computer security Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 6, 2025

All about CCI’s Dismissal of Antitrust Plaint against Microsoft

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) concluded its examination of a complaint against Microsoft regarding the bundling of antivirus software with its Windows operating system. The CCI found that users can choose antivirus solutions beyond Microsoft Defender and that there was no substantial evidence of market foreclosure in the antivirus sector. The complaint alleged that Microsoft forces OEMs to include Microsoft Security Essentials, limiting competition for third-party antivirus vendors. Microsoft has bundled Microsoft Defender with Windows since 2015 and argued that it aligns with industry standards. The CCI determined that Microsoft holds a dominant position in the antivirus software market for Windows OS in India but found no coercion compelling users to use both products together. The CCI also noted that multiple antivirus vendors continue to operate in the market without significant barriers. The case highlighted issues of consumer inertia and the implications of default settings in digital markets, suggesting that pre-installed options may restrict consumer choice.

Tech Optimizer

March 6, 2025

CCI dismisses complaint against Microsoft

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has dismissed a complaint against Microsoft regarding the bundling of Microsoft Defender with the Windows operating system, stating there was no prima facie case of contravention of fair competition standards. The CCI's order, dated March 3, indicates that users are not required to use Microsoft Defender exclusively and that OEMs can pre-install alternative antivirus software. The CCI compared Microsoft's practices to those of other operating systems like macOS and ChromeOS, concluding there was no violation of the Competition Act. The regulator noted that the antivirus market remains competitive, with many established players thriving despite Microsoft's software.

Tech Optimizer

March 2, 2025

5 things you may already be doing that compromise your Windows security

Many individuals compromise their computer security through everyday habits, which cybercriminals exploit, leading to data theft and unauthorized access. Common missteps include: 1. Downloading software from untrusted sources, which can harbor malware. To mitigate this risk, always download from official websites and consider using a sandbox for testing. 2. Using weak or reused passwords, making accounts vulnerable if one site is breached. To enhance security, use a password manager, enable multi-factor authentication, and create unique, complex passwords. 3. Clicking on phishing emails and links, which can lead to credential theft. To defend against phishing, scrutinize emails and links, and visit official websites directly for verification. 4. Disabling or ignoring antivirus and firewall protection, which exposes PCs to risks. Ensure these protections remain active and trustworthy before bypassing any warnings. 5. Ignoring software and OS security updates, which are crucial for addressing vulnerabilities. Regularly installing updates helps maintain security, as neglecting them can leave systems exposed.

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2025

Amazon’s Best Tax and Security Duo, TurboTax Deluxe and McAfee Bundle Is 63% Off

Amazon is offering a bundle that includes Intuit TurboTax 2024 Deluxe Federal + State and a 15-month subscription to McAfee Total Protection for three devices at a 63% discount. The bundle costs .99, providing savings of off the regular price. TurboTax 2024 Deluxe allows for five federal e-files and one state return, guiding users through over 375 deductions and credits, and includes an Audit Risk Meter. It can import prior year data and essential forms. McAfee Total Protection 2025 features antivirus protection, secure VPN, password manager, and identity monitoring. Both applications are compatible with PC and Mac, with TurboTax requiring MacOS 13 or later.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2025

Essential tips to protect your computer from malware

Malware includes various types of malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Email attachments and links are common methods for malware distribution, with cybercriminals often disguising malicious files as legitimate communications. Regular software updates are essential for protecting against security vulnerabilities. Pirated software frequently contains malware and poses risks to computer security. Installing antivirus and antimalware software is crucial for defense against attacks, with recommendations for programs like Windows Defender and Malwarebytes. Encrypting sensitive data can prevent unauthorized access, and maintaining cloud backups is vital for data recovery in case of ransomware attacks. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is recommended when accessing the internet on public networks to protect personal information. Users should monitor their devices for suspicious activity, such as system slowdowns or unexpected pop-ups, and conduct malware scans if symptoms arise.

