emails Archives

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

This hidden Gmail trick gives you virtually unlimited email IDs

In the digital age, users often consider creating new Gmail accounts to take advantage of subscription services and promotional offers. However, a simpler solution is to use Gmail aliases by adding a dot or a + sign to their existing email address. For example, variations like this.is.my.email@gmail.com or thisismyemail+ikea@gmail.com are recognized as the same address by Gmail. This method allows users to subscribe to services without creating new accounts and helps monitor the sharing of personal information. No special settings are required; users just need to modify their email before the @ symbol.

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2026

Don’t get victimized by this updated version of the McAfee email scam

Cybercriminals are sending fraudulent McAfee renewal notices claiming users owe money for antivirus subscriptions they never purchased. These emails create a sense of urgency, warning that devices are unprotected or that charges will be processed automatically. The scams have become more sophisticated, using AI-generated emails and counterfeit invoices to appear credible. Although Microsoft is the most impersonated company, McAfee scams are on the rise, featuring messages about expiring or automatically renewed subscriptions costing hundreds of dollars. Victims are often misled into contacting scammers posing as customer-service agents, who may request sensitive information or control over their devices. McAfee advises customers to verify subscription status through their official website and not to respond to unsolicited emails. Warning signs of these scams include suspicious sender addresses, generic greetings, grammatical errors, unusually large charges, and urgent demands for action. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers about tech-support and antivirus scams, urging them to report phishing emails and monitor accounts for unauthorized activity.

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2026

I trusted Malwarebytes to secure my PC for a month

Malwarebytes is an effective antivirus solution that provides robust protection against cyber threats, identified and blocked threats efficiently during usage. The software features a user-friendly interface with a Dashboard that includes tools such as a system scanner, VPN, and Trusted Advisor, which assesses system security. The Privacy, Identity, Tools, and Scam Guard sections offer additional functionalities, including monitoring for data breaches and identifying fraudulent emails. Malwarebytes operates with minimal CPU resource usage while effectively blocking malware and phishing attempts. An independent evaluation by MRG Effitas confirmed its high performance, earning a Level 1 certification. Pricing for Malwarebytes Premium starts at an annual fee for the Standard plan, with additional options available.

Tech Optimizer

June 8, 2026

I trusted Malwarebytes to secure my PC for a month

Malwarebytes is a cybersecurity solution that provides robust antivirus protection and features like a system scanner, VPN, and Trusted Advisor for security assessment. The installation process is simple, and users can navigate its intuitive interface easily. Trusted Advisor helped improve a user's security score from 49 to 83 by suggesting enhancements. The software includes sections for Privacy, Identity, Tools, and Scam Guard, which analyzes suspicious emails and screenshots. During testing, Scam Guard successfully identified a fraudulent email. Malwarebytes operates in the background with minimal CPU usage, effectively blocking threats and providing a detailed history of blocked malware. An independent evaluation by MRG Effitas awarded Malwarebytes a Level 1 certification for its performance. Pricing for Malwarebytes starts at an annual rate for the Standard plan, with additional options available for families and small businesses. It is recommended for its comprehensive protection compared to typical antivirus solutions.

Tech Optimizer

June 6, 2026

Hackers Use Fake Purchase Orders to Deploy JS.MonoGlyphRAT Targeting US Enterprises

Researchers have identified a new malware called JS.MonoGlyphRAT, which disguises itself as business documents to infiltrate corporate networks. It is primarily spread through phishing emails targeting various sectors in the U.S. and has been reported in countries like Germany, Sweden, and Australia. The malware is classified as "Unknown malware" on threat intelligence platforms, making traditional antivirus solutions ineffective. It establishes a persistent presence in the network by executing a JavaScript file and communicating with command-and-control (C2) servers over HTTP. Key indicators of compromise include unusual HTTP traffic, registry changes, and the execution of specific JavaScript files. The malware can download additional payloads and execute commands without leaving traces on disk. Indicators of compromise include specific IP addresses, URLs, file hashes, and registry keys associated with the malware's operation.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Gemini Wants To Take Over Your Android Phone

