dark web

Tech Optimizer
July 8, 2025
Amazon Prime Day features significant deals in cybersecurity, including the Norton 360 Premium package, which offers coverage for ten devices. Norton includes anti-scam protection that identifies malicious links, robust malware detection, and parental controls for online safety. It also provides a Secure VPN for encrypting internet traffic and uses Genie AI to monitor the dark web for personal information leaks, notifying users of data breaches. Other Prime Day antivirus options include basic software for single-device protection and family plans with limited device coverage.
Tech Optimizer
July 8, 2025
Nearly a dozen malicious extensions in Google’s Chrome Web Store have collectively received 1.7 million downloads. These extensions can track browser activity, redirect users to harmful websites, and include various types such as VPNs and weather tools. Koi Security reported these extensions to Google, resulting in the removal of some, but others remain available. Users are advised to monitor their online activities and utilize antivirus software for protection.
Tech Optimizer
June 26, 2025
Surfshark is currently offering a biennial plan for its VPN and antivirus bundle at an 85% discount, reducing the price from .95 per month to .69 per month, totaling for the first 27 months. The package includes three complimentary months of service and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It features unlimited connections, applications for all devices, advanced security features, and customer support. The antivirus component provides real-time protection, webcam safeguards, and scheduled scans. Additional features include Camouflage Mode, MultiHop, Alternative ID, Alert, and Search. Monthly plans are available at higher prices, and the Starter plan does not include antivirus protection.
Tech Optimizer
June 10, 2025
Norton 360 Deluxe is a comprehensive antivirus solution that offers extensive security features, including protection against botnets, brute force attacks, and vulnerabilities related to file and print sharing. It provides webcam protection, secure application sandboxing, and a Safe Search feature for risky websites. Users can create a rescue disk for emergencies. Scanning capabilities include quick scans, full scans, targeted folder scans, and a pre-boot deep scan, with the full scan completing in about four minutes. Parental controls allow management of screen time and website access across devices, while the included VPN can disable internet access if a compromised site is visited. Performance testing showed that Norton 360 Deluxe efficiently processed 927,000 files in about four minutes on various devices, significantly outperforming competitors like Bitdefender and McAfee. The Startup Scan feature is thorough but takes longer. The VPN maintained download speeds without noticeable degradation. Additional features include privacy monitoring tools, performance checks for outdated software, junk file removal, and limited cloud backup support for Windows devices. The user-friendly interface highlights key features and includes a search function for easy navigation. Norton provides 24/7 support through online chat and phone, with no email support available. The initial interaction with the virtual agent was efficient, followed by prompt human support.
Tech Optimizer
June 7, 2025
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a critical advisory on December 18, 2023, regarding the rising threat of Play Ransomware, which targets various organizations, particularly critical infrastructure and public sector entities. The advisory details the tactics used by Play Ransomware actors, including exploiting unpatched systems and phishing campaigns, leading to severe consequences like data encryption and high ransom demands. The ransomware can disable antivirus software and exfiltrate sensitive data before encryption. Play Ransomware employs double extortion tactics, threatening to leak stolen data if ransoms are not paid. CISA recommends organizations prioritize patch management, implement multi-factor authentication, train employees to recognize phishing attempts, and maintain regular offline data backups. The advisory calls for collaboration between public and private sectors to combat this threat and emphasizes the importance of information sharing to stay ahead of ransomware tactics.
Tech Optimizer
June 5, 2025
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in collaboration with the FBI and the Australian Cyber Security Centre, released an advisory on the Play ransomware group, which has targeted around 900 entities since its inception in June 2022. The group employs a double extortion model, exploiting vulnerabilities in public-facing applications and using tools for lateral movement and credential dumping. Their operations involve recompiling ransomware binaries for each attack to evade detection. The advisory highlights mitigation measures such as multifactor authentication and regular software patching. The Play ransomware specifically targets virtual environments and encrypts files using AES-256 encryption. Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) include: - SVCHost.dll (Backdoor) - SHA-256: 47B7B2DD88959CD7224A5542AE8D5BCE928BFC986BF0D0321532A7515C244A1E - Backdoor - SHA-256: 75B525B220169F07AECFB3B1991702FBD9A1E170CAF0040D1FCB07C3E819F54A - PSexesvc.exe (Custom Play “psexesvc”) - SHA-256: 1409E010675BF4A40DB0A845B60DB3AAE5B302834E80ADEEC884AEBC55ECCBF7 - HRsword.exe (Disables endpoint protection) - SHA-256: 0E408AED1ACF902A9F97ABF71CF0DD354024109C5D52A79054C421BE35D93549 - Hi.exe (Associated with ransomware) - SHA-256: 6DE8DD5757F9A3AC5E2AC28E8A77682D7A29BE25C106F785A061DCF582A20DC6
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