endgame Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 2, 2025

AVCheck cyber crime service snared in police takedown

An international law enforcement initiative has dismantled an online software crypting syndicate that helped cybercriminals evade malware detection. The operation, led by the FBI's Houston Field Office and involving agencies from the Netherlands, Finland, and the US Secret Service, resulted in the seizure of four domains, the takedown of 300 servers, the neutralization of 650 domains, and the issuance of nearly two dozen international arrest warrants. Matthijs Jaspers from the Netherlands' High Tech Crime Team highlighted the challenges of tracking cybercriminals and the importance of collaborative efforts in combating cybercrime.

Tech Optimizer

June 2, 2025

Key service for malware developers taken offline

The takedown of AVCheck, a major Counter Antivirus (CAV) service used by cybercriminals, disrupts their ability to test malware against antivirus detection, thereby hindering successful attacks. Matthijs Jaspers from the High Tech Crime Team highlighted that this operation is crucial in combating organized cybercrime, as it prevents early-stage criminal activities. The investigation revealed connections between AVCheck and other services like Cryptor.biz and Crypt.guru. Additionally, law enforcement has taken proactive measures, including deploying a fake login page to deter AVCheck users and collaborating with Project Melissa to target malware services. The need for coordinated efforts among various sectors is emphasized to effectively combat cybercrime.

Tech Optimizer

May 31, 2025

Authorities Dismantled AVCheck, a Tool For Testing Malware Against Antivirus Detection

Law enforcement agencies from multiple nations dismantled a cybercriminal operation that provided malware testing services to evade antivirus detection. This effort led to the seizure of four domains and their servers, disrupting infrastructure that facilitated ransomware attacks globally. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced the disruption of an online software crypting syndicate that helped cybercriminals keep their malware undetected. The seized domains offered counter-antivirus tools and crypting services, allowing criminals to obfuscate malware and gain unauthorized access to systems. Investigators conducted undercover purchases and analyzed services, revealing connections to ransomware groups targeting victims in the U.S. and internationally. The operation, part of Operation Endgame, involved collaboration among the U.S., Netherlands, France, Germany, Denmark, Ukraine, and Portugal, with the FBI Houston Field Office leading the U.S. investigation. The seizures occurred on May 27.

Tech Optimizer

May 30, 2025

Police takes down AVCheck antivirus site used by cybercriminals

An international law enforcement initiative has dismantled AVCheck, a service that allowed cybercriminals to test malware against antivirus software. The official website, avcheck.net, now displays a seizure banner from U.S. and Dutch authorities. AVCheck was one of the largest counter antivirus services, providing insights into malware evasion tactics. Investigators found connections between AVCheck's administrators and crypting services, which help obfuscate malware. Law enforcement created a deceptive login page to warn users of legal consequences. The takedown occurred on May 27, 2025, as part of Operation Endgame, which also seized 300 servers and 650 domains linked to ransomware attacks.

Tech Optimizer

May 30, 2025

Dutch police takes Counter Antivirus service AVCheck offline

The Dutch Team High Tech Crime, in collaboration with international partners, has dismantled the counter-antivirus service AVCheck, which was used by cybercriminals to make malware undetectable. AVCheck was one of the largest services of its kind, allowing malware developers to test their software against antivirus programs. The operation involved cooperation from the Netherlands, the United States, and Finland, and was executed by the High Tech Crime Team under the National Public Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation not only shut down AVCheck but also gathered evidence against its administrators and users, including those of related services like Cryptor.biz and Crypt.guru. Additionally, a fake login page was launched to deter AVCheck users, and collaborations with antivirus organizations were established as part of Project Melissa. This action is connected to Operation Endgame, which previously targeted other malware services.

AppWizard

May 26, 2025

Five new Steam games you probably missed (May 26, 2025)

On an average day, Steam unveils around a dozen new games. "Two Strikes," a first-person paranormal investigation game, was released on May 23 by Retro Reactor. "Snacko," a life simulation and town-building game featuring a feline protagonist, was released on May 26 by Bluecurse Studios. "Tinkerlands," a resource-gathering game with survival and combat elements, was released on May 24 by CodeManu and Endless Coffee. "Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer," a sequel to the original game, was released on May 20 by Clifftop Games.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

The best deals and free Warhammer PC games in Skulls 2025

The annual Skulls event hosted by Games Workshop features previews of upcoming releases and discounts on Warhammer PC games. Notable discounts include 42% off Space Marine 2, 77% off Chaos Gate Daemonhunters, 60% off Rogue Trader – Voidfarer edition, 60% off Darktide, 69% off Total War Warhammer 3, and 84% off Vermintide 2. Additionally, three Warhammer games are available for free: Warhammer 40k Boltgun – Words of Vengeance on Steam, Warhammer 40k Gladius Relics of War on Steam, and Warhammer 40k: Rites of War on GOG.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

How to unlock diving in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Players can unlock the diving ability with Esquie in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by reaching relationship level 6 in act three. This level is achieved through hangout sessions at camp, which coincide with key story developments. During the final hangout, players learn that Esquie's neighbor, Francois, has been hiding the rock that grants the diving ability. Diving spots contain five Colour of Lumina, and one specific location in the final area leads to a special endgame zone.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

10 tips to conquer the continent in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a French JRPG-style game featuring real-time combat mechanics similar to rhythm games. Players engage in exploration, which reveals lore, powerful items, optional bosses, and quests. The game includes a lumina mechanic that enhances combat effectiveness by activating additional pictos. Combat features an elemental weakness system, requiring players to adapt their strategies based on enemy vulnerabilities. Quicktime dodging, jumping, and parrying are essential skills, and Gustave's gun offers versatile combat options, including targeting weak points and dismantling enemy shields. Many exploration upgrades are optional and require engaging in side quests. Building relationships with expedition team members unlocks new abilities, and managing action points effectively is crucial for maximizing damage output. Each character has a unique playstyle, encouraging players to experiment with combinations for optimal effectiveness in battles.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

The Best PC Games Right Now (2025)

PC gaming in 2025 features a mix of innovative remasters, indie titles, and new intellectual properties, providing a wide range of experiences for gamers. The most played games on Steam include Counter-Strike 2, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, and Dota 2, with Counter-Strike 2 leading in player engagement due to its esports scene. Notable new releases include Blue Prince, The Last of Us Part II Remastered, and Promise Mascot Agency. Other popular games outside Steam are Minecraft, Fortnite, and Valorant. Genre-specific leaders include South of Midnight for action, Myst (Remastered) for adventure, and Street Fighter 6 for fighting. Upcoming anticipated titles include Grand Theft Auto 6 and Elden Ring: Nightreign. Trends in 2025 highlight esports engagement, indie innovation, purposeful remakes, and cinematic storytelling. Last Epoch's Season 2 update has revitalized player interest with new content and enhancements. The year 2019 was significant for PC gaming, with acclaimed titles like Resident Evil 2, Control, and Disco Elysium, and marked by the influence of digital distribution platforms.