scam detection Archives

AppWizard

September 6, 2026

Google’s Scam Detection Doesn’t Support Your Android Phone? Try These 5 Apps

Google has introduced AI-powered scam call detection for Pixel phone users, analyzing incoming calls to alert users of potential scams. Not all Android devices support this feature. Various spam call prevention tools are available for Android users, including: - Truecaller: A leading app with a user-generated database for identifying spam calls, offering Caller ID in its free version. It may produce false positives. - Malwarebytes Scam Guard: Analyzes content like messages and links for scams, requiring manual submission for analysis and part of a premium package. - YouMail: Blocks known scam numbers for free, includes Caller ID, and uses AI for text message fraud detection. Some features require a paid plan. - Hiya Spam Blocker: Identifies suspicious calls with Caller ID and allows users to report dubious numbers. Paid plans offer automatic blocking and Call Screener features. - Should I Answer?: A free app that checks unknown numbers against a community-maintained database, providing reputation assessments based on user reviews. The methodology for compiling these apps focused on compatibility with various Android devices and essential features like Caller ID and automatic blocking, while also considering additional functionalities and accessibility.

AppWizard

September 4, 2026

Google’s Scam Detection feature is expanding to even more Android brands

Google's Scam Detection feature, initially available only on Pixel devices, is expanding to more Android smartphones, currently accessible on the Galaxy S26 series and potentially coming to vivo phones. Recent findings from the Google Phone app's public beta indicate that Xiaomi may also support this feature, with the Xiaomi 18 Fold being a possible candidate for the initial rollout, although it is currently confirmed only for release in China. Google's Scam Detection uses on-device AI to analyze incoming calls for potential scams, aiming to enhance user security. The feature is still in beta and may have flaws, but improvements are expected as Google refines the technology.

AppWizard

September 1, 2026

How to make sure your Android phone is secure

Android devices have various features to enhance security and privacy. A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that nearly 75% of Americans have faced online scams, which have become more sophisticated, including vishing scams using AI-generated deepfakes. Android offers tools to mitigate these risks, such as AI-driven scam detection and theft protection. To safeguard devices, users should keep their software updated by checking Settings > About Phone for the current version and navigating to Settings > System > Software Updates for updates. App updates can be managed through the Google Play Store under Settings > Network preferences > Auto-update apps. Securing Google accounts with two-factor authentication is recommended, which can be set up via the Google Account management page. Automatic backups can be enabled in Settings > Google > Backup. The Find Hub app helps track lost devices and can be configured in Settings > Location and Settings > Security. Android includes scam detection tools that alert users to potential scams in calls and texts, which can be activated in the Phone app settings. Privacy settings can be managed by adjusting app permissions in Settings > Apps and using the Permission manager in Security & Privacy. Users can opt out of data sharing with advertisers by navigating to Settings > Google > Ads. Google Play Protect scans for harmful apps and should remain enabled for safety. Theft protection features, such as Theft Detection Lock and Remote Lock, can be activated in Settings > Google > Personal & device safety.

Tech Optimizer

August 24, 2026

Malwarebytes Review 2026: Safe, But is Free Tier Enough?

Overall Rating: 4.3/5 ⭐ Protection: 4.3 ⭐ Performance: 3.9 ⭐ Features: 4.4 ⭐ Support: 4.8 ⭐ Value: 4.2 ⭐ Pricing starts at .99 for the first year, verified August 2026. Malwarebytes earned the AV-TEST TOP PRODUCT award in March-April 2026, scoring 17.5 out of 18 points. It successfully removed all infections in remediation tests and had no false detections across 1.5 million legitimate samples at AV-TEST. The software can coexist with other antivirus solutions and offers a free version with limited features. The free version lacks ongoing protection after 14 days, while the paid version provides real-time protection. Malwarebytes has a privacy policy stating it does not sell customer data and collects only necessary identifiers. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, having raised a total of 0 million, including a recent investment from Vector Capital in September 2022. It acquired AzireVPN in November 2024. Malwarebytes offers various plans, including Standard, Plus, and Total, with consistent renewal pricing. The Windows version includes comprehensive features, while the Mac version targets adware and browser hijackers. The Android app provides scanning capabilities and phishing protection, and the iPhone app focuses on scam text filtering. Customer support is efficient, with quick responses.

Tech Optimizer

August 23, 2026

Aura vs LifeLock vs Identity Guard 2026: $5M Coverage

Identity theft complaints are increasing, leading to a competitive market for protection services. Aura offers a comprehensive security suite with up to million in identity theft insurance, while LifeLock provides tiered coverage from million to million under the Norton brand. Identity Guard is a budget-friendly option with coverage capped at million and lacks features like antivirus and VPN. Aura includes three-bureau credit monitoring on all plans, while LifeLock's comprehensive monitoring is only available on its highest tier, and Identity Guard's entry-level plan does not include credit monitoring. All three services provide dark web monitoring and SSN alerts, but Aura features AI-driven scam detection. Aura's Family plan covers up to five adults and unlimited children, whereas LifeLock's family options are more restrictive. Identity Guard's pricing is predictable, with a 20% increase after the first year, while Aura does not advertise significant post-year-one hikes. LifeLock operates under Gen Digital, which also owns Norton, while Aura is privately held and Identity Guard operates independently.

