quarantine Archives

Tech Optimizer

November 16, 2025

Best VPN With Antivirus in 2025

NordVPN features an innovative Threat Protection Pro that scans downloaded files for threats, assesses applications for vulnerabilities, blocks malicious websites, and reduces intrusive ads and trackers. It is the first VPN to receive AV-Comparatives’ anti-phishing certification, but it lacks full antivirus capabilities like system scans and malware removal. The feature is included in the Plus, Complete, and Prime subscription tiers for Windows and Mac users, with specific pricing structures for each tier. NordVPN is noted for its speed, extensive server network in 126 countries, and strong privacy features. Norton Secure VPN, while user-friendly, has issues such as IPv6 leaks, excessive data collection, and concerns related to its US jurisdiction. It has slower speeds, a limited server network, and lacks Linux support. Norton is working on improvements, including support for various streaming devices, but alternatives may provide better privacy features and performance.

AppWizard

November 16, 2025

Hear me out: GTA Online has always worked best as a singleplayer game, and whatever shape GTA 6’s multiplayer off-shoot takes needs to follow suit

Players of GTA Online express frustrations with hackers and hoverbikes, particularly the Pegassi Oppressor Mk II, which disrupts gameplay. Many seek quieter servers or solo play to avoid these issues. In 2020, Rockstar introduced the Cayo Perico heist, allowing players to undertake missions solo for the first time since the game's launch. The game has evolved with complex business ventures and collaborations, but public servers often lead to frustrating experiences due to rogue players. Anticipation for GTA 6 includes expectations for chaotic gameplay and potential 64-player servers, but players desire the freedom to explore without disruptions. Rockstar has not released standalone single-player DLC, and early sales projections for GTA 6 suggest £7.5 billion in revenue within the first two months. The future of single-player story DLC remains uncertain, but many players hope for the option to play online solo.

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

If you’re sick of waiting for Fallout 5, this apocalyptic RPG is an underrated gem, especially at its lowest price yet

Atomfall is a survival FPS game set in an alternate reality based on the historical Windscale incident in the 1950s UK. Players take on the role of an amnesiac protagonist who wakes up in an underground bunker and must navigate a quarantine zone five years after its establishment. The game features a retro-futuristic 'atompunk' aesthetic and emphasizes strategic survival through scavenging for materials and managing heart rate during combat. Atomfall is currently available at a 45% discount, priced at .49 / £24.74 on Fanatical.

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

Marist Minecraft Server in Development

A new Minecraft server is being developed for the Marist University community, led by Noah Yurasko, the President of the Student Government Association for the Class of 2028. The server will feature four distinct worlds: an Adventure Showcase World (a replica of the Marist campus), a Creative Building World, a Survival Factions World, and a Survival Collaborative World. Yurasko invited students to participate, resulting in 200 responses, with 50 interested in technical development. The server will require students to log in with their Marist email addresses to ensure a safe environment. Faculty members from the Donnelly Data Center are supporting the project, which aims to launch by the end of the semester.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

As the Steam Next Fest wraps up, Valve shares some of the seasonal event’s most-played demos – and they range from chaotically comedic co-op games to brutal Braveheart-inspired roguelikes

Valve has compiled a list of the 50 most-played demos from Steam Next Fest 2025, featuring a mix of anticipated releases and indie games. Notable titles include: - Half Sword: A medieval combat simulator praised as a "massive early breakout." - Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era: A turn-based strategy game with over a million wishlists. - YAPYAP: A co-op horror game that combines magic and comedy, utilizing players' voices for protection. - Tears of Metal: Earned an "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating for its engaging narrative and gameplay. - Quarantine Zone: The Last Check: A zombie apocalypse game where players act as a doctor to prevent infected individuals from breaching a military stronghold. - Cairn: A zen rock-climbing experience that has become popular for its tranquil yet challenging gameplay. - Skate Story: A skateboarding adventure game. - Desktop Defender: A casual idle game offering a laid-back gaming experience. The event showcased a diverse range of titles appealing to various gaming preferences.

Tech Optimizer

October 13, 2025

Is that virus warning real? How to spot false alarms

Procolored experienced a security incident during a routine download of printer software, where both Google Chrome and Microsoft Defender flagged the software, leading to its quarantine. Despite Procolored's claims of safety, G Data's investigation found a backdoor virus (Xred) and a Trojan, prompting Procolored to release an updated version of the software. False alarms from antivirus software, while typically accounting for less than 1% of reports, can cause significant emotional responses in users. These false positives often arise from heuristic and behavioral analysis methods that misclassify benign software, particularly those interacting with system settings or accessing sensitive data. Users are advised to critically assess antivirus alerts by evaluating the software's purpose, source reputation, and being cautious of social engineering tactics. If confident in a flagged program's safety, users can whitelist it to prevent future alerts. Alternative antivirus tools can be used for verification, and creating bootable USB sticks or DVDs with virus scanners is recommended for additional security. Running suspicious software in a secure environment, like a virtual machine, can help mitigate risks. Users should also be wary of pop-up alerts from dubious sources, as they may be scams.

