malware protection Archives

Tech Optimizer

December 28, 2024

TotalAV Free Edition

TotalAV Free Edition provides limited antivirus protection, relying heavily on Microsoft Defender for real-time scanning. Installation is straightforward but can be lengthy, and users are automatically enrolled in a seven-day trial of TotalAV Antivirus Pro. The interface resembles the premium version, but it lacks real-time protection, leading to constant alerts for users to upgrade. Independent lab tests have shown that only the Pro version has been evaluated, achieving good scores, while the free edition remains untested. Users can perform on-demand or scheduled scans, with a full scan taking about 53 minutes. However, TotalAV does not register with Windows, complicating the user experience by requiring both TotalAV and Microsoft Defender to operate simultaneously. In a malware protection test, the free edition achieved a 99% removal rate of malware samples, but its phishing protection is inadequate, relying on Edge’s SmartScreen Filter, which has a low detection rate. Most privacy features are locked behind a paid upgrade, although it includes a clean-up scan and uninstaller feature. The Total Security page is the same for both editions, but most features require an upgrade. Overall, the free edition's reliance on Microsoft Defender and limited features suggest users might find better standalone antivirus options.

Tech Optimizer

December 19, 2024

McAfee vs Norton: Which Antivirus Software Is Best?

The rivalry between Norton and McAfee has influenced the antivirus market for decades. Norton Antivirus Plus has a rating of 4.8 out of 5, while McAfee Total Protection has a rating of 4.7 out of 5. Norton offers excellent AV and malware protection, scanning speed, and very good false positive management, while McAfee excels in false positive reduction and includes features like a VPN, firewall, and identity monitoring. Norton typically retails for a certain price per year for five devices but is currently available at a discounted rate, along with a seven-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee. McAfee Total Protection lists at a higher price but is often discounted, with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Norton includes 2 GB of cloud backup and a password manager, while McAfee offers various tiers with additional features like AI-powered tools and enhanced identity theft protection. Users should choose Norton for cost-effectiveness and included cloud backup, while McAfee is preferable for lower system resource usage and fewer false positives. Both products are sufficient on their own, and installing both may cause conflicts.

Tech Optimizer

December 13, 2024

F-Secure Total review: affordable antivirus solution lets you build custom plan

F-Secure Total is an antivirus solution priced at .99, offering robust protection for various devices with customizable subscription plans. The most economical plan starts at .99 annually for one device, with options for 1 to 26 devices. Users can add a VPN and password manager for an additional fee. It supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and provides 24/7 live chat support. The software features real-time malware protection, regular scans, and has received positive scores from cybersecurity labs, though it has a higher-than-average false-positive rate. F-Secure's privacy policy ensures user data is not sold or shared with third parties.

Tech Optimizer

December 13, 2024

McAfee Plus review

McAfee, founded in 1987, is a pioneer in cybersecurity, known for introducing antivirus software. McAfee Plus offers features like antivirus protection, real-time threat prevention, a VPN, a password manager, and identity theft protection. The annual subscription is currently priced at .99, down from .99. The McAfee Plus Advanced plan costs .99 annually, offering identity theft coverage up to million, while the Ultimate plan is priced at .99 annually, adding bank account takeover monitoring and up to 0,000 in ransomware coverage. Family plans start at .99 annually, providing individual identity monitoring and up to million in coverage per adult member. McAfee Plus includes 24/7 monitoring, a secure VPN for online banking, and parental controls. Competitors include Norton 360, Bitdefender Total Security, and Trend Micro Maximum Security, each with distinct features and performance characteristics. McAfee offers various support options, including a Support Center, community forums, direct assistance via phone and chat, and tutorial videos.

Tech Optimizer

December 10, 2024

Phone Antivirus Software Market to Witness Massive Growth in Years to Come

HTF Market Intelligence has released a study on the Global Phone Antivirus Software Market, covering 143 pages and analyzing market trends from 2024 to 2032. The market is expected to grow from .7 billion in 2024 to a projected value by 2032, with a CAGR of 10.5%. It includes categories such as Mobile Antivirus, Malware Protection, Anti-theft, and Privacy Protection, and applications like Personal Devices, Mobile Security, Data Protection, and App Security. The report highlights North America as the dominating region and Asia-Pacific as the fastest-growing region. It aims to identify key manufacturers, analyze market share, examine growth factors, assess future trends, and investigate recent developments. A five forces analysis and a PESTLE analysis are included to evaluate market conditions. The report's structure includes sections on market overview, pricing analysis, segmentation, competitive analysis, and research methodology.

