Machine Learning Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 2, 2025

Hackers Allegedly Selling Windows Crypter Claims Bypass of All Antiviruses

Underground cybercriminal forums are seeing an increase in advanced malware tools, including a Windows crypter that claims to bypass major antivirus solutions. This crypter is marketed as fully activated and capable of achieving Full Undetectable (FUD) status against contemporary antivirus engines. It employs advanced obfuscation techniques to evade detection, including code injection methods, entropy manipulation, and anti-debugging features. The tool allows for granular control over obfuscation parameters, enabling customization for specific target environments. The rise of such sophisticated evasion tools poses challenges for traditional endpoint security, making organizations vulnerable if they rely solely on signature-based antivirus solutions. To defend against these threats, organizations should adopt multi-layered security architectures, including behavioral analysis and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2025

Immuta Deepens AWS Integration with Native Support for PostgreSQL on Amazon RDS and Aurora

Immuta has introduced native support for PostgreSQL on Amazon RDS and Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition, now available in public preview. This integration aims to streamline access to PostgreSQL data on AWS through automated policy enforcement and a centralized data marketplace. Key features include automated access provisioning, dynamic policy enforcement, and marketplace integration for PostgreSQL datasets. This support facilitates faster data access, enhances compliance with privacy regulations, and empowers organizations to manage PostgreSQL data effectively in cloud-native environments. The capability is available globally starting today, and the Immuta Platform can be accessed on the AWS Marketplace.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2025

Microsoft oversells Windows 11’s Smart App Control as a “top antivirus solution”

Microsoft's Smart App Control (SAC) is integrated into Windows 11 and requires a clean installation to function optimally. It is designed to enhance security by using artificial intelligence to proactively shield users from threats, working alongside existing antivirus software rather than replacing it. SAC aims to anticipate and block suspicious applications before they can cause harm, minimizing system performance impact by avoiding constant file scanning. However, the effectiveness of SAC and its claims of being a groundbreaking innovation have been questioned, as proactive security measures have existed for years, and modern antivirus solutions offer advanced features beyond basic scanning. Users are advised to consider independent testing platforms for reliable antimalware options.

Tech Optimizer

May 26, 2025

Microsoft’s new security tool hopefully fixes the worst part of Windows’ antivirus software

Microsoft's Smart App Control is a new feature designed to enhance malware prevention for Windows users by proactively blocking suspicious applications before they can cause harm. It utilizes advanced machine learning and cloud data to identify and neutralize potential threats based on patterns and behaviors. While Smart App Control provides a proactive layer of protection, Microsoft recommends that users continue to use traditional antivirus software to complement its capabilities, as traditional programs are effective at identifying and removing known threats.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2025

Defendnot Disarms Windows Defender by Pretending to Be a Friend

A newly developed security program called Defendnot can deceive and disable Windows Defender, even without legitimate antivirus software installed. It alters the system to appear as a genuine antivirus program, allowing hackers to neutralize Windows Defender's protective measures. Defendnot operates through an undocumented API that antivirus software uses to register with the Windows Security Center, causing Microsoft Defender to deactivate. Developed by security researcher es3n1n, Defendnot injects a DLL file into the Taskmgr.exe process, misleading Windows into believing an antivirus is present. Although created for research purposes, it can be misused by cybercriminals. Microsoft Defender recognizes Defendnot as a Trojan and quarantines it upon detection.

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

Preventing App-Based Threats on Android Devices

By 2025, the Android platform faces increasingly sophisticated app-based threats, including ransomware, fake apps, social engineering, and remote access attacks. Cybercriminals exploit Android's open architecture, prompting the need for advanced security measures. Android's security architecture includes: 1. Google Play Protect: Scans applications before installation using real-time machine learning to detect emerging malware and deceptive tactics. 2. Application Sandboxing: Isolates apps to prevent data access between them, utilizing Linux permissions and SELinux policies. 3. App Signing and Code Integrity: Requires cryptographic signatures for apps, complicating the introduction of rogue certificates and runtime modifications. Advanced protections include Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP) for high-security apps, which monitors behavior in real time, and secure coding practices that encourage regular code reviews, strong authentication, and data encryption. User vigilance is crucial, emphasizing responsible downloading, limiting permissions, keeping software updated, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious with public Wi-Fi. Google continuously updates security measures, ensuring older devices receive new protections, while collaboration with the security community aids in identifying and countering emerging threats.

Tech Optimizer

May 19, 2025

How to catch and optimize problematic queries in PostgreSQL

Performance issues in PostgreSQL can arise as databases grow, leading to declines in query performance. To identify problematic queries, one can log long-running queries by setting the `log_min_duration_statement` parameter in the `postgresql.conf` file. The `pg_stat_statements` module can be enabled to monitor execution statistics of SQL statements, providing insights into query performance, including execution time and the number of calls. Queries with high standard deviation in execution time may indicate inconsistency, while sorting query statistics by total execution time can reveal excessive load from multiple fast queries. Real-time monitoring can be done using the `pg_stat_activity` view to check active queries and their states, and the `pg_locks` view can help identify blocked processes. The `EXPLAIN` command can analyze query execution plans, and using the `auto_explain` module can log plans for slow queries. Understanding cost parameters in query plans helps in optimizing performance, and different join methods (Nested Loop, Merge Join, Hash Join) have varying complexities and costs. To influence the planner's choice of scanning methods, configuration parameters can be adjusted, such as disabling sequential scanning. Extensions like `sr_plan`, `pg_hint_plan`, and `AQO` can further optimize query execution. Monitoring query progress can be done using dynamic views like `pg_stat_progress_*` for various commands.

AppWizard

May 19, 2025

How to stop Android apps running in the background

Experiencing unexpected battery drain on Android devices can be caused by background apps. To manage these apps and alleviate battery issues, users can activate the Adaptive Battery feature by navigating to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver > Adaptive Battery and toggling it on. Regular updates for both the Android system and applications can improve battery performance. Users can check for Android updates in Settings > System > Software updates and for app updates in the Google Play Store under Manage apps & device. To monitor battery usage, users can go to Settings > Battery > Battery usage to identify which apps consume the most power. For RAM usage, enabling Developer options allows users to see which apps are using memory by going to Settings > About phone > Build number (tap seven times) > System > Developer options > Running services. Users can stop or uninstall background apps by navigating to Settings > Apps > See all apps, selecting the app, and choosing to force stop or uninstall it. To limit background activity for specific apps, users can enable "Pause app activity if unused" or toggle off "Allow background usage" in the app's battery usage settings. Some manufacturers offer built-in options for managing background apps, and third-party apps like Greenify can also help. Common battery-draining apps include social media and streaming services.

Tech Optimizer

May 18, 2025

Defendnot tool pitched as ‘an even funnier way’ to disable Windows Defender

A new tool called Defendnot, developed by es3n1n, allows users to disable Windows Defender by using an undocumented Windows Security Center (WSC) API to simulate the presence of another antivirus program. This tool is a successor to the no-defender tool, which was taken down due to legal issues. Defendnot does not use third-party antivirus code and aims for a clean implementation. It disables Microsoft Defender upon activation, leaving users vulnerable to malware as it does not provide real-time scanning. Defendnot is designed to run automatically at Windows startup. Microsoft classifies Defendnot as a Trojan, raising concerns about its potential misuse by malicious actors.