built-in protections Archives

Tech Optimizer

November 20, 2025

Why Your Apple Device Isn’t as Invincible as You Think

Many Apple users believe that their devices are nearly impervious to malware and cyber threats, but this is a misconception. While macOS has built-in protections like Gatekeeper and XProtect, no system is completely foolproof. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Macs, and users can fall victim to phishing schemes, ransomware, and other malware. Antivirus software for Mac provides an additional layer of defense, detecting malware and blocking phishing attempts. It can also protect sensitive information and offer features like secure browsing and Wi-Fi protection. Regular software updates and cautious behavior are essential for security, but relying solely on these measures is risky. Integrating antivirus into security routines is a practical step to minimize risks.

Tech Optimizer

October 29, 2025

2025 Antivirus Trends, Statistics, and Market Report

In 2025, approximately 66 percent of U.S. adults use antivirus software, with 25 percent using it on both business and personal devices and 41 percent using it only on personal devices. This leaves 34 percent of Americans without antivirus protection. About 169 million Americans actively employ antivirus software, but there is a 20 percentage point gap between the 85 percent who believe antivirus is essential and the 66 percent who use it. Protection levels vary by device type: 63 percent of personal computer owners use real-time antivirus software, 25 percent of smartphone owners do, and only 22 percent of tablet owners utilize antivirus protection. Among personal computer users, 69 percent of Windows users have antivirus software compared to 37 percent of macOS users. Antivirus adoption increases with age, with 73 percent of users aged 60 and older using antivirus on PCs, compared to 51 percent of those aged 18-29. The antivirus market has shifted toward free solutions, with free antivirus usage rising to 61 percent in 2025 from 52 percent in 2024, while paid subscription usage decreased from 44 percent to 36 percent. Free antivirus tools have improved significantly, but they often lack advanced features necessary for high-risk users.

AppWizard

October 15, 2025

Think You’re Safe? Hackers Can Now Peek at Every Password You Type on Android

Android smartphones are being targeted by malware named "Pixnapping," which uses pixel-stealing technology to extract information directly from the screen without requiring elevated permissions. This malware captures repeated background screenshots to read pixels, allowing it to surveil sensitive information such as messages, passwords, and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. The extracted data is transmitted to a remote server controlled by attackers, enabling them to infiltrate accounts and perform actions like altering settings or making purchases. The malware's effectiveness varies by device, with a recovery rate of 53% for 2FA codes on the Pixel 9 and 73% on the Pixel 6. A vulnerability in Android APIs, designated as CVE-2025-48561, is exploited by this malware. Google was notified of the vulnerability in February and issued a partial fix in September, but the issue remains unresolved. Users are advised to keep their devices updated, enable built-in protections, avoid unverified apps, and consider hardware-based two-factor authentication for enhanced security.

Tech Optimizer

October 10, 2025

How a single MacBook compromise spread across a user’s Apple devices

Macs are known for their reliability and security but are not immune to malware, which is becoming more sophisticated. A user named Jeffrey in Phoenix reported performance issues with his MacBook, which was used without an Apple ID due to company policy. The malware eventually affected his personal devices, prompting him to seek assistance from Apple. Signs of potential infection include sluggish performance, frequent app crashes, unusual activity in Activity Monitor, redirected web traffic, and altered security settings. macOS includes built-in protections like Gatekeeper, XProtect, System Integrity Protection, and Sandboxing, but these are not foolproof. If a Mac is suspected to be infected, users should disconnect from the internet, back up important files, boot into Safe Mode, run a trusted malware removal tool, check login items and Activity Monitor, consider a clean reinstall of macOS, secure other devices, reset passwords, and seek professional help if needed. To prevent infections, users should install strong antivirus software, consider personal data removal services, use a password manager, enable two-factor authentication, keep macOS and apps updated, review login items and background processes, and use identity theft protection services.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

Windows 10 support ends in October 2025: How to prepare for the upgrade

Microsoft will phase out Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ending regular security updates, feature enhancements, and technical support. Existing Windows 10 PCs will still function but may be vulnerable to malware and compatibility issues. Microsoft 365 applications will receive security updates until October 2028 and feature updates until August 2026. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will also continue to receive updates through 2028. An Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is available for individual users and organizations, with pricing options and free access through Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards points. Users are encouraged to check their PC's compatibility with Windows 11, which offers enhanced features and security. Windows 365 provides a cloud-based solution for streaming Windows 11 on older devices, with a discount for businesses on the first year of service.

