companies Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2025

Why cybersecurity awareness and insider risk management are essential for SMBs

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly exposed to cyber threats, with human error being the leading cause of data breaches. Employees may click on malicious links, use weak passwords, or fall for phishing scams, highlighting the need for ongoing cybersecurity awareness training and insider risk management. Comprehensive training programs can help employees identify and mitigate threats, while modern cybersecurity platforms offer monitoring for exposed credentials on the dark web and provide real-time alerts for compromised information. These platforms also feature automated reporting, allowing business owners to track training completion and identify areas of risk. Educated and supported employees can become a strong defense against cyber threats, making investment in human-focused cybersecurity tools essential for SMBs to protect their reputation and financial health.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Borderlands 4 is NOT an $80 game, PC requirements revealed

2K Games has opened pre-orders for Borderlands 4, with the standard edition priced at .99. The game will utilize Unreal Engine 5, requiring a minimum of an Intel Core i7-9700 or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, 16GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, along with 100GB of free disk space. Recommended specifications include an Intel Core i7-12700 or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, 32GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT, also requiring 100GB of free disk space. The game will feature Denuvo anti-tamper technology, similar to Borderlands 3, which may be removed in the future.

AppWizard

June 16, 2025

Stellar Blade now Sony’s biggest single-player game on Steam

Stellar Blade has become the most successful single-player game from Sony on Steam, achieving a peak of 192,078 concurrent players. It has outperformed other notable titles such as The Last of Us Part 1 (39,496 players), The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered (30,690 users), God of War (83,529 users), and God of War Ragnarök (35,615 users). While Helldivers 2 holds the record for PlayStation-launched games on Steam with 458,709 concurrent users, it is a multiplayer game. Prior to its release on June 11th, Stellar Blade ranked as the sixth highest-grossing game on Steam in pre-orders. Herman Hulst, head of PlayStation Studios, mentioned a cautious strategy for expanding first-party titles to the PC market. Sony has also faced challenges, including layoffs at its Bend Studio after canceling an unannounced live-service title.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

SAG-AFTRA board approves new contract

The SAG-AFTRA performers union has approved a tentative agreement with leading game companies, encouraging members to vote positively for ratification on June 18th. The new contract includes a 15.17% increase in compensation, annual raises of 3% from November 2025 through 2027, and an increase in health and retirement contributions from 16.5% to 17%, rising to 17.5% by October 2026. It provides protections against exploitation related to artificial intelligence, requiring consent for the use of digital likenesses and mandating their withdrawal during strikes. Safety provisions include the presence of a qualified medical professional during hazardous rehearsals and performances, as well as mandated rest periods for on-camera principal performers. Employers are prohibited from asking performers to undertake stunts during virtual auditions. The tentative agreement led to the suspension of strike action on June 11th.

Tech Optimizer

June 13, 2025

‘BrowserVenom’ Windows Malware Preys on Users Looking to Run DeepSeek AI

A new strain of Windows malware called "BrowserVenom" is exploiting interest in DeepSeek's AI models by targeting users through deceptive Google ads. These ads lead to a counterfeit website, "https[:]//deepseek-platform[.]com," where users are tricked into downloading a harmful file named “AILauncher1.21.exe.” This malware monitors and manipulates internet traffic, allowing attackers to intercept sensitive data. The operation is believed to involve Russian-speaking threat actors, and the malware has infected users in several countries, including Brazil, Cuba, Mexico, India, Nepal, South Africa, and Egypt. The fraudulent domain has been suspended, but the malware can evade many antivirus solutions. Users are advised to verify official domains when downloading software.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

SAG-AFTRA calls off video games strike

The SAG-AFTRA performers union has announced the end of its strike involving video game actors, effective noon Pacific Time on June 11, 2025. This decision follows a tentative agreement with major video game companies, including Activision, EA, and Epic Games. All SAG-AFTRA members are instructed to return to work on productions under the IMA. The SAG-AFTRA National Board will meet on June 12, 2025, to discuss the tentative agreement, which will be presented for ratification by the union’s membership if approved. Details of the agreement will be disclosed at that time.

AppWizard

June 12, 2025

Google is killing Android Instant Apps, but you probably won’t miss them

Google's Android Instant Apps feature will be discontinued by December 2025 due to limited adoption among developers. Launched in 2016, it allowed users to access parts of mobile applications without full installation. However, developers faced challenges in creating lightweight app versions, leading to its limited implementation. A notice in the latest canary build of Android Studio confirmed that support for Instant Apps will be removed, with all related Google Play Instant APIs ceasing to function. Further details are expected to be released soon. The impact on users is anticipated to be minimal.

Tech Optimizer

June 12, 2025

That ‘unsubscribe’ link is actually a hidden security risk

The "click to unsubscribe" button in emails may pose a security threat, as engaging with it can lead users to malicious websites. TK Keanini, CTO at DNSFilter, noted that about one in every 644 clicks on such links can direct users to phishing sites designed to steal sensitive information and introduce malware. Experts advise skepticism towards unsubscribe requests from untrusted senders and recommend using "list-unsubscribe headers" in email clients for safer management of subscriptions. Alternatives include using spam filters, blacklisting senders, and employing disposable email addresses for added protection. Additionally, having robust antivirus software is crucial for safeguarding against potential malware threats.

Tech Optimizer

June 12, 2025

Databricks launches Lakebase Postgres database for AI era

Databricks has launched Lakebase, a fully managed Postgres database designed for AI applications, currently in Public Preview. It integrates an operational database layer into Databricks' Data Intelligence Platform, facilitating the development of data applications and AI agents in a multi-cloud environment. Lakebase uses Neon technology within a lakehouse architecture, allowing for efficient real-time data processing and scalable operations. Key features include independent scaling of compute and storage, low latency under 10 milliseconds, high concurrency over 10,000 queries per second, rapid launch times under a second, and a consumption-based payment model. It also offers data synchronization with lakehouse tables, an online feature store for machine learning, and is managed entirely by Databricks with built-in security features. During its Private Preview, Lakebase attracted participation from hundreds of enterprises across various sectors. It is supported by a partner network including Accenture, Deloitte, and others, and will receive further enhancements in the coming months.

Tech Optimizer

June 11, 2025

Malwarebytes Plus antivirus review

Malwarebytes Plus is a straightforward antivirus software priced at approximately .99 per year, offering protection for three devices across Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android platforms. It also has a family plan for up to ten devices at .99 per year and a Teams package for businesses protecting 20 devices or more at 9.99 per year. The subscription includes a VPN with no data transfer limits but lacks a password manager. Users can schedule quick scans and access advanced settings for specific vulnerabilities. The application runs efficiently in the background, with quick scans taking around 26 seconds. It features real-time protection against ransomware and exploits, but offers limited privacy options and identity threat protection primarily as an incentive to upgrade. The interface is clean but may be less user-friendly compared to competitors. Malwarebytes Plus provides 24/7 support via email, chat, and phone, including remediation guidance for specific viruses.