quarantine Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2025

Trojanized game PirateFi discovered on Steam

Free downloads from torrent trackers pose significant risks of malware, prompting security solutions to quarantine suspicious files. A recent incident involved the game PirateFi, which was removed from Steam after being flagged for harboring malware that stole browser cookies and compromised online accounts. The game attracted minimal attention, with around 1,500 downloads and reports of unauthorized transactions among players. Valve advised users to run security scans and suggested reformatting their operating systems, which confused many. The developers, Seaworth Interactive, raised suspicions due to their promotional tactics. Malware incidents on Steam are not new, with past cases like Dynostopia affecting players. Gamers are advised to avoid cheats, choose well-reviewed games, and install dedicated gaming antimalware for protection. Kaspersky Premium offers a gaming mode that minimizes interruptions during gameplay.

Winsage

February 16, 2025

12 Ways To Make Windows 11 Run Faster

Windows is a dominant operating system known for its affordability and software compatibility, but users often face performance issues. To enhance performance on Windows 11, users can: 1. Restart the device weekly and ensure it is up-to-date to resolve bugs and improve security. 2. Disable unnecessary startup applications via Settings > Apps > Startup or Task Manager. 3. Use Task Manager to monitor and terminate resource-hungry applications. 4. Uninstall unnecessary pre-installed software using tools like Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller. 5. Upgrade hardware by installing an SSD or adding RAM for better performance. 6. Regularly scan for malware using Windows Security to maintain system health. 7. Adjust power settings to "Best Performance" under Settings > System > Power & battery > Power Mode. 8. Free up disk space using built-in tools like Storage Sense or by manually deleting old files. 9. Disable unnecessary visual effects via Settings > Accessibility > Visual Effects or Control Panel. 10. Pause OneDrive or other cloud storage services to reduce resource consumption during intensive tasks. 11. Disable File Explorer search indexing if frequent searches are not needed. 12. Use the system restore feature to revert to a previous state if performance issues persist.

Tech Optimizer

February 7, 2025

What is Managed Endpoint Protection?

Managed Endpoint Protection involves outsourcing endpoint security for devices like laptops, desktops, and servers to specialized providers. These services offer continuous monitoring, automated responses, and compliance checks, utilizing advanced analytics and real-time threat intelligence. Key features include continuous monitoring, automated threat containment, vulnerability management, forensic analysis, compliance tools, and threat hunting. Managed services address various threats such as ransomware, phishing, zero-day exploits, credential theft, insider threats, DDoS attacks, and data exfiltration. Benefits include 24/7 expert coverage, access to specialized threat intelligence, faster incident response, reduced operational complexity, predictable pricing, and improved compliance. Challenges include the rapidly evolving threat landscape, skills shortage, budget constraints, and ensuring real-time visibility. Best practices for implementation involve maintaining asset inventories, defining roles, fine-tuning detection thresholds, conducting regular drills, and integrating with broader security measures. When choosing a provider, factors to consider include technical expertise, service level agreements, integration capabilities, pricing, compliance, and ongoing support. SentinelOne offers an autonomous cybersecurity platform that enhances endpoint security through superior visibility, automated responses, and customizable features.

Tech Optimizer

February 5, 2025

What to do if you think your PC has a virus

Signs that a PC may have a virus include noticeable slowdown in performance, unfamiliar applications appearing, frequent crashes or erratic software behavior, and overheating. To remove a virus from a PC, users should: 1. Disconnect from the internet. 2. Enter safe mode. 3. Run a virus scan with antivirus software. 4. Delete or quarantine infected files. 5. Clear temporary files using the Disk Cleanup tool. 6. Reset browser settings to default. 7. Check and disable unfamiliar startup programs in Task Manager. 8. Update the operating system and software. 9. Backup data regularly. To avoid future viruses, users should practice safe browsing, enable a firewall, download from trusted sites, and use a secure VPN connection.

Tech Optimizer

December 13, 2024

F-Secure Total review: affordable antivirus solution lets you build custom plan

F-Secure Total is an antivirus solution priced at .99, offering robust protection for various devices with customizable subscription plans. The most economical plan starts at .99 annually for one device, with options for 1 to 26 devices. Users can add a VPN and password manager for an additional fee. It supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and provides 24/7 live chat support. The software features real-time malware protection, regular scans, and has received positive scores from cybersecurity labs, though it has a higher-than-average false-positive rate. F-Secure's privacy policy ensures user data is not sold or shared with third parties.

