phishing protection Archives

Tech Optimizer

January 9, 2026

MacPaw Moonlock

Moonlock is a new antivirus solution for Mac developed by MacPaw, utilizing technology from CleanMyMac. It features a basic VPN, security configuration scan, and an elegant user interface, but some functionalities may not perform as expected. The annual subscription for a single Mac is priced higher than competitors like CleanMyMac and G Data Antivirus. Moonlock requires macOS 13 (Ventura) or later for compatibility. Setting up the app involves creating an account and granting permissions, with a full scan recommended post-installation. In independent lab tests, Moonlock scored 5.5 out of 6 in protection and 6 in usability, but its performance rating was 4.5 points, lower than competitors. The Security Advisor feature provides advice on enhancing security, while the System Protection feature identifies areas for improvement. Moonlock includes a basic VPN with 61 server cities in 50 countries. Its Network Inspector focuses on blocking traffic from specified countries, but its effectiveness is questionable. Flexible scan scheduling is available, but it does not guarantee the removal of Windows malware. The app includes informational panels and animated videos, but it currently lacks effective phishing protection, failing to block known fraudulent websites.

Tech Optimizer

January 7, 2026

Best Antivirus Software (January 2026): Webroot Recognized for Lightweight Protection by Expert Consumers

Webroot has been recognized by Expert Consumers for its innovative antivirus protection, which offers essential security features with minimal impact on system performance. The software is cloud-based and lightweight, providing real-time protection while using minimal system resources. It leverages cloud technology for threat analysis, allowing for quick scans and unobtrusive background protection. Webroot includes real-time monitoring, flexible scanning options, phishing protection, and ransomware protection. It also addresses threats to personal data and offers protection for mobile devices and Chromebooks. Webroot's product lineup includes various plans tailored to user needs, from basic antivirus protection to comprehensive plans with identity protection features. The software is designed to operate consistently in the background, ensuring usability and reducing the risk of misconfigurations.

Tech Optimizer

January 4, 2026

Best Antivirus for Mobile Security in 2026

In 2026, mobile security has become essential due to the increasing management of sensitive tasks by smartphones, making them targets for cybercriminals who use advanced tactics such as harmful apps, phishing scams, QR code fraud, and sophisticated malware. The top four mobile antivirus and security applications of 2026 are: 1. TraceX Guard - Best overall mobile security in 2026, designed for India with AI-powered, real-time protection, focusing on region-specific scams and offering multilingual support. 2. Bitdefender Mobile Security - Premium antivirus with excellent malware detection and privacy tools, including real-time app scanning and a built-in VPN. 3. Norton Mobile Security - Trusted global antivirus providing strong all-round protection, including real-time malware protection and Wi-Fi security alerts. 4. McAfee Mobile Security - All-in-one solution featuring antivirus, identity monitoring, and a secure VPN. TraceX Guard excels in detecting and blocking scams specific to India, such as fake loan apps and phishing links in regional languages. Its key features include AI-driven malware detection, APK installation protection, QR code and URL risk scanning, network security, identity protection, and multilingual support. Bitdefender offers real-time scanning, advanced anti-phishing protection, a built-in VPN, and privacy monitoring. Norton provides malware protection, app safety, and network security alerts. McAfee combines malware detection with identity monitoring and secure browsing features. When choosing a mobile antivirus app, users should consider their location and threat exposure, with TraceX Guard recommended for India-specific protection, Bitdefender for premium features, Norton for reliability, and McAfee for an all-in-one solution.

Tech Optimizer

December 30, 2025

How to Run an iPhone Malware Scan: Find and Remove Viruses

iPhones do not support traditional antivirus applications due to iOS's app sandboxing feature, which limits apps' access to system-level data. Users can identify potential malware by monitoring for unusual behaviors, such as overheating, fast battery drain, unexpected data usage spikes, unwanted Safari pop-ups, unfamiliar apps, repeated login prompts, and strange messages sent from their accounts. To investigate for malware, users should check device performance, review storage and data usage, monitor battery usage, and look for jailbreak indicators. If malware is suspected, users can take steps such as updating iOS and apps, restarting the device, deleting suspicious apps, clearing Safari data, removing unknown profiles, resetting network settings, restoring from a clean backup, or performing a factory reset as a last resort. iOS includes built-in protections against malware, such as App Store reviews, sandboxing, code signing, and regular security updates. However, iPhones are not completely immune to threats, and jailbreaking increases vulnerability. To protect against malware, users should keep iOS and apps updated, use strong passcodes, avoid jailbreaking, be cautious with links and attachments, use secure browsers, and consider using a VPN on public Wi-Fi. CyberGhost VPN can provide additional security on unsecured networks by encrypting internet traffic. While iPhones do not have built-in malware scanners, they incorporate various protections to prevent malware from reaching the device. Signs of potential malware include overheating, rapid battery drain, unexpected data usage spikes, and unusual app behavior. Malicious apps can occasionally bypass App Store scrutiny, and users should take immediate action if they suspect an infection. Generally, iPhones are considered more secure than Android devices due to stricter app controls.

