Kaspersky Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 19, 2026

Real-World Threats Demand Real Results

AV-Comparatives conducted a Real-World Protection Test from February to May 2026, evaluating 20 consumer security products against real-world internet threats. Seven products received the ADVANCED+ award for their effective protection and low false alarm rates. The complete test report is available for free at av-comparatives.org. The evaluated products included well-known security solutions such as Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Microsoft, Norton, and TotalAV. The test aimed to assess how well these products protect against various online threats, including malware embedded in trusted platforms.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

Real-World Threats Demand Real Results

AV-Comparatives conducted its Real-World Protection Test from February to May 2026, assessing 20 consumer security products against real-world internet threats. Seven products received the ADVANCED+ award for their reliable protection capabilities. The complete test report is available for free at av-comparatives.org. The tested products included well-known names such as Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Microsoft, Norton, and TotalAV. The test methodology involved evaluating the products against a curated set of threats and assessing false-positive rates.

Winsage

June 17, 2026

Windows and Linux users: The deadline to update Secure Boot keys is near

In 2012, a novel bootkit targeting Mac OS X systems emerged, infiltrating the EFI firmware. A basic bootkit for Windows 8 also appeared, compromising the UEFI bootkit. By 2013, a more sophisticated UEFI bootkit named Dreamboat was introduced for Windows. The first documented real-world UEFI attack occurred in 2018 with the malware LoJax, linked to a Kremlin-backed hacking group. In 2020, the second known UEFI malware, MosaicRegressor, was discovered, which verified the presence of a malicious file upon each reboot. New UEFI bootkits like ESpecter, FinSpy, and MoonBounce have since emerged. In response to the threat of UEFI bootkits, Microsoft collaborated with manufacturers to implement Secure Boot, a protocol that uses cryptographic signatures to ensure the integrity of firmware during startup.

Tech Optimizer

June 11, 2026

9 Best Antivirus Software On G2: My Top Picks

Antivirus software can become overwhelming for organizations due to alert fatigue shortly after deployment. Analysts often struggle to prioritize notifications, leading to the mismanagement of legitimate tools and unclear incident timelines. A review of nine antivirus solutions based on G2's Winter 2026 Grid® Report identified the following top performers: 1. ESET PROTECT: Best for machine learning-driven endpoint protection; offers enterprise-grade security with a free trial available. 2. Sophos Endpoint: Best for ransomware prevention; provides centralized policy control with a free trial available. 3. ThreatDown: Cost-effective EDR with MDR flexibility; combines antivirus and endpoint detection with a free trial available. 4. CrowdStrike Falcon: Best for large-scale enterprise threat prevention; cloud-native platform with subscription-based pricing and a free trial available. 5. Check Point Harmony Endpoint: Best for unified endpoint and zero-trust protection; integrates malware prevention and phishing defense with a free trial available. 6. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Best for Microsoft-native environments; deeply integrated with Microsoft 365, licensed through enterprise agreements. 7. Kaspersky AntiVirus: Best for traditional malware protection; provides real-time protection against various threats. 8. SentinelOne: Best for autonomous AI-driven endpoint response; features automated remediation and ransomware rollback with a free trial available. 9. FortiClient: Best for Fortinet-centric environments; offers VPN access and security policy enforcement with a free basic client available. The analysis highlighted that effective antivirus solutions prioritize behavioral analysis over traditional signature-based detection, minimize false positives, and maintain low system impact during operation. Key factors for evaluating antivirus software include threat detection accuracy, centralized visibility, response capabilities, and deployment stability.

Winsage

May 24, 2026

Avast Free Antivirus for Windows: Features, Limits, and Use

Avast Free Antivirus for Windows is a free antivirus solution designed for home users to protect against malware and phishing. It is developed by Avast, now part of Gen Digital, and is available for download worldwide. The software provides real-time threat detection, continuous scanning, and features such as File Shield, Web Shield, and Email Shield. It allows users to perform smart scans and schedule comprehensive system scans. Avast Free Antivirus is particularly relevant for U.S. consumers who frequently engage in online activities, offering protection against cyber threats. It competes with other antivirus solutions like Microsoft, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and AVG. The software includes real-time scanning for malware and ransomware, web and email shields, and optional features like network inspector and password tools. Users can upgrade to premium security suites if desired.

