antivirus programs Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2025

Chinese hackers abuse Microsoft tool to get past antivirus and cause havoc

Trend Micro's Threat Hunting team has identified a new tactic used by the Chinese hacking group Earth Preta (Mustang Panda), which employs the Microsoft Application Virtualization Injector to evade antivirus detection. The malware checks for ESET antivirus on the target system and, if absent, exploits the waitfor.exe function to inject malicious code into legitimate processes. Earth Preta uses Setup Factory to deliver its payloads, utilizing MAVInject.exe to inject harmful code. After injection, the malware connects to a command and control (C2) server controlled by the attackers. The attack shares similarities with previous campaigns, supporting attribution to Earth Preta.

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2025

Trojanized game PirateFi discovered on Steam

Free downloads from torrent trackers pose significant risks of malware, prompting security solutions to quarantine suspicious files. A recent incident involved the game PirateFi, which was removed from Steam after being flagged for harboring malware that stole browser cookies and compromised online accounts. The game attracted minimal attention, with around 1,500 downloads and reports of unauthorized transactions among players. Valve advised users to run security scans and suggested reformatting their operating systems, which confused many. The developers, Seaworth Interactive, raised suspicions due to their promotional tactics. Malware incidents on Steam are not new, with past cases like Dynostopia affecting players. Gamers are advised to avoid cheats, choose well-reviewed games, and install dedicated gaming antimalware for protection. Kaspersky Premium offers a gaming mode that minimizes interruptions during gameplay.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Hackers Somehow Uploaded a Game Full of Malware on Steam

On February 6, hackers uploaded a pirate-themed survival game called PirateFi to Steam, attributed to Seaworth Interactive, which contained malware designed to steal users' browser cookies. The game was available for download for at least a week before Valve removed it after becoming aware of the risks. Estimates suggest that between 800 and 1,500 users downloaded the game. Promotional materials for PirateFi were reportedly taken from another game, Easy Survival RPG. Users' antivirus programs identified PirateFi as “Trojan.Win32.Lazzzy.gen,” a malware variant known for extracting browser cookies. Valve informed players about the malware and advised them to scan their systems and consider reinstalling Windows. Seaworth Interactive had no prior history, and PirateFi was its only game, with no dedicated website or social media presence.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2025

Best Antivirus Software for 2025: Top Picks for Protection

In 2025, the top antivirus software options include: - McAfee Plus Premium: Best overall protection with unlimited device coverage, perfect scores in AV-Test evaluations, includes a VPN and password manager. Price: .99 for the first year, 9.99 annually thereafter. - Bitdefender Ultimate Security: Best for Windows users, offers comprehensive protection with a VPN and anti-fraud tools. Price: .99 for the first year, .99 annually thereafter, covering up to 10 devices. - Norton 360 with LifeLock Select: Best for cross-platform security, includes a VPN, password manager, and identity theft protection. Price: .99 per year for 10 devices, with an introductory offer of .99 for the first year. - AVG Internet Security: Best for advanced customization, includes firewall and webcam protection. Price: .99 for the first year, .99 annually thereafter for 10 devices. - Avira Free Antivirus: Best free antivirus option, providing essential protection against online threats. The paid version, Avira Internet Security, costs .99 for the first year and .99 annually thereafter for one device.

Tech Optimizer

February 9, 2025

The Best Antivirus Software For 2025

The necessity for robust antivirus software has become imperative due to the rise of malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and zero-day exploits, which pose significant risks to personal data and system performance. Modern antivirus programs utilize artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time behavioral analysis to identify emerging threats. They offer features such as encrypted browsing, webcam and microphone protection, identity theft monitoring, and built-in VPN services. Key factors for selecting antivirus solutions include detection rates, system impact, and additional features like file encryption and dark web monitoring. The eleven best antivirus options for 2025 include: 1. Norton 360 Deluxe 2025 | 5 Devices: Fast scanning, built-in VPN, cloud backup; requires annual subscription, limited VPN locations, higher price. 2. McAfee Total Protection 3-Device 2025: Advanced AI threat detection, automatic VPN; setup requires credit card, complicated activation, higher renewal pricing. 3. McAfee Total Protection | 5-Device 2025: Smart AI protection, built-in VPN; VPN may slow internet, dated interface. 4. McAfee+ Premium Individual Unlimited Devices 2025: Smart AI technology, unlimited VPN; cluttered interface, some features need configuration. 5. Norton 360 Deluxe 2025 | 3 Devices: Excellent malware detection, built-in VPN; frequent promotional pop-ups, higher renewal price. 6. Malwarebytes Premium Security – 2 Device: Powerful scanning tools, real-time ransomware protection; higher price, limited iOS features. 7. McAfee AntiVirus 2025 – 1 Device: Fast malware scanning, intuitive interface; renewal issues, frequent marketing notifications. 8. Norton 360 Premium 2025 – 10 Devices: Comprehensive protection, includes VPN; tricky auto-renewal, higher price. 9. Webroot Internet Security Complete 2025 – 5 Device: Fast scans, minimal system load; higher renewal prices, special installer for Windows 7. 10. Bitdefender Total Security 2025 (5 Device): Outstanding malware protection, minimal system impact; VPN limited to 200MB daily, complex interface. 11. Malwarebytes Premium 2025 | 5 Device: Excellent malware detection, user-friendly; slow premium support, lacks advanced customization. Choosing the right antivirus software involves evaluating features such as real-time protection, privacy features, malware detection rates, system performance impact, update frequency, and customer support availability. Pricing structures vary, with tiers offering different levels of protection and features.