AppWizard

September 25, 2025

Meta rolls out Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger globally

Meta has expanded its Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger globally, initially launched in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada. These accounts include built-in protections and parental controls, requiring parental consent for users under 16 to modify settings. Key features include messaging restrictions, limited story visibility, confined tags and comments, daily usage reminders, and a "Quiet mode" for healthier habits. Despite these measures, a study indicates ongoing risks of distressing content for young users, which Meta contests. Additionally, Meta has launched the School Partnership Program for educators to report safety issues directly to Instagram, now open to all U.S. middle and high schools.

Tech Optimizer

September 24, 2025

Do you need third-party anti-virus software on a Mac?

Macs have become increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals due to their rise in popularity, now ranking as the fourth most popular personal computer brand. A comprehensive test conducted by Macworld evaluated macOS's built-in security against over 130 known malware samples. The findings indicated that while macOS can be vulnerable if users ignore warnings, its built-in protections are generally effective. Testers were able to install malware by bypassing security prompts, but the overall conclusion was that vigilant users who heed macOS warnings can effectively protect themselves from most malware threats. Users who primarily download from the Mac App Store and pay attention to security prompts are generally safe.

Tech Optimizer

September 12, 2025

Shamos malware tricks Mac users with fake fixes

A new malware campaign targeting Mac users has been identified, featuring a variant called Shamos, part of the Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS) family, created by the cybercriminal group COOKIE SPIDER. The malware spreads through deceptive tactics that lure victims to counterfeit websites or GitHub repositories, where they are tricked into executing a command in Terminal that downloads Shamos, bypassing macOS Gatekeeper protections. Once installed, Shamos seeks sensitive information such as Apple Notes, Keychain items, browser passwords, and cryptocurrency wallets, sending the stolen data to attackers along with additional malware. The fraudulent distribution of these "fixes" is facilitated through malvertising campaigns and imitation tech support sites. Victims are encouraged to execute commands that download malicious scripts, which can capture passwords and disable file protections, allowing Shamos to maintain control even after system restarts. To protect against Shamos, users are advised to avoid running unfamiliar commands, steer clear of sponsored search results, be cautious with GitHub projects, use strong antivirus protection, consider personal data removal services, and keep macOS updated to close vulnerabilities.

Tech Optimizer

July 2, 2025

These 5 macOS settings are a security risk and you should turn them off now

Apple emphasizes robust security measures for its users, particularly for Mac users who often believe built-in protections eliminate the need for additional antivirus software. Users can enhance their macOS security by adjusting default settings in five key areas: 1. Location Sharing: Users should manage app access to location data through System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services, disabling it entirely or adjusting settings for individual applications. 2. Microphone and Camera Permissions: Users are advised to review and manage app permissions for microphone and camera access in System Settings > Privacy & Security, allowing them to toggle permissions off if necessary. 3. Siri: Users concerned about privacy may choose to disable Siri by going to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and toggling off the feature. 4. Automatic Wi-Fi Connections: To protect sensitive information, users should disable automatic connections to public Wi-Fi networks by modifying settings in System Settings > Wi-Fi and enabling the option to ask before joining networks. 5. Personalized Ads: Users can opt out of personalized ads by navigating to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and unchecking the box for Personalized Ads to mitigate risks associated with ad tracking.

Winsage

June 28, 2025

Windows 10 still powers millions of business PCs with support set to end in just four months

Millions of enterprise devices are still using Windows 10, with a report indicating that half of all business-managed Windows devices have not transitioned to Windows 11. In the healthcare sector, 19% of devices are too outdated to upgrade without replacement, and the finance sector also shows slow modernization. The Americas have only 43% of enterprise devices upgraded to Windows 11, while Europe has a 70% upgrade rate. Larger organizations managing over 10,000 devices have completed only 42% of their migrations due to complex environments and aging infrastructure. Microsoft is offering paid support through its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, and third-party provider 0patch plans to deliver security fixes for at least five years after Microsoft's support ends.