AppWizard

December 6, 2024

The 25 Most Wanted PC Games Of 2025–And Beyond–Revealed

The PC Gaming Show revealed the Most Wanted PC games for 2025 and beyond, determined by over 80 industry experts. Grand Theft Auto VI ranked fifth, below the top three spots. The list includes 25 titles, with varying release dates, including eight marked as “TBD” and seven promising a release in “2025.” The Thing: Remastered was already released prior to the event. Notable titles and their details include: - 25) Judas - TBD, narrative-driven first-person shooter. - 24) Killing Floor 3 - Early 2025, co-op horde shooter. - 23) Control 2 - TBD, sequel to the original Control. - 22) Crescent County - TBD, life simulation game. - 21) Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector - January 2025, narrative-driven sci-fi adventure. - 20) Perfect Dark - TBD, reimagining of the classic game. - 19) Menace - 2025, tactical sci-fi gameplay. - 18) Mafia: The Old Country - 2025, prequel to the Mafia series. - 17) Dune: Awakening - Early 2025, open-world survival MMO. - 16) Witchbrook - TBD, 2D pixel art game. - 15) Skate. - 2025, free-to-play skating game. - 14) Project 007 - TBD, James Bond game. - 13) Atomfall - March 27, 2025, alternate timeline exploration game. - 12) Light No Fire - TBD, survival game. - 11) Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater - TBD, remake of Snake Eater. - 10) The Thing: Remastered - Out now, revitalized horror game. - 9) Wanderstop - March 2025, indie game with complex narrative. - 8) Avowed - February 18, 2025, first-person fantasy RPG. - 7) Kingdom Come: Deliverance II - February 4, 2025, sequel to medieval RPG. - 6) Death Stranding 2: On the Beach - 2025, sequel to Death Stranding. - 5) Grand Theft Auto VI - 2025, anticipated next installment in the series. - 4) Slay the Spire 2 - 2025, sequel to the deck-building roguelike. - 3) Monster Hunter Wilds - February 28, 2025, new entry in the monster-slaying genre. - 2) DOOM: The Dark Ages - 2025, prequel exploring the origins of the Doom Slayer. - 1) Sid Meier’s Civilization VII - February 11, 2025, return of the 4X strategy game.

Tech Optimizer

December 5, 2024

TotalAV Antivirus Review and Pricing in 2024

TotalAV offers a suite of digital security features that includes privacy tools and online protection, distinguishing it from standard antivirus software. Its user interface is intuitive and has minimal impact on device performance. The software conducts rapid scans with accurate detection of harmful files. However, it lacks behavior-based detection, does not include a built-in firewall, and was unable to prevent the download of potentially harmful files during testing, although it could identify and quarantine them afterward. TotalAV provides substantial protection against various cyberthreats and has an attractive pricing model for users.

Tech Optimizer

November 23, 2024

XProtect On MacOS: The Silent Defender Against Viruses

XProtect is the native antivirus technology for macOS that operates without additional installations, continuously scanning files and applications for malware. It alerts users upon detecting threats, offering options to quarantine or remove infected files. XProtect integrates with Gatekeeper and System Integrity Protection (SIP) to provide multiple layers of defense. It receives automatic updates from Apple, ensuring protection against evolving threats while maintaining resource efficiency and broad compatibility with modern macOS versions. XProtect's deep integration with macOS allows for seamless operation, although users seeking advanced protections may consider third-party solutions. Users are advised to keep macOS updated, download apps from trusted sources, enable Gatekeeper, and practice caution online. Despite macOS's inherent security, it is still vulnerable to malware, highlighting the need for XProtect. Future versions may incorporate AI-driven features for enhanced detection and cross-device compatibility.

Tech Optimizer

November 20, 2024

No more frights: Microsoft Edge is getting scareware protection

Microsoft is enhancing its Edge browser to protect users from scareware, which includes alarming pop-up windows that mislead users into downloading fraudulent antivirus software. This feature will use machine learning to detect scareware attempts and quarantine potential threats, initially targeting organizations before expanding to individual consumers. The scareware blocker is set to enter public preview in the coming months, although a timeline for widespread availability is uncertain. Other tech companies, like Google, are also improving online safety measures, such as introducing disposable email addresses in Gmail to enhance user privacy.

BetaBeacon

November 13, 2024

Top 24 Android games with controller support

- Stardew Valley is a popular farming sim game where players can customize their character and run a farm. - Terraria is a 2D pixel adventure game where players can mine for materials and explore underground. - Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows players to build and create in a block world. - Sky: Children of the Light is a community-based game where players can interact with each other. - Dead Cells is a roguelike game with challenging gameplay and controller support. - Brawlhalla is a cartoon fighting game with fast-paced battles and controller support.