scam Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 24, 2026

Malwarebytes review: One of the most user-friendly and comprehensive antivirus software suites

Malwarebytes is an antivirus software that offers various plans for consumers and businesses. The consumer plans include: - Standard Plan: Priced at /£29 for essential protection on a single device. - Plus Plan: Available for /£49 annually, includes high-speed VPN and anonymous browsing. - Ultimate/Total Plan: Priced at in the U.S. and £129 in the U.K., includes advanced features like social media monitoring and identity insurance up to million. - Family Plans: Starting from 9/£109 per year for multiple users. For businesses, plans start at for Sole Proprietors covering three devices, with the Small Office plan for 20 devices costing 2. Malwarebytes lacks cloud backup and parental controls, which some competitors offer. Independent testing rated Malwarebytes as "Certified" with high usability scores, but its malware detection was less impressive compared to Bitdefender and Norton 360. The software can be resource-intensive, impacting system performance, particularly during gaming. It offers three scanning modes: Threat Scan, Deep Scan, and Custom Scan, with the Threat Scan completing in 22 seconds and the Deep Scan taking over 14 minutes. Advanced features include a Digital Footprint tool, Scam Guard, a File Shredder, and a VPN. The interface is user-friendly, and 24/7 support is available via email and chat. Malwarebytes has a 60-day money-back guarantee.

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.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2026

‘Only pay for what you truly need’: Avast unveils revolutionary new antivirus platform – industry leading device protection & scam detection, with optional no-log VPN, data breach monitoring, and device cleanup

Avast has launched a new free modular platform called Avast One, which offers free antivirus and scam protection, allowing users to pay only for the features they choose to use. The platform includes a free tier with antivirus protection, scam protection, and web security, and users can add optional modules such as AI agent protection, a no-log VPN, data breach monitoring, and device cleanup. Avast One features a unified dashboard for easy management of security options, and it includes free services like a cleanup tool and BreachGuard for personal information protection. Premium features can be added for enhanced security, including scanning for suspicious emails and banking protection, as well as a VPN with a 60-day free trial.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2026

What the Tech? Antivirus protection for your smartphone

Most users do not require an antivirus app on their smartphones, as the predominant threats are scams such as phishing texts and fraudulent websites rather than traditional viruses. iPhones operate on a design that isolates apps, limiting the effectiveness of antivirus software, while Android devices allow sideloading, which can increase the risk of malware. The real danger lies in deception tactics used by cybercriminals, making personal account security more important than antivirus software. 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 on unverified links, download files from unfamiliar sites, or engage in Android sideloading. Reputable security apps focus on scam detection and web protection rather than traditional virus scanning.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2026

Bitdefender review: The ultimate antivirus software for all-round protection

Bitdefender is an antivirus software that offers various plans for consumers, families, and businesses, with the Ultimate Security plan being particularly notable. The software features a user-friendly interface, anti-theft and anti-scam capabilities, a VPN, and identity protection services. Pricing for consumer plans starts at .99 for Bitdefender Total Security, .99 for Premium Security, and .99 for Ultimate Security. For small businesses, the Ultimate Small Business Security Plan starts at .99 for three users, scaling up to 9.99 for 25 users. The GravityZone Small Business Security plan costs 9.99 for five devices, with the GravityZone Business Security Plan priced at 9.99. Bitdefender Total Security has received a perfect score of 6/6 from AV Test for Protection, Performance, and Usability, and an AAA rating from SE Labs. The software installation is straightforward, and it performs scans efficiently without impacting system performance. It includes features like Scam Protection Pro, Vulnerability Scan, and identity theft protection, with continuous monitoring of the dark web. Customer support is available 24/7 via email, chat, or phone, and there is a dedicated B2B help center for businesses.

AppWizard

May 21, 2026

This Free Steam Game Tricks Players Into Downloading Malware, Users Beware

Steam users are warned about the risks of downloading free games, particularly a compromised title called Beyond The Dark, which was a clone of the horror game Phasmophobia. This game contained malware named UnityPlayer.dll that activated upon launch, targeting saved passwords and cryptocurrency extensions in browsers. Users experienced instability and crashes while the malware operated in the background. It is recommended that those who downloaded the game delete associated files and perform a system scan, changing any potentially compromised passwords. Valve has removed Beyond The Dark from its storefront to prevent further downloads. Users are advised to scrutinize game descriptions, review feedback, and maintain reliable antivirus software to protect their personal information.

Tech Optimizer

May 19, 2026

Avast unveils revolutionary new modular antivirus platform – industry leading device protection & scam detection, with optional no-log VPN, data breach monitoring, and device cleanup

Avast has introduced a free modular platform called Avast One, which provides robust antivirus protection and essential privacy features. Users can access basic antivirus and scam protection for free and have the option to pay for additional features as needed, allowing for a customizable cybersecurity experience.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2026

Kaspersky Achieves 40% Reach Rate and Store Visits with AnyMind’s Data-Led Influencer Marketing

Kaspersky partnered with AnyMind Group in March 2026 to launch an influencer marketing campaign in Singapore aimed at changing consumer perceptions that Kaspersky only offers antivirus protection. The campaign focused on building trust through relatable narratives, increasing urgency around scam prevention, and driving traffic to the Kaspersky Shopee Store. It utilized Instagram for engagement, featuring relatable stories and humor to simplify complex cybersecurity topics. The campaign achieved significant reach and engagement, with total reach exceeding 160,000, total views at 223,000, and total engagements of 7,500. The engagement rate was 4.73%, and the reach rate was 40.56%. Influencer Faris Samri had the highest engagement rate at 17.20%. The campaign led to a 2,900% increase in store page views and over 6,000 combined saves and shares, indicating high user value in the content. Interactive Instagram Stories were identified as the key driver for direct link clicks.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Android Adds Intrusion Logging for Sophisticated Spyware Forensics

Google introduced a new opt-in feature for Android users called Intrusion Logging, which enhances the analysis of spyware attacks as part of the Advanced Protection Mode. Developed with Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, it logs daily device and network activities, including app activity, installations, network connections, file transfers, system certificate modifications, and device lock events. The log data is encrypted and stored securely, accessible only to the device owner. Logs are retained for 12 months and cannot be deleted by users before expiration, though they can be downloaded for offline storage. Intrusion Logging also records network events during Chrome's Incognito mode. This feature is beneficial for high-risk individuals who may be targets of surveillance. Users can access the logs through the Settings app, and the rollout is underway for devices with the Android 16 December update and newer. Additionally, Google announced other privacy and security features, including a verified financial call feature to combat scams, expansion of Live Threat Detection, evaluation of APK files for malware, revocation of accessibility services API access from non-designated apps, and enhancements to Find Hub's Mark as Lost feature. Other updates include improved device recovery options, enhanced privacy controls, introduction of AISeal with pKVM, expansion of Binary Transparency, protection against OTP theft, and strengthening data protection with post-quantum cryptography.

AppWizard

May 11, 2026

Google warns 7 million Android users to delete these 28 fake apps

28 Android applications were removed from the Google Play Store after being identified as scams by security researchers at ESET. These apps, part of a campaign called “CallPhantom,” falsely claimed to provide access to private call logs, SMS records, and WhatsApp activity. They attracted millions of downloads despite lacking legitimacy, offering fabricated data such as fake phone numbers and bogus call durations. Some apps charged users for “detailed reports” that either never arrived or contained nonsensical information. The apps did not steal phone data or install malware but instead promised illicit access and generated fictitious data. The primary targets of this scam were users in India and the Asia-Pacific region.