digital footprint Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2025

Bitdefender Antivirus Review 2025: I Found This Top-Rated Security Software Effective and Efficient

Bitdefender Antivirus has a score of 9.5 out of 10, with the following breakdown: Performance: 9/10, Security: 10/10, Customer Support: 9/10, Usability: 10/10, Value: 9/10, Features: 10/10. It has over 500 million users worldwide and offers real-time protection against malware, a scam detector, a VPN, password manager, ad blocker, digital identity protection, dark web monitoring, and data breach detection. Bitdefender's plans include a free version for single-device use and various Ultimate Security packages for individuals and families, all priced at 0 for the first year. The software is user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process and minimal impact on system resources during operation. It consistently achieves high marks in third-party lab tests for security and offers various customer support options, though the initial steps to reach a representative can be cumbersome.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

Malwarebytes Premium Security review

Malwarebytes, founded in 2004 by Marcin Kleczynski, is an independent cybersecurity company that provides effective malware protection globally. The Malwarebytes Premium Security suite includes antivirus, phishing and identity protection, and an unlimited VPN powered by Mullvad. Pricing for the one-year license for a single device is .99, while a five-device license costs .99, and a two-year plan is priced at .98. The Premium Security Ultimate plan offers full identity protection and credit monitoring for .99 for the first year, with renewal at 9.99. A limited free version is available that detects and removes existing threats but lacks real-time protection. The app features a straightforward design with a clear dashboard, prioritizing user experience. Malwarebytes focuses on efficient scanning of commonly infected areas, completing test scans in 13 minutes. However, it does not automatically scan removable drives and lacks a warning system for password-protected files. Independent lab testing is infrequent, but Malwarebytes has received an AVLab 'Product of the Year' award and demonstrated strong performance in MRG Effitas assessments. In practical tests, Malwarebytes effectively detected known malware but struggled with behavioral detection against custom ransomware. It includes anti-phishing features, initially blocking 16% of phishing sites, which improved to 62% with the BrowserGuard extension. The unlimited VPN offers encryption and privacy but has limitations in unblocking streaming services. The identity protection feature scans for breaches associated with user email addresses and Social Security Numbers for U.S. users.

Tech Optimizer

May 29, 2025

Windows PCs at risk as new tool disarms built-in security

All modern Windows PCs come with Microsoft Defender, a built-in antivirus solution. A tool called Defendnot can disable Microsoft Defender by tricking Windows into believing another antivirus is active. It uses an undocumented API to register a counterfeit antivirus, which leads to Microsoft Defender being automatically disabled without user notification. Defendnot creates a scheduled task for persistence and allows customization of the antivirus name. It is a successor to a previous project, No-Defender, which was removed due to copyright issues. Currently, Microsoft Defender flags Defendnot as a threat.

Tech Optimizer

April 18, 2025

Breached Identities and Infostealers: One of the Largest Ongoing Data Leak in History

Breached identities due to infostealer malware are a significant threat to corporate information security in 2024. Infostealers are a type of remote access trojan that exfiltrate sensitive data, including saved credentials, session cookies, browser history, crypto wallet information, screen captures, and host data. Infections often stem from downloading cracked software, malicious advertising, fake Windows updates, and repackaged games. Infostealers do not require local administrative privileges, making them easy to execute. Threat actors primarily aim to profit from breached bank accounts and crypto wallets, often bypassing multi-factor authentication by targeting session cookies. They also seek credentials for subscription services and corporate access. Research shows that 90% of breached companies had leaked corporate credentials in a stealer log, with 78% experiencing leaks within six months of a breach. In comparison, 76% of similar companies without breaches had experienced a corporate stealer log compromise. The investigation identified high-criticality credentials from various corporate applications, indicating that a single user often has access to multiple credentials. The rise of infostealer malware represents a broad threat, encompassing a wide range of sensitive data. Organizations are advised to implement strategies such as restricting download privileges, avoiding illegal content, disabling macros, and regularly updating software to mitigate risks associated with infostealer malware.

