online safety

AppWizard
July 16, 2025
Steam has recently updated its content guidelines, leading to the delisting of hundreds of extreme adult games, particularly those involving sensitive themes like incest and sexual violence. The updated guidelines specify 15 unacceptable characteristics for published content, including "sexually explicit images of real people" and certain adult-only content that may violate payment processor rules. Notable titles removed include "Incest Tales: Webcam Daughter" and "Reincarnation in another world going to rape All NPCs VR." The developer of "Daddy Daughter Incest," EroticGamesClub, still has other adult games available, raising questions about the criteria for delisting. The majority of these adult games are simplistic visual novels, often criticized for low quality. Valve states it is open to hosting adult content if appropriately labeled and age-gated, but the ambiguity in the new rules has left developers uncertain about compliance.
Tech Optimizer
July 8, 2025
Amazon Prime Day features significant deals in cybersecurity, including the Norton 360 Premium package, which offers coverage for ten devices. Norton includes anti-scam protection that identifies malicious links, robust malware detection, and parental controls for online safety. It also provides a Secure VPN for encrypting internet traffic and uses Genie AI to monitor the dark web for personal information leaks, notifying users of data breaches. Other Prime Day antivirus options include basic software for single-device protection and family plans with limited device coverage.
Tech Optimizer
July 7, 2025
A reliable antivirus program is essential for computer security. During Amazon Prime Day, Norton 360 Deluxe is available for a year at a low price, and McAfee Total Protection is offered for a full year at a discounted rate. Other antivirus deals include Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Kaspersky Security Cloud, Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security, Avast Premium Security, and Webroot SecureAnywhere, all featuring competitive pricing and special offers. More antivirus deals are expected to emerge throughout the week.
Tech Optimizer
June 26, 2025
All About Cookies has announced the winners of its inaugural Editor's Choice Antivirus Awards, recognizing the most reliable antivirus solutions for various user needs. The selection process involved evaluating over 30 antivirus programs through rigorous testing by the editorial team and security experts, focusing on malware detection rates, system performance impact, and features like real-time scanning and phishing protection. The 2025 award winners include: - Best Overall Antivirus: Norton 360 - Best Antivirus & ID Theft Bundle: Aura Antivirus - Best Web Protection Antivirus: TotalAV - Best Value Antivirus: Surfshark Antivirus - Best Mac Antivirus: Avast - Best Scam & Phishing Protection Antivirus: Bitdefender - Best Performance & Speed Antivirus: AVG - Best Antivirus With Unlimited Devices: McAfee - Best Antivirus for Advanced Users: ESET
AppWizard
June 25, 2025
Cyber criminals are targeting Minecraft's player base, particularly the 65% of players under 21, who are often less aware of cyber threats. A recent report from Check Point reveals a sophisticated malware campaign that embeds malicious software in counterfeit Minecraft mods shared on platforms like GitHub. This malware operates in stages, starting with a Java downloader, followed by a stealer, and an advanced tool to harvest sensitive information such as passwords and cryptocurrency wallet details. The campaign is linked to Russian-speaking attackers and uses a distribution-as-a-service model to spread malicious links. Disguised as legitimate cheat tools, these files install additional malware on users' devices, capturing credentials from browsers and applications, and sending data back to attackers. To protect against these threats, it is advised to download mods only from trusted sources, be skeptical of cheat tools, keep antivirus software updated, and be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
Winsage
June 22, 2025
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9, but this offer is valid only until July 20. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as a sleek interface, snap layouts, improved voice typing, advanced security features (biometric logins, encrypted authentication, enhanced antivirus), tools for professionals (Microsoft Teams, Azure AD, Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox), touchscreen capability, an AI-powered assistant (Copilot), and support for DirectX 12 Ultimate for gaming. The minimum system requirements to run Windows 11 Pro are 4GB of RAM and 40GB of hard drive space.
AppWizard
June 19, 2025
Kids worldwide are increasingly engaged in online games like Roblox and Minecraft, which can enhance creativity and social interaction but may also negatively impact health, emotional well-being, and academic performance if not managed properly. Roblox is a platform for user-generated games, while Minecraft allows players to build and explore in a pixelated world. Factors contributing to children's addiction to these games include vivid graphics, a sense of achievement, social connections, and emotional comfort. Excessive gaming can lead to a lack of interest in other activities, poor sleep, concentration difficulties, and emotional dependency. Both games pose risks such as interaction with strangers, exposure to inappropriate content, and potential financial implications from in-game purchases. Parents can mitigate these risks by enabling privacy controls, setting spending limits, monitoring game content, and discussing online safety with their children. Warning signs of excessive gaming include mood swings when screen time is limited, loss of interest in other hobbies, and excessive focus on gaming. Parents are encouraged to engage in conversations about gaming, seek offline activities, establish screen time limits, and create screen-free family traditions.
AppWizard
June 15, 2025
Lexington County State House Representative RJ May has been indicted on multiple federal charges related to child sex abuse material. He faces nearly a dozen charges, and federal prosecutors are seeking his detention before trial. May allegedly used four applications—Kik, Telegram, Mega, and Loki Messenger—to distribute child sexual assault material (CSAM). Investigators noted that all four apps were deleted shortly before a search warrant was executed at his home. Kik allows communication without a registered phone number, while Telegram and Mega are favored for their encryption and foreign ownership. Loki Messenger also offers end-to-end encryption. Rebecca Lorik, executive director of Pathways to Healing, highlighted the dangers of social media platforms and urged parents to engage with their children's online activities, educate themselves about potential risks, and consult experts for guidance.
Tech Optimizer
June 13, 2025
The proliferation of social media misinformation, deep fakes, and sophisticated phishing attacks has made online safety challenging. Many individuals hold outdated beliefs about cybersecurity, such as the myth that Macs are immune to viruses and that caution alone can replace antivirus software. Regardless of the operating system, using a robust antivirus program is recommended, as built-in security features are not foolproof. Third-party antivirus software can provide additional functionalities like parental controls and VPN services, but they are not a complete safety net. Users must remain vigilant and practice good cybersecurity hygiene, including regular scans, strong passwords, and recognizing phishing attempts. Modern antivirus programs have become more user-friendly and less resource-intensive. Some malware can operate stealthily, making detection difficult, which emphasizes the need for regular scans and monitoring personal accounts for unusual activity. Antivirus protection should extend to mobile devices as well, as they are also vulnerable to cyber threats. Users should check if their antivirus program covers mobile devices and familiarize themselves with security settings on their smartphones.
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