NordVPN Archives

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.

Tech Optimizer

December 24, 2025

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

AV-Comparatives has released its 2025 Anti-Phishing Comparative Test results, 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% average detection rate for phishing websites, securing third place in the test. NordVPN was the first VPN service to receive AV-Comparatives' approval for anti-phishing protection and has maintained this certification, being the only VPN provider with such recognition. To gain AV-Comparatives' approval, a product must detect and block at least 85% of tested phishing URLs without false alarms on legitimate sites.

Tech Optimizer

December 2, 2025

The Cyber Monday 2025 Cybersecurity, IT, VPN, & Antivirus Deals

As Black Friday 2025 approaches, various early deals are available across multiple sectors. Password Manager Deals: - Passwork: 50% discount on all plans. - LastPass: - 50% off Premium & Families - 10% off Teams - 20% off Business - 30% off Business Max Plans - Dashlane: 60% discount on all personal plans. VPN Deals: - NordVPN: Up to 77% off a 2-year subscription; basic plan at .99/month (74% discount). - SurfShark: Up to 88% off with three free months on a 2-year subscription. - ProtonVPN: Up to 70% off, depending on subscription length. Antivirus Software Deals: - Malwarebytes: 50% off 1-year or 2-year subscriptions to Standard, Plus, and Ultimate plans. - Avast: Up to 70% off antivirus software. - ESET: 50% off ESET Home antivirus software. - Bitdefender: 30% off subscriptions for GravityZone products. Personal Information Privacy Deals: - Incogni: 55% off personal information removal plans with coupon code BFDEAL25. - DeleteMe: 30% off privacy protection plans with coupon code BFCM30OFF25. IT and Security Courses Deals: - PuralSight: 60% off individual plans with coupon code BLACKFRIDAY60. - Udemy: Cyber Week sale with courses available for .99. - ISC2: 10% off cybersecurity training and courses from November 28 to December 5. Security & IT Black Friday Deals: - Firewalla: Sitewide discounts and additional savings on devices. - Hak5: Hacked November Sale with significant discounts. - Yubico: 30% off YubiKey 5 NFC and 5C NFC security keys.

Tech Optimizer

November 30, 2025

PrivadoVPN bundles VPN with antivirus for just $1.11 per month with our exclusive deal

PrivadoVPN is offering a Black Friday deal at .11 per month, which includes unlimited antivirus protection at no extra cost. The 27-month plan costs .99, making it the most affordable premium VPN option available. PrivadoVPN provides speeds exceeding 800 Mbps, essential features like a kill switch and parental controls, and can protect up to 10 devices simultaneously. It claims a strict no-logs policy, but lacks independent audit verification.

Tech Optimizer

November 25, 2025

The Black Friday 2025 Cybersecurity, IT, VPN, & Antivirus Deals

As Black Friday 2025 approaches, various promotions in digital security and online education are being offered. Password Manager Deals: - Passwork: 50% discount on all plans. - LastPass: 50% off Premium & Families plans, 10% off Teams, 20% off Business, and 30% off Business Max Plans. - Dashlane: 60% discount on all personal plans. VPN Deals: - NordVPN: Up to 77% off a 2-year subscription, basic plan at .99/month (74% discount). - SurfShark: Up to 88% off with three free months for a 2-year subscription. - ProtonVPN: Up to 70% off, depending on subscription length. Antivirus Software Deals: - Malwarebytes: 50% off 1-year or 2-year subscriptions. - Avast: Up to 70% off various antivirus software options. - ESET: 50% off ESET Home antivirus software. - Bitdefender: 30% off subscriptions to GravityZone products. Personal Information Privacy Deals: - Incogni: 55% off personal information removal plans with coupon code BFDEAL25. - DeleteMe: 30% off privacy protection plans with coupon code BFCM30OFF25. IT and Security Courses Deals: - PuralSight: 60% off individual plans with coupon code BLACKFRIDAY60. - Udemy: Courses discounted to .99 during Cyber Week. - ISC2: 10% off cybersecurity training and certificates from November 28 to December 5. Security & IT Black Friday Deals: - Firewalla: Sitewide discounts and additional discounts on devices. - Hak5: Deep discounts during Hacked November Sale. - Yubico: 30% off YubiKey 5 NFC and 5C NFC security keys.