TrendTechie

March 12, 2025

Как использование торрентов демаскирует тебя в сети?

When a user downloads or shares a file via torrent, their IP address becomes visible to other participants in the network. The service IKnowWhatYouDownload aggregates this information, allowing users to search by IP address to uncover a list of torrents downloaded or shared from that specific address, along with corresponding dates and times of activity. This service can be used for legal matters, network monitoring, targeted advertising, and RedTeam operations. For example, Yandex Cloud provides a list of public addresses, and a specific IP address (84.252.128.118) was identified as having utilized torrents, allowing for the collection of related statistics on its torrent activity.

Tech Optimizer

March 12, 2025

Malware steals bank cards and passwords from millions of devices

Infostealer malware has become a major cybersecurity threat, with around 25 million users targeted between early 2023 and the end of 2024. These malware variants capture sensitive information, including bank card details and passwords, with nearly 26 million devices affected during this period, resulting in over 2 million unique bank card details leaked. One in every 14 infections compromised bank card data, passwords, and second-factor authentication cookies. In 2024, infections increased significantly, with RisePro's share rising from 1.4% to 22.45% and Stealc from 2.65% to 13.33%. Redline remained the most prevalent infostealer, responsible for 34.36% of infections. By August 2024, an estimated 15.9 million devices had been affected in 2023, increasing to 16.49 million by March 2025. Over 9 million infections were tracked in 2024, with final counts expected to exceed those of 2023. To protect sensitive information, it is recommended to invest in robust antivirus software, use virtual cards for online transactions, set up transaction alerts and spending limits, avoid storing card details in browsers, use strong and unique passwords, and consider personal data removal services.

Tech Optimizer

March 8, 2025

The Best Antivirus Apps to Keep Your Data Safe in 2025

Cybersecurity is essential as digital lives become more integrated into daily routines, with personal devices storing sensitive information. Cyber threats have evolved, necessitating robust antivirus software for data protection in 2025. Norton 360 offers real-time threat detection, a built-in VPN, and dark web monitoring. Bitdefender Total Security is noted for its minimal impact on system performance and AI-powered threat detection. McAfee Total Protection focuses on identity theft protection with real-time malware protection and identity theft monitoring. Kaspersky Security Cloud provides adaptive security tailored to user behavior and includes webcam protection. Avast One is a reliable free antivirus option covering essential threats, while Trend Micro Maximum Security emphasizes online privacy with features like a social media privacy scanner and anti-phishing protection.

Tech Optimizer

February 20, 2025

Malwarebytes 5.2.7.167

Malwarebytes version 5.xx is a high-performance anti-malware application designed to eliminate sophisticated malware and spyware threats. It employs a combination of proactive and signature-less technologies for enhanced malware prevention, with over 50% of users choosing it as their sole security solution. Key features include a unified user experience across desktop and mobile, modern security and privacy integrations with antivirus and VPN, and the Trusted Advisor feature for real-time insights and protection scores. The latest release, version 5.2.7.167, includes a new component package, usability improvements in localization support, and fixes for various issues. The update is available for download at 408.0 MB, with both free and paid options.

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 5, 2025

Everything you need to know about the Surfshark One VPN bundle for Apple

Surfshark One is a comprehensive online privacy solution for Mac users that includes a VPN, antivirus protection, and a leak notification tool. It has been recognized as the top VPN for iPhone in 2025 by AppleInsider. The service offers a 24-month prepayment option at a cost of .69 per month, with an additional three months free, totaling for 27 months. Surfshark VPN provides privacy protection across unlimited devices, includes features like CleanWeb, cookie pop-up blocker, customizable browsing controls, Kill Switch, and Dynamic MultiHop for enhanced encryption. Surfshark Antivirus offers scheduled scans, webcam protection, and regular updates every three hours. Surfshark Search is a private search engine with zero logs, no ads, and no tracking. Surfshark Alert monitors personal data for breaches and provides notifications. The Alternative ID feature generates fake identities for online use to protect users' real information. The entire Surfshark One bundle is available for when prepaid for 24 months.