identity protection Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2025

TotalAV vs Surfshark VPN: Features Comparison Guide

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue through affiliate links. TotalAV is an antivirus solution with basic VPN functionality, while Surfshark specializes in VPN services. TotalAV: - Overall Rating: 2.8/5 - Pricing: 3.7/5 - Features: 2.7/5 - Usability: 3.7/5 - Security: 2/5 - Customer Support: 2.1/5 - Offers essential antivirus protection and basic VPN features, but lacks the capabilities of a dedicated VPN service. Surfshark: - Overall Rating: 4.5/5 - Pricing: 4.8/5 - Features: 4.3/5 - Usability: 5/5 - Security: 4.5/5 - Customer Support: 3.7/5 - Provides advanced features like multihop connections and IP address rotation, with positive customer feedback despite some support challenges. Pricing Comparison: - TotalAV: Premium plan for the first year; renews at a higher rate. - Surfshark: Starter plan at .49/month billed annually. Feature Comparison: - TotalAV includes a kill switch and split tunneling; lacks rotating IP addresses and multi-hop VPN. - Surfshark includes all features of TotalAV plus advanced capabilities. Usability: - TotalAV supports Windows, Mac, iOS, Android; lacks extensive user documentation. - Surfshark supports multiple operating systems and offers training resources. Security: - TotalAV's encryption and audit policies are unclear. - Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption and has undergone multiple independent audits. Customer Support: - TotalAV offers email support; lacks live chat and community forums. - Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat and email support, along with an official Reddit community. Alternatives: - NordVPN starts at .99/month and includes essential and advanced features. - ExpressVPN offers comprehensive features at .32/month. Evaluation Methodology: The comparison was based on pricing, features, usability, security, and customer support.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

6 essential skills every Windows 11 user needs to master

- Windows 11 users can enhance their experience and security by mastering essential skills such as managing updates, securing online presence, and utilizing system settings. - To protect accounts and sensitive information online, users should consider using a password manager, passkeys, and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts. - A VPN with end-to-end encryption can enhance online security, and users should familiarize themselves with their web browser's security settings. - Windows 11 updates are released on the first Tuesday of each month, with a major feature update annually; users can prevent auto-restarts and pause updates for up to five weeks. - The Settings app in Windows 11 has replaced much of the Control Panel for managing system settings, and users should explore it thoroughly. - OneDrive is integrated into Windows 11 for backing up, restoring, and sharing files, and users can create encrypted folders and use Files-on-Demand. - Regularly reviewing and uninstalling unnecessary applications can help maintain PC performance, and users can manage default applications and disable startup apps via Task Manager. - Accessing the BIOS/UEFI allows for updates, security adjustments, and hardware configuration changes, typically done by pressing keys like Esc, F2, or F8 during boot.

Tech Optimizer

March 14, 2025

Webroot Total Protection

Webroot Total Protection includes antivirus capabilities, identity theft protection, file backup, parental controls, and a VPN application. The pricing starts at .99 annually for five devices and one identity, with a family plan extending coverage to ten devices and ten identities. The installation process requires users to create or log into an account, and the backup system can only be installed on one device. The user interface has been redesigned for improved readability. Some features, such as the Utilities page and Secure Erase, have been removed, and the firewall relies on Windows for external threat defense. Webroot employs a journal-and-rollback system for malware detection, achieving high scores in independent testing. The suite includes a simplified tune-up scan and a vulnerability scan. The Mac version mirrors the Windows interface but lacks certain features. Identity protection is provided in partnership with Allstate, but it is less comprehensive than competing services. The backup solution is limited to one device, and the integrated VPN service encrypts data during online activities. Parental controls have been introduced but are considered ineffective.

Tech Optimizer

March 14, 2025

Best Antivirus for Mac for 2025

Bitdefender Ultimate Security for MacOS achieved a 100% detection rate for threats in AV-Test conducted in December 2024. It operates with minimal resource consumption, with slight slowdowns during software installations similar to other third-party antivirus tools. The software protects against malware, including ransomware and phishing attacks, and includes AI-powered anti-scam features. The Ultimate Security package offers tools beyond MacOS's built-in XProtect, including a VPN, adblocker with anti-tracking, and a password manager. It provides identity protection by monitoring data leaks and alerts users if their information appears on the Dark Web, covering up to five devices across MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. Higher-tier packages for US residents offer identity theft and financial fraud protection, with coverage up to million. The pricing starts at .99 for the first year, renewing at .99 annually, with mid-tier and highest-tier plans priced at .99 and .99 for the first year, respectively, offering additional identity theft coverage and credit monitoring services.