Tech Optimizer

November 16, 2025

Best VPN With Antivirus in 2025

NordVPN features an innovative Threat Protection Pro that scans downloaded files for threats, assesses applications for vulnerabilities, blocks malicious websites, and reduces intrusive ads and trackers. It is the first VPN to receive AV-Comparatives’ anti-phishing certification, but it lacks full antivirus capabilities like system scans and malware removal. The feature is included in the Plus, Complete, and Prime subscription tiers for Windows and Mac users, with specific pricing structures for each tier. NordVPN is noted for its speed, extensive server network in 126 countries, and strong privacy features. Norton Secure VPN, while user-friendly, has issues such as IPv6 leaks, excessive data collection, and concerns related to its US jurisdiction. It has slower speeds, a limited server network, and lacks Linux support. Norton is working on improvements, including support for various streaming devices, but alternatives may provide better privacy features and performance.

Tech Optimizer

November 15, 2025

Double savings: not 1 but 2 top deals on outstanding VPNs with antivirus built in

VPN providers are offering enticing Black Friday deals, making it a good time for consumers to explore options. Surfshark is highlighted for its value, offering subscription plans that include Surfshark Antivirus, which features webcam protection, scheduled virus scans, and real-time scanning. Surfshark's CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and the antivirus received a 'Top Product' certification from AV-Test in 2024. Surfshark's pricing includes the Starter plan at .99 per month, the One plan at .19, and the One+ plan at .19. Norton VPN has improved its product and offers Plus and Ultimate plans with antivirus support and an AI-powered Scam Protection feature. Specific Black Friday deals for Norton VPN are not yet announced, but there is an exclusive discount for TechRadar users in select countries.

Tech Optimizer

November 13, 2025

New ClickFix Attack Targeting Windows and macOS Users to Deploy Infostealer Malware

Security researchers have identified a malware campaign using the ClickFix social engineering technique to spread information-stealing malware on Windows and macOS. The campaign targets users searching for cracked software, leading them to malicious Google-hosted landing pages. Victims encounter fake security warnings that prompt them to execute a malicious command, resulting in the installation of infostealer malware. Windows users receive the ACR stealer, while macOS users get the Odyssey stealer, both delivered in password-protected ZIP files. ACR also loads additional malware like SharkClipper, which hijacks cryptocurrency clipboard data. The campaign has seen a 700% increase in ACR logs in May 2025, with ClickFix becoming the most common initial access method, accounting for 47% of all initial access schemes. The malware collects various user data, including passwords and cryptocurrency wallets, and operates in a fileless manner to evade detection. Security experts advise against executing unverified commands and recommend enhancing endpoint detection capabilities to combat these threats.

AppWizard

November 7, 2025

9 Popular Android Apps That Are A Waste Of Your Money

Android's built-in security features are sufficient for most users, making paid antivirus subscriptions often unnecessary. YouTube Premium costs .99 per month for an ad-free experience, background playback, and offline downloads, but users can use the Brave Browser for ad removal and background playback for free, while NewPipe allows offline downloads. NordVPN costs .99 per month, but Proton VPN offers a free tier without data caps suitable for casual users. WPS Office Premium requires payment to remove ads and increase cloud storage from 1GB to 20GB, while Google Docs provides 15GB of free cloud storage and better functionality. LinkedIn Premium costs .99 per month but does not guarantee better job offers; optimizing a profile and networking are often more effective. CCleaner and similar apps may slow down devices, while built-in tools like Files by Google can effectively manage cache for free. Adobe Express Premium offers advanced graphic design features for a fee, but Canva provides a robust free alternative. CamScanner Premium is only necessary for advanced features; Adobe Scan and Microsoft Lens offer similar functionality for free. Evernote's free version limits users to 50 notes on one device, while Google Keep allows unlimited note-taking and syncing for free. Kaspersky and other antivirus apps may be unnecessary as Android's Play Protect feature offers adequate security for most users.

Tech Optimizer

November 5, 2025

Oh no, 73% of Americans think their antivirus alone keeps them safe on public WiFi

A survey by NordVPN found that 73% of Americans incorrectly believe antivirus software alone is enough to protect information on public WiFi, highlighting a misunderstanding of cybersecurity tools. Many respondents also mistakenly think antivirus software can prevent identity theft and phishing attempts. Nearly 33% of participants rely solely on "safe behavior" for online security without using any cybersecurity tools. Additionally, 48% of Americans reported that their personal data has been leaked at some point. The survey sampled individuals aged 18 to 74 from September 2 to September 10, 2025.