online safety Archives

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Mount Laurel man accused of sexually assaulting girl he met on messaging app

A 25-year-old man from Mount Laurel, New Jersey, named Jake Toczylowski, is in police custody facing serious allegations of sexual assault involving an underage girl. He reportedly met the victim through a messaging app and arranged an in-person meeting, during which the incident occurred in his parked vehicle. Toczylowski was previously employed by the Mount Laurel Township Municipal Utilities Authority, a position now under scrutiny due to the investigation.

AppWizard

August 3, 2025

15 Android Apps You NEED to Download in August 2025

A selection of 15 Android applications for August focuses on enhancing user experience through privacy, productivity, customization, media management, utility, and specialized needs. Ad-Blocking and Privacy: - Athena: Open-source app that blocks ads, trackers, and malware, allowing detailed control over internet access for individual apps. - App Lock: Secures sensitive applications with passcodes, fingerprints, or facial recognition. Customization and Widgets: - My Launcher: Feature-rich launcher with live tiles, widgets, and extensive customization options. - 1 UI Widgets: Offers over 240 customizable Samsung-style widgets for clocks, calendars, and more. Productivity Tools: - Tomato: Pomodoro timer for breaking tasks into manageable intervals. - My Mind: Minimalist app for organizing bookmarks, notes, and media. Media and Content Management: - Material Player: Ad-free video player supporting multiple formats and streaming. - Raven: Lightweight, open-source RSS newsreader for updates from favorite news sources. Utility and Accessibility: - Screenshot Editor, Blur Text: Edits screenshots and blurs sensitive information. - Speak That: Reads notifications aloud with customizable settings. - Screen Stream: Shares screen locally or globally for presentations and tutorials. Specialized Apps: - Torrent Search: Open-source tool for searching and downloading torrents. - Airplanes.live: Tracks real-time flight data for nearby aircraft. - One URL: URL shortener that generates QR codes and allows custom aliases. Rooted Device Tools: - Reddit: Removes ads from the official Reddit app for a cleaner browsing experience.

Tech Optimizer

August 2, 2025

Best Antivirus for Windows 10 (2025): Avast Awarded Top PC Security Solution by Software Experts

Avast has been recognized by Software Experts as a leading antivirus solution for Windows 10 in 2025, specifically highlighting Avast Premium Security and Avast Ultimate for their robust security frameworks, advanced privacy features, and user-friendly interfaces. Avast Premium Security offers real-time protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware, a ransomware shield, webcam protection, scam detection, anti-phishing protection, an advanced firewall, and email scanning. Avast Ultimate includes additional tools such as Avast SecureLine VPN for internet traffic encryption, Avast Cleanup Premium for system optimization, and Avast AntiTrack for digital privacy. Avast is a global cybersecurity firm that provides comprehensive protection across various platforms and has been acknowledged by independent testing labs.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

EU may block Android apps based on age verification

The European Union is developing an age verification application to enhance online safety for children and teenagers, utilizing the Google Play Integrity API to verify the integrity of Android applications. This system will prevent users from installing applications from third-party sources, and while it is still in development, no final decision has been made. The EU assures that users will retain control over their personal data. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve digital security and protect minors online, but it may face resistance from the Android community.

Tech Optimizer

July 29, 2025

Surfshark One Review

Surfshark has launched Surfshark One, a comprehensive security suite that includes a VPN, antivirus software, a data leak detection system, and a private search engine. Surfshark One features over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch. The antivirus component offers real-time protection and was awarded 'Top Product' by AV-TEST in June 2024 for a 100% detection rate against advanced malware. Surfshark Alert notifies users of data breaches involving sensitive information, while Surfshark Search provides an ad-free, private browsing experience. Users can choose from various plans, with competitive pricing and a seven-day free trial available. The interface is user-friendly and supports multiple devices, allowing protection for up to five devices per account. The antivirus continuously monitors devices, and users can conduct on-demand scans or schedule them. Surfshark's VPN offers features like NoBorders mode, Dynamic MultiHop, and a built-in speed test. Additional features include the Alternative ID for managing online personas and the option for a dedicated IP address for an extra fee. However, some features like a password manager and parental controls are not included.

AppWizard

July 28, 2025

EU Age Verification App to Ban Android Apps Not Licensed by Google

The European Union is enhancing its age verification system for social media by incorporating an Android app integrity check to ensure users are 18 or older before accessing adult content. This involves a white-label application to authenticate the legitimacy of the age verification app, which must be licensed by Google and downloaded from the Google Play Store. Users of custom ROMs may face restrictions, as the integrity check will not allow sideloaded or self-compiled applications. The age verification framework is still in planning, but the EU assures that user data will remain private and not monitored after verification.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Steam’s Wildly Unclear New Rules On ‘Adult Content’ Have Already Seen Hundreds Of Games Delisted

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 9, 2025

Get protection suite for all your gear with Mcafee AV deal

McAfee Total Protection offers a one-year subscription for .99, providing security for up to five devices across Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. It features award-winning antivirus software that uses a database of known threats and machine learning for real-time protection, along with a built-in firewall and web protection. The suite includes a VPN based on TunnelBear technology for encrypting internet traffic and masking online identity. It also features identity protection tools like a password manager, credit monitoring, and breach scans. The subscription is currently offered at an 88% discount from its regular price of 9.99. Prices may change, and the offer involves account registration with StackCommerce, which manages user information and provides a commission to BleepingComputer.com for sales.

Tech Optimizer

July 8, 2025

If I was going to buy one thing this Prime Day, I’d choose this insanely cheap antivirus package – and it’s only $25

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

Best Prime Day antivirus deals: 7 heavily discounted security suites to keep you safe online

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.