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Avast settlement: Who gets a second payment
Tech Optimizer
October 17, 2026

Avast settlement: Who gets a second payment

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has raised concerns about Avast's data collection practices through its antivirus software and browser extensions since at least 2014, alleging that it collected sensitive user information. The FTC's settlement order restricts Avast from misrepresenting its data usage and requires the company to pay a total of .5 million to affected users. Claims related to the settlement must be submitted by 2025, with initial payments starting in December 2025. A second round of payments will distribute over .5 million to 91,093 individuals who accepted their initial compensation, with instructions for cashing checks and receiving payments via PayPal and Zelle.
NordVPN's CTO on redefining antivirus for the AI era, and his dream security tool
Tech Optimizer
October 16, 2026

NordVPN’s CTO on redefining antivirus for the AI era, and his dream security tool

NordVPN has introduced a new offering called "next-gen antivirus" (NGAV) to address evolving cybersecurity threats, particularly those from artificial intelligence. NGAV aims to redefine online security by protecting against sophisticated threats like socially engineered scams and phishing attacks, rather than just traditional viruses. It operates in the background, alerting users to potential scams, blocking ads and trackers, and removing malware without requiring extensive technical knowledge. The company recognizes that personal AI agents present a new cybersecurity challenge and is developing features to protect these agents. NordVPN has incorporated bespoke AI solutions into its NGAV, using efficient models that can identify phishing attempts while running locally on user devices. The company has also shifted to open-weight models to reduce costs while maintaining capabilities, although sensitive areas like payment processing remain unaffected by AI. Despite privacy concerns regarding AI, NordVPN has not faced significant pushback from customers about its AI features and emphasizes its commitment to not using customer data for model training. Briedis warns that over-regulation could hinder innovation in cybersecurity. Looking ahead, he envisions a comprehensive application that monitors users' digital environments and manages their data presence online, while NordVPN plans to focus on creating localized solutions rather than hardware development.
How to protect your PC from malware
Tech Optimizer
October 16, 2026

How to protect your PC from malware

Malware, short for "malicious software," is designed to gain unauthorized access to computers or networks for purposes such as data theft and surveillance. It can be introduced through disguised software or deceptive links. To protect against malware, it is essential to install antivirus software, scan external drives before connecting them, be cautious about downloads, avoid suspicious websites and emails, update applications regularly, enable Tamper Protection on Windows, minimize file sharing, enable Firewall protection, watch out for phishing attacks, and back up data regularly. The future of malware protection may involve leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance detection and analysis of threats.
New Botnet Puts Home PCs at Risk: AV-Comparatives Publishes Malware Protection Test
Tech Optimizer
October 16, 2026

New Botnet Puts Home PCs at Risk: AV-Comparatives Publishes Malware Protection Test

AV-Comparatives evaluated 20 consumer security products against 10,000 malware samples, focusing on the x47.c botnet, which emerged in October 2026 and is marketed by WraithTools. This botnet can steal sensitive information and turn infected devices into proxies for cybercriminals. Research indicates it can extract passwords, cookies, and data from AI service accounts. The U.S. Department of Justice noted the risk to freelancers and small businesses from such threats. In its September 2026 Malware Protection Test, AV-Comparatives found that 15 out of 20 products reached the highest protection tier, with six receiving the ADVANCED+ award: Bitdefender, ESET, G DATA, Kaspersky, Total Defense, and VIPRE. The testing revealed a reliance on cloud-based detection, emphasizing the need for consistent internet connectivity for optimal protection.
Stay safe online with up to an incredible 50% off at Webroot
Tech Optimizer
October 15, 2026

Stay safe online with up to an incredible 50% off at Webroot

Webroot is offering discounts of up to 50% on antivirus protection plans for up to five devices, covering threats like viruses, scams, and identity theft. The packages include Essentials, Premium, and Total Protection, with the Essentials plan available for .99 for the first year for a single device. The Essentials Five Devices plan is also available. Webroot's software is lightweight, using only a few megabytes of disk space and approximately 5MB of RAM when idle, and around 50MB of RAM during active scans, completing scans of 150GB of data in a few minutes. It includes over 100 adjustable settings and offers a 14-day free trial for potential customers.
Expert tips to speed up your Windows PC
Winsage
October 15, 2026

