defense Archives

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Two Steam games generated $560,000 across 135,000 sales in five years, but the co-creator only took home $15,000 annually, leaving him driving a 2012 Mazda — high Chinese refund rates, Steam’s 30% fee, and publisher cuts eat most of the profit

Omer Develioğlu, co-founder of Northend Games, reported that his indie titles, Northend Tower Defense and Deepstone Rift (Early Access), generated a gross income of 0,000 from approximately 135,000 units sold on Steam over five years. After expenses and revenue sharing, he and his co-founder received only ,000 to split, resulting in an annual income of about ,000 each. A significant portion of their sales, around 53.3%, came from China. Steam charges a standard fee of 30% on sales, which deducted ,000 from their earnings. Additionally, U.S. withholding taxes reduced their total earnings further, leaving them with ,300.

BetaBeacon

October 8, 2026

Among Us Story: On Guard launches February 17, 2027 for Switch 2, PC, iOS, and Android

Among Us Story: On Guard is a new standalone adventure game set in the Among Us universe that will be launched on February 17, 2027 for Switch 2, PC via Steam, iOS, and Android. The game allows players to become Guards responsible for shipwide security and preventing Impostors from murdering Crewmates.

BetaBeacon

October 8, 2026

Prime Day Android app deals and freebies: Ash of Gods, Foretales, Dungreed, ScourgeBringer, more

Google Play is offering deals on various apps and games, including Ash of Gods: Redemption, Backflip Madness, Backflip Madness 2, Dungreed, Foretales, Mini Restaurant Premium, Merge City Premium, Merge Cafe Premium, Neo Monsters, ScourgeBringer, Stickman Master Premium, Vera Outline White Icon Pack, Camo Dark Icon Pack, [Premium] Alvastia Chronicles, [Premium] Knights of Grayfang, [Premium] RPG Alphadia III, [Premium] RPG Ghost Sync, [Premium] RPG Infinite Links, The Macabre Journey: Dark 3D, 112 Operator, and Minabo: A walk through life.

Winsage

October 5, 2026

Microsoft warns fake CAPTCHA tests are hijacking Windows PCs

Microsoft has warned Windows users about a cyber threat that disguises itself as a CAPTCHA test, where cybercriminals use fraudulent verification pages to trick users into executing commands that can install malware. This tactic involves users being directed to a compromised website that presents a fake verification window, prompting them to copy text and execute it in the Windows Run dialog. This method allows attackers to bypass antivirus software by pre-loading malicious scripts disguised as harmless images in the browser's cache. Once activated, the malware collects system information, steals data, and maintains long-term control over the system. Microsoft recommends using robust security software and being aware that no legitimate service will ask users to copy and paste commands into system dialogs.

Tech Optimizer

September 30, 2026

Do You Actually Need a Separate Antivirus, VPN and Scam Protection? McAfee’s All-in-One Plans Have You Covered

Antivirus software prevents malicious software from infiltrating devices. A VPN encrypts internet traffic, providing privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi. Scam protection tools use AI to scan for signs of fraud in texts, emails, and videos. McAfee offers bundled security plans that include antivirus, VPN, and scam protection, with higher tiers providing features like Personal Data Cleanup, credit monitoring, and identity-theft protection. Users can save over 0 in the first year by consolidating security subscriptions. Antivirus software typically costs to 0 annually, standalone scam protection apps range from to per year, and VPN access costs between to 0 annually. McAfee’s Basic plan is available for .99 for the first year for one device, while the Essential plan covers up to five devices for an additional fee. McAfee’s plans include different features based on tiers: - Basic: Covers one device with essential security tools. - Essential: Covers up to five devices with core security tools. - Premium: Unlimited devices with personal info scans. - Advanced: Unlimited devices with personal info removal and identity restoration. - Ultimate: Unlimited devices with extensive financial monitoring and identity-theft coverage. Setting up McAfee involves downloading the app, creating an account, following setup instructions, turning on the Scam Detector, configuring the VPN, and adding other devices. McAfee plans include unlimited VPN data and support multiple operating systems under a single subscription. McAfee's Scam Detector has an accuracy of over 99% and works on both iPhone and Android.

