internet users Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 28, 2026

5 myths about antivirus software that are hurting your device more than helping it

Windows Defender is a basic antivirus that meets the needs of most users against everyday threats but lacks the comprehensive protection of advanced solutions like Bitdefender, which offers features such as real-time protection against scams, identity theft, ransomware, a VPN, parental controls, and a password manager. Even careful internet users can fall victim to cyber threats, making antivirus software necessary. Modern antivirus solutions, including Bitdefender, do not significantly slow down PCs due to advancements like AI-powered scanning technology. Today's antivirus software operates automatically, requiring minimal user intervention, and protects against a wide range of threats beyond just viruses, including ransomware, phishing, and spyware.

Tech Optimizer

April 21, 2026

Gen Digital Inc stock (US36870C1018): Is its cybersecurity moat strong enough for steady investor re

Gen Digital Inc operates a consumer-focused cybersecurity model centered on subscription-based protection services, including antivirus, VPNs, and identity theft protection. The company generates predictable revenue through auto-renewals, with over 90% of customers renewing annually. Its business model scales with internet penetration and focuses on individual users rather than enterprise contracts. Gen Digital emphasizes organic growth through product innovation and geographic expansion, with key growth drivers including the increase of connected devices and cloud-based delivery. The product portfolio features tiered subscription plans, catering to diverse consumer needs, and the company maintains a competitive position through superior detection rates and customer support. Gen Digital's primary markets are North America and Europe, with emerging opportunities in Latin America and Asia. Analysts view the subscription model favorably for its resilience and cash flow generation, while risks include competition from free tools and regulatory changes. Upcoming earnings will provide insights into subscriber trends and pricing power.

AppWizard

April 15, 2026

Stuck on a sketchy site? Google is finally putting a stop to it

Google is implementing updated spam policies to combat "back button hijacking," a deceptive practice that manipulates browser history and traps users on unwanted websites. Starting June 15, websites engaging in this practice will face penalties, including manual actions or drops in search rankings. Google has observed an increase in scripts that alter browser history, often through JavaScript, creating misleading entries that redirect users within the same site or to advertisements. Website owners have a two-month period to address these issues, as failure to do so could lead to significant traffic loss. Google's enforcement will begin after the deadline, with automated systems identifying and removing offending sites from search results.

BetaBeacon

March 31, 2026

Decentraland Launches on Epic Games Store; Android Mobile App Now Live, iOS Coming Soon

Decentraland is now available on the Epic Games Store for desktop users, offering an exclusive wearable for a limited time. The mobile app is currently available on Android with iOS coming soon, catering to the growing mobile gaming market. The mobile experience is designed for shorter, more frequent visits and seamless transition between desktop and mobile devices. Decentraland is a community-driven virtual space where users can engage in various activities and events.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

Undeliverable? Why the Kremlin might be set to silence online messaging apps in Russia.

Residents of Moscow are experiencing GPS spoofing in downtown areas, leading many to use paper maps instead of digital navigators due to signal manipulation by security forces to counter Ukrainian drones. The Russian government is "throttling" popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram in favor of a domestically developed super-app named Max. This strategy aims to reshape online interactions in Russia and is part of broader efforts to control the digital landscape. Analysts suggest that this could lead to a near-total internet shutdown during emergencies, with a published "whitelist" of about 900 essential websites. The internet disruptions have particularly affected younger generations who rely heavily on social networks and online services. Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has blocked foreign platforms for non-compliance with data localization laws and is targeting messaging apps, making them largely unusable without VPNs. Telegram may face a complete shutdown on April 1. Despite the crackdown, state agencies continue to use Telegram for communication, while security services view these apps as potential threats.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Android 16 Bug Silently Breaks VPNs, Say Providers

Multiple VPN providers, including Proton VPN, Mullvad, WireGuard, and TunnelBear, are experiencing a persistent bug in Android 16 that causes their services to disconnect unexpectedly after app updates. Google has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix. The bug occurs when the network stack enters a problematic state during a VPN app update while still connected, leading to a "connecting" loop and potential loss of internet connectivity or exposure of non-VPN traffic. Restarting the VPN app does not resolve the issue; a device reboot or app reinstallation is required. This bug undermines Android's safety features like Always-on VPN and "Block connections without VPN." The issue affects a significant number of users, given Android's 70% market share and the 30-35% of internet users utilizing VPNs. Temporary workarounds include rebooting the device, manually disconnecting the VPN before updates, and pausing auto-updates. The bug poses operational risks for organizations enforcing always-on VPN policies, and developers are seeking app-side mitigations while emphasizing the need for a platform-level fix. Users are advised to monitor their VPN status after updates and report issues to assist in troubleshooting.

TrendTechie

March 2, 2026

Торренты наиболее популярны в небольших городах

A survey conducted by the ProResearch Center for Modern Studies and the National Agency for Financial Research (NAFI) included 1,600 respondents from 132 localities in 46 regions of Russia to explore torrent usage. The findings indicate that the most active torrent users are in smaller cities with populations between 50,000 and 100,000, while only 13% of users from major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg regularly use torrent services. Overall, 33% of internet users familiar with torrents engage with them regularly, but 59% of respondents had never heard of torrents, especially among older demographics. Young adults aged 18 to 24 are the most informed about torrents, with 41% having varying degrees of knowledge, and 17% of those knowledgeable use torrents regularly.

AppWizard

February 15, 2026

Max Messenger: A fake data breach with genuine consequences?

A user claimed to have breached Max but later clarified that no large-scale breach or critical vulnerabilities were found. False claims about data breaches can cause significant reputational damage, as demonstrated by a Russian hacking group that falsely claimed to have accessed Epic Games' data, which was later admitted to be a ruse. Similarly, EuroCar reported that fake breach reports may have been generated by ChatGPT, misleading customers. Russian users are distrustful of the Max app, perceived as buggy and insecure. The Russian Federal Security Service blocked its integration with government services due to encryption concerns. Although the government pressures citizens to adopt Max, many may install it without using it regularly. There is skepticism among Russian citizens regarding the app's security, making them susceptible to damaging rumors. Future claims about Max Messenger data breaches are anticipated. Recommendations for organizations to protect against misinformation include maintaining a good reputation, being transparent if a breach occurs, and investing in digital forensics to counter false claims.

Tech Optimizer

January 7, 2026

Best Antivirus Software (January 2026): Webroot Recognized for Lightweight Protection by Expert Consumers

Webroot has been recognized by Expert Consumers for its innovative antivirus protection, which offers essential security features with minimal impact on system performance. The software is cloud-based and lightweight, providing real-time protection while using minimal system resources. It leverages cloud technology for threat analysis, allowing for quick scans and unobtrusive background protection. Webroot includes real-time monitoring, flexible scanning options, phishing protection, and ransomware protection. It also addresses threats to personal data and offers protection for mobile devices and Chromebooks. Webroot's product lineup includes various plans tailored to user needs, from basic antivirus protection to comprehensive plans with identity protection features. The software is designed to operate consistently in the background, ensuring usability and reducing the risk of misconfigurations.

Tech Optimizer

December 30, 2025

NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ ranks third in an independent anti-phishing test

AV-Comparatives conducted the 2025 Anti-Phishing Comparative Test, evaluating the phishing detection capabilities of various antivirus products, browsers, and VPNs using 1,000 phishing URLs. NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro™ achieved a 90% detection rate of phishing websites, ranking third in the evaluation. To qualify for AV-Comparatives’ Anti-Phishing Protection approval, products must detect and block at least 85% of phishing URLs without generating false positives. NordVPN is the only VPN provider to receive this recognition.