Advanced Protection Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2025

Norton Antivirus Review 2025: Solid Value for Fast, Effective Protection

Norton Antivirus has a score of 8.6 out of 10 and was established in 1982. The Norton 360 Deluxe package includes features such as real-time protection, manual and automated scans, the Genie Scam Detector, a password manager, and 2GB of cloud backups. It offers four plans: Norton Antivirus Plus, Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus, each with varying identity protection features and cloud backup space. The installation process is user-friendly, and the software operates efficiently, using minimal CPU and disk space. Norton has maintained a perfect security ranking from AV-Test for over a decade but has experienced a data breach in the past five years. Customer support includes a knowledge base, community forum, and 24/7 live chat and phone support, with an overall customer support score of 8 out of 10. Norton’s pricing is competitive, particularly for higher-tier plans, resulting in a value ranking of 8 out of 10.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

New features coming to Android Enterprise

A modern, AI-driven workplace is reshaping mobility, requiring a shift beyond remote access. Employees now use innovative tools for enhanced productivity and collaboration, but over half of organizations view smartphones as their most vulnerable endpoint. Data breaches are often linked to improper mobile access (54% of incidents) and insecure public Wi-Fi (40% of compromises). To stay competitive, businesses must prioritize secure, tailored employee experiences. Android is adapting to meet organizational needs with enterprise-grade security features, including: - Advanced Protection: Provides robust mobile device protection against online threats. - Identity Check: Requires biometric authentication for device access outside trusted locations. - Corporate badges in Google Wallet: Allows secure access to workplace buildings via NFC. - APN Overrides via AMAPI: Ensures secure network access by controlling cellular data usage on managed devices.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Android Enterprise’s latest update is here to tackle the modern work grind

- The latest Android Enterprise feature drop includes Advanced Protection and Identity Check, enhancing security by preventing unauthorized access even if a user's PIN is compromised. - Employees can use their phones to load corporate IDs into Google Wallet for access to NFC-enabled buildings. - The Advanced Protection feature provides robust defense against cyber threats, while Identity Check requires face or fingerprint verification for access. - IT teams can utilize APN Overrides via AMAPI to push customized network settings to company devices, ensuring compliance with data usage policies. - Work applications are updated with Material 3 Expressive in Android 16, offering improved visuals and usability. - Gemini integration in Google Docs allows users to summarize documents and draft content in over 20 languages. - Notifications are auto-grouped to reduce distractions and improve focus. - The Desktop Windowing feature enables multitasking on tablets by allowing multiple app windows to be run side by side. - Taskbar Overflow provides an expandable panel for managing open applications on tablets. - Support for Android App Bundle (AAB) files for Managed Google Play enhances the deployment of private applications.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Android 16 is officially here, and Pixels get first dibs on new features

Android 16 has been officially launched, with Google Pixel phones being the first to adopt this stable version. Key features include live notifications for real-time updates, a "desktop windowing" feature for larger screens, and custom keyboard shortcuts. The stable version was released on June 10, earlier than previous years. Enhanced communication capabilities for users with hearing aids allow clearer call quality and volume control from the phone. Security improvements include Advanced Protection against scam apps and online threats. Android 16 will roll out to Pixel 6 and newer models, with updates for other brands expected later this year. The Google Pixel 9 features a Tensor G4 chip, a 6.3-inch Actua Display, a dual-camera system, a 4700mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, and a commitment to seven years of OS and security updates, along with an IP68 water-resistant design.

AppWizard

May 30, 2025

Android 16 beta testers get a look at its Advanced Protection security bastion

Google is rolling out the Advanced Protection feature for Pixel devices enrolled in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 program, which includes browsing safeguards, app protections, and USB transfer restrictions. This feature aims to enhance device security and protect against online threats. The Advanced Protection Program was originally launched for users at risk of data breaches and was expanded last year to include passkeys and a simplified enrollment process. Additionally, an "Intrusion Detection" feature was noted, designed to log user activity for suspicious behavior. The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update was released on May 20, 2025, and introduced a new design language called Material 3 Expressive.

