scam calls Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 16, 2026

Best Android Antivirus Apps 2026: Tested and Ranked

Bitdefender Mobile Security is rated as the best antivirus app for Android in 2026, achieving a 100% detection rate, 0.5% battery drain, and unobtrusive operation. The evaluation compared five antivirus applications on a Galaxy S26 Ultra, assessing detection rates, battery drain, scan speed, and permissions. Other notable antivirus apps include Norton 360 for Mobile, which is recognized for its features; Avast Mobile Security, known for its free version; McAfee Mobile Security, which excels in scam call and text filtering; and NordVPN Threat Protection, praised for web and Wi-Fi security. Most users may not need an antivirus app due to built-in protections like Google Play Protect, which automatically scans apps. However, specific scenarios warrant the installation of an antivirus app, such as sideloading apps, receiving scam texts and calls, assisting relatives, conducting banking and shopping on mobile, and using public Wi-Fi. The top five antivirus apps tested are: 1. Bitdefender Mobile Security: 100% detection, 0.5% battery drain, 31-second scan time. 2. Norton 360 for Mobile: 99.9% detection, 0.9% battery drain, 24-second scan time. 3. Avast Mobile Security: 99.9% detection, 0.7% battery drain, 26-second scan time. 4. McAfee Mobile Security: 99.78% detection, 1.0% battery drain, 34-second scan time. 5. NordVPN Threat Protection: 95.60% detection of web threats, 0.2% battery drain. Battery consumption varied, with NordVPN being the lightest and McAfee the heaviest. Permissions requested by each app also varied significantly, with Bitdefender requiring the most extensive permissions. Users are advised to check for legitimate antivirus apps by verifying the developer, installation count, update history, lab participation, and permission requests. Free antivirus apps like Avast and AVG offer effective protection but may lack some features of paid versions. Users should be cautious of fake security apps that mimic legitimate ones. If malware is suspected, users can run scans with Google Play Protect or other anti-malware apps and follow specific steps to remove malware if detected.

Tech Optimizer

July 7, 2026

7 Habits That Are More Important Than Using Antivirus on Your Phone

Antivirus software was once standard on personal computers, but modern smartphones have evolved with enhanced security measures from Apple and Google, making them less vulnerable to traditional malware. Smartphones isolate applications, allowing them only to access user-permitted information, and if a malicious app infiltrates, it faces significant challenges due to built-in defenses. Apple requires thorough vetting of apps through the App Store, which enhances security but limits antivirus capabilities. Android allows sideloading apps from outside the Google Play Store, which introduces risks but also includes built-in security features like Google Play Protect and regular updates. Despite these advancements, smartphones can still be compromised, and cybercriminals increasingly target user accounts through phishing tactics rather than malware. Security experts recommend focusing on phishing awareness, strong passwords, and two-factor authentication. For enhanced security, users should keep devices updated, download apps from official sources, review app permissions, use strong passwords, utilize a password manager, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious with unexpected communications. While most users may not need antivirus apps, those who frequently sideload or download from unfamiliar sites may benefit from additional security tools.

Tech Optimizer

June 5, 2026

This VPN + Antivirus Bundle Just Dropped to $3/mo: Get Full Protection for Cents

VPNs focus on online privacy, while antivirus software protects devices from threats. NordVPN combines these services, offering a comprehensive solution at competitive prices. The Basic plan costs .99 per month, while the Plus plan is available for .59 per month with a 76% discount and includes three free months with a two-year commitment. The Plus plan features Threat Protection Pro, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious URLs, and offers call protection for iOS and Android users. The Complete plan costs .99 per month and includes scam call protection, 1 GB of NordLocker, and dark web monitoring. The Prime plan, priced at .99 per month, includes Coveron for identity theft protection. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2026

NordVPN’s New App Acts as an All-in-One Digital Privacy and Security Hub

A virtual private network (VPN) does not protect against fraudulent banking links or harmful files. NordVPN has enhanced its VPN application by integrating antivirus features, evolving into a comprehensive digital privacy and security service. The revamped app is based on three pillars: Connect, Protect, and Monitor, offering tools such as VPN services, scam and phishing protection, and Dark Web Monitor. NordVPN's approach aims to intercept threats early, focusing on deception tactics used in modern scams. The company's next-generation antivirus system uses a dual-layer detection strategy, evaluating URLs in real-time and scanning files for malware. In April, NordVPN blocked 4.8 million threat events, including malware and phishing attempts. The company emphasizes minimal data collection for threat decisions and offers three subscription tiers: Basic, Complete, and Prime, each with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Users are reminded that no app can fully protect against cybersecurity threats, and best practices like strong passwords and multifactor authentication are essential.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2026

