Password Managers Archives

Tech Optimizer

January 2, 2026

Fake AI chat results are spreading dangerous Mac malware

Cybercriminals are exploiting trust in AI chat tools to spread malware, specifically the Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS), by infiltrating Google search results with fake AI conversations. These conversations mislead Mac users into executing commands that install AMOS without triggering security alerts. Investigators have found that both ChatGPT and Grok have been manipulated in this scheme. Users searching for help with routine tasks may encounter polished AI chat results that appear legitimate, ultimately leading them to run harmful commands in the macOS Terminal. This tactic mirrors previous campaigns that used sponsored search results and SEO-poisoned links to direct users to counterfeit macOS software. The effectiveness of this attack lies in the combination of trust in AI responses and the credibility of search results. To stay safe, users should avoid pasting terminal commands from search results, treat AI instructions as suggestions, use password managers, keep software updated, employ strong antivirus solutions, be skeptical of sponsored results, avoid unknown cleanup guides, and question overly polished instructions.

Tech Optimizer

November 29, 2025

5 Essential Security Apps That Actually Protect Your Computer

Browsing without essential utilities like VPNs and antivirus software can be risky. Not all security applications are equally effective; some, like Bitdefender and ESET, offer superior performance, while others may overwhelm users with alerts or upsell subscriptions. Effective security applications prioritize functionality and provide tools such as firewalls, password managers, VPNs, and virus scans. ESET is recognized for its robust protection against sophisticated cyber threats and is suitable for advanced users, small businesses, and remote workers, earning the 2025 Editor's Choice Award for Best Antivirus for Advanced Users. Avira is a budget-friendly option with a free version that offers essential malware protection and an ad-blocker, named the best antivirus for ad-blocking in 2025 by Techradar. Surfshark, primarily a VPN service, offers antivirus protection and breach alerts through its Surfshark One subscription, recognized as the 2025 Best Value Antivirus. AVG provides comprehensive security features with a lightweight presence and was awarded the 2025 Editor's Choice for Best Performance and Speed Antivirus. Bitdefender is consistently ranked among the top choices for comprehensive protection, recognized as the best overall antivirus of 2025 by multiple publications, offering various paid packages and an Autopilot function. The applications mentioned were selected based on positive endorsements from reputable tech and security publications.

Tech Optimizer

November 26, 2025

We’ve tested the best antivirus software to protect your computer and these are the 6 we recommend

Norton 360 Deluxe is recognized as the best overall antivirus software, offering a user-friendly interface, minimal performance impact, and robust malware protection. Bitdefender Total Security is noted for its comprehensive features, while McAfee+ Ultimate is recommended for families with multiple devices. Other notable antivirus solutions include Microsoft Defender as the best free option, Avast Premium for banking security, and Malwarebytes Plus as a budget-friendly choice. When selecting antivirus software, consider effectiveness, system impact, compatibility with devices, desired features, and budget. Free antivirus options like Microsoft Defender provide basic protection, while paid versions offer advanced features and support. Antivirus software works by scanning for malicious code and blocking threats, and it is essential for safeguarding against evolving cyber threats.

Tech Optimizer

November 20, 2025

Amazon’s Early Black Friday Antivirus Deals: Big Savings from Norton, McAfee, Malwarebytes, and more

Amazon has launched Black Friday deals on antivirus software, offering discounts of over 80% on various packages. Current deals include McAfee Total Protection for £12.50, Norton 360 Deluxe for £11.50, McAfee+ Premium for £40, Malwarebytes Premium for £20, and Bitdefender Total Security for £20. These products provide essential protection against malware and hackers, with some offering additional features like identity theft protection and VPNs.

