email security Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Best Antivirus Software (2025): ESET Recognized as Top Cybersecurity Solution by Software Experts

ESET is recognized as a leading antivirus provider in 2025, known for its robust security solutions that effectively combat rising cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and zero-day exploits. The company's offerings include heuristic and behavioral detection, ransomware and phishing protection, exploit blocker technology, and low resource usage, ensuring minimal impact on system performance. ESET provides various products for home users, including ESET HOME Security Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, as well as a Small Business Security package for up to 25 devices and scalable solutions for larger organizations. Pricing for home products starts at .99/year, with multi-device and multi-year discounts available. ESET operates in over 200 countries, utilizing a global network for real-time threat intelligence and maintaining a commitment to effective digital security since its establishment in 1992.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2025

VIPRE Advanced Security Awarded Highest Ranking in AV-Comparatives’ Malware Protection Test 2025

VIPRE® Advanced Security received the Advanced+ award from AV-Comparatives in the March 2025 Malware Protection Test for its effectiveness against cyber threats. The test evaluated 19 security products using 10,030 malware samples on a Windows 11 system, focusing on both online and offline threats. VIPRE achieved a 98.7% detection rate in all scenarios, a 99.93% overall protection rate during execution testing, and had one of the lowest false positive counts among the products tested. VIPRE's security solutions are integrated into other Ziff Davis products, enhancing their protection capabilities. VIPRE is a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc., specializing in cybersecurity solutions with over 25 years of experience.

Tech Optimizer

April 22, 2025

VIPRE Security Crushes Competition with 99.93% Protection Rate in Latest Test

VIPRE® Advanced Security received the Advanced+ distinction from AV-Comparatives in their March 2025 Malware Protection Test, demonstrating strong capabilities against cyber threats. The test evaluated 19 security products using 10,030 malware samples and included both online and offline scenarios. VIPRE achieved a 98.7% detection rate and a 99.93% overall protection rate during execution testing, with one of the lowest false positive counts among the products tested. VIPRE's security solutions also enhance other Ziff Davis consumer security products, utilizing its threat intelligence cloud to block malicious sites and improve overall protection.

Tech Optimizer

April 22, 2025

VIPRE Security Crushes Competition with 99.93% Protection Rate in Latest Test

VIPRE® Advanced Security received the Advanced+ distinction from AV-Comparatives in their March 2025 Malware Protection Test for its exceptional performance in detecting and preventing malware threats. The test evaluated 19 security products using 10,030 malware samples on a Windows 11 system, focusing on both online and offline threats. VIPRE achieved a 98.7% detection rate in all scenarios, a 99.93% overall protection rate during execution testing, and had one of the lowest false positive counts. VIPRE's security features also enhance other Ziff Davis products, utilizing its threat intelligence cloud to improve protection across various platforms. VIPRE is a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc., and has over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity solutions.

Winsage

March 17, 2025

Invisible Windows Rootkit Hides Dangerous Files Using This Prefix

Obscure#Bat is a malware campaign targeting Windows users that uses obfuscated batch scripts to deploy a user-mode rootkit, which can hide its activities from standard security measures. It stores hidden scripts in the Windows Registry and can conceal files, registry entries, and running processes through application programming interface hooking. The malware can embed itself within legitimate Windows processes, making it undetectable by conventional security methods, and is capable of deleting evidence of its activity. Attackers use social engineering tactics, such as fake CAPTCHA tests and legitimate software tools, to lure victims into executing the malicious batch file. The rootkit obscures files, processes, or registry keys that begin with the “$nya-” prefix and is identified as an open-source ring-3 rootkit known as r77. It avoids kernel modifications and relies on registry and scheduled tasks for persistence, allowing it to evade detection by traditional kernel-based security tools. Windows users are advised to be cautious of social engineering tactics and to inspect batch files in a text editor before execution.

Tech Optimizer

February 6, 2025

Beware of Nova Stealer Malware Sold for $50 on Hacking Forums

Nova Stealer is a malware operating under the Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) model, available for a low cost for a 30-day license. It is a modified version of the SnakeLogger malware designed to extract sensitive information from compromised systems. Its distribution primarily occurs through aggressive phishing campaigns targeting sectors such as finance, retail, and IT, especially in regions like Russia. Nova Stealer infiltrates systems via phishing emails disguised as legitimate documents and employs techniques like steganography and process hollowing to evade detection. It can harvest data including saved credentials, keystrokes, clipboard contents, screenshots, cryptocurrency wallet information, and session cookies from platforms like Discord and Steam. The stolen data is transmitted through channels such as SMTP, FTP, or Telegram APIs. The malware's developers offer additional services, including cryptors to bypass antivirus detection, and a Telegram group for promotion and technical support. The MaaS model lowers entry barriers for cybercriminals, enabling those with minimal experience to conduct sophisticated attacks. Organizations are advised to implement strong email security measures, educate employees on phishing recognition, and utilize endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor unusual activities. Regular updates to antivirus software and operating systems are also recommended to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Tech Optimizer

December 4, 2024

How hackers are using corrupted Microsoft Office files to fool everyone

Corrupted Microsoft Office documents and ZIP files are being used in a phishing campaign that evades antivirus detection, as reported by cybersecurity firm ANY.RUN. This tactic, active since at least August 2024, involves corrupting files to bypass email security protocols while allowing harmful content recovery. The documents are designed to avoid detection by email filters and antivirus software, using QR codes to direct users to fake Microsoft account login pages. Analysis shows these attachments often do not trigger alerts on VirusTotal, as they exploit Microsoft Word and WinRAR's recovery features. This method is categorized as a potential zero-day exploit, aiming to deceive users into opening the files and activating the QR codes for credential harvesting or malware delivery. Security experts stress the importance of user awareness and training to identify phishing attempts, while organizations are enhancing email filtering to detect file corruption patterns. The rise of QR code phishing, or "quishing," adds complexity, as many users are unaware of the risks of scanning codes.

AppWizard

December 2, 2024

Update for the Android version of the Gmail app can make your email address more secure

The Android version of the Gmail app will introduce a drag-and-drop feature that allows users to organize contacts in the addressee fields while composing emails. This enhancement aims to improve email security by preventing accidental exposure of email addresses, particularly when using the cc option instead of bcc. The feature encourages more careful email composition and is designed to protect sensitive information. Google plans to roll out this feature by December 14th, making it available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and personal Google account users.