privacy protection Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 28, 2025

Avast Premium antivirus review

Avast Premium is priced at .99 per year and offers a robust suite of security features without unnecessary bloatware. It allows users to back up sensitive files, search for personal data, and block unauthorized webcam access. The software includes quick scans, targeted folder scans, and boot-time scans. It features Email Guardian for scanning incoming messages, a sandbox mode for secure application use, and a banking mode for safe online transactions. A quick scan takes about three minutes, while a full boot sector scan takes approximately 12 minutes. Avast Premium identified around 900,000 files during testing, fewer than some competitors. It lacks comprehensive privacy protection and performance enhancement tools, which may require additional subscriptions. The interface is functional but lacks the sleekness of competitors. Support is available 24/7 via chat, with phone support primarily for billing inquiries and email support tickets for further assistance.

Tech Optimizer

April 29, 2025

Intego Mac Internet Security

PCs were introduced before Apple’s Macintosh, leading to the emergence of PC viruses and the establishment of antivirus companies, with Macintosh protection being less prioritized. Intego focused on Macintosh security from the start, offering Intego Mac Internet Security, which includes a firewall that manages network permissions and defends against external attacks. Intego has been effective against Mac malware, achieving a 99.1% malware detection score in independent lab tests, although it lacks phishing protection, a feature offered by competitors Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Intego's pricing is competitive, with a standard annual fee of .99 for a single license and .99 for three licenses. A five-device subscription costs .99, while the Mac Premium Bundle starts at .99 annually and includes additional features. A 14-day free trial is available, and free alternatives like Avast and AVG are also on the market. Intego supports older macOS versions back to Mavericks (10.9), but the latest version requires High Sierra (10.13) or later. The installation process for Intego is straightforward, requiring a restart and granting necessary permissions. The main interface includes components for updates, firewall, and antivirus, with user-friendly access to scanning options. Intego has received certification from AV-Comparatives and detected 100% of Windows malware samples in tests. Its quick scan takes about two and a half minutes, while a full system scan takes seven minutes. Intego's Safe Browsing feature checks existing browser protections but lacks a dedicated antiphishing solution. The NetBarrier firewall allows users to classify their network and manage traffic permissions effectively, although it may be complex for some users.

Tech Optimizer

April 25, 2025

This antivirus software is for people who hate subscriptions

Priil Internet Security is currently available for .99 for a lifetime subscription, reduced from its regular price of .97. It is certified by Virus Bulletin and effectively blocks 100% of known malware threats. The software includes features such as real-time detection, firewall protection, a VPN, a password manager, a file shredder, and browser safety tools. It also offers custom scan options, a PC optimizer, and safeguards against data leaks and malicious tracking. The user-friendly interface makes it accessible to all users.

Tech Optimizer

March 27, 2025

Do Macs need antivirus? Debunking the security myth

Many users believe that Macs are immune to cybersecurity threats, leading them to neglect protective measures. This perception originated from Apple's marketing and the historical lower targeting of Macs due to their smaller market share. However, as the popularity of Macs has increased, so has the development of malware aimed at macOS. Reports indicate that malware targeting Macs has now outpaced that targeting Windows on a per-device basis. While macOS includes strong security features like XProtect, Gatekeeper, and System Integrity Protection, these are not foolproof. XProtect only defends against known malware, leaving users vulnerable to new threats. Macs are susceptible to various types of malware, including adware, Trojans, and phishing attacks. Antivirus software is important for Macs as it protects against evolving malware, shields users from phishing and online scams, enhances privacy protection, and prevents cross-platform threats.

Winsage

March 26, 2025

Download BleachBit (free) for Windows, macOS and Linux

BleachBit is an open-source system cleaning tool that helps users enhance disk capacity by removing unnecessary files and improving privacy. It permanently deletes files to prevent recovery, making it suitable for users handling sensitive information. The tool offers features such as shredding unused disk space, clearing browser histories, and removing software logs. BleachBit is free to use, lightweight, and compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS (with limited functionality). It supports cleaning for multiple applications and provides command-line functionality for advanced users. Additionally, BleachBit can be run from a USB drive without installation. Alternatives to BleachBit include CCleaner, Advanced SystemCare, and DaisyDisk, each offering different functionalities and features.