Google introduced Gemini Intelligence, an enhancement to its Android operating system, designed to autonomously manage tasks on devices. Gemini will enable seamless interactions with apps, utilize contextual data from photos and emails, and facilitate automated payments. The rollout coincides with Android 17, expected on devices like the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 10 in summer 2026, though not all devices may feature Gemini. Key capabilities include scanning textbooks for shopping cart integration, booking concert tickets, and managing food deliveries. Gemini can analyze photos, reference emails, and enhance functionality in Google Chrome. Notable features include an upgraded Autofill and Rambler, an AI-driven speech-to-text tool. Opting out of Gemini may be complex due to its operating system integration, but Google plans for most features to be opt-in, requiring user consent. Similar features are found in Samsung's Galaxy AI in the S26 series, which may allow users to disable functionalities like Call Screening.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Microsoft 365 Android Apps Let Any App Steal Account Tokens via Leftover Debug Flag

A vulnerability in several Microsoft 365 Android applications, identified as FlagLeft, was caused by a development flag left enabled in production builds, which disabled checks meant to restrict account-token sharing to trusted applications. This flaw affected applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Loop, and OneNote, allowing unauthorized apps to request and obtain user tokens without permission. Microsoft Teams was unaffected. The vulnerability was demonstrated by Enclave, allowing access to user emails through an unverified app. On May 12, Microsoft issued four CVEs for the affected applications, categorized under improper access control. The patched version of Word for Android is 16.0.19822.20190, and users are advised to update their applications. The patch does not invalidate already compromised tokens, so users should revoke these tokens and sign in again.

Winsage

June 5, 2026

A guide to agentic AI: How Windows is now going to do more things for you

Microsoft is advancing in the field of artificial intelligence with the introduction of agentic AI, which aims to perform tasks on behalf of users rather than just responding to queries. A key feature is 'autoagents,' starting with Scout, which will integrate into Microsoft 365 applications and autonomously manage tasks like monitoring communications and summarizing documents. Scout is currently being rolled out to select users and is designed with safety measures, including Execution Containers to control resource access and mitigate risks. Additionally, Microsoft has launched Discovery, a tool for enhancing scientific research, and Rayfin, which simplifies application development for individual creators.

Winsage

June 4, 2026

A guide to agentic AI: How Windows is going to do more things for you

Microsoft is introducing Scout, its first Autopilot agent designed to enhance productivity within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem by autonomously managing tasks and providing timely notifications. Scout will integrate with applications like Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint, utilizing OpenClaw's open-source technology to manage emails, summarize documents, and allocate time for overdue tasks. To ensure safety, Microsoft has implemented Execution Containers, which define access parameters for agents and integrate with existing security tools like Defender and Intune. Additionally, Microsoft Discovery is now available to all researchers, allowing them to use AI in scientific research with a user-friendly chatbot interface. Microsoft also unveiled Rayfin, a tool that simplifies app development by enabling users to define backend systems through code and deploy them directly to Microsoft Fabric.

Tech Optimizer

June 4, 2026

How We Test Antivirus and Security Software

Most software applications clearly indicate their functionality, but the effectiveness of antivirus utilities is often less tangible. PCMag rigorously evaluates antivirus products through comprehensive tests that validate their claims, including real-world malware samples and various protective measures. Each antivirus tool is assessed based on its on-demand scanner and real-time monitor capabilities. PCMag compiles fresh malware samples annually, analyzing them to ensure they are suitable for testing. The testing process includes evaluating malware-blocking capabilities and web-level protection against known malware-hosting sites. Phishing site detection is also tested using recent URLs, and antispam testing has been simplified due to the effectiveness of email providers. Performance impact tests have been discontinued as modern security suites show improved efficiency. Firewall protection is evaluated through program control, exploit defenses, and overall resilience against malware. Parental control features are tested for effectiveness in content filtering and monitoring. Ransomware protection is assessed by releasing real-world samples in a controlled environment. PCMag monitors independent antivirus lab tests from various organizations, including AV-Test, AV-Comparatives, SE Labs, MRG-Effitas, and AVLab, to inform their reviews. An aggregate testing score is calculated to summarize lab results. Testing methodologies do not include VPN evaluations, which are covered separately.