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

Surfshark One Antivirus Down 88% in Cyber Monday Sale

Surfshark is offering its Surfshark One Antivirus plan for .19 per month over a 27-month period, which is an 88% discount from the regular rate. The total cost for this plan amounts to approximately . This bundle includes real-time antivirus scanning, a VPN, breach alerts, and a private search tool. The deal is particularly beneficial for holiday shoppers, as cybercriminal activity increases during this time. The plan is advantageous for frequent travelers, families, and students.

Tech Optimizer

October 29, 2025

2025 Antivirus Trends, Statistics, and Market Report

In 2025, approximately 66 percent of U.S. adults use antivirus software, with 25 percent using it on both business and personal devices and 41 percent using it only on personal devices. This leaves 34 percent of Americans without antivirus protection. About 169 million Americans actively employ antivirus software, but there is a 20 percentage point gap between the 85 percent who believe antivirus is essential and the 66 percent who use it. Protection levels vary by device type: 63 percent of personal computer owners use real-time antivirus software, 25 percent of smartphone owners do, and only 22 percent of tablet owners utilize antivirus protection. Among personal computer users, 69 percent of Windows users have antivirus software compared to 37 percent of macOS users. Antivirus adoption increases with age, with 73 percent of users aged 60 and older using antivirus on PCs, compared to 51 percent of those aged 18-29. The antivirus market has shifted toward free solutions, with free antivirus usage rising to 61 percent in 2025 from 52 percent in 2024, while paid subscription usage decreased from 44 percent to 36 percent. Free antivirus tools have improved significantly, but they often lack advanced features necessary for high-risk users.

Tech Optimizer

October 17, 2025

Bitdefender Antivirus Review for Businesses & MSPs

Bitdefender has been operating since 2001 and is recognized for its antivirus solutions for individual users, small businesses, and large enterprises. It offers various plans, including a free version for consumers and multiple options under its GravityZone line for businesses and managed service providers (MSPs). The pros of Bitdefender include reliable threat detection, strong performance in independent tests, an easy-to-use interface, low system resource impact, seamless setup, and the availability of free antivirus software. The cons include scalability limitations based on the initial plan chosen. For consumers, Bitdefender offers two subscription tiers: Bitdefender Free and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, priced at free and .99 for the first year, respectively. The business plans include GravityZone Small Business Security, GravityZone Business Security Premium, and Secure (EDR), with prices starting at .49 for one year. Bitdefender’s business solutions received accolades from AV-TEST in April 2025, detecting 100% of widespread malware and zero false positives. AV-Comparatives awarded it the Approved Enterprise & Business Security Product Award in 2024. Key features of Bitdefender’s business solutions include multilayered defenses against various threats, centralized dashboards for visibility, built-in device controls, and advanced capabilities in higher-tier plans. The GravityZone platform offers tailored solutions for MSPs, including Secure (EDR), Secure Plus (MDR), and Secure Extra (MXDR). Bitdefender’s Risk Analytics capabilities assist MSPs in identifying vulnerabilities and automating compliance reporting. User feedback from third-party forums highlights its effectiveness, high detection rates, affordability, and strong real-time threat prevention. In June 2025, Bitdefender acquired Mesh Security to enhance its XDR and MDR offerings against email threats.

Winsage

September 2, 2025

Preparing for Windows 11: Transitioning from planning to implementation

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, prompting businesses to ensure device readiness for Windows 11 to avoid financial and operational issues. Organizations relying on PCs must address hardware compatibility immediately to prevent compatibility problems, unplanned downtime, and budget strains. Windows 11 includes advanced security features and AI capabilities but requires devices with greater processing power and battery life. Older devices may not fully utilize Windows 11's features due to hardware limitations. Risks of not upgrading include loss of Microsoft support for Windows 10 devices, vulnerability to cybersecurity threats, and potential issues with new features and applications. Extended security updates are available for a maximum of three years at increasing costs. Practical steps for migration include evaluating device readiness, planning upgrades, securing data, testing applications, and training employees. Transitioning to Windows 11 offers an opportunity to modernize technology and improve efficiency.