Tech Optimizer

September 30, 2025

iTWire – Google adds AI-powered ransomware protection to Drive for desktop

Google has launched an AI-powered ransomware detection and recovery feature for Google Drive for desktop, available in open beta. This feature automatically detects suspicious activity indicative of ransomware attacks, pauses file syncing, and allows users to restore affected files easily. It is offered at no additional cost to most Google Workspace commercial customers and individual users. Ransomware attacks constituted 21% of all cybersecurity incidents investigated by Mandiant last year, with the average cost of such attacks exceeding million. The new capability provides an additional layer of defense beyond traditional antivirus methods, creating a protective bubble around user files. Google’s built-in virus detection also helps prevent ransomware from spreading to other devices. The AI model used for detection analyzes millions of real-world ransomware samples and adapts to new threats. When unusual activity is detected, Drive pauses syncing and alerts users, allowing for easy restoration of files. IT administrators receive alerts in the Admin console and can review detailed incident logs. This rollout enhances security controls for Workspace customers amid increasing ransomware threats.

Tech Optimizer

September 29, 2025

Best cyber security deal: Mashable readers get 65% off the Fortect Ultimate security suite

The Fortect Ultimate suite is currently available at a discounted price of .95, down from the original price of .94, reflecting a 65% reduction. This suite protects up to five devices and includes features such as antivirus software, a cross-platform VPN, a driver updater, full PC optimization, and 24/7 customer support. Key features of the antivirus include real-time threat protection, comprehensive malware protection, and compatibility with Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. The VPN offers enhanced online security and access to over 2,400 servers worldwide. The driver updater provides automatic scans and one-click updates for drivers, while the optimizer includes advanced repair technology and disk cleanup. Each subscription comes with a complimentary system scan and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Winsage

September 26, 2025

New LNK Malware Uses Windows Binaries to Bypass Security Tools and Execute Malware

A new form of malware exploiting Windows shortcut files (.LNK) has emerged since late August 2025, raising concerns among security teams. This malware is primarily spread through spear-phishing emails and compromised websites, using embedded commands to invoke legitimate Windows utilities for executing additional malware. Victims report unusual PowerShell calls and unexpected network connections as signs of compromise. The attacks target enterprise and consumer endpoints, particularly users with elevated privileges, using emails that mimic IT notifications to lure recipients into clicking on seemingly harmless shortcut attachments. Upon execution, the .LNK file activates Windows Explorer, loading a hidden payload that utilizes built-in binaries like mshta.exe and rundll32.exe to evade detection. The malicious .LNK file contains an OLE object pointing to a remote HTML application script, which, when executed, downloads a payload using Base64-encoded PowerShell commands. The payload is executed in memory to minimize disk writes, and the malware establishes persistence by creating a registry run key to ensure it launches automatically upon user login. Indicators of compromise include network requests to suspicious domains, anomalous process trees involving mshta.exe and rundll32.exe, and unrecognized registry entries.

Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2025

Fortect Antivirus Review 2025: Expert Insights into Protection, Features, and Pricing

Fortect is a German company specializing in antivirus and security software, focusing on transparency, trust, and user empowerment. Its installation process is straightforward, leading to a comprehensive system scan that identifies various issues. The software features a modern, user-friendly interface with a navy blue color scheme, allowing users to monitor malware protection and access modules for performance, security, privacy, and VPN. The Security section includes quick or custom scans, real-time protection, and targeted scanning options. The Antivirus module provides real-time protection against malware using cloud-based technology, with capabilities to repair system instability and create restore points. Fortect has a macOS version and mobile apps for Android and iOS that offer network scanning and data breach alerts, but higher-tier plans are required for multi-device access. It has received the VB100 certification with a 99.19% success rate in malware detection and minimal false positives. Additional features include a Performance Scan and Driver Updater, though its offerings are limited compared to competitors like Norton 360 and Sophos Home Premium. Support options are less robust, with response times of up to 48 hours for web inquiries. Fortect lacks independent testing from reputable organizations, raising concerns about reliability compared to established products.