robust security Archives

Winsage

February 11, 2026

Microsoft Announces Windows Baseline Security Mode and User Transparency and Consent

Microsoft has introduced two initiatives to enhance user trust in the Windows operating system: Windows Baseline Security Mode and User Transparency and Consent. These initiatives focus on transparency in app and AI agent behaviors, allowing users to reverse decisions and limiting access to defined capabilities. Windows Baseline Security Mode will enforce runtime integrity safeguards, permitting only properly signed apps, services, and drivers to run, while allowing users and IT administrators to override these safeguards if necessary. User Transparency and Consent will prompt users when apps attempt to access sensitive resources or install additional software, providing clear and actionable options for users to review and modify their choices. The rollout will occur in Windows 11 through a phased approach, with potential implementation in the Windows Insider Program by mid-year, possibly aligning with a future Windows 11 version or Windows 12 release.

Tech Optimizer

February 10, 2026

Why Should Small Businesses Invest In Antivirus Protection?

53% of UK businesses experience cybercrime attempts at least once a month, and 70% of business owners anticipate a cyber attack in the near future, yet only 35% feel adequately prepared. 43% of cyberattacks are directed at small businesses, with over half potentially closing due to the damage. Antivirus software is a cost-effective solution that can prevent data breaches, reduce the likelihood of ransomware, and protect devices of remote workers.

Tech Optimizer

February 10, 2026

Why Should Small Businesses Invest In Antivirus Protection?

53% of UK businesses experience cybercrime attempts at least once a month. 70% of business owners anticipate a cyber attack in the near future, but only about 35% feel prepared. 43% of cyberattacks are directed at small businesses, and over half of these may face closure due to the damage. Antivirus software can prevent data breaches, is cost-effective, reduces the likelihood of ransomware, and protects devices of remote workers.

Tech Optimizer

January 30, 2026

NordVPN blocks 92% malicious sites in independent phishing test

NordVPN successfully blocked 92% of phishing websites in an evaluation by AV-Comparatives, highlighting the effectiveness of its anti-malware tool, Threat Protection Pro. The assessment, conducted from January 7 to January 19, 2026, analyzed 250 phishing URLs, with NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro ranking fourth among tested products. The tool is designed to protect users from various online threats and operates at the network level, scanning traffic directly on the user's device. Threat Protection Pro is available to higher-tier subscribers on the Plus, Complete, and Ultra plans, and is compatible with Windows and macOS. Despite slipping from previous podium finishes, Threat Protection Pro has consistently ranked high in evaluations and was the first VPN service to receive AV-Comparatives' approval for anti-phishing protection in 2024. It also received accolades from AV-TEST and West Coast Labs for its phishing detection capabilities.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Ultimate Best Android Fax Apps Guide for Users

In 2026, faxing remains prevalent in industries like healthcare, real estate, and law, despite advancements in technology. Modern Android fax applications have replaced bulky fax machines, allowing users to send documents quickly by snapping photos or uploading PDFs. These apps offer features such as digital signatures, cloud storage, and security measures, making them ideal for travelers and remote workers. The Municorn Android Fax App is highlighted for its HIPAA compliance and user-friendly interface. Over 30% of healthcare providers still use faxing to meet compliance requirements, with businesses sending billions of pages annually. Modern fax apps eliminate issues like jammed paper trays and busy signals, enabling users to send documents from various locations. A small clinic reported saving hours weekly by using on-site scanning instead of visiting a fax center. Seven top Android fax apps for 2026 include Municorn Fax App, Fax.Plus, iFax, eFax, Simple Fax, Genius Fax, and Tiny Fax, each with unique features catering to different user needs. Many apps now incorporate AI for scan quality improvement and offer Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for searchable text. Security is crucial, especially for compliance, and users are advised to check for HIPAA compliance when handling sensitive information.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