AppWizard

May 17, 2025

Best VPN for Android 2025: NordVPN Voted Best of VPNs for Android

NordVPN has been recognized as the Best VPN for Android in 2025, continuing its commitment to trusted VPN services since launching its Android app in 2016. The user interface has been redesigned for a streamlined experience, featuring a clean, map-based home screen and easy server access. It has received praise for exceptional speed on Android devices, attributed to its NordLynx protocol, and boasts over 7,000 servers in more than 100 countries for reliable internet access. NordVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy to protect user privacy and includes advanced security features like Threat Protection Lite. The app is optimized for battery efficiency and offers robust customer support, including 24/7 live chat. NordVPN's competitive pricing plans and various payment methods enhance its accessibility.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Google Will Prevent Unknown App Downloads During Calls On Android 16

Google has introduced Advanced Protection for Android devices, aimed at enhancing security for users, especially those in public-facing roles. This feature was showcased on May 13, 2025, and will be released with Android 16 in June. Key functionalities include an Offline Device Key, Theft Detection, and Play Protect. Advanced Protection will restrict sideloading applications and downloading from third-party sources. It also blocks downloads from unknown sources during active phone calls and restricts access to banking applications during calls. Users will be unable to share screens with third-party applications while on calls. The initiative is currently being tested in various countries.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google announces new security features for Android for protection against scam and theft

Google unveiled new security and privacy features for its Android platform, focusing on safeguarding calls, screen sharing, messages, device access, and system-level permissions. Key measures include blocking unsafe actions during calls with unknown contacts, restrictions on side-loading apps from unverified sources, and limiting accessibility permissions to prevent scams. Users on Android 6 or later will not be able to disable Google Play Protect, which scans for harmful applications. Enhanced screen-sharing protection includes reminders to stop sharing after calls and a warning screen for banking apps when sharing with unknown numbers. Google Messages will improve scam detection using on-device AI for various fraud types. Verification keys in the Google Contacts app will allow users to authenticate contacts, with end-to-end encryption for verified conversations. Identity Check protection requiring biometric authentication will be extended to more devices, and stricter controls on Factory Reset functions will be implemented. Google is also enhancing its Play Protect program to detect unsafe apps and strengthening Advanced Protection Mode for public figures, along with introducing a new Find My Hub feature.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Your Android phone is getting a huge security upgrade for free

Google has introduced a suite of security tools for Android users to protect against various threats, including: 1. Protection against Scam Calls: Alerts users to potential scam calls and blocks harmful actions, focusing on disabling Google Play Protect, preventing sideloading of unverified apps, and restricting accessibility permissions. 2. In-call Protections for Banking Apps: A feature that warns users when they open banking apps while sharing their screen with unknown callers, starting in the UK, and automatically enabled for participating banks on devices running Android 11 or higher. 3. Improved Scam Detection in Google Messages: Enhanced scam detection capabilities that now cover a wider range of scams, including toll road, cryptocurrency, financial impersonation, gift card, and technical support scams. 4. Better Encryption for Text Messages via Key Verifier: A tool that allows users to confirm contacts' identities through public encryption keys, enhancing privacy and security. 5. Stronger Mobile Phone Theft Protection: Expanded theft protection features, including the Identity Check tool, restrictions on unauthorized factory resets, and obscured one-time passwords on the lock screen. 6. Advanced Protection for Mobile Devices: An Advanced Protection Program offering cryptographic verification for all login operations, available on devices running Android 16. 7. Improvements to Google Play Protect: Upgrades to identify malicious apps before installation and live threat detection to alert users of suspicious app behavior. 8. Enhancing Overall Android Security: Ongoing commitment to improve Android security through regular updates and new tools to protect users from evolving cyber threats.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google talks smarter security against fraud and theft in The Android Show

Google has announced updates to enhance security and privacy for Android users, including: - Enhanced scam protection for calls and text messages. - Updated Factory Reset protections limiting phone functionality if reset without owner consent. - Upgraded Live Threat Detection in Google Play Services to identify malicious applications. - Introduction of the Key Verifier feature for verifying identities in conversations using public encryption keys, launching this summer for Android 10 and higher. - Expansion of the Identity Check feature to more devices with the upcoming Android 16 release. - Concealment of one-time passwords on the lock screen in Android 16. - Extension of the Advanced Protection program to a broader audience. - Rollout of live threat detection capabilities in Google Play Protect for Pixel 6 and newer devices and other smartphones. - Announcement of Google I/O 2025 scheduled for May 20 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET).