antivirus software

Tech Optimizer
May 8, 2025
Cyberattacks are increasingly common due to psychological warfare among global powers. Macs are vulnerable to these attacks, necessitating effective antivirus solutions. Intego is the only antivirus software developed specifically for macOS, offering two packages: Mac Internet Security and Mac Premium Bundle. The Mac Internet Security suite includes real-time antivirus protection, a customizable firewall, and anti-phishing features, priced at .99 for one Mac or .99 for three Macs during the first year. The Mac Premium Bundle adds features like system cleanup, parental management, and automated backups, starting at .99 for one Mac or .99 for three Macs in the first year. Intego is designed specifically for Apple computers, providing lightweight, effective protection with minimal impact on system performance. It has a perfect malware detection score and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Users can also add a VPN subscription as Intego is associated with CyberGhost and ExpressVPN.
Tech Optimizer
May 7, 2025
A friend is considering purchasing antivirus software for a new Windows PC and sought advice on the best options. Major antivirus providers include Norton, McAfee, AVG, and Bitdefender, but many features overlap with Windows Defender. Most home users may not need paid antivirus software, as Microsoft and Apple provide built-in solutions. Web browsers and email providers also offer protection against online threats. Windows 11 users can monitor security through the Windows Security dashboard, while Apple users should keep their systems updated. If encountering issues from suspicious links, downloading Malwarebytes is recommended for scanning and repair. The free version is available for both Mac and Windows, but the paid version is suggested for regular use. Opinions on antivirus necessity vary, and those using computers for business may consider investing in a security suite for added peace of mind.
Tech Optimizer
May 6, 2025
Gen Digital, the parent company of antivirus brands like Avast, Avira, and Norton, has projected annual revenue and profit that exceed analysts' expectations, leading to a 4% increase in shares during after-hours trading. The company forecasts full-year 2026 revenue between .70 billion and .80 billion, compared to the average analyst estimate of .13 billion. It expects adjusted per-share earnings to be between [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Gen Digital, the parent company behind well-known antivirus software brands such as Avast, Avira, and Norton, has recently provided an optimistic outlook for its financial performance. On Tuesday, the company announced projections for annual revenue and profit that surpass analysts' expectations, reflecting a robust demand for its cybersecurity solutions. Following this announcement, shares of Gen Digital experienced a notable uptick of approximately 4% in after-hours trading. Strengthening Cybersecurity Amid Rising Threats The surge in high-profile digital breaches and a rise in online scams have compelled businesses to enhance their cybersecurity measures. This trend has led to increased enterprise spending on security solutions, even as economic uncertainties loom over client budgets. Gen Digital's forecast for full-year 2026 revenue is set between .70 billion and .80 billion, significantly higher than the average analyst estimate of .13 billion, as compiled by LSEG. In terms of profitability, the company anticipates adjusted per-share earnings to fall within the range of .46 to .54, again exceeding the analyst estimate of .43. This positive outlook is bolstered by the growing demand for advanced security solutions, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, enabling more sophisticated hacking techniques. In its most recent fourth quarter, Gen Digital reported revenue of .01 billion, surpassing analysts' expectations of 7 million. The company achieved an adjusted earnings per share of 59 cents, slightly above the anticipated 58 cents." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].46 and [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Gen Digital, the parent company behind well-known antivirus software brands such as Avast, Avira, and Norton, has recently provided an optimistic outlook for its financial performance. On Tuesday, the company announced projections for annual revenue and profit that surpass analysts' expectations, reflecting a robust demand for its cybersecurity solutions. Following this announcement, shares of Gen Digital experienced a notable uptick of approximately 4% in after-hours trading. Strengthening Cybersecurity Amid Rising Threats The surge in high-profile digital breaches and a rise in online scams have compelled businesses to enhance their cybersecurity measures. This trend has led to increased enterprise spending on security solutions, even as economic uncertainties loom over client budgets. Gen Digital's forecast for full-year 2026 revenue is set between .70 billion and .80 billion, significantly higher than the average analyst estimate of .13 billion, as compiled by LSEG. In terms of profitability, the company anticipates adjusted per-share earnings to fall within the range of .46 to .54, again exceeding the analyst estimate of .43. This positive outlook is bolstered by the growing demand for advanced security solutions, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, enabling more sophisticated hacking techniques. In its most recent fourth quarter, Gen Digital reported revenue of .01 billion, surpassing analysts' expectations of 7 million. The company achieved an adjusted earnings per share of 59 cents, slightly above the anticipated 58 cents." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].54, surpassing the analyst estimate of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Gen Digital, the parent company behind well-known antivirus software brands such as Avast, Avira, and Norton, has recently provided an optimistic outlook for its financial performance. On Tuesday, the company announced projections for annual revenue and profit that surpass analysts' expectations, reflecting a robust demand for its cybersecurity solutions. Following this announcement, shares of Gen Digital experienced a notable uptick of approximately 4% in after-hours trading. Strengthening Cybersecurity Amid Rising Threats The surge in high-profile digital breaches and a rise in online scams have compelled businesses to enhance their cybersecurity measures. This trend has led to increased enterprise spending on security solutions, even as economic uncertainties loom over client budgets. Gen Digital's forecast for full-year 2026 revenue is set between .70 billion and .80 billion, significantly higher than the average analyst estimate of .13 billion, as compiled by LSEG. In terms of profitability, the company anticipates adjusted per-share earnings to fall within the range of .46 to .54, again exceeding the analyst estimate of .43. This positive outlook is bolstered by the growing demand for advanced security solutions, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, enabling more sophisticated hacking techniques. In its most recent fourth quarter, Gen Digital reported revenue of .01 billion, surpassing analysts' expectations of 7 million. The company achieved an adjusted earnings per share of 59 cents, slightly above the anticipated 58 cents." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].43. In its latest fourth quarter, Gen Digital reported revenue of .01 billion, exceeding expectations of .07 million, and achieved adjusted earnings per share of 59 cents, slightly above the anticipated 58 cents.
