protecting Archives

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Still on Windows 10? 0patch may be your best defense in the ‘End of Support era’

In early 2023, Microsoft announced that official support for Windows 10 would end in 2025, with regular updates and security patches ceasing on October 14, 2025. Users have a little over two years to transition to Windows 11 or other operating systems. Some users have enrolled in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will also end in October 2026. A third-party service called 0patch offers ongoing protection for Windows 10 by providing micropatches for vulnerabilities. 0patch releases two to three micropatches each month, prioritizing vulnerabilities that are publicly known, actively exploited, and lack an official Microsoft fix. 0patch has a free version that provides critical zero-day patches and a paid Pro plan that includes legacy patches. The Pro plan costs €25 per year, while an Enterprise plan is available for €35 annually. 0patch plans to support Windows 10 until at least October 2030, depending on user demand. Users have reported some performance issues with 0patch, but the updates are lightweight and do not significantly affect system performance.

Tech Optimizer

January 10, 2026

Protect Yourself From the macOS Flaw that Bypasses Apple Privacy Controls

A newly identified macOS vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-43530, poses a significant risk by circumventing Apple’s privacy controls, potentially exposing users to malicious actors. This flaw arises from two vulnerabilities that allow hackers unauthorized access to systems by exploiting Apple-signed services and a timing gap in process verification. Hackers can execute AppleScript commands and access user files and microphone audio without triggering warnings. The VoiceOver screen reader service is a primary target for exploitation. Users are advised to update to macOS Tahoe 26.2, review app permissions, consider third-party antivirus solutions, and avoid downloading untrusted files to enhance security.

Tech Optimizer

January 7, 2026

List of Android Antivirus Software

TraceX Guard is developed by TraceX Labs and provides comprehensive protection against mobile threats such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing links, utilizing AI-powered threat detection and real-time security monitoring. Avast Antivirus, created by Avast Software, offers malware scanning, real-time threat detection, app locking, Wi-Fi security checks, and privacy protection tools, making it popular among Android users. AVG AntiVirus, developed by AVG Technologies, includes malware protection, app scanning, performance optimization, and privacy features, sharing core technology with Avast. Malwarebytes is an anti-malware solution for Android that detects and removes malware, adware, ransomware, and potentially unwanted programs, focusing on privacy protection and safe browsing.

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 7, 2026

Norton in 2026: Is the Old-School Antivirus Brand Still Worth Your Trust?

Norton has evolved into a comprehensive cybersecurity suite by 2026, transitioning from traditional antivirus software to a holistic solution under Gen Digital Inc. Its offerings include Norton 360, which provides real-time malware and ransomware protection, a built-in unlimited data VPN, password management, dark web monitoring, and identity protection on higher tiers. The Norton 360 Deluxe plan is popular for households, offering high protection scores, a usable VPN, dark web monitoring, cross-platform support, and identity protection features. Users appreciate its ease of use, strong protection record, and the value of the VPN, while some express frustration with upselling, auto-renew pricing, and performance on older machines. Norton competes with brands like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and McAfee, with its all-in-one convenience being a key advantage. It is suitable for families and less tech-savvy users but may not be ideal for those preferring minimalist setups or who have older hardware.

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.

Winsage

January 1, 2026

These 8 targeted Microsoft Teams updates close out the year — but some features feel like overdue fixes

The Microsoft Teams platform has received several updates during December, including the ability to pop out core functions into separate windows, and the integration of third-party ISV compliance recording at the call queue level. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat now generates meeting summaries, highlights key discussion points, and suggests actionable tasks. A new security feature protects Teams messaging by identifying external users attempting to impersonate a tenant's domain. A Frontline Hub has been established for IT administrators to manage frontline Teams experiences more efficiently. Additionally, several new devices have been certified for Teams, including various EPOS headsets, Lenovo webcams, and Yealink devices, ensuring quality and compatibility.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

These 10 Android Apps Will Make Your Phone Smarter Than Ever

Your smartphone can be enhanced with various applications that improve productivity, personalization, and digital well-being. A recent video from Xtream Droid highlights ten lesser-known Android apps: 1. Gesture Suite: Allows users to create custom gestures for over 70 actions, automating tasks like turning on the flashlight or controlling music playback. 2. Transfer: Turns your phone into a local file server for quick, wireless file sharing without cables or third-party services, ensuring privacy and security. 3. Safe Space: Provides encrypted, offline storage for sensitive files, protecting data from unauthorized access without relying on cloud services. 4. LED Keyboard: Offers customizable LED effects, multilingual support, and advanced typing features while ensuring user privacy by not collecting typing data. 5. Shelf Launcher: A minimalist app that integrates gesture controls, quick search options, and note-taking features to optimize workflow and productivity. 6. Lock Me Out: Helps manage screen time by allowing users to set app blocking modes and schedule lockouts to minimize distractions. 7. Regain: Tracks app usage patterns and provides insights to maintain a balanced relationship with your device, promoting healthier digital habits. 8. Action Notch: Transforms the phone’s camera cutout into a functional control button for quick access to tasks like taking screenshots or switching apps. 9. Smart Dock Launcher: Offers a desktop-like experience with multi-window support and customizable layouts for better multitasking on Android devices. 10. NotePinr: An offline task management app that allows users to create to-do lists and reminders, with the ability to pin important notes to the notification bar.

Winsage

December 26, 2025

SSDs on some Windows machines with BitLocker enabled are about twice as fast thanks to BitLocker hardware acceleration.

Windows 11 Pro has introduced a hardware-accelerated version of BitLocker, enhancing storage encryption without compromising performance. This update allows compatible devices to maintain storage read and write speeds similar to when BitLocker is disabled. The hardware-accelerated BitLocker utilizes the encryption processor in the System on Chip (SoC) to streamline encryption and decryption processes. It is available on devices with a supported built-in encryption processor and uses the XTS-AES-256 encryption algorithm. Users can check if hardware BitLocker is enabled by executing the command manage-bde -status in the command prompt. Performance metrics indicate that CPU cycles during storage access remain consistent with machines that have BitLocker disabled, and benchmarks show that hardware BitLocker can double sequential read and random write speeds. The integration of the XTS-AES-256 encryption processor into Intel's upcoming third-generation Core Ultra processor, Panther Lake, suggests future advancements for hardware-accelerated BitLocker.

Tech Optimizer

December 25, 2025

New malware can read your chats and steal your money

The Android banking trojan Sturnus has emerged as a significant cybersecurity threat, capable of taking control of a device's screen, stealing banking credentials, and accessing encrypted communications from trusted applications. It operates stealthily, capturing decrypted messages without breaking encryption. To protect against Sturnus, users should employ robust antivirus software, be vigilant with app prompts, and exercise caution with links and attachments, as malware is often spread through these channels. Attackers can remotely control devices to execute financial transactions without user knowledge.