Tech Optimizer

March 8, 2025

The Best Antivirus Apps to Keep Your Data Safe in 2025

Cybersecurity is essential as digital lives become more integrated into daily routines, with personal devices storing sensitive information. Cyber threats have evolved, necessitating robust antivirus software for data protection in 2025. Norton 360 offers real-time threat detection, a built-in VPN, and dark web monitoring. Bitdefender Total Security is noted for its minimal impact on system performance and AI-powered threat detection. McAfee Total Protection focuses on identity theft protection with real-time malware protection and identity theft monitoring. Kaspersky Security Cloud provides adaptive security tailored to user behavior and includes webcam protection. Avast One is a reliable free antivirus option covering essential threats, while Trend Micro Maximum Security emphasizes online privacy with features like a social media privacy scanner and anti-phishing protection.

Tech Optimizer

March 7, 2025

Webroot Premium

PCMag editors independently select and review products. Webroot Premium combines device-level protection with identity theft tracking and remediation, but its antivirus protection is limited compared to competitors. Webroot Premium costs .99 per year for five devices and one identity, with a family edition available for .99 covering ten devices and identities. Other competitors like Bitdefender Ultimate Security and Norton 360 With LifeLock offer more comprehensive features at similar price points. Webroot AntiVirus has been rebranded as Webroot Essentials, and older versions have been phased out. The installation process for Webroot Premium is straightforward, and it includes a firewall that monitors network activity. Webroot's antivirus effectively identifies malware, achieving a 100% detection rate in tests. It also offers a secure deletion tool and basic identity protection features, including credit monitoring, transaction monitoring, and dark web monitoring, though these features are less comprehensive than those of competitors. Webroot provides 24/7 support for identity restoration, with a monetary guarantee for remediation services up to million for ten family members. Overall, while Webroot Premium offers solid antivirus protection, its identity protection capabilities are limited compared to other security suites.

Tech Optimizer

February 18, 2025

Microsoft Defender vs. McAfee: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue from partner links. Microsoft Defender, a free built-in antivirus for Windows, offers minimal configuration and supports Windows 10 and 11, while McAfee, which holds a 12.47% share of the global antivirus market, provides extensive privacy monitoring and data protection across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) with various pricing plans ranging from .99 to 9.99. Microsoft Defender supports a single device and includes features like real-time threat protection, parental controls, and a firewall, but lacks advanced features like VPN and identity theft monitoring. McAfee offers a wider range of features, including a VPN, identity theft monitoring, and data cleanup, making it a more comprehensive solution despite its higher cost. Microsoft Defender has an overall rating of 3.8/5, while McAfee rates 4.4/5, excelling in customer support with multiple channels, including live chat and phone support. Microsoft Defender is suitable for users on a budget, while McAfee is better for those needing robust privacy and identity protection. Alternatives to consider include Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes.

