Microsoft will require users to verify their age when purchasing games rated R18+ on Xbox and Microsoft Store starting in August 2026 to comply with Australian regulations.
Devora Wilde is a video game voice actress known for her role as Lae'zel in Baldur's Gate 3. Her resume includes roles in Solasta 2, Clair Obscur, Crimson Desert, Split Fiction, and Red Solstice 2. Recently, she discovered her participation in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 after receiving fan comments and recognizing her voice in an audio log. Wilde often remains unaware of her projects until close to release, a common practice to prevent leaks. In Space Marine 2, she voiced multiple characters, including a servo-skull and a Cadian soldier. She has also voiced Tzarina Katarin Bokha in Total War: Warhammer 3, the female Arbitrator in Darktide, and a Sister of Battle in the Adepta Sororitas animation, Penitence, on Warhammer TV.
Antivirus software is essential for digital security, protecting devices from malware and online threats. A common misconception is that a weekly full scan is enough, but real-time protection is crucial as it continuously monitors files and links, preventing threats before they can infect a device. Independent organizations like AV-Comparatives test antivirus software for effectiveness against live malware.
Real-time protection is necessary because digital threats can occur at any time, with modern malware, such as ransomware, capable of quickly compromising files. As online activities increase, the risk of encountering malicious entities rises, making continuous monitoring vital.
Five top antivirus software options with real-time monitoring are:
1. Bitdefender: Known for high detection accuracy and low system impact, it offers real-time protection against various threats, with pricing starting at £20 for one device.
2. Norton 360: Provides robust malware protection and additional features like a VPN and password manager, with the Standard version priced around £30 for one device.
3. Sophos Home: Offers enterprise-level protection for home users, including AI-driven threat prevention, priced around £50 for up to ten devices.
4. Microsoft Defender: Built into Windows at no cost, it provides strong real-time protection and is rated highly in lab tests.
5. McAfee Total Protection: Suitable for families with multiple devices, it includes real-time protection and various privacy tools, with first-year pricing ranging from £30 to £40.
The top five antivirus software packages for 2026 are:
1. Norton 360:
- Best overall antivirus software.
- First-year pricing: .99 for Standard, .99 for Deluxe, .99 for Select Plus.
- Features: Fastest scanner, uncapped VPN, robust firewall, 50 GB cloud backup, dark web monitoring, and a refund guarantee.
- Detection rate: 99.8% with three false alarms.
- Scan times: Quick scan in 58 seconds, full scan in 13 minutes and 22 seconds.
- Renewal prices: .99 for Standard, .99 for Deluxe, .99 for Select Plus.
2. Bitdefender:
- Best value and lightest on system resources.
- First-year pricing: .99 for Antivirus Plus, .99 for Total Security, .99 for Family.
- Features: Advanced Threat Defense, multi-layer ransomware remediation, Safepay banking browser.
- Detection rate: 99.8% with five false alarms.
- Scan times: Quick scan in 1 minute and 4 seconds, full scan in 14 minutes and 3 seconds.
- Renewal prices: .99 for Antivirus Plus, .99 for Total Security, .99 for Family.
3. Avast One:
- Best free antivirus and ideal for gamers.
- Free tier available; paid options start at .99 for the first year.
- Features: Modular features allowing users to activate only what they need.
4. NordVPN Threat Protection Pro:
- Best antivirus and VPN in one.
- Pricing starts at .49 per month on the Complete plan.
5. McAfee+:
- Best for unlimited devices and mobile.
- First-year pricing: .99 for unlimited devices.
- Features: Top-notch mobile applications.
Overall rankings are based on independent lab results, system impact, bundled features, two-year cost, and customer support. Norton 360 is rated 4.8/5, and Bitdefender is rated 4.7/5.
A lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for , down from the regular price of 9, valid through August 9 with the promotional code AUG25. Key features include BitLocker for encryption, Hyper-V for virtual machines, Windows Sandbox for secure testing, and Azure AD support. The licensing model is a one-time purchase for a single compatible PC, eliminating recurring fees. Users should confirm their PC meets Windows 11 system requirements before purchasing.
System Restore is a recovery feature in Windows that allows users to revert their systems to a previous state by creating snapshots of the current configuration. It captures crucial system components such as Windows system files, Registry settings, device drivers, and installed applications, but does not back up personal files. Windows automatically generates restore points during significant events or after a week without new points, and users can manually create them before making substantial changes. Restore points occupy hard drive space, and the oldest points are deleted when storage is full. To use System Restore, users can configure it in the System Properties window, create restore points, view and select restore points, preview changes, and initiate the restoration process. After restoration, the PC reboots, and users should check if issues are resolved.
Wispr Flow has launched the AI-powered Notetaker, which automatically captures conversations, identifies speakers by name, and generates organized summaries with actionable items. It emphasizes accuracy and contextual understanding over simple transcription. Notetaker allows personalized identification of speakers, enables users to search through meeting histories and related information, and includes a “What did I miss?” feature for quick catch-ups. After meetings, it compiles structured summaries highlighting key decisions and next steps. It serves as a research tool for reviewing past conversations and gathering insights about participants. Notetaker integrates with platforms like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Slack Huddles, and works with AI tools supporting the Model Context Protocol. A one-click migration feature is available for users transitioning from Granola, but it is currently only accessible on Mac, with no mobile support yet.
Microsoft has issued a warning to Windows PC users about Russian hackers targeting individuals using hotel WiFi networks. The campaign, named CaptiveCrunch and attributed to the Storm-2945 group, focuses on corporate travelers and employs tactics like credential theft and malware distribution through compromised guest networks. Microsoft has been monitoring this activity since May, noting its impact on hospitality networks utilizing captive portals. Hackers have been redirecting users to counterfeit sign-in pages to steal credentials without phishing emails. The threat may also extend to Android devices, with hackers using deceptive techniques to manipulate users into downloading malicious APK files. The hackers employ fake verification checks and sign-in prompts, sometimes misleading users into Microsoft's legitimate authentication process to gain access to accounts. Microsoft has identified a specific remote-access trojan named CornFlake, which can record keystrokes, steal credentials, and capture screenshots. Recommendations for travelers include using mobile hotspots, avoiding updates through captive portals, strengthening authentication methods, and blocking unnecessary device-code authentication.
Windows 11 Search is a crucial tool for users who create and download files, but it often struggles to find recently accessed files due to its indexing limitations. Microsoft is introducing a feature called “Automatically find additional relevant locations,” which will automatically identify and index folders based on user activity, reducing the need for manual indexing. Currently, Windows Search maintains an index focused on specific folders, which can lead to frustrations when files are not found. Users can manually add locations or switch to Enhanced mode for broader indexing, though this may result in irrelevant search results and increased resource usage. The new feature aims to streamline the search process by making significant folders searchable automatically while allowing users to block any unwanted folders. Additionally, Microsoft is enhancing Windows Search to better recognize typos and plans to disable Bing search and ads in results. These updates are expected to be rolled out later this year.
A study by Kaspersky surveyed 7,200 Gen Z individuals across 18 countries and found that only 27% use mobile antivirus software, while 28% regularly back up their phone data. Many have experienced cyberattacks, with 17% reporting hacked social media accounts and 12% losing access to gaming accounts. The study highlights that compromised smartphones can expose sensitive personal information, increasing the risk of identity theft and financial fraud. Kaspersky has introduced an interactive online game, Case 404, to educate Gen Z on recognizing scams and phishing attempts.
