email security Archives

Winsage

December 20, 2025

Windows RemoteApp problems, ferry malware arrest, Senator’s open-source warning

Microsoft's December 2025 security update disrupts Message Queuing (MSMQ) on older Windows 10 and Server systems. A subsequent November 2025 update causes RemoteApp connection failures on Windows 11 24H2/25H2 and Windows Server 2025 devices, particularly in Azure Virtual Desktop environments, although Windows Home or Pro editions remain unaffected. French authorities arrested two crew members of an Italian ferry for allegedly installing malware that could allow remote control of the vessel; one suspect has been released while the other is in custody. Tom Cotton, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has urged action on vulnerabilities in open-source software, citing concerns about foreign adversaries inserting malicious code. A zero-day exploit, CVE-2025-20393, affecting Cisco email security products has been exploited by Chinese hackers since late November. DXS International reported a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to its internal servers, with an investigation ongoing. A report from Resecurity indicates a rise in the criminal use of DIG AI for generating tips for illegal activities. CISA warned of a critical vulnerability in ASUS Live Update software, which has been actively exploited. An automated campaign targeting multiple VPN platforms has been reported, with credential-based attacks observed on Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect and Cisco SSL VPN.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Microsoft mitigates Windows LNK flaw exploited as zero-day

Microsoft has addressed a security vulnerability in Windows tracked as CVE-2025-9491, which allows malicious actors to embed harmful commands in Windows LNK files, requiring user interaction to exploit. Threat actors often distribute these files in ZIP formats to bypass email security. In March 2025, 11 hacking groups, including Evil Corp and Kimsuky, were actively exploiting this vulnerability using various malware payloads. Although Microsoft initially did not consider the issue urgent, it later modified the handling of LNK files in November updates to allow users to view the entire character string in the Target field. However, this change does not eliminate the malicious arguments embedded in the files. ACROS Security has released an unofficial patch that restricts shortcut target strings to 260 characters and alerts users about risks associated with long target strings, covering multiple Windows versions.

Tech Optimizer

November 13, 2025

New ClickFix Attack Targeting Windows and macOS Users to Deploy Infostealer Malware

Security researchers have identified a malware campaign using the ClickFix social engineering technique to spread information-stealing malware on Windows and macOS. The campaign targets users searching for cracked software, leading them to malicious Google-hosted landing pages. Victims encounter fake security warnings that prompt them to execute a malicious command, resulting in the installation of infostealer malware. Windows users receive the ACR stealer, while macOS users get the Odyssey stealer, both delivered in password-protected ZIP files. ACR also loads additional malware like SharkClipper, which hijacks cryptocurrency clipboard data. The campaign has seen a 700% increase in ACR logs in May 2025, with ClickFix becoming the most common initial access method, accounting for 47% of all initial access schemes. The malware collects various user data, including passwords and cryptocurrency wallets, and operates in a fileless manner to evade detection. Security experts advise against executing unverified commands and recommend enhancing endpoint detection capabilities to combat these threats.

Tech Optimizer

October 17, 2025

Bitdefender Antivirus Review for Businesses & MSPs

Bitdefender has been operating since 2001 and is recognized for its antivirus solutions for individual users, small businesses, and large enterprises. It offers various plans, including a free version for consumers and multiple options under its GravityZone line for businesses and managed service providers (MSPs). The pros of Bitdefender include reliable threat detection, strong performance in independent tests, an easy-to-use interface, low system resource impact, seamless setup, and the availability of free antivirus software. The cons include scalability limitations based on the initial plan chosen. For consumers, Bitdefender offers two subscription tiers: Bitdefender Free and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, priced at free and .99 for the first year, respectively. The business plans include GravityZone Small Business Security, GravityZone Business Security Premium, and Secure (EDR), with prices starting at .49 for one year. Bitdefender’s business solutions received accolades from AV-TEST in April 2025, detecting 100% of widespread malware and zero false positives. AV-Comparatives awarded it the Approved Enterprise & Business Security Product Award in 2024. Key features of Bitdefender’s business solutions include multilayered defenses against various threats, centralized dashboards for visibility, built-in device controls, and advanced capabilities in higher-tier plans. The GravityZone platform offers tailored solutions for MSPs, including Secure (EDR), Secure Plus (MDR), and Secure Extra (MXDR). Bitdefender’s Risk Analytics capabilities assist MSPs in identifying vulnerabilities and automating compliance reporting. User feedback from third-party forums highlights its effectiveness, high detection rates, affordability, and strong real-time threat prevention. In June 2025, Bitdefender acquired Mesh Security to enhance its XDR and MDR offerings against email threats.

Tech Optimizer

June 25, 2025

Meet the new features for Avast Free AV and Avast Premium Security

Avast has millions of active users and is recognized in the cybersecurity field for its effective solutions and commitment to user security. Avast Free Antivirus includes real-time behavioral analysis for proactive malware detection, enhanced Network Inspector and Firewall modules for network security, improved intelligent quarantine and cloud scanning, and the new Scam Guardian feature, which includes Web Guard for browsing protection and Avast Assistant for scam guidance. Avast Premium Security offers additional features for heightened privacy, including Sensitive Data Shield, Webcam Shield, Data Shredder, and Hack Alerts for monitoring password leaks. The Pro version introduces Email Guard, which uses AI for intelligent email filtering to detect phishing attempts. Avast's tools enhance online shopping safety, email security, public Wi-Fi connections, and protection of sensitive files and credentials.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2025

Microsoft Defender vs Bitdefender: Compare Antivirus Software

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence in content and product recommendations, ensuring financial gain from partner links does not influence information integrity. Microsoft Defender and Bitdefender are prominent small business security providers. Microsoft Defender is ideal for larger SMBs, starting at .00 per user per month, while Bitdefender is suited for startups with over 10 employees, starting at .33 per user per month. Microsoft Defender Overview: - Overall Rating: 3.7/5 - Pricing: 4.4/5 - Features: 3.4/5 - Ease of Use and Administration: 3.8/5 - Customer Support: 3.7/5 - Features include next-gen antivirus, vulnerability management, and EDR. Bitdefender Overview: - Overall Rating: 3.4/5 - Pricing: 3.8/5 - Features: 3/5 - Ease of Use and Administration: 3.4/5 - Customer Support: 4/5 - Features include identity protection, a VPN, and a password manager. Pricing Comparison: - Microsoft Defender: Free Trial: 90 days; Least Expensive Plan: .00/user/month; Mid-Range Plan: .50/user/month; Most Expensive Plan: .00/user/month. - Bitdefender: 30-day money-back guarantee; Least Expensive Plan: .33/user/month; Mid-Range Plan: Not specified; Most Expensive Plan: Not specified. Feature Comparison: - Microsoft Defender offers robust endpoint protection but lacks clarity on web browsing protection and ad-blocking. - Bitdefender offers identity exposure protection, a VPN, and a password manager but also lacks web browsing and ad-blocking features. Ease of Use and Administration: - Microsoft Defender supports macOS, Windows, and Linux Server; Bitdefender supports macOS and Windows but lacks Linux support. Customer Support Comparison: - Microsoft provides phone and live chat support; Bitdefender offers email and chat support, with limited phone support for small business users. Alternative Solutions include Norton, McAfee, and Trend Micro, each offering different features and pricing structures. Evaluation Methodology focused on pricing, features, ease of use, and customer support, with Microsoft winning in pricing, features, and ease of use, while Bitdefender excelled in customer support.

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.