antivirus solutions Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 8, 2025

This dangerous Mac malware just got a major upgrade which makes it even harder to delete — how to stay safe

An updated variant of the Atomic Stealer malware is targeting Mac users, capable of stealing sensitive information such as keychain passwords, local files, browser cookies, credit card details, and cryptocurrency assets. This malware can establish a backdoor on compromised Macs, making them vulnerable to further attacks. It operates on a malware-as-a-service model, allowing cybercriminals to subscribe for a monthly fee. The malware includes a hidden backdoor executable named ‘.helper’ and a persistent wrapper script ‘.agent’, which executes continuously and is activated each time the infected Mac is powered on. The primary distribution channels for this malware are cracked software and spear phishing campaigns. Users are advised to avoid unauthorized software downloads and minimize personal information shared online to reduce the risk of infection. Additional antivirus solutions are recommended for enhanced protection against sophisticated threats.

Tech Optimizer

July 5, 2025

Hackers Abuse Legitimate Inno Setup Installer to Deliver Malware

Cybercriminals are using legitimate software installer frameworks like Inno Setup to distribute malware, taking advantage of its trusted appearance and scripting capabilities. A recent campaign demonstrated how a malicious Inno Setup installer can deliver information-stealing malware, such as RedLine Stealer, through a multi-stage infection process. This process includes evasion techniques like detecting debuggers and sandbox environments, using XOR encryption to obscure strings, and conducting WMI queries to identify malware analysis tools. The installer retrieves a payload from a command-and-control server via a TinyURL link and creates a scheduled task for persistence. The payload employs DLL sideloading to load HijackLoader, which ultimately injects RedLine Stealer into a legitimate process to steal sensitive information. RedLine Stealer uses obfuscation techniques and disables security features in browsers to avoid detection. The Splunk Threat Research Team has developed detection methods focusing on indicators such as unsigned DLL sideloading and suspicious browser behaviors. Indicators of Compromise (IOC): - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 1: 0d5311014c66423261d1069fda108dab33673bd68d697e22adb096db05d851b7 - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 2: 0ee63776197a80de42e164314cea55453aa24d8eabca0b481f778eba7215c160 - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 3: 12876f134bde914fe87b7abb8e6b0727b2ffe9e9334797b7dcbaa1c1ac612ed6 - Malicious Inno Setup Loader Hash 4: 8f55ad8c8dec23576097595d2789c9d53c92a6575e5e53bfbc51699d52d0d30a

Tech Optimizer

July 1, 2025

Avast or Bitdefender? The Free Antivirus Battle You Need to Know About

Avast and Bitdefender are prominent cybersecurity firms known for their high-quality free antivirus solutions. Bitdefender: - Excellent protection in the free version. - Simple installation and use. - Lightweight and fast performance. - Provides both definition-based and behavioral protection. - Protects against viruses, spyware, ransomware, Trojans, and phishing. - Requires users to create a free account before installation. - Includes anti-phishing and anti-fraud features. - Offers yearly version releases and continual updates. Avast: - Excellent free protection. - High-quality protection against various threats. - Clean interface with smooth performance. - Provides definition-based and behavioral protection. - Protects against viruses, spyware, ransomware, Trojans, and phishing. - Installation is quick and unobtrusive. - Offers additional features like a password vault and Wi-Fi protection. - Provides yearly version releases and continual updates. Both antivirus solutions are compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, and they do not rely on static versions, ensuring continuous enhancements and current virus definitions.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac

Windows is the primary target for malware attacks, leading to a focus on antivirus applications for the platform, while macOS users have fewer options. Norton AntiVirus Plus for Mac offers robust cross-platform protection and has received perfect scores from independent testing labs, excelling in phishing protection. It is priced at approximately .99 annually for a single license and .99 for a five-license subscription. Norton supports the latest three macOS versions: Sequoia (15), Sonoma (14), and Ventura (13). The Gen stack, a new antivirus engine, consolidates technology from Norton, Avast, and AVG, ensuring consistent performance. Norton achieved a perfect score of 18 points in independent testing, with a 100% detection rate for Mac malware and Windows-specific threats. It offers flexible scanning options, with quick scans completing in 30 seconds and full scans in 27 minutes. Norton has a 100% detection rate for phishing sites and includes a smart firewall and intrusion prevention system. Its password manager offers basic functions but lacks advanced features. Norton Genie is an AI-based scam detection tool integrated into the ecosystem. The software includes performance improvement tools like File Cleanup and Startup Manager, but privacy components require separate purchases.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here’s what they came up with, and more