Tech Optimizer

March 7, 2025

Webroot Premium

PCMag editors independently select and review products. Webroot Premium combines device-level protection with identity theft tracking and remediation, but its antivirus protection is limited compared to competitors. Webroot Premium costs .99 per year for five devices and one identity, with a family edition available for .99 covering ten devices and identities. Other competitors like Bitdefender Ultimate Security and Norton 360 With LifeLock offer more comprehensive features at similar price points. Webroot AntiVirus has been rebranded as Webroot Essentials, and older versions have been phased out. The installation process for Webroot Premium is straightforward, and it includes a firewall that monitors network activity. Webroot's antivirus effectively identifies malware, achieving a 100% detection rate in tests. It also offers a secure deletion tool and basic identity protection features, including credit monitoring, transaction monitoring, and dark web monitoring, though these features are less comprehensive than those of competitors. Webroot provides 24/7 support for identity restoration, with a monetary guarantee for remediation services up to million for ten family members. Overall, while Webroot Premium offers solid antivirus protection, its identity protection capabilities are limited compared to other security suites.

Tech Optimizer

March 2, 2025

Your Privacy Sold? FTC Forces Avast to Pay $16.5M for Data Misuse—Find Out If You’re Eligible

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued claim forms to approximately 3.7 million consumers affected by misleading marketing tactics related to Avast antivirus software. The FTC's complaint, filed in February 2024, accused Avast of falsely assuring customers of privacy protection while collecting and selling identifiable browsing data to over 100 third parties through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. As part of a settlement, Avast is required to pay .5 million in compensation and is prohibited from misrepresenting its data usage policies or selling browsing data for advertising. The FTC will notify 3,690,813 customers who purchased Avast software between August 2014 and January 2020, with email notifications sent until March 7, 2025. Eligible consumers can submit claims at www.ftc.gov/Avast, with compensation amounts varying based on the number of claims filed.

Tech Optimizer

February 5, 2025

Everything you need to know about the Surfshark One VPN bundle for Apple

Surfshark One is a comprehensive online privacy solution for Mac users that includes a VPN, antivirus protection, and a leak notification tool. It has been recognized as the top VPN for iPhone in 2025 by AppleInsider. The service offers a 24-month prepayment option at a cost of .69 per month, with an additional three months free, totaling for 27 months. Surfshark VPN provides privacy protection across unlimited devices, includes features like CleanWeb, cookie pop-up blocker, customizable browsing controls, Kill Switch, and Dynamic MultiHop for enhanced encryption. Surfshark Antivirus offers scheduled scans, webcam protection, and regular updates every three hours. Surfshark Search is a private search engine with zero logs, no ads, and no tracking. Surfshark Alert monitors personal data for breaches and provides notifications. The Alternative ID feature generates fake identities for online use to protect users' real information. The entire Surfshark One bundle is available for when prepaid for 24 months.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Google blocked 2.36 million risky Android apps from Play Store in 2024

Google blocked 2.3 million Android app submissions to the Play Store in 2024 due to policy violations that posed risks to users. The company also banned 158,000 developer accounts for attempting to introduce harmful applications, including malware and spyware. The number of blocked apps increased from 2,280,000 in 2023 and 1,500,000 in 2022, aided by AI assistance in 92% of human reviews. Google prevented 1.3 million apps from gaining excessive permissions and upgraded Google Play Protect, which scanned over 200 billion apps daily and identified over 13 million new malware apps from outside Google Play. The Google Play SDK index added 80 trusted SDKs, and the Play Integrity API adoption led to an 80% reduction in abuse from untrusted sources. Google's untrusted APK installation blocking system expanded to several countries and thwarted 36 million installation attempts of 200,000 unique apps from reaching 10 million Android devices.

Tech Optimizer

December 10, 2024

Phone Antivirus Software Market to Witness Massive Growth in Years to Come

HTF Market Intelligence has released a study on the Global Phone Antivirus Software Market, covering 143 pages and analyzing market trends from 2024 to 2032. The market is expected to grow from .7 billion in 2024 to a projected value by 2032, with a CAGR of 10.5%. It includes categories such as Mobile Antivirus, Malware Protection, Anti-theft, and Privacy Protection, and applications like Personal Devices, Mobile Security, Data Protection, and App Security. The report highlights North America as the dominating region and Asia-Pacific as the fastest-growing region. It aims to identify key manufacturers, analyze market share, examine growth factors, assess future trends, and investigate recent developments. A five forces analysis and a PESTLE analysis are included to evaluate market conditions. The report's structure includes sections on market overview, pricing analysis, segmentation, competitive analysis, and research methodology.