Tech Optimizer

February 17, 2025

McAfee+ Ultimate review: Comprehensive security that needs more polish

McAfee+ Ultimate includes: - Antivirus and malware protection - Link screening and firewall security - Password manager and VPN services - Identity monitoring on the dark web - Tracker removal and parental controls for family plans - Social Privacy Manager for social media privacy settings - Scam Protection for screening risky links in text messages - Online Account Cleanup and Personal Data Cleanup services Pricing for McAfee+ Ultimate is: - Individual subscription: [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: McAfee+ Ultimate stands as a formidable contender in the realm of cybersecurity, boasting an extensive suite of features designed to protect users from various online threats. The subscription includes essential tools such as antivirus protection, link screening, and firewall capabilities, but it goes beyond the basics with additional offerings like a password manager, VPN, and identity monitoring on the dark web. What does McAfee+ Ultimate include? The comprehensive nature of McAfee+ Ultimate is evident in its robust feature set. Users benefit from: Antivirus and malware protection Link screening and firewall security Password manager and VPN services Identity monitoring on the dark web Tracker removal and parental controls for family plans Additionally, McAfee offers tools such as a Social Privacy Manager, which provides privacy settings suggestions for social media, and Scam Protection, an AI-driven feature that screens for risky links in text messages. The suite also includes Online Account Cleanup and Personal Data Cleanup services, which help users manage their online presence and remove unwanted data from data broker sites. How much does McAfee+ Ultimate cost? Pricing for McAfee+ Ultimate is structured to appeal to both individual users and families. An individual subscription is priced at 0 for the first year, subsequently increasing to 0. For families, the initial cost is 0, rising to 5 in subsequent years. Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, although users should note that auto-renewal is enabled by default, with charges applied 30 days before the current subscription expires. Key features of McAfee+ Ultimate Installation and user interface The McAfee app presents a modern aesthetic, yet some users may find its layout somewhat disorganized. The home screen features shortcuts to key functionalities, while a left navigation bar provides access to a broader range of tools. However, premium features are often located on the McAfee Protection Center portal rather than within the app itself, which can lead to confusion. Virus, malware, and threat protection McAfee+ Ultimate excels in real-time protection, continuously monitoring files and applications for unusual behavior. Independent testing has shown strong performance in detecting threats, although the interface limits user control over specific settings, such as folder protection and email scanning. VPN The VPN service can be accessed through the McAfee app or a separate download. While it offers a user-friendly interface, some users have reported bugs that hinder functionality. The VPN supports connections in 47 countries, providing users with a range of options for secure browsing. Password manager McAfee’s password manager, True Key, offers basic functionality but lacks advanced security features. Users have reported issues with login verification, which can be frustrating. For those seeking a reliable password management solution, standalone services may provide better performance. Parental controls Managed through the Safe Family software, McAfee’s parental controls allow guardians to set restrictions based on their children’s ages. While the interface is straightforward, some users may find the lack of a web interface limiting. Identity and financial protections One of the standout features of McAfee+ Ultimate is its identity and financial protection services. Users can monitor their personal information for breaches, track financial transactions, and receive assistance with identity theft restoration. The plan offers substantial coverage for losses related to identity theft and ransomware, making it a valuable asset for those concerned about online security. Performance In terms of performance, McAfee has demonstrated strong results in independent tests, effectively detecting a high percentage of malware and threats. However, its offline detection rate is notably lower, which may pose a risk for users without a constant internet connection. Additionally, the software can impact system performance during scans, particularly on mid-range and budget PCs. While McAfee+ Ultimate presents a comprehensive suite of features aimed at safeguarding users online, the overall experience could benefit from greater polish and refinement. As it stands, the service offers a solid foundation for online security, albeit with some areas needing improvement." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] for the first year, then .99 - Family subscription: [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: McAfee+ Ultimate stands as a formidable contender in the realm of cybersecurity, boasting an extensive suite of features designed to protect users from various online threats. The subscription includes essential tools such as antivirus protection, link screening, and firewall capabilities, but it goes beyond the basics with additional offerings like a password manager, VPN, and identity monitoring on the dark web. What does McAfee+ Ultimate include? The comprehensive nature of McAfee+ Ultimate is evident in its robust feature set. Users benefit from: Antivirus and malware protection Link screening and firewall security Password manager and VPN services Identity monitoring on the dark web Tracker removal and parental controls for family plans Additionally, McAfee offers tools such as a Social Privacy Manager, which provides privacy settings suggestions for social media, and Scam Protection, an AI-driven feature that screens for risky links in text messages. The suite also includes Online Account Cleanup and Personal Data Cleanup services, which help users manage their online presence and remove unwanted data from data broker sites. How much does McAfee+ Ultimate cost? Pricing for McAfee+ Ultimate is structured to appeal to both individual users and families. An individual subscription is priced at 0 for the first year, subsequently increasing to 0. For families, the initial cost is 0, rising to 5 in subsequent years. Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, although users should note that auto-renewal is enabled by default, with charges applied 30 days before the current subscription expires. Key features of McAfee+ Ultimate Installation and user interface The McAfee app presents a modern aesthetic, yet some users may find its layout somewhat disorganized. The home screen features shortcuts to key functionalities, while a left navigation bar provides access to a broader range of tools. However, premium features are often located on the McAfee Protection Center portal rather than within the app itself, which can lead to confusion. Virus, malware, and threat protection McAfee+ Ultimate excels in real-time protection, continuously monitoring files and applications for unusual behavior. Independent testing has shown strong performance in detecting threats, although the interface limits user control over specific settings, such as folder protection and email scanning. VPN The VPN service can be accessed through the McAfee app or a separate download. While it offers a user-friendly interface, some users have reported bugs that hinder functionality. The VPN supports connections in 47 countries, providing users with a range of options for secure browsing. Password manager McAfee’s password manager, True Key, offers basic functionality but lacks advanced security features. Users have reported issues with login verification, which can be frustrating. For those seeking a reliable password management solution, standalone services may provide better performance. Parental controls Managed through the Safe Family software, McAfee’s parental controls allow guardians to set restrictions based on their children’s ages. While the interface is straightforward, some users may find the lack of a web interface limiting. Identity and financial protections One of the standout features of McAfee+ Ultimate is its identity and financial protection services. Users can monitor their personal information for breaches, track financial transactions, and receive assistance with identity theft restoration. The plan offers substantial coverage for losses related to identity theft and ransomware, making it a valuable asset for those concerned about online security. Performance In terms of performance, McAfee has demonstrated strong results in independent tests, effectively detecting a high percentage of malware and threats. However, its offline detection rate is notably lower, which may pose a risk for users without a constant internet connection. Additionally, the software can impact system performance during scans, particularly on mid-range and budget PCs. While McAfee+ Ultimate presents a comprehensive suite of features aimed at safeguarding users online, the overall experience could benefit from greater polish and refinement. As it stands, the service offers a solid foundation for online security, albeit with some areas needing improvement." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"] for the first year, then 9.99 - Each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and auto-renewal enabled by default. The VPN supports connections in 47 countries, and the password manager, True Key, has basic functionality but lacks advanced security features. Parental controls are managed through Safe Family software. The identity and financial protection services monitor personal information for breaches and assist with identity theft restoration. McAfee has shown strong performance in detecting malware and threats, although offline detection rates are lower, and system performance may be impacted during scans.