In the digital landscape, online activities are monitored, leading to targeted advertising, scams, and privacy breaches. Individuals can enhance their digital security through various tools, including VPNs, antivirus software, password managers, secure browsers, encrypted messaging apps, and data removal services. VPNs protect internet traffic through encryption, with options like Mo Harber-Lamond at .91/month, Surfshark starting at .99/month, and ExpressVPN from .99/month. Antivirus software, such as Amber Bouman at .17/month, Norton 360 Deluxe from .17/month, and Malwarebytes Plus from .81/month, defends against malware and phishing. Password managers like Amber Bouman at .99/month, Bitwarden (free), and NordPass from .29/month help secure passwords. Secure browsers include George Phillips (free), Vivaldi (free), and Tor (free), which prioritize user privacy. Encrypted messaging apps like George Phillips (free), Session (free), and Threema (one-time payment) enhance communication security. Data removal services, such as Mo Harber-Lamond at .29/month, Optery from .99/month, and PrivacyBee from .99/month, help reduce personal data exposure. Budget-friendly options for privacy tools can be assembled for under /month, while premium bundles can cost around /month. The highest privacy-focused bundle totals /month, featuring Mullvad VPN, Proton Pass, Tor, and Session. Mobile privacy protection can be achieved for .01/month with NordVPN and Bitdefender Mobile Security. The Proton Unlimited bundle, priced at .99/month, offers an all-in-one solution with various encrypted services.

Tech Optimizer

June 26, 2025

All About Cookies Unveils the Top Antivirus Software of 2025

All About Cookies has announced the winners of its inaugural Editor's Choice Antivirus Awards, recognizing the most reliable antivirus solutions for various user needs. The selection process involved evaluating over 30 antivirus programs through rigorous testing by the editorial team and security experts, focusing on malware detection rates, system performance impact, and features like real-time scanning and phishing protection. The 2025 award winners include: - Best Overall Antivirus: Norton 360 - Best Antivirus & ID Theft Bundle: Aura Antivirus - Best Web Protection Antivirus: TotalAV - Best Value Antivirus: Surfshark Antivirus - Best Mac Antivirus: Avast - Best Scam & Phishing Protection Antivirus: Bitdefender - Best Performance & Speed Antivirus: AVG - Best Antivirus With Unlimited Devices: McAfee - Best Antivirus for Advanced Users: ESET

AppWizard

June 22, 2025

Your favorite apps might betray you, thanks to a new Android trick that fools even smart users

A significant security vulnerability has been discovered in Android's notification system, allowing malicious actors to exploit invisible Unicode characters to open deceptive links without user awareness. Research indicates that this flaw enables attackers to redirect users from seemingly legitimate links, such as "amazon.com," to malicious sites like "zon.com" through the use of zero-width space characters. Major applications including WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Discord, and Slack have been confirmed as vulnerable to this exploit. Attackers can also use this vulnerability to initiate deep links that perform actions like making calls or sending messages without user consent. Traditional antivirus solutions may not detect these threats, as they do not involve conventional malware, highlighting the need for endpoint protection tools that focus on behavioral anomalies. Users are advised to be cautious with notifications and links from unfamiliar sources.

Tech Optimizer

June 19, 2025

Do You Need Antivirus for Chromebook?

Chromebooks are designed with robust security features, including sandboxing, verified boot, and automatic updates, which contribute to their reputation as secure devices. Despite these protections, vulnerabilities can still exist, particularly through phishing scams, risky extensions, and the use of Linux or Android apps. Security experts suggest that users who frequently engage in online shopping, download Android applications, connect to public Wi-Fi, or store sensitive information in the cloud should consider antivirus software for added protection. Recommended antivirus options for Chromebooks include TotalAV Essential Antivirus, Norton Mobile Security, and Avira Antivirus Security, each offering various features and benefits tailored for Chromebook users.

Tech Optimizer

June 17, 2025

Hackers Use Fake Verification Prompt and Clickfix Technique to Deploy Fileless AsyncRAT

Threat actors are using a fileless variant of AsyncRAT, targeting German-speaking individuals with a deceptive verification prompt. This prompt misleads users into executing harmful commands. The malware employs obfuscated PowerShell scripts to operate in memory without creating files on disk, complicating detection by antivirus solutions. The attack begins with a fake verification page prompting users to click "I’m not a robot," which copies a malicious command to the clipboard. This command uses conhost.exe to run a hidden PowerShell instance that retrieves a payload from a remote server. The malware establishes a connection to a command-and-control server and maintains persistence through registry keys, enabling remote control and data exfiltration. Key tactics include stealth execution, in-memory C# compilation, and TCP-based communication over non-standard ports. The campaign has been active since at least April 2025. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) include: - IP: 109.250.111[.]155 (Clickfix Delivery) - FQDN: namoet[.]de (Clickfix / C2 Server) - Port: 4444 (TCP Reverse Shell Listener) - URL: hxxp[:]//namoet[.]de:80/x (PowerShell Payload) - Registry (HKCU): SOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOncewindows (Persistence on Boot) - Registry (HKCU): SOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWindowswin (Holds Obfuscated Command)

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.