5 Best Alternatives to WhatsApp in 2026 (Private & Secure)

The rise of encrypted messaging apps is driven by privacy concerns, as users seek alternatives to traditional platforms that may compromise security. Corporations, hackers, and governments actively monitor online communications for various reasons, making secure messaging essential. Several leading secure messaging apps have been identified: - Signal: Known for robust security features, including end-to-end encryption and open-source transparency. It requires a phone number for registration. - Threema: Allows anonymous communication without personal identifiers and offers end-to-end encryption. It does not have a free version and has a smaller user base. - Telegram: With over 500 million users, it offers self-destructing messages and works across multiple devices, but not all communications are end-to-end encrypted by default. Messaging platforms to avoid include WhatsApp, which collects extensive metadata, Keybase, which has credibility concerns after being acquired by Zoom, and regular SMS, which lacks encryption. When selecting an encrypted messaging app, users should look for end-to-end encryption, third-party testing, open-source code, self-destructing messages, limited data collection, and compatibility with other services. Signal is frequently cited as the most secure messaging app.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

The best private messaging apps of 2026: Expert tested

Threema is a Swiss messaging service founded in 2012, which now has over 12 million users and approximately 8,000 organizations globally. The platform's ownership has recently changed to Comitis Capital GmbH. Threema uses a unique approach to user identity by assigning a random eight-digit ID instead of requiring personal information like phone numbers or email addresses. Messages are stored locally and deleted from servers after delivery, enhancing privacy. It operates on a paid model with a one-time fee, supports anonymous payments, and employs high-grade cryptography for security. Users can send text and voice messages, share files up to 100 MB, and conduct end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls. Threema targets individuals and organizations prioritizing privacy and data protection, while it may not appeal to those seeking free apps or cloud-based chat history. Key features include end-to-end encryption, QR-based contact verification, and local group management capabilities.

AppWizard

January 27, 2026

Wire Secure Messenger Review (2026 Test Results)

The rise of online conversations has highlighted the vulnerabilities of traditional messaging platforms, making secure messaging essential for protecting private communications. Entities such as corporations, hackers, and government agencies aim to monitor and exploit these communications. Without secure messaging services, users' messages are susceptible to interception. Remote work has intensified these risks, as home networks often lack necessary security measures. Several secure messaging apps have emerged, each with varying levels of protection. Signal is noted for its end-to-end encryption, open-source foundation, and self-destructing messages, although it requires a phone number for registration. Threema offers anonymous messaging without data collection and does not require personal information, but it lacks a free version. Telegram has over 500 million users and offers some end-to-end encryption features, but not all communications are secure by default, and it logs user data. Messaging platforms to avoid include WhatsApp due to privacy concerns from its ownership by Facebook, Keybase after its acquisition by Zoom, and regular unencrypted SMS messages. When selecting a secure messaging app, look for end-to-end encryption, third-party testing, open-source code, self-destructing messages, limited data collection, and anonymous signup options. Signal is widely regarded as the most secure and private messaging app.

Tech Optimizer

January 27, 2026

Not a virus: What it means and why antivirus flags it

The term “not a virus” is used by antivirus software to indicate that a file does not match known malware signatures but still triggers a detection. This means the file is not automatically blocked or confirmed as a threat; the alert highlights something unusual, leaving the decision to the user. Alerts typically arise when software exhibits behavior associated with increased risk, despite lacking clear evidence of malicious intent. Malware is specifically designed to inflict harm, while files labeled “not a virus” may perform actions that raise security concerns but are not classified as harmful. Antivirus programs identify threats through signature detection and heuristic behavior-based detection. Legitimate programs, such as system utilities, download managers, and game cheats, can inadvertently trigger “not a virus” alerts. Common types of detections include adware, riskware, and potentially unwanted applications (PUA). The primary security risk of “not a virus” files is exposure rather than direct attacks, and privacy concerns often arise from data collection by these programs. If an antivirus detects “not a virus,” users should identify the file, review recent changes, compare detections, and decide whether to keep or remove it. To reduce unwanted alerts, users should download from official sources, use custom installation options, and remove unused software.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Surfshark stops updating app for older Android phones – check your version now

Surfshark has discontinued support for the Android 5.0 (Lollipop) operating system. Users are encouraged to upgrade to at least Android 6.0 to continue receiving official app support and security enhancements. The decision is part of Surfshark's strategy to focus on modern security standards and advanced features like post-quantum encryption, which cannot be securely managed on older Android kernels. Manual connections are still possible for legacy hardware, but upgrading is strongly recommended.