Tech Optimizer

May 19, 2026

Avast Free Antivirus for US users: core features explained

Avast Free Antivirus is a free security application that provides essential malware protection and additional tools for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It blocks malware and suspicious websites using real-time scanning and integrates with the operating system's security center on Windows. Key features include file shield scanning, web and mail shields, and ransomware-related shields on select platforms. It is available for free download in the US and is popular among home users, families, students, and individual professionals. Avast competes with other antivirus vendors like McAfee and Bitdefender and is often reviewed positively by tech outlets. While it offers core protections, advanced features require paid subscriptions. Users can conduct various types of scans and utilize browser extensions to assess site safety. The software is designed to coexist with Windows built-in security features, but experts advise using additional security measures for online banking and shopping.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2026

Kaspersky Achieves 40% Reach Rate and Store Visits with AnyMind’s Data-Led Influencer Marketing

Kaspersky partnered with AnyMind Group in March 2026 to launch an influencer marketing campaign in Singapore aimed at changing consumer perceptions that Kaspersky only offers antivirus protection. The campaign focused on building trust through relatable narratives, increasing urgency around scam prevention, and driving traffic to the Kaspersky Shopee Store. It utilized Instagram for engagement, featuring relatable stories and humor to simplify complex cybersecurity topics. The campaign achieved significant reach and engagement, with total reach exceeding 160,000, total views at 223,000, and total engagements of 7,500. The engagement rate was 4.73%, and the reach rate was 40.56%. Influencer Faris Samri had the highest engagement rate at 17.20%. The campaign led to a 2,900% increase in store page views and over 6,000 combined saves and shares, indicating high user value in the content. Interactive Instagram Stories were identified as the key driver for direct link clicks.

Tech Optimizer

May 13, 2026

Nine Enterprise Security Solutions Certified in AV-Comparatives 2026 EDR Detection Validation Test

AV-Comparatives conducted the 2026 EDR Detection Validation Test, certifying nine enterprise solutions for their detection capabilities. The certified products include Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security Enterprise, ESET PROTECT Elite, Fortinet FortiEDR, G DATA 365 | MXDR, Genian Insight E, Kaspersky EDR Expert (on-premises), ManageEngine Endpoint Central with EDR, Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR Pro, and Sangfor Athena AI-Native EPP. The evaluation focused on the effectiveness, consistency, and usability of detection capabilities, providing a clear overview of each product's performance in a realistic 14-stage Advanced Persistent Threat scenario. The assessment ensured that results were not influenced by prevention mechanisms and highlighted the role of AI in improving detection result readability and SOC efficiency.

Tech Optimizer

May 10, 2026

Avast Antivirus: What US Users Need to Know Right Now

Avast Antivirus is a widely used security tool for Windows, macOS, and Android in the U.S., functioning primarily as a real-time malware scanner that protects against threats like viruses and ransomware. The free version for Windows includes on-access scanning and web-shield protection, while paid versions offer additional features such as a firewall, ransomware shield, and VPN. On macOS, it focuses on malware detection and web protection, and on Android, it includes app-permission monitoring and device location features. Avast has faced criticism for its data-collection practices, particularly its past monetization of user data through a subsidiary, Jumpshot, which was discontinued in 2020. Despite improvements, it still collects telemetry and usage data. Avast is suitable for users looking for an easy-to-use antivirus solution at low cost, particularly those using Windows PCs for everyday tasks. However, it may not be ideal for privacy-conscious users or those with older hardware, as it can slow down system performance. Avast competes with other antivirus providers like Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, and Kaspersky, each offering various features and performance levels. The company is a subsidiary of Gen Digital, which consolidates multiple cybersecurity brands, and its growth potential is influenced by user retention and regulatory scrutiny. Users should weigh their priorities regarding cost, privacy, and performance when deciding on antivirus solutions.

Winsage

April 28, 2026

‘Unlimited Attack Vectors’—All Windows Versions At Risk From New Flaw

Microsoft is facing a significant security vulnerability in its Windows operating system known as PhantomRPC, which allows for privilege escalation. Cybersecurity experts have expressed concern over the company's delayed response in issuing a patch for this flaw. The vulnerability resides within the Windows Remote Procedure Call (RPC) architecture and enables processes with impersonation privileges to elevate their permissions to SYSTEM level. Researcher Haidar Kabibo identified five distinct paths for exploitation, which require user interaction, coercion, or compromise of background services. Despite disclosing the vulnerability to Microsoft in September 2025, the company categorized it as moderately severe and did not issue a patch or a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) listing. Microsoft stated that the technique requires an already-compromised machine and emphasized the importance of following security best practices. Experts have criticized Microsoft's lack of action, arguing that it is operationally negligent and places the burden of risk management on users. In the absence of a patch, security professionals recommend focusing on access control and environmental hygiene to mitigate the risks associated with the vulnerability.