Tech Optimizer

August 22, 2026

Bitdefender vs McAfee: How to pick the right antivirus for you in 2026

Viruses and malware pose ongoing threats to personal computers and sensitive data. Windows Defender is a free antivirus option, but dedicated solutions like Bitdefender and McAfee offer enhanced security. Bitdefender was established in 2001 and McAfee in 1987. Bitdefender Premium Security has a rating of 4.5/5, offers various plans, and is user-friendly with minimal system impact. Its pricing includes £59.99 for the Premium Security plan, which features a password manager, unlimited VPN, and other protections. McAfee+ Premium also has a rating of 4.5/5, is visually appealing, and includes a smart scan feature. Its pricing starts at £49.99 for the Premium plan, which protects unlimited devices and includes various security features. Bitdefender's pros include an affordable standard plan and a basic VPN, while cons include a requirement for a family plan for more than five devices and significant price increases in subsequent years. McAfee's pros include unlimited device protection and excellent security monitoring, with cons being potential high costs. Both antivirus solutions offer significant first-year discounts, with Bitdefender's basic protection starting at £17.99 for one device and McAfee's basic package starting at £29.99 for one device. In terms of features, Bitdefender includes a comprehensive suite with a password manager, while McAfee offers scam detection and a social privacy manager. Bitdefender's dashboard is user-friendly but may feel cluttered, while McAfee's dashboard is visually appealing and organized. Both provide 24/7 support, but Bitdefender's phone support may incur charges. The evaluation criteria included ease of use, features, value for money, and performance.

AppWizard

August 17, 2026

First Pixel and Samsung, now another brand could get Google’s Scam Detection

Recent findings indicate that Google’s Scam Detection feature may soon be available on vivo smartphones, making vivo the third Android manufacturer to adopt this technology, following Google and Samsung. The feature, which uses on-device AI to identify potential scams during phone calls, has recently been introduced on the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. A teardown of the Phone by Google app revealed internal references to the codename “Sharpie,” linked to Scam Detection, suggesting its upcoming availability on vivo devices. While it is unclear which vivo models will support this feature, speculation points to the vivo X500 series as the likely first recipient, with the X300 series possibly following. It remains uncertain whether vivo will integrate Scam Detection into its own dialer app or use the Phone by Google app. The technology enhances user awareness by monitoring for suspicious patterns during calls, such as requests for payment via gift cards, and provides alerts for potential scams, excluding calls from saved contacts. The anticipated expansion of Scam Detection to vivo reflects a growing trend among Android manufacturers to enhance user safety against scams.

Tech Optimizer

August 17, 2026

Avast, AVG and Norton in 2026: smarter security for a new generation of threats

In 2026, cybersecurity has shifted from traditional virus blocking to addressing a wider range of threats, including phishing, AI-generated scams, fake websites, account takeovers, ransomware, and fraudulent calls. Key players in this transformation include Avast, AVG, and Norton, which are integrating advanced AI, scam detection, and multi-device security into their offerings. Avert IT Distribution (Avert ITD) is the official distributor for Avast and AVG in Africa and provides Norton solutions, along with essential licensing and support services. Avast has introduced Scam Guardian technology, which combines automated protection with an AI tool to analyze suspicious communications. AVG has enhanced its AntiVirus with AI-driven protection against various online threats and offers mobile security features like Scam Guardian. Norton has expanded its services to include AI-powered Scam Protection and a secure browser for small and medium enterprises, along with significant upgrades to its VPN capabilities. Avert ITD supports African resellers and businesses by providing localized access to these cybersecurity solutions, ensuring tailored support and guidance. The company has also launched a WhatsApp support channel for quick assistance. Avert ITD emphasizes its commitment to reseller growth and accountability in its distribution approach.

Tech Optimizer

August 11, 2026

Best Free Antivirus Software 2026: Tested and Ranked

Avast Free Antivirus is recognized as the best free antivirus software for 2026, having undergone rigorous testing and achieved a perfect score of 6/6/6 from AV-TEST in June 2026. It offers extensive features including real-time malware blocking, a Ransomware Shield, and Wi-Fi network scanning, all at no cost. The installation process takes approximately 2 minutes and 35 seconds, and it allows for unlimited installations across multiple platforms. Avast generates revenue through upsells and bundled software during installation. In testing, it achieved a 99.97% online protection rate with only 9 false alarms, with a quick scan taking just over a minute and a full scan taking about 14 minutes and 38 seconds. The application opens automatically at every Windows startup, which may be inconvenient for some users. Other notable free antivirus options include Bitdefender Antivirus Free, AVG AntiVirus Free, Microsoft Defender, Avira Free Security, and Malwarebytes Free, each with their own strengths and limitations.

Tech Optimizer

August 7, 2026

The 5 Top Antivirus Packages For Real-Time Protection

Antivirus software is essential for digital security, protecting devices from malware and online threats. A common misconception is that a weekly full scan is enough, but real-time protection is crucial as it continuously monitors files and links, preventing threats before they can infect a device. Independent organizations like AV-Comparatives test antivirus software for effectiveness against live malware. Real-time protection is necessary because digital threats can occur at any time, with modern malware, such as ransomware, capable of quickly compromising files. As online activities increase, the risk of encountering malicious entities rises, making continuous monitoring vital. Five top antivirus software options with real-time monitoring are: 1. Bitdefender: Known for high detection accuracy and low system impact, it offers real-time protection against various threats, with pricing starting at £20 for one device. 2. Norton 360: Provides robust malware protection and additional features like a VPN and password manager, with the Standard version priced around £30 for one device. 3. Sophos Home: Offers enterprise-level protection for home users, including AI-driven threat prevention, priced around £50 for up to ten devices. 4. Microsoft Defender: Built into Windows at no cost, it provides strong real-time protection and is rated highly in lab tests. 5. McAfee Total Protection: Suitable for families with multiple devices, it includes real-time protection and various privacy tools, with first-year pricing ranging from £30 to £40.