products Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 23, 2026

Everywhen issues six checks to spot unsafe websites

Everywhen has released guidelines to help organizations identify unsafe websites and combat online fraud. The guidance includes six checks users can perform before visiting unfamiliar sites: 1. Utilize website safety checker tools like Google Safe Browsing and Norton Safe Web. 2. Verify the site contains standard business information, such as contact details and social media links. 3. Conduct reputation checks by reviewing public feedback for complaints related to fraud or poor service. 4. Evaluate visual and editorial standards for indicators of illegitimacy, such as poor grammar or outdated branding. 5. Maintain updated antivirus software to block malicious downloads and phishing attempts. 6. Adjust browser settings to receive alerts about suspicious websites. The guidance highlights the importance of scrutinizing URLs for unusual spellings or characters and distinguishes between HTTP and HTTPS, noting that the padlock symbol does not guarantee trustworthiness. The initiative aims to protect both consumers and organizations from cyber threats, particularly as fake websites increasingly target personal information and financial transactions.

Winsage

April 23, 2026

Tested: Windows 11 setup screen now finally lets you skip forced updates, and go directly to the desktop

Microsoft has enhanced the Windows 11 setup process by introducing an "Update Later" toggle, allowing users to bypass forced updates during device setup. This feature enables users to continue with the setup while updates are checked in the background, granting them access to their desktop without interruption. Users can manage updates at their convenience once on the desktop. Microsoft is also considering removing the mandatory Microsoft account requirement for Windows 11 Home users and reducing upsells in the out-of-box experience (OOBE). Additionally, the company has introduced web-based Copilot into the OOBE, though its widespread deployment is not yet planned.

Winsage

April 22, 2026

Samsung just removed a big barrier between Galaxy phones and Windows PCs

Samsung's Galaxy Connect app is now available for non-Samsung Windows 11 devices, allowing features like copy-paste functionality, direct access to phone storage, and using the phone as a second screen. The app supports syncing web pages across devices and can be installed on various brands of laptops, including Lenovo, Asus, and Dell. However, it is only compatible with Intel and AMD x64 Windows 11 devices, excluding ARM-based PCs. The latest version of the app is 2.1.6.0, and installation requires logging into the Microsoft Store with the same Samsung account linked to the Galaxy phone.

Tech Optimizer

April 22, 2026

New STX RAT Uses Hidden Remote Desktop and Infostealer Features to Evade Detection

A newly identified remote access trojan, STX RAT, emerged in 2026, integrating hidden remote desktop access with credential theft features. The name "STX" comes from the Start of Text magic byte x02, which it appends to communications with its command-and-control (C2) server. Initial sightings were reported in late February 2026, when it was delivered via a browser-downloaded VBScript file to a financial organization. By early March, Malwarebytes noted a campaign distributing STX RAT through compromised FileZilla installers. Researchers from eSentire’s Threat Response Unit analyzed the malware, which includes extensive anti-analysis measures and employs techniques like AMSI-ghosting. Once operational, STX RAT connects to a C2 server at 95.216.51.236, transmitting system information securely. It targets saved credentials from applications like FileZilla and includes a Hidden Virtual Network Computing (HVNC) module, allowing attackers to control a victim's machine without detection. Security teams are advised to block the C2 IP and implement detection rules to mitigate the threat.

Tech Optimizer

April 21, 2026

Gen Digital Inc stock (US36870C1018): Is its cybersecurity moat strong enough for steady investor re

Gen Digital Inc operates a consumer-focused cybersecurity model centered on subscription-based protection services, including antivirus, VPNs, and identity theft protection. The company generates predictable revenue through auto-renewals, with over 90% of customers renewing annually. Its business model scales with internet penetration and focuses on individual users rather than enterprise contracts. Gen Digital emphasizes organic growth through product innovation and geographic expansion, with key growth drivers including the increase of connected devices and cloud-based delivery. The product portfolio features tiered subscription plans, catering to diverse consumer needs, and the company maintains a competitive position through superior detection rates and customer support. Gen Digital's primary markets are North America and Europe, with emerging opportunities in Latin America and Asia. Analysts view the subscription model favorably for its resilience and cash flow generation, while risks include competition from free tools and regulatory changes. Upcoming earnings will provide insights into subscriber trends and pricing power.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