Tech Optimizer

November 17, 2025

EVALUSION Campaign Using ClickFix Technique to deploy Amatera Stealer and NetSupport RAT

In November 2025, a sophisticated malware campaign emerged, combining social engineering with advanced data theft tools. The attack begins with a tactic called ClickFix, where users are tricked into executing commands in the Windows Run window, leading to the installation of Amatera Stealer, which extracts sensitive information from browsers, cryptocurrency wallets, and password managers. Following this, attackers deploy NetSupport RAT for remote access to the compromised computer. Amatera Stealer employs advanced evasion techniques, including obfuscated PowerShell code and XOR encryption to mislead security efforts. It was originally marketed as ACR Stealer by a group named SheldIO. The infection process starts with a .NET-based downloader that retrieves payloads encrypted with RC2 from platforms like MediaFire. This downloader is packed with Agile.net, complicating analysis for cybersecurity teams. The malware disables AMSI by overwriting the "AmsiScanBuffer" string in memory, neutralizing Windows' security scanning. Amatera communicates with command servers through encrypted channels, using AES-256-CBC for traffic encryption, making inspection difficult. It aggregates stolen data into zip files and sends them to criminal servers, selectively executing additional payloads targeting high-value assets.

Winsage

November 17, 2025

Windows 11 users just got a more convenient way to store passkeys – here’s how it works

The technology behind passkeys involves cryptographic keys and standards like FIDO2 and WebAuthn, but users can enhance their security by creating passkeys whenever offered by websites or apps, using face recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Users can accumulate multiple passkeys for easier sign-in across services. 1Password is set to integrate a new native passkeys plugin API with Windows 11, allowing users to manage passkeys through 1Password while using Windows Hello for authentication. This integration requires the latest version of Windows 11 and the MSIX version of the 1Password app. Users can enable the passkey feature in 1Password and designate it as the system authenticator in Windows settings. Other password managers may also adopt this integration, and Windows is introducing its own passkey sync mechanism through the Microsoft Password Manager in Edge. Passkeys do not replace existing credentials but serve as a secure alternative to usernames and passwords, with some services offering fully passwordless options.

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.

Winsage

November 13, 2025

Windows 11 now supports 3rd-party apps for native passkey management

Microsoft has introduced native support for third-party passkey managers on Windows 11, including 1Password and Bitwarden, as part of a collaborative effort that resulted in a passkey API. This feature was rolled out with the November 2025 security update. Passkeys adhere to FIDO2/WebAuthn standards and utilize private-public key cryptography, eliminating traditional passwords. Windows generates a key pair upon registration on a passkey-enabled site, storing the private key securely. Users verify their identity using Windows Hello, which enhances security through PIN and biometric authentication. The integration allows for synchronization across Windows devices when signed into Edge with the same Microsoft account, with security measures including Azure Managed Hardware Security Modules and Azure Confidential Compute. Microsoft Edge version 142 and later introduced passkey saving and syncing capabilities, and Bitwarden launched its “Log in with Passkeys” feature in January 2024. Bitwarden's integration with Windows 11 is currently in beta.

Winsage

November 12, 2025

Windows just got native passkey support for one of my favorite password managers

Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 with native support for passkeys and integrating password managers 1Password and Bitwarden. This update, which aims to improve security and user access, will be fully available with the Windows November 2025 security update. Users can create and save passkeys directly within Windows using the Microsoft Password Manager, and both 1Password and Bitwarden can integrate seamlessly into the Windows environment. The new capabilities allow users to save, manage, and use passkeys across browsers and native apps, with authentication using Windows Hello. Bitwarden has expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Microsoft, emphasizing the secure management of credentials on Windows.

Winsage

November 11, 2025

1Password can now save passkeys directly in Windows 11

A new Windows API allows third-party applications to manage passkeys more effectively, with 1Password being the first password manager to adopt this innovation. The integration enables 1Password to act as the credential manager on Windows 11, allowing users to create and manage passkeys easily while using Windows Hello for authentication. This feature is available to anyone running the latest version of Windows 11 and the newly released MSIX version of the 1Password app. Users can enable the passkey feature through the 1Password application or manually in Windows settings. Once configured, Windows will use the selected credential manager instead of its default settings. Other password managers like Bitwarden and Dashlane may follow with similar support. Passkeys serve as a convenient alternative to traditional username and password combinations but do not replace existing credentials.