Additional layer of protection Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 12, 2025

That ‘unsubscribe’ link is actually a hidden security risk

The "click to unsubscribe" button in emails may pose a security threat, as engaging with it can lead users to malicious websites. TK Keanini, CTO at DNSFilter, noted that about one in every 644 clicks on such links can direct users to phishing sites designed to steal sensitive information and introduce malware. Experts advise skepticism towards unsubscribe requests from untrusted senders and recommend using "list-unsubscribe headers" in email clients for safer management of subscriptions. Alternatives include using spam filters, blacklisting senders, and employing disposable email addresses for added protection. Additionally, having robust antivirus software is crucial for safeguarding against potential malware threats.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal now blocks Microsoft Recall screenshots on Windows 11

Signal has introduced a "screen security" feature in its Windows application to enhance user privacy by preventing Microsoft's AI-driven Recall functionality from capturing content displayed within the app. This feature is active by default on all Windows 11 devices and sets a Digital Rights Management (DRM) flag on Signal's app windows. Recall, launched in May 2024, captures screenshots of active windows and has raised privacy concerns, leading Microsoft to make it optional and implement various security enhancements. Users can disable Signal's screen security but will be warned about potential privacy risks. Signal's developer, Joshua Lund, highlighted ongoing concerns regarding privacy in applications like Signal and called for a balance between privacy and accessibility in AI technologies.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google just gave Android phones new features to thwart scammers

Google is piloting a feature to enhance security for banking app access during screen-sharing sessions, currently being tested with UK banking applications like Monzo, NatWest, and Revolut. When a user shares their screen while accessing their banking app, a pop-up notification will alert them to a "likely scam," reminding them to be cautious.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Time-Sensitive Deal! Discounted Genuine Windows 11 Pro Key for $14.99!

Many users are considering upgrading from Windows 10 as support for it is ending. A retail license for Windows 11 typically starts at around 9, but during a limited-time April Sale, Windows 11 Pro keys are available for .99. The free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is only available for the same edition. Windows 11 Pro includes enhanced security features like BitLocker and specialized tools for IT departments. Microsoft Office 2021 Professional is currently offered at a 62% discount for a one-time payment of .43, while Office 2016 Pro is available for .36. The retailer has a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot and provides 24/7 support, with keys delivered instantly via email.

Tech Optimizer

March 27, 2025

Do Macs need antivirus? Debunking the security myth

Many users believe that Macs are immune to cybersecurity threats, leading them to neglect protective measures. This perception originated from Apple's marketing and the historical lower targeting of Macs due to their smaller market share. However, as the popularity of Macs has increased, so has the development of malware aimed at macOS. Reports indicate that malware targeting Macs has now outpaced that targeting Windows on a per-device basis. While macOS includes strong security features like XProtect, Gatekeeper, and System Integrity Protection, these are not foolproof. XProtect only defends against known malware, leaving users vulnerable to new threats. Macs are susceptible to various types of malware, including adware, Trojans, and phishing attacks. Antivirus software is important for Macs as it protects against evolving malware, shields users from phishing and online scams, enhances privacy protection, and prevents cross-platform threats.

Tech Optimizer

February 28, 2025

How to prevent Windows from installing unauthorised programs

Windows provides tools to enhance security, including the ability to implement a whitelist for applications. Administrators can configure this whitelist using the Local Security Policy tool in Windows Pro and Enterprise versions, or via command prompt in Windows Home. The Applocker feature, available since Windows 10 build 1809, allows for the creation of whitelists and blacklists. Setting up a whitelist involves navigating to Application Control Policies and creating rules for allowed applications, with options to use default rules provided by Microsoft. To set up the Applocker whitelist, users must open Local Security Policy, access AppLocker, and manage executable files through "Executable rules." Administrators can identify applications by file hash or path, with file hash being more secure. The Application Identity service must be activated for Applocker to function, which can be done through the services menu. Unauthorized applications will be blocked, and restarting Windows can resolve any issues with the service. Cyberlock is mentioned as an alternative to Applocker, offering advanced features and requiring a paid license after a trial. Windows also includes Smart App Control to monitor user behavior and restrict installations to verified applications. Kiosk mode can be configured to allow only one application to run, suitable for specific environments. Windows Home users can access the Local Security Policy tool through command prompt integration.

Tech Optimizer

February 21, 2025

Self-managed multi-tenant vector search with Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL

Organizations are using generative AI and machine learning tools to extract value from unstructured data, employing specialized machine learning models to convert data into vectors for efficient searching and retrieval. Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition, with the pgvector extension, allows developers to create a vector store for generative AI applications. Multi-tenant architectures in software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications ensure tenant data isolation to maintain security and privacy. In a multi-tenant scenario, home survey requests are processed, and survey reports are stored in Amazon S3. Embedding models convert these documents into vector embeddings, which are stored in a vector store. There are two approaches to building a vector-based application: a self-managed approach, where developers handle data processing and queries, and a fully-managed option using Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases. The self-managed approach involves coding to process data, generate vector embeddings, and store them in Aurora. The architecture includes data ingestion via AWS Lambda, embedding conversion, SQL queries for data retrieval, and response enhancement using a large language model (LLM). Key terminologies include vector embeddings, embedding models, chunking, pgvector, HNSW index, and IVFFlat index. The process of creating a vector store involves configuring the Aurora PostgreSQL database, enabling the pgvector extension, and establishing a schema for the vector store. The vector table includes fields for UUID, vector embeddings, text chunks, metadata, and tenant identification. Data ingestion requires coding to convert data into embeddings and insert them into the database. Retrieval of vector data is crucial for enhancing prompts sent to LLMs, with various distance functions supported for identifying similar vectors. Multi-tenancy is enforced using row-level security in PostgreSQL, ensuring tenant data isolation. The process includes updating query functions to support tenant isolation and setting the current tenant ID for queries.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Chrome for Android could soon have your back when you download shady apps

Google is developing a feature for Chrome on Android that will allow the browser to scan downloaded APK files for malware. This feature is currently being tested in Chrome Canary and aims to provide an additional layer of protection alongside Google Play Protect, which already scans applications before installation. Users will receive notifications about the safety of their APK downloads, with a message indicating that the APK downloads are being checked for malware. This functionality is expected to enhance user confidence and reduce the risk of malware infiltration during the download process.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

End of Windows 10: Microsoft will phase out your computer by 2025

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive free security updates. To upgrade to Windows 11, a computer must support TPM 2.0, which many older devices lack. A report indicates that about one in five computers could be left behind due to this requirement, particularly those purchased before 2021. Users should check if their device supports TPM 2.0 and consider budgeting for a new computer if it does not.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Urgent Android warning for anyone who uses Amazon – delete dangerous app now

McAfee's security team discovered a malicious app named "BMI CalculationVsn" in Amazon's Android Appstore, which pretended to be a health tracker but was capable of screen recording, password theft, and accessing private SMS messages. Following the report, Amazon removed the app from its platform, and users who downloaded it are advised to uninstall it immediately. McAfee recommends that Android users install reliable antivirus software, scrutinize permission requests before downloading apps, and monitor app behavior for unusual activity to enhance their security.