Winsage

December 25, 2024

3 reasons you get more viruses on Windows than on Mac or Linux

The majority of malware is spread through social engineering, targeting users with limited computer security knowledge, particularly among Windows users. Windows has a larger user base, with approximately 1.6 billion devices and over 70% market share, making it a prime target for malware. In contrast, Macs account for about 15% of the market and benefit from robust security protocols, while Linux holds around 5% and its users generally possess higher technical expertise. Windows allows many applications to run with administrator access by default, which can create vulnerabilities, whereas Mac and Linux require explicit permissions for actions, enhancing security. Apple uses digital signatures and sandboxing to protect against malicious software, while Windows' security features are often limited to Pro and Enterprise editions. User behavior and knowledge significantly influence the likelihood of encountering malware, regardless of the operating system used.

Tech Optimizer

November 28, 2024

The Black Friday 2024 Cybersecurity, IT, VPN, & Antivirus Deals

As Black Friday 2024 approaches, various deals are being offered in computer security, software, online education, and IT services. VPN Deals: - NordVPN: 74% discount on a 2-year subscription, total cost .73 (.49/month). - SurfShark: 86% off a 2-year subscription, total cost .72. - ProtonVPN: Discounts up to 70%, varying by subscription length. Antivirus Software Deals: - Avast Software: Up to 70% off antivirus software. - ESET: Up to 50% off antivirus software. - Malwarebytes: 50% discount on 1-year or 2-year subscriptions. IT and Security Courses Deals: - PuralSight: 50% discount on yearly subscriptions for programming and IT courses. - Udemy: Courses available for .99 through November 29th. Security & IT Black Friday Deals: - Any.Run: Additional licenses or TI lookups at the same price. - DeleteMe: 25% discount with coupon code BFCM25OFF. - Firewalla: Discount on sitewide purchases and additional discount on specific firewall solutions with coupon code FWBFCMPURPLE2024. - Hak5 Store: Deals on items like the Lan Turtle and O.MG Elite Gift Pack. - Incogni: 58% discount on its annual plan. - LastPass: Up to 40% off on various LastPass products. - Yubico: Discounts on orders over 0 or €25 off on purchases exceeding €100.

AppWizard

August 22, 2024

Google to wind down app store bug bounty

Google is winding down its bug bounty program, the Google Play Security Reward Program (GPSRP), due to a decline in reported vulnerabilities attributed to improvements in Android security. The program, launched in 2017, aimed to incentivize the discovery of vulnerabilities in apps on the Google Play Store, which has seen over 113 billion downloads in 2023. The GPSRP will officially conclude on August 31, with vulnerability reports submitted before this date evaluated by September 15 and final reward decisions communicated by September 30. Some security researchers express concern that the program's closure may overlook ongoing security risks, while others suggest that companies on the Google platform could establish their own bounty programs.

Winsage

August 16, 2024

Data Doctors: Pros and cons of Windows BitLocker encryption – WTOP News

Microsoft's BitLocker is a built-in encryption tool available in various versions of Windows, providing robust protection for sensitive information. Historically, BitLocker was exclusive to Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions, but with the rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2 on June 18 for Copilot+ PCs, it is now available for Windows Home users as well. Users must know where their encryption key is stored and how to back it up, as upgrading to version 24H2 does not automatically enable BitLocker. The feature is reserved for fresh installations or reinstalls, and Microsoft is easing hardware requirements to allow older systems to utilize BitLocker. BitLocker enhances security by integrating with the operating system and leveraging the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for secure key storage. However, it can pose challenges for nontechnical home users, particularly in managing encryption keys, as losing access to the key can lock users out of their data. BitLocker may also cause a performance decrease of up to 45%, and troubleshooting issues with the TPM can be complex. Users should ensure they have backups of the encryption key and critical data, as glitches may require the key for access. An automatic backup solution, like Carbonite, is recommended for BitLocker users.

Winsage

July 12, 2024

What is Secure Boot, and should you keep it on?

Secure Boot is an industry standard supported by Windows and various Linux distributions such as Ubuntu. It is a process that checks the signature of all software installed on a computer to ensure it can be trusted, including UEFI firmware drivers, EFI applications, and the operating system itself. Most modern laptops or PCs have Secure Boot enabled by default for system protection. Some Linux distributions may not be able to obtain Secure Boot keys from OEMs, making them "untrusted" and incompatible with Secure Boot. It is recommended to keep Secure Boot enabled to protect your PC from attackers and keep your data safe.