributor that understands the local market and can tailor solutions to meet customer needs.
The sales dialogue is evolving as well. Customers are increasingly seeking assistance beyond the simple question of which antivirus to purchase; they now require support in protecting employees from phishing, securing mobile and remote users, safeguarding online identities, minimizing scam exposure, and managing security across multiple devices.
The trajectory for 2026 is unmistakable: cybersecurity is becoming more proactive, AI-assisted, and user-focused. Avast is advancing into interactive and always-on scam protection; AVG is merging familiar antivirus features with enhanced AI-driven web and mobile defense; and Norton is broadening its all-in-one approach across security, privacy, scam prevention, backup, and connectivity.
With Avert ITD facilitating distribution and regional support throughout Africa, resellers and businesses can leverage these latest advancements to provide practical protection for their customers in an increasingly intricate digital landscape.
Contact Avert ITD on WhatsApp
Avert ITD has launched a WhatsApp support channel for partners and customers seeking swift assistance, inquiries about Avast or AVG licenses, or discussions regarding business requirements. This channel allows for rapid responses across Africa, eliminating the need for lengthy emails or waiting for callbacks. Reach out via WhatsApp at +27 605 180001.
Avert ITD positions its partner program as an investment in reseller growth, offering a diverse range of cybersecurity solutions designed to protect both customers and reseller reputations. Established in 2004, Avert ITD serves partners across Africa, emphasizing accountability, integrity, and commitment as the foundation of its distribution approach.
To become an Avert ITD reseller, please complete this form or contact sales at +27(0)10 007 4430 (Johannesburg) or +27(0)21 007 2655 (Cape Town), or email sales@avertitd.com. Connect with Avert ITD on LinkedIn for more updates.
About Gen
Gen is a global entity dedicated to empowering digital freedom through a suite of trusted brands, including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender, and CCleaner. Our trust-based solutions safeguard nearly 500 million users across more than 150 countries.