Tech Optimizer

September 29, 2026

Why Endpoint Detection and Response Is No Longer Optional

Traditional antivirus software relies on a signature-based model that compares files against a database of known malware, which limits its effectiveness against modern threats. Cybercriminals have adapted by using polymorphic malware and fileless techniques that evade detection. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) continuously monitors device activities, tracking process activity, network connections, and file changes to detect behavioral patterns indicative of attacks. EDR also enables rapid response actions, such as isolating affected devices and terminating malicious processes. Small and medium businesses are increasingly targeted by attackers who exploit the limitations of traditional antivirus solutions. Relying solely on antivirus software creates vulnerabilities, making it essential for organizations to incorporate EDR for enhanced security.

Winsage

September 27, 2026

Windows 11’s driver signature requirement is one of the best anti-consumer security features out there

Windows 11 requires drivers to be digitally signed, a policy aimed at enhancing security by preventing unauthorized code from executing at the kernel level. This requirement, which began with Windows Vista and became mandatory with Windows 10, version 1607, has tightened over the years, especially with the introduction of UEFI Secure Boot and TPM in Windows 11. While this enforcement protects against malware and supports anti-cheat systems in gaming, it limits user autonomy and imposes significant challenges for developers, particularly those working on smaller projects. In contrast, Linux allows users more freedom to modify their systems, though this flexibility can compromise security.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

It’s tough to stand out in today’s games industry, but ‘sorta like Helldivers 2 except dog people’ worked on me

Gravhounds is a co-op wave shooter currently in early access on Steam, available for free during its open playtest. The game features polished gameplay, allowing players to team up against waves of enemies. It includes unique movement mechanics, enabling players to glide across buildable cables, and introduces light resource mining and tower defense elements using a gravity gun. The characters are designed as dogs with human bodies, adding a whimsical touch, and players respawn with a humorous cone of shame. Gravhounds distinguishes itself from traditional military-themed shooters through its creative design and engaging mechanics.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2026

We Tested 10 Best Antivirus Software for 2026

Cybersecurity threats are on the rise, with Verizon’s 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report indicating that 48% of breaches involve ransomware and 31% arise from software vulnerabilities. A review of leading antivirus programs assessed their effectiveness against various threats. Top antivirus software includes: - Bitdefender: Best overall, effective against various threats, perfect score from AV-TEST. - Norton 360: Best all-in-one suite, includes VPN and parental controls, perfect score from AV-TEST. - McAfee+ Premium: Best for families, unlimited device coverage, full marks from AV-TEST. - Malwarebytes: Best for simple protection, user-friendly interface, rated 5.5/6 by AV-TEST. - ESET NOD32: Best for advanced users, lightweight and fast, includes Gamer Mode. - Avast: Best free option, offers various scanning options, straightforward upgrade path. - Microsoft Defender: Built-in for Windows, essential protection, perfect score from AV-TEST. - Intego ONE: Best for Mac users, includes firewall and VPN. - Surfshark Antivirus: Combines antivirus and VPN services, real-time protection. - TotalAV: Best for beginners, combines antivirus with web security tools. The evaluation process included lab data from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, hands-on experience, and criteria such as malware protection, false positives, system performance impact, phishing protection, ease of use, platform coverage, additional security features, and pricing. Key metrics from antivirus lab tests include protection scores, false positives, and performance impact. The choice between antivirus software and internet security suites depends on individual needs. Antivirus software remains necessary, especially for Windows PCs, to complement other security measures.

Tech Optimizer

September 24, 2026

The Best Small Business Cybersecurity Suites for 2026

A small business is typically defined as one where the owner can personally name all employees, usually comprising a workforce of a few dozen. Licensing options for IT protection for small businesses vary, with Malwarebytes and Norton covering up to 20 devices, ESET offering plans for five to 25 devices, and Bitdefender providing options for three, five, ten, or 25 users. Avast and AVG allow licenses for one to 999 devices. All security suites support Windows, and most, except AVG, also support Mac devices. Four suites offer protection for Android and iOS devices, while Avast and AVG do not support mobile devices. Bitdefender, ESET, and Norton provide dedicated server editions, while Avast and AVG allow individual policy definitions for servers. Remote installation features vary in reliability, but all suites enable administrators to manage installations and monitor device status. Norton offers backup solutions and 500GB of shared hosted storage, while firewall protection is standard except for Malwarebytes. Bitdefender and ESET provide anti-theft systems for lost devices, and both ESET and Avast have measures against unauthorized device access. Malwarebytes and Norton offer 24/7 priority support, and Norton provides dark web monitoring for sensitive information.