NordVPN Archives

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Best Secure and Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026

Your text messages and calls can be intercepted by hackers, corporations, and government entities, putting your private information at risk. Corporations may use your messages for targeted advertising or sell your data, while hackers may exploit it for identity theft or fraud. Governments may monitor communications under the guise of national security. Secure messaging apps are essential to protect your communications, as many default options expose sensitive information through metadata or lack proper security. Signal is recognized as the most secure messaging app, offering end-to-end encryption, being open-source, and free of charge, though it requires a phone number for registration. Threema allows complete anonymity without data collection but has no free version. Telegram, while popular, has security concerns as not all communications are end-to-end encrypted by default. WhatsApp and Keybase are discouraged due to ownership issues affecting privacy. Characteristics to look for in a secure messaging app include end-to-end encryption, third-party testing, open-source code, self-destructing messages, and minimal user data collection.

Tech Optimizer

March 1, 2026

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs to offer a real antivirus solution

Users are increasingly focused on the effectiveness of their security software alongside the number of streaming services they use. Leading VPN providers are responding by offering comprehensive packages that combine VPN capabilities with antivirus features. Surfshark has introduced Surfshark One, which integrates its VPN service with proprietary antivirus software. This solution is designed to provide a comprehensive cybersecurity experience within a single application. To access the antivirus feature, users must subscribe to the Surfshark One plan, which offers quick and full scans, customizable scanning options, and scheduled scans. Detected threats are quarantined and deleted after 60 days. The antivirus includes Cloud Protect for continuous defense against malware, updating its database every three hours, and provides 24/7 malware protection. Surfshark One also includes additional tools such as Alternative ID for safeguarding user information, Surfshark Alert for notifications about compromised sensitive information, and Surfshark Search for ad-free browsing. Surfshark's VPN offers access to over 4,500 servers and supports unlimited devices. Surfshark One differs from other VPN packages by providing essential tools for post-compromise care and customizable security settings. Competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer tiered pricing structures with advanced security features in higher-tier plans. To acquire Surfshark One, users can visit the Surfshark website and choose from various subscription plans. The cost difference between the Surfshark Starter plan and Surfshark One is minimal, with Surfshark One starting at .49 per month. Surfshark One+ includes additional features like personal data removal and identity theft coverage. Only a few providers currently offer both VPN and antivirus capabilities, including Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost.

AppWizard

February 15, 2026

Why you need a VPN if you’re using ChatGPT or other AI chatbots

AI chatbots collect a significant amount of personal information, including email address, username, subscription plan, messages sent, responses generated, features used, timestamps, device/browser type, IP address, and any files or images shared. Although ChatGPT claims not to sell user data, the extensive data collected raises privacy concerns, especially in the event of a data breach. Users may not be fully aware of potential changes in data policies, which could allow for future selling or misuse of their data. To protect their data while using chatbots, individuals are advised to utilize a VPN service.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2026

NordVPN Stopped Most Phishing Emails in Third-Party Testing, Study Says

NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro blocked 92% of phishing websites in an independent lab test conducted by AV-Comparatives, which evaluated 15 products against 250 verified phishing URLs. The test took place between January 7 and January 19, using Google Chrome for assessments. NordVPN's product ranked fourth, while the top three performers were Avast Free Antivirus and Norton Antivirus Plus (both at 95%) and Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus (93%). The software provides protection against phishing attempts and malware infections, even when not connected to a VPN. Phishing attacks have surged by 4,151% since the introduction of ChatGPT in 2022, with companies facing significant financial losses per breach. AI is being used to enhance phishing tactics, including deepfake videos and voice impersonations. Despite its effectiveness, NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro cannot remove existing malware on devices.

Tech Optimizer

January 30, 2026

NordVPN blocks 92% malicious sites in independent phishing test

NordVPN successfully blocked 92% of phishing websites in an evaluation by AV-Comparatives, highlighting the effectiveness of its anti-malware tool, Threat Protection Pro. The assessment, conducted from January 7 to January 19, 2026, analyzed 250 phishing URLs, with NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro ranking fourth among tested products. The tool is designed to protect users from various online threats and operates at the network level, scanning traffic directly on the user's device. Threat Protection Pro is available to higher-tier subscribers on the Plus, Complete, and Ultra plans, and is compatible with Windows and macOS. Despite slipping from previous podium finishes, Threat Protection Pro has consistently ranked high in evaluations and was the first VPN service to receive AV-Comparatives' approval for anti-phishing protection in 2024. It also received accolades from AV-TEST and West Coast Labs for its phishing detection capabilities.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Wire Secure Messenger Review (2026 Test Results)

The rise of online conversations has highlighted the vulnerabilities of traditional messaging platforms, making secure messaging essential for protecting private communications. Entities such as corporations, hackers, and government agencies aim to monitor and exploit these communications. Without secure messaging services, users' messages are susceptible to interception. Remote work has intensified these risks, as home networks often lack necessary security measures. Several secure messaging apps have emerged, each with varying levels of protection. Signal is noted for its end-to-end encryption, open-source foundation, and self-destructing messages, although it requires a phone number for registration. Threema offers anonymous messaging without data collection and does not require personal information, but it lacks a free version. Telegram has over 500 million users and offers some end-to-end encryption features, but not all communications are secure by default, and it logs user data. Messaging platforms to avoid include WhatsApp due to privacy concerns from its ownership by Facebook, Keybase after its acquisition by Zoom, and regular unencrypted SMS messages. When selecting a secure messaging app, look for end-to-end encryption, third-party testing, open-source code, self-destructing messages, limited data collection, and anonymous signup options. Signal is widely regarded as the most secure and private messaging app.

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.