WHAT THE TECH? Smartphone anti-virus

Antivirus software is not a necessity for most smartphone users, as the nature of threats has evolved. iPhones isolate apps from the core system, making traditional antivirus scans ineffective; threats mainly come from scams like phishing links and deceptive messages. Android devices allow sideloading, increasing the risk of malware from unofficial sources. The primary dangers for users include phishing texts, fake login pages, scam calls, and social engineering tactics. To enhance security, users should keep their operating systems updated, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be beneficial in specific situations, such as frequent link clicking or downloading from unfamiliar sites, with reputable options available for added protection against scams and unsafe websites.

Tech Optimizer

May 26, 2026

What the Tech? What to ask yourself before downloading an anti-virus app

Most individuals do not require antivirus apps on their smartphones, as the primary threats are scams rather than traditional viruses. iPhones use app isolation, making conventional antivirus scans ineffective; threats include phishing texts and fraudulent websites. Android phones allow sideloading, increasing the risk of malware from unofficial sources. The main dangers are deceptive tactics like phishing, scam calls, and social engineering. To enhance security, users should keep their operating systems updated, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be beneficial for users who frequently click unverified links, download files from unfamiliar sites, or engage in Android sideloading. Reputable security apps focus on scam detection and account safety rather than traditional virus scanning.

Tech Optimizer

May 22, 2026

What the Tech: Phone antivirus apps |Helpful protection or a scam?

Most individuals do not require antivirus apps on their smartphones, as the primary threats have shifted from traditional viruses to scams and deceptive practices. iPhones utilize app isolation, making them less susceptible to conventional viruses but vulnerable to scams like phishing and fraudulent messages. Android phones allow sideloading, increasing the risk of malware from unofficial sources. The main threats include phishing texts, fake login pages, scam calls, reused passwords, and social engineering tactics. To enhance security, users should keep their phones updated, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from installing apps from unknown sources. Antivirus apps may be helpful in specific situations, such as frequent link tapping or downloading files from unfamiliar websites, with reputable companies offering mobile security solutions focused on scam detection and account safety.

AppWizard

April 16, 2026

Your Android phone could soon get a better way to sniff out spoofed calls

Google is enhancing the security of incoming calls on Android devices by integrating a "Verified Caller" feature into Google Play Services. This feature aims to combat scam calls that use Do-Not-Originate (DNO) numbers by cross-referencing incoming calls against a database of DNO numbers to flag potential scams. The system will work with existing applications, such as banking apps, to monitor specific DNO numbers. The feature is still in development and its effectiveness will depend on business participation and strict verification processes by Google.

Winsage

January 27, 2026

Microsoft warns Teams users about scammers posing as trusted brands

Microsoft has introduced a Brand Impersonation Protection feature for Teams that scrutinizes incoming VoIP calls from unfamiliar external contacts to identify potential brand impersonation. This feature alerts users to high-risk and suspicious calls, aiming to enhance security in digital communications. Additionally, Microsoft has postponed the rollout of its Wi-Fi location tracking feature to mid-March, which monitors users' live locations when connected to office Wi-Fi, raising concerns about corporate surveillance.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Your Android phone is getting a big security upgrade for free

Google has introduced various security features for Android users to protect against scams and malware. Key enhancements include: 1. Protection against scam calls with warnings and blocking actions related to disabling Google Play Protect, sideloading apps, and granting accessibility permissions. Screen sharing reminders will be provided on devices running Android 6 or higher. 2. In-call protections for banking apps, alerting users to potential risks when sharing screens with unknown callers, available for participating banks on devices running Android 11 or higher. 3. Improved scam detection in Google Messages, targeting various types of scams, including job scams, cryptocurrency scams, and technical support scams. 4. The Key Verifier tool for verifying contact identities through public encryption keys, ensuring private conversations. 5. Enhanced mobile theft protection with the Identity Check tool expanding to more devices running Android 16, reinforced protections against unauthorized factory resets, and hidden one-time passwords on the lock screen. 6. An Advanced Protection Program for targeted attacks, cryptographically verifying login operations on devices running Android 16. 7. Improvements to Google Play Protect, utilizing new on-device rules for malware detection and providing warnings about potentially malicious apps. 8. Ongoing commitment to enhancing overall Android security with each new version and updates to Google Play services.