Tech Optimizer
May 6, 2025
If you purchased antivirus software from Avast between August 2014 and January 2020, you may be eligible for compensation from a settlement related to a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit. Eligible individuals will receive an email from “Avast Settlement” with instructions to submit a claim by June 5, 2025. Claims can be submitted through the FTC’s Avast Settlement page, and refunds are expected to be distributed in 2026. For assistance, contact the refund administrator at 1-866-290-0165 or info@AvastSettlement.com.
Tech Optimizer
May 6, 2025
A group of YouTubers, led by Tranium, conducted an experiment to download as many computer viruses as possible within an hour to raise cybersecurity awareness. Tranium collected approximately 530 viruses, while Crypto NWO detected 732 across 199,508 files. The experiment highlighted the dangers of downloading free software and the risks associated with 'free' antivirus programs, illustrating the ongoing threats in the digital landscape.
Tech Optimizer
May 5, 2025
X Business, an e-commerce store specializing in handmade home décor, experienced a cybersecurity incident involving a malware strain called Chimera. The attack began during a routine update to their inventory management system and escalated within 12 hours, resulting in halted customer orders, locked employee accounts, and a crashed website. The attackers demanded a ransom of 0,000 in cryptocurrency, threatening to expose sensitive customer data. Chimera is an AI-driven malware that adapts its code to evade detection, targeting both Windows and macOS systems. It exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Windows' Print Spooler service and bypassed macOS security measures by forging code signatures. The malware used social engineering tactics to deceive employees into activating malicious payloads, leading to compromised systems and encrypted customer data. The recovery process took 48 hours, utilizing cybersecurity tools like CrowdStrike Falcon and SentinelOne Singularity to identify and isolate the malware. Data restoration was achieved through Acronis Cyber Protect and macOS Time Machine, while vulnerabilities were addressed with Qualys and emergency patch deployment via WSUS. The network security framework was improved using Cisco Umbrella and Zscaler Private Access to implement a Zero Trust architecture. The incident highlights the need for small enterprises to adopt proactive cybersecurity strategies, including a 3-2-1 backup approach, Zero Trust models, investment in AI-driven defense tools, and employee training to recognize social engineering attempts.
Tech Optimizer
May 5, 2025
McAfee can appear on computers without user consent, often pre-installed on new laptops or bundled with other software. To uninstall McAfee on Windows 10 or 11, users can access the Settings app or Control Panel to remove it. For Mac users, the McAfee Total Protection Uninstaller can be used, but some residual files may need to be deleted manually. If standard uninstallation methods fail, the MCPR removal tool can be used to thoroughly clean up remnants of the software. Uninstalling McAfee is generally not detrimental, as many users prefer alternative antivirus solutions or rely on built-in protections provided by their operating systems.
Tech Optimizer
May 5, 2025
VIPRE® Advanced Security received the Advanced+ award from AV-Comparatives in the March 2025 Malware Protection Test for its effectiveness against cyber threats. The test evaluated 19 security products using 10,030 malware samples on a Windows 11 system, focusing on both online and offline threats. VIPRE achieved a 98.7% detection rate in all scenarios, a 99.93% overall protection rate during execution testing, and had one of the lowest false positive counts among the products tested. VIPRE's security solutions are integrated into other Ziff Davis products, enhancing their protection capabilities. VIPRE is a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc., specializing in cybersecurity solutions with over 25 years of experience.
Tech Optimizer
May 4, 2025
A growing number of users are reevaluating their reliance on traditional antivirus software, reflecting a deeper understanding of personal security needs. Many individuals are adopting strong cyber hygiene practices, taking personal responsibility for safe browsing and cautious online behavior. Modern browsers like Opera and Brave offer built-in security features and VPNs, emphasizing self-discipline in cybersecurity. Microsoft Defender Antivirus, integrated into Windows 11, provides real-time protection and frequent updates, making it a reliable choice for users who practice basic cyber hygiene. High-end antivirus packages often come with subscription fees, while open-source solutions can be cost-effective alternatives. Users have reported improved system performance after moving away from third-party antivirus programs, experiencing faster boot times and increased responsiveness. Essential security features are now recognized as not exclusive to antivirus software, with regular data backups, encryption, and password management enhancing overall protection. While some users find sufficient protection without traditional antivirus software, others with different threat models may still require it.
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