insurance Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2025

Norton Antivirus Review 2025: Solid Value for Fast, Effective Protection

Norton Antivirus has a score of 8.6 out of 10 and was established in 1982. The Norton 360 Deluxe package includes features such as real-time protection, manual and automated scans, the Genie Scam Detector, a password manager, and 2GB of cloud backups. It offers four plans: Norton Antivirus Plus, Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus, each with varying identity protection features and cloud backup space. The installation process is user-friendly, and the software operates efficiently, using minimal CPU and disk space. Norton has maintained a perfect security ranking from AV-Test for over a decade but has experienced a data breach in the past five years. Customer support includes a knowledge base, community forum, and 24/7 live chat and phone support, with an overall customer support score of 8 out of 10. Norton’s pricing is competitive, particularly for higher-tier plans, resulting in a value ranking of 8 out of 10.

Winsage

June 11, 2025

NZ firms face cover risks as Windows 10 ends

Regular software updates are crucial for cybersecurity, as outdated systems, particularly Windows 10, expose businesses to vulnerabilities. Without timely security patches, organizations risk cyberattacks, data breaches, and financial losses. Additionally, outdated software may not be covered by cybersecurity insurance, increasing financial vulnerability in case of a cyber incident. Businesses are encouraged to prioritize software updates to protect digital assets and comply with insurance requirements.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Experts warn of risks linked to period tracker apps

Academics from the University of Cambridge have raised concerns about the collection and commercialization of personal information through menstrual tracking applications, which have over 250 million downloads globally. These apps collect extensive data, including exercise, diet, medication, sexual preferences, hormone levels, and contraception use, making menstrual data valuable for consumer profiling. The report highlights that information on pregnancy status is particularly sought after in digital advertising, leading to risks of exploitation for targeted ads. If this data is misused, it could result in health insurance discrimination, employment risks, or domestic abuse. The researchers advocate for enhanced governance in the femtech industry, emphasizing the need for improved data security and meaningful user consent. They suggest that public health organizations develop alternatives to commercial tracking apps to prioritize user privacy and safety.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

Malwarebytes Premium Security review

Malwarebytes, founded in 2004 by Marcin Kleczynski, is an independent cybersecurity company that provides effective malware protection globally. The Malwarebytes Premium Security suite includes antivirus, phishing and identity protection, and an unlimited VPN powered by Mullvad. Pricing for the one-year license for a single device is .99, while a five-device license costs .99, and a two-year plan is priced at .98. The Premium Security Ultimate plan offers full identity protection and credit monitoring for .99 for the first year, with renewal at 9.99. A limited free version is available that detects and removes existing threats but lacks real-time protection. The app features a straightforward design with a clear dashboard, prioritizing user experience. Malwarebytes focuses on efficient scanning of commonly infected areas, completing test scans in 13 minutes. However, it does not automatically scan removable drives and lacks a warning system for password-protected files. Independent lab testing is infrequent, but Malwarebytes has received an AVLab 'Product of the Year' award and demonstrated strong performance in MRG Effitas assessments. In practical tests, Malwarebytes effectively detected known malware but struggled with behavioral detection against custom ransomware. It includes anti-phishing features, initially blocking 16% of phishing sites, which improved to 62% with the BrowserGuard extension. The unlimited VPN offers encryption and privacy but has limitations in unblocking streaming services. The identity protection feature scans for breaches associated with user email addresses and Social Security Numbers for U.S. users.

Tech Optimizer

May 31, 2025

Study offers a national report on antivirus software trends

Nearly half of Mac users have encountered viruses despite having protective software installed, challenging the belief that Apple products are immune to malware. The report highlights that 71% of Android users have antivirus software, but only 49% seek third-party tools. More than half of Americans do not use additional security measures beyond antivirus. Among iOS users, 38% are unaware of third-party antivirus options. While 84% have antivirus on computers, only 68% have it on smartphones and 60% on tablets. Despite widespread adoption, only 16% of antivirus users feel their software is ineffective. The virus encounter rates are 44% for Mac users, 36% for Windows users, and 30% for other platforms.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

Aiken area teens invited to screening of ‘A Minecraft Movie’

Area middle and high school students are invited to Teen Movie Night featuring "A Minecraft Movie," a PG-rated film. The event will be held at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center on Saturday, June 7, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the movie starting around 6 p.m. Complimentary pizza and popcorn will be provided. Entry requires a valid middle or high school ID, and early arrival is recommended due to limited seating. Sponsors include Direct Auto Insurance, Chandler Law Firm, and Security Federal Bank. The center is located at 1700 Whiskey Road, and inquiries can be made by calling 803-642-7600 and pressing 3.

