security features Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 24, 2026

Bitdefender vs Avast: Which is the right antivirus software package for you

Antivirus software is essential for protecting PCs from threats, with Windows 11 including Microsoft Defender. Bitdefender offers a range of plans, including family plans for up to 25 devices, while Avast provides a free antivirus option and cheaper Premium Security. Bitdefender's basic antivirus starts at £17.99 for one device, with Premium Security at £59.99, Total Security at £49.99, and Ultimate Security at £69.98. Avast Premium Security is priced at £39.99 for one device. Bitdefender includes unlimited VPN with Premium Security, while Avast requires an upgrade for VPN access. Both offer scam protection, but Bitdefender is noted for its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface. Bitdefender provides 24/7 support, while Avast offers live chat and toll-free support but has a less appealing support layout. Overall, Bitdefender is preferred for its features, ease of use, and support options.

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.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Microsoft Edge is ending support for MDAG and WIP in Windows 10

Microsoft has phased out support for Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG), starting with its deprecation for Office applications in November 2023 and for the Edge browser in December 2023. By April 2024, MDAG was removed from Edge and other browser stores, and it was completely eliminated from Windows 11, version 24H2. Microsoft is finalizing the retirement of MDAG by discontinuing support in Edge entirely. The advisory MC1459132 indicates that this phase affects Microsoft Edge users on Windows 10, as Windows Information Protection (WIP) was already phased out in favor of Microsoft Purview in 2022. Organizations using WIP are advised to transition to Microsoft Purview Information Protection, Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Endpoint DLP, and Intune app protection policies. Users of MDAG should utilize Edge's built-in security features and consider other isolation solutions. Support for WIP and MDAG will officially end by September 2026, and functionalities related to them will stop in Microsoft Edge 154 and later versions. IT administrators are encouraged to begin migration activities to avoid disruptions.

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.

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2026

Hackers Are Using a Fake Roblox Cheat To Access Your Webcam and Steal Data

Roblox is facing privacy concerns due to spyware disguised as an "undetected" version of the Xeno Roblox cheat tool. This malware can access screens, record keystrokes, and activate webcams, allowing attackers to execute remote commands. The infection begins when users download a file resembling a legitimate Xeno installation, often shared on platforms like Discord. The malware, previously known as Powercat, has evolved and operates in three stages: 1. The user executes a file named Xeno.exe, which checks for Java and extracts it if necessary. 2. The malware runs a JAR file disguised as decompiler.exe, performing checks to avoid detection. 3. It masquerades as a legitimate Windows DLL file, logging activities and attempting to escalate privileges. If successful, the malware can control the victim's system, access webcams, log keystrokes, and steal sensitive information, including cryptocurrency wallet credentials. To protect against this spyware, users are advised to avoid unofficial cheats, use antivirus software, refrain from clicking unsolicited links, enable two-factor authentication, inspect User Account Control prompts, and consider identity theft protection services.

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2026

Surfshark Antivirus Review 2026: Test Results and Costs

Surfshark offers a cybersecurity package called Surfshark One, which includes antivirus capabilities and a VPN service. The overall rating for Surfshark is 4.1/5, with specific ratings of 3.7/5 for protection, 4.5/5 for performance, 3.3/5 for features, 5.0/5 for support, and 4.5/5 for value. The antivirus component has a 93.44% malware detection rate and a 95% phishing detection rate with no false alarms. Surfshark One costs .79 per month and includes features like real-time protection, scheduled scans, breach alerts, a private search engine, and webcam protection. The One+ tier adds Incogni data removal and identity theft insurance. Surfshark Antivirus is not available as a standalone product and lacks features such as a firewall, password manager, and parental controls. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android. Surfshark provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

AppWizard

August 20, 2026

This app does with Pixel 11 Pro’s HiLight what Google should have done in the first place

Google's Pixel 11 Pro series features a "HiLight" LED system that provides visual notifications for calls and activity during Gemini conversations. The HiLight LED is customizable through the open-source HiLight Studio app, developed by Dhananjay Bhosale. Users can sideload the app and manage permissions using Shizuku. HiLight Studio allows users to assign colors, create light patterns, and save presets for notifications. It includes six effects: Rainbow, Random, Comet, Pulse, Breathe, and Wave, with options to adjust saturation and brightness. The app respects Do Not Disturb settings and can pause during low battery. However, some users may experience conflicts with the base HiLight functionality, as noted by a user who found that the original LED notifications stopped working after installing the app.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

The Truth About Android Antivirus Apps in 2026

Most Android users consider third-party antivirus apps unnecessary due to the robust built-in security features of modern Android smartphones. However, Android devices are still vulnerable to viruses, malware, and security breaches, with a 2025 Gen threat report indicating a tripling of malicious push notifications and an increase in spyware issues. Google Play Protect blocked 27 million malicious apps in 2025 and conducts scans to manage security. Android employs sandboxing, regular security updates, and an opt-in permissions system to protect users. Upcoming features include phone call spoofing protection and enhanced live threat detection capabilities. Social engineering tactics, such as phishing and fake tech support calls, pose significant risks that antivirus software cannot address. Connecting to open Wi-Fi networks can expose devices to risks, and malicious push notifications can mislead users. Third-party antivirus apps may be beneficial in high-risk scenarios, such as public Wi-Fi networks or when sideloading apps, providing an additional layer of protection.

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 17, 2026

Your Outdated Antivirus Might Be The Weakest Link

Antivirus software is essential for protecting devices from cyber threats, but simply installing it is not enough. Outdated antivirus software can lead to diminished protection, as it may not recognize new forms of malware, leaving devices vulnerable. The functionality of antivirus programs can also decline over time, limiting their effectiveness. Using outdated software increases the risk of data breaches, as cybercriminals often target these systems. Additionally, technical support for older versions may become unavailable, further exposing users to threats. Keeping antivirus software updated is crucial for maintaining security and accessing the full range of features.