The Last of Us star Troy Baker wants to make his own game studio, but he wants to “do it right”

Troy Baker, known for his roles in video games like The Last of Us, is establishing his own game studio to take control of the narrative process and tell his own stories. He aims to blend lessons from his past experiences in the industry into new projects and is focused on building a team of trusted collaborators. Baker recognizes the challenges of transforming ideas into tangible products and emphasizes a careful approach to development, stating that he wants to avoid rushing the process. His venture could potentially create job opportunities for developers amidst industry challenges like layoffs and project cancellations.

Tech Optimizer

April 21, 2026

Best Free Antivirus 2026: Keep Your Devices Safe With These Free Tools

Many free antivirus services monetize user attention or data, and caution is advised when selecting these options. Recommended free antivirus tools should be free of ads or spyware. Trustworthy antivirus providers present clear privacy policies detailing data collection and sharing practices. Effective free antivirus tools offer real-time protection, on-demand malware scans, and user-friendly features. While free antivirus software is generally sufficient, paid options provide additional cybersecurity tools. The best free antivirus tools consume less than 5% of system resources, with active scans ideally not exceeding 40% CPU usage. Avast faced backlash for selling customer data to over 100 third parties and was fined million by the FTC in 2024. Kaspersky was banned in the U.S. in 2024 due to concerns about potential intelligence exploitation, and it cannot be recommended at this time.

BetaBeacon

April 20, 2026

Testing PC games using FEX on a high-end Android tablet can yield playable results — but the early tech is still not ready for prime time

FEX or FEX-Emu translates raw x86 instructions into ARM64 instructions, allowing Arm-based chips to run many full-fat games from the Steam Library. However, complex graphical pipelines in modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Clair Obscur can cause issues with rendering geometry correctly due to community-developed graphics drivers like Turnip. Qualcomm's mobile chips were not originally designed to support desktop-level Vulkan instructions, so widespread support for mainstream games may be limited. The FEX project is ongoing, but more maturation of applications and community-made drivers is needed before FEX can be considered a feature in mainstream products.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

France has ditched Windows 11 for Linux on 2.5 million government PCs — here’s why Microsoft should worry that millions more could follow by the end of 2026

Dissatisfaction with Windows 11 is widespread, prompting the French government to transition from Windows to Linux for its computer systems, aiming for 'digital sovereignty.' French officials, including Minister David Amiel, emphasize the need to reduce reliance on American tools and regain control over digital infrastructure. The transition is mandated to be completed by fall 2026, with GendBuntu, a variant of Ubuntu, likely being adopted. Over 100,000 PCs currently run GendBuntu, and an additional 2.5 million government workstations will migrate from Windows. Other regions, such as Schleswig-Holstein in Germany and Denmark, are also moving away from Windows. Users have reported issues with Windows 11, leading to a backlash and prompting Microsoft to promise fixes. However, the effectiveness of these improvements remains uncertain, and if unresolved, users may increasingly consider alternatives like Linux or macOS. Microsoft has revamped its Windows Insider program to gather user feedback but lacks clarity on internal quality assurance improvements. The company's ability to regain user trust hinges on addressing ongoing concerns effectively.

Winsage

April 18, 2026

Microsoft closes book on rogue Windows Server 2025 upgrades

Microsoft has officially resolved the incident involving the unexpected upgrade to Windows Server 2025, which occurred over a year ago and caused significant disruption for system administrators. The upgrade was automatic, with no rollback option, and was attributed to third-party products managing updates. Additionally, Microsoft's cumulative update KB5082063 has introduced new issues, causing LSASS crashes on non-Global Catalog domain controllers in environments using Privileged Access Management, leading to repeated restarts and potential inaccessibility of domains. Microsoft has acknowledged this problem and promised a resolution soon.