Tech Optimizer

December 7, 2024

Eset Premium review: 2024 improvements aren’t enough

Eset Premium is a cybersecurity solution launched in 2024, noted for its speed and effectiveness as an antivirus. It offers excellent malware protection, flexible plans for multiple devices, a quick installation process, and live chat support available 11 hours on weekdays. However, it has a poor track record prior to 2024, relatively high pricing, and issues with chatbot errors regarding live agent availability. Eset Premium supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and offers three subscription tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, with varying features and pricing. The Essential plan provides real-time malware protection, while the Premium tier adds a password manager and ransomware protection. The Ultimate plan includes additional features like an unlimited VPN and dark web monitoring. The installation process is user-friendly, allowing for customization and an initial scan for malware. Eset Premium's design is clean, but the options can be overwhelming. Independent tests show strong performance in 2024, but the software had a weak track record in previous years, earning only a single star in real-time malware protection tests conducted in mid-2023. Eset provides 24/7 technical support through an AI chatbot, with live chat support available during business hours. The company assures users that their data is used solely for service provision, although there was a reported breach involving a partner company that targeted Eset customers.

Tech Optimizer

December 1, 2024

Expiring Soon: Our Top Antivirus Pick for 2024 Is a Staggering 90% Off for Black Friday

Shoppers have invested billions this holiday season, with billion allocated to electronics. It's important for buyers of new devices to have a robust antivirus solution. Exclusive offers on top-tier cybersecurity software are available, featuring substantial discounts. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus has a five-star "Exemplary" rating, praised for its performance and additional security features, covering three Windows devices for a year. McAfee+ offers comprehensive antivirus tools and malware protection, with an "Excellent" rating, providing coverage for all household computers, personal data monitoring, an unlimited VPN, and up to a million dollars in identity theft coverage. Norton 360 Deluxe is recognized as the top antivirus selection for 2024, with an Editors' Choice award, supporting multiple platforms and offering coverage for five devices, 50GB of cloud backup, privacy monitoring, and parental controls. Black Friday deals are still available.

Tech Optimizer

November 29, 2024

Trend Micro review: strong protection that’s affordable

Trend Micro's Premium Security Suite is priced at .95 and offers comprehensive protection against online threats. It has a strong track record of near-perfect protection over 11 years and provides 24/7 support. The suite includes affordable multidevice plans, with the Premium Security Suite covering up to ten devices and featuring a VPN and identity theft insurance. Trend Micro offers a range of pricing tiers, starting with a basic Antivirus+ subscription for one device. It provides 30-day free trials and a free virus scanner called HouseCall. The installation process is user-friendly, and the dashboard is designed for easy navigation. Trend Micro excels in threat detection, achieving high scores in independent evaluations and effectively blocking malware attempts. Customer support includes phone support and 24/7 live chat for Premium subscribers. The company prioritizes user privacy, with limited data usage for service provision.

Tech Optimizer

November 28, 2024

I’m a privacy expert, here’s 5 things I’d buy to stay safe over Black Friday

As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers can enhance their online security while benefiting from discounts. Black Friday is a key time for purchasing cybersecurity tools to protect against data breaches, malware, and identity theft. 1. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts internet connections, protects user anonymity, and allows access to geo-restricted content. Leading VPN providers are offering discounts this Black Friday. 2. Antivirus software is essential for protection against malware and data breaches. Brands like Norton, Avast, and McAfee are offering reduced prices on their antivirus solutions this Black Friday. 3. A password manager helps users securely store and generate unique passwords, reducing the risk of credential-stuffing attacks. Many VPN services include password managers in their packages. 4. Identity theft and financial fraud are rising, with the FTC reporting over 550,000 cases of identity theft in the first half of 2024. Many antivirus providers now offer identity protection and credit monitoring, with discounts available during Black Friday. 5. Data removal services help individuals reclaim their privacy by requesting the deletion of personal information compiled by data brokers. Many antivirus and VPN providers offer these services, with Black Friday discounts available.

Tech Optimizer

November 27, 2024

Top 5 Free Antivirus Protection Programs (2025)

Free antivirus software provides essential protection against viruses, malware, and online threats without cost. Key features often include real-time scanning, automated updates, and basic security measures. Notable free antivirus programs for 2025 include: - Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition: Offers real-time protection, on-demand scanning, and anti-phishing features with low system impact. - Avira Free Security: Includes real-time protection, web protection, a VPN, a password manager, and a system optimizer. - Sophos Home Free: A cloud-managed solution that uses AI for threat detection and includes parental controls. - AVG AntiVirus Free: Known for reliable protection against malware and includes a ransomware decryption tool. - Microsoft Defender: Built into Windows, it provides decent protection and receives regular updates. Choosing the right antivirus depends on individual needs; options vary in features and performance impact. Free antivirus programs typically lack advanced features found in paid versions, such as comprehensive malware detection, firewall protection, and priority customer support. Independent labs test antivirus software for effectiveness, focusing on detection rates, false positives, and performance impact. Some free antivirus tools offer additional features like password managers and limited VPN access, but many advanced functions require payment. Overall, while free antivirus solutions may not be as comprehensive as paid options, they still provide solid protection for everyday users.