AppWizard

May 23, 2025

NotebookLM is my favorite AI tool, but wow, its Android version is bad!

NotebookLM is Google's AI tool that allows users to curate and manage information by dictating sources for insights. The recently launched NotebookLM Android app offers a functional experience with features like smooth animations and the ability to switch between Google accounts, but lacks essential functionalities such as robust note creation and the Discover feature available on the web. Users have reported slower processing times for Audio Overviews on the app compared to the web interface. Despite initial disappointment, there is hope for improvement and users are optimistic about future updates that may enhance the app's capabilities.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

Best Android Security Apps for Enterprise and Personal Use

Android holds a 71.65% market share as the leading mobile operating system. In 2025, users face sophisticated cyber threats such as ransomware and phishing scams. Android Enterprise provides a multi-layered defense system validated by the U.S. Department of Defense, featuring AI-driven threat detection that blocks 99.8% of malware through 100,000 daily app scans. It supports three device management models: Fully Managed Devices (COBO), Work Profiles (BYOD), and Dedicated Kiosk Mode. Recent enhancements include automated security patch deployment and hardware-backed key attestation. Leading Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions include TinyMDM, which offers real-time location tracking and remote device wiping, and integrates with Microsoft Intune for conditional access. Harmony Mobile combines app reputation scanning with network-level phishing prevention. Emerging trends in enterprise security include AI-powered anomaly detection, with 42% of enterprises adopting Zero Trust principles, and rugged device management optimized for industrial environments. For personal protection, Bitdefender Mobile Security leads AV-Test rankings, Kaspersky Premium blocks 5.6 million malware attacks monthly, and Norton 360 Deluxe includes biometric app locking. Privacy tools like ExpressVPN and DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser enhance user security. Google's Project Zero reports a 35% decline in critical Android vulnerabilities, attributed to improved patch adoption. The convergence of enterprise and personal security solutions is emphasized, with a focus on AI/ML integration for enterprises and comprehensive protection suites for individuals.

AppWizard

May 20, 2025

What’s driving growth in the Chinese video game industry?

The Chinese game industry has experienced significant growth, with popular titles like Genshin Impact and Black Myth: Wukong driving global interest. Black Myth: Wukong sold 10 million copies within a week of its August 2024 launch and won Game of the Year at the 2024 Steam Awards. The single-player game market in China is becoming more sustainable, with a shift in focus due to the success of titles like Black Myth: Wukong. Developers are adapting their strategies, although challenges such as high production costs, competition, and issues related to work culture persist. Local governments are actively supporting game development through licensing, tax breaks, and grants, with initiatives aimed at integrating cultural themes into games. Despite layoffs in the industry, a robust social safety net exists to support affected employees.

AppWizard

May 5, 2025

Google makes it easier to share digital credentials on your Android phone

Android now supports OpenID standards for digital credential presentation and issuance, allowing users to securely store and send cryptographically verifiable digital documents across apps. Google has expanded access to its Digital ID capabilities via the Wallet app for U.K. residents, promoting interoperability among applications managing digital identities. The Android platform now includes native support for OpenID4VP and OpenID4VCI through the Credential Manager's DigitalCredential API, enabling apps to incorporate various digital documents like educational certifications and insurance policies. Users can share credentials securely between devices using CTAP protocols and select appropriate credentials without specifying a digital wallet app. Digital credentials will be usable for account recovery on platforms like Amazon, accessing health services through CVS and MyChart, and verifying identities on services like Uber and Bumble. Samsung Wallet and 1Password will also support the storage of digital credentials, enhancing the ecosystem of digital wallets adhering to OpenID standards.