Tech Optimizer

February 7, 2025

New Scareware Attack Targeting Mobile Users to Deploy Malicious Antivirus Apps

A recent increase in scareware attacks is targeting mobile users, aiming to trick them into downloading malicious antivirus applications. These attacks use alarming notifications to exploit users' fears about device security. Analysts from Kaspersky Lab note that scareware often employs social engineering techniques to create urgency and fear, masquerading as legitimate software. Victims may encounter a range of consequences, from ineffective programs to dangerous malware that can encrypt data or steal financial information. Scareware messages typically warn users of detected viruses and the risks of not acting quickly. Malicious applications often use JavaScript or HTML to generate fake alerts. Users are advised to install authentic antivirus software from reputable sources, keep their devices updated, and be cautious with unexpected pop-ups.

Tech Optimizer

February 5, 2025

Avast Antivirus Statistics and Facts (2025)

Avast's global revenue for 2024 is projected to reach USD 950 million, with a growth rate of 4% compared to the previous year. The company has over 435 million active users globally, with 60% of its revenue coming from Europe and North America. Avast controls 6.5% of the global antivirus market and ranks among the top five providers in the cybersecurity industry. Its VPN services, using AES-256-bit encryption, saw a 12% increase in subscriptions. Additionally, 80% of Avast's products integrate AI and machine learning, and mobile security products account for 20% of its total revenue. Avast has raised USD 100 million in funding, bringing its valuation to USD 2,865.9 million, and partnerships with major tech companies contribute 10% of its total revenue. The company employs more than 1,800 individuals and has around 9 million weekly active users. Avast prevents nearly 1.5 billion attacks each month and has users in 59 countries. A total of 859 companies utilize Avast for organizational cybersecurity solutions, and the software is available in 45 different languages. Avast offers a 30-day free trial and has a highly accurate antivirus solution, with a 94.2% offline detection rate and a 99.5% online detection rate. Avast is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. The software features include real-time protection, Wi-Fi Inspector, CyberCapture, and email shield. Paid plans range from INR 4,144.79 (USD 49.99) to INR 6,632.17 (USD 79.99) per year. In Q1 2024, social engineering attacks were identified as the biggest threat, with scams increasing by 61% on mobile and 23% on desktop. Avast's global risk ratio was 31%, with a total of 3.52 billion blocked attacks. The company secured the fourth position in the antivirus market, with 8% paid users and 18% free users. As of July 2024, avast.com had 14.1 million visits, with the United States contributing 20.1% of the traffic. Male users made up 62.93% of visitors, and the highest percentage of users were aged 25 to 34. Organic search generated the highest traffic rate, accounting for 45.9%, while YouTube was the leading source of social media referrals.

Tech Optimizer

February 5, 2025

Avast Antivirus Statistics and Facts (2025)

Avast has a user base exceeding 435 million globally and employs over 1,800 individuals. The company’s projected global revenue for 2024 is USD 950 million, with approximately 60% generated from Europe and North America. Avast commands 6.5% of the global antivirus market and has raised USD 100 million in funding, elevating its valuation to USD 2,865.9 million. The software prevents nearly 1.5 billion attacks each month and operates in 59 countries. It is available in 45 languages and competes with brands like Symantec and McAfee. Avast's antivirus solution has a 94.2% offline detection rate and a 99.5% online detection rate. Paid plans range from INR 4,144.79 (USD 49.99) to INR 6,632.17 (USD 79.99) annually. In Q1 2024, Avast blocked 3.52 billion attacks, with social engineering attacks being the predominant threat. The website avast.com recorded 14.1 million visits in July 2024, with the United States accounting for 20.1% of total traffic. Organic search generated 45.9% of total visits, and YouTube was the leading social media referral source.

Tech Optimizer

February 3, 2025

Regularly Update Software and Devices: A Crucial Step in Crypto Security

Regularly updating software, wallets, operating systems, and antivirus programs is essential for cryptocurrency security. Updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit, safeguard against new threats, enhance compatibility with new features, secure operating systems, and improve phishing and scam prevention. Keeping hardware wallet firmware up to date is crucial for security and compatibility. Regular updates to antivirus software protect against malware that could compromise cryptocurrency. Establishing a routine for updates, enabling automatic updates, checking for manual updates, and backing up data before updating are recommended practices. Delaying critical updates increases exposure to security risks.

Tech Optimizer

December 28, 2024

Don’t Let the Cyber Bugs Bite! Top Antivirus Software at Low Prices in 2025

The selection of antivirus software involves evaluating features and compatibility beyond just pricing. Key features to consider include: - Real-Time Protection: Software should detect and neutralize threats as they emerge. - Multi-Device Support: Plans should cover multiple devices for seamless protection. - Additional Features: Look for extras like VPNs, password managers, and parental controls. - User-Friendly Interface: The software should be easy to navigate for non-technical users. - Performance Impact: The antivirus should operate efficiently without slowing down the device.