Expert tips to speed up your Windows PC

A fast PC enhances productivity by allowing users to run complex software and multitask efficiently. The latest version of Windows, Windows 11 2024 Update Version 24H2, was launched in October 2024 and offers improved speed and usability compared to previous versions. To optimize a Windows PC's performance, users can take several steps: - Delete old files to free up space. - Remove unwanted startup programs through the Windows Settings app or Task Manager. - Update drivers via Device Manager to ensure optimal performance. - Pause OneDrive syncing to reduce RAM usage. - Use ReadyBoost with an external USB drive to increase memory storage. - Install antivirus software to detect and eliminate viruses. - Upgrade RAM for better performance under heavy usage. - Change power mode to "Best Performance" in settings. - Adjust Windows appearance by disabling visual effects. - Turn off unwanted notifications to minimize disruptions. - Uninstall unnecessary apps to free up resources. - Enable Game Mode for optimized gaming performance. - Restart the PC regularly to clear RAM and refresh resources. - Restore the PC to a previous setting if performance issues persist.
15 best PC mods of all time that feel like new games
AppWizard
October 15, 2026

15 best PC mods of all time that feel like new games

The text discusses the significance of modding communities in PC gaming, particularly highlighting total conversion mods that can transform games into new experiences. A list of notable PC mods includes: 1. Star Wars: Genesis — Starfield: Introduces 40 planets with unique content and revamped combat. 2. A Game of Thrones — Crusader Kings 2: Recreates Westeros with a detailed map and political intrigue. 3. The Lay D Denton Project — Deus Ex: Restores gender choice for the protagonist with new voice lines. 4. A Tale of Two Wastelands — Fallout: New Vegas: Merges Fallout 3 and New Vegas into a single playthrough. 5. Retro Rewind — Mario Kart Wii: Adds over 200 classic tracks to Mario Kart Wii. 6. Divide and Conquer (The Lord of the Rings) — Medieval II: Total War: Allows players to command factions from Middle-earth. 7. Long War — XCOM: Enemy Unknown: Extends gameplay with new classes and missions. 8. Fallout: London — Fallout 4: Set in post-apocalyptic London with new quests and characters. 9. Stardew Valley Expanded — Stardew Valley: Adds new locations, NPCs, and events to the game. 10. The Nameless Mod — Deus Ex: Introduces a 15-hour campaign with a new narrative. 11. Ashes 2063 — Doom 2: A standalone mod set in a post-apocalyptic world. 12. STALKER Anomaly — STALKER: Call of Pripyat: Offers a survival sandbox experience with a fresh narrative. 13. The Dark Mod (Thief) — Doom 3: An open-source platform for creating custom levels. 14. Return to Rapture — Half Life: Alyx: Merges Half-Life and BioShock with a new storyline. 15. Enderal: Forgotten Stories — The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: A standalone RPG with its own world and narrative. The selection criteria for the best mods included their transformative impact on the original game and ease of installation. Recommendations for safe mod installation include downloading from reputable sources and backing up save files. Additionally, some mods have evolved into standalone games, illustrating the potential of modding creativity.
Best Antivirus for Mac (2026): Tested & ranked by experts
Tech Optimizer
October 14, 2026

Best Antivirus for Mac (2026): Tested & ranked by experts

The perception of Macs as secure devices has changed due to increased cybercriminal interest, making macOS a target for sophisticated attacks like phishing and malware installation. Apple has implemented built-in security features such as XProtect and Gatekeeper, but these do not fully protect against social engineering and credential theft. Modern antivirus solutions are now essential for Mac users, offering features like anti-phishing protection and malicious site blocking. Evaluations of leading antivirus applications for Mac include: - Intego ONE: Known for malware detection and fast scanning, with a user-friendly interface and strong firewall controls. - Avast One: Offers excellent malware protection and phishing defenses, includes a VPN, but may have upselling issues. - Norton 360: Combines antivirus protection with a VPN and password manager, featuring a Virus Protection Promise. - MacPaw Moonlock: Targets beginners with solid malware detection and a built-in VPN, along with educational resources. - Surfshark One: Focuses on privacy protection, supports unlimited devices, and combines antivirus with a strong VPN. - Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac: Provides effective malware protection with a clean interface, though it may miss some threats. - AVG Internet Security for Mac: User-friendly with strong malware protection and a straightforward interface. These solutions have been evaluated based on real-world testing and performance benchmarks, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right antivirus software for enhanced security.
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