security solution Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 15, 2025

5 reasons I regret not deploying my own home firewall sooner

A hardware firewall enhances network security by monitoring and filtering all traffic, preventing unauthorized access based on pre-defined rules, and analyzing traffic patterns for anomalies. It employs Next-Generation Firewall technology for deep packet inspection, utilizes GeoIP restrictions, and runs Intrusion Prevention/Detection Systems (IPS/IDS). Implementing a Zero Trust architecture minimizes device access, and notifications alert users to new device connections. Segregating IoT devices onto a dedicated VLAN reduces security risks. A multi-layered security approach, including rules-based and deep packet inspection, is essential for comprehensive protection. Hardware firewalls often run on Linux or FreeBSD, allowing additional functionalities like ad blocking through services such as Pi-hole. Cataloging devices improves troubleshooting and network management. The adoption of hardware firewalls is increasingly necessary due to the rise of connected devices in homes.

Tech Optimizer

April 11, 2025

Windows Defender Antivirus Bypassed Using Direct Syscalls & XOR Encryption

A recent study has revealed a method that bypasses Microsoft’s Windows Defender antivirus by using direct system calls and XOR encryption techniques, exposing vulnerabilities in the security solution. The technique targets the user mode and kernel mode operations of Windows, allowing attackers to execute harmful code without detection. Researchers demonstrated that by directly invoking syscall instructions, they could evade security monitoring that typically occurs at the user mode level. They utilized XOR encryption to obfuscate malicious shellcodes, making them unrecognizable and undetectable by signature-based systems. Tests showed that a Meterpreter reverse shell payload, encrypted with XOR and executed via direct syscalls, successfully bypassed Windows Defender protections without leaving traces on the disk. This method has been effective since at least 2022 and continues to work against recent updates of Windows Defender. The researchers recommend that Microsoft enhance defenses with kernel-level monitoring of syscalls and advise organizations to implement additional security measures beyond Windows Defender.

Tech Optimizer

April 2, 2025

Shield up to 5 devices from the evil internet with McAfee Total Protection

McAfee Total Protection offers a two-year subscription for less than , covering up to five Apple devices, significantly reduced from the regular price of 9. The subscription includes AI-powered antivirus protection, a virtual private network, web protection, identity theft protection, and personalized safety education. It also features a password manager, personal data exposure protection, and credit monitoring. This limited-time offer allows stacking of codes for up to ten years of coverage, but the software can only be added to a maximum of five devices at once.

Tech Optimizer

March 31, 2025

Add an extra layer of protection to your devices with this all-in-one security solution

McAfee is offering a two-year subscription to its Total Protection service for a reduced price of .99, down from 9.98. This service secures up to five devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Key features include AI-powered antivirus protection, a VPN for private browsing, web protection against harmful sites, identity theft protection, personalized security education, a password manager, personal data exposure protection, and credit monitoring services.

Tech Optimizer

March 23, 2025

F-Secure Internet Security

F-Secure Internet Security provides coverage for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms, but its features are more limited compared to competitors like Bitdefender Total Security and Norton 360 Deluxe. The pricing starts at .99 per year for a single license, with options for up to 25 licenses, making it competitive in the market. F-Secure has received a perfect score of 18 points from AV-Test Institute for malware protection, performance impact, and usability. In testing, F-Secure achieved a malware detection rate of 97% and a phishing detection rate of 94%. The software includes features like banking protection, scam protection, and parental controls, though the latter lacks the depth found in some competitors. The installation process is user-friendly across all platforms, but the macOS, Android, and iOS versions have fewer advanced features compared to other security suites.

Tech Optimizer

March 17, 2025

F-Secure Internet Security for Mac

F-Secure Internet Security for Mac provides essential malware protection, including quarantine capabilities and safeguards against future attacks, but lacks features compared to competitors like Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Its pricing structure includes .99 for one license, .99 for three, and .99 for five licenses, with options for up to 25 devices at 4.99 annually. F-Secure requires macOS 12 or later and has been rated excellent by AV-Test Institute, achieving a perfect score of 18 in recent macOS tests. The software offers a quick virus scan and custom scan options but does not include scheduled scanning. It successfully quarantines 82% of Windows malware samples and scores 94% in phishing detection. F-Secure includes parental controls for managing children's online activities and features scam protection similar to its Windows version.

Tech Optimizer

February 20, 2025

Malwarebytes 5.2.7.167

Malwarebytes version 5.xx is a high-performance anti-malware application designed to eliminate sophisticated malware and spyware threats. It employs a combination of proactive and signature-less technologies for enhanced malware prevention, with over 50% of users choosing it as their sole security solution. Key features include a unified user experience across desktop and mobile, modern security and privacy integrations with antivirus and VPN, and the Trusted Advisor feature for real-time insights and protection scores. The latest release, version 5.2.7.167, includes a new component package, usability improvements in localization support, and fixes for various issues. The update is available for download at 408.0 MB, with both free and paid options.

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2025

Norton 360 Deluxe: the multi-layered digital shield and VPN for your devices

In the first half of 2024, Canada reported 41,000 cyber incidents, emphasizing the need for enhanced online security. Norton 360 Deluxe offers a comprehensive security solution that includes features such as dark web monitoring, a built-in VPN, parental controls, and 50GB of cloud storage. A 15-month subscription is currently available at a reduced price, allowing protection for up to five devices against various cyber threats.

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2025

Protect up to 10 devices from online threats with Norton 360 Premium

Norton 360 Premium is a comprehensive security solution that offers antivirus and antimalware protection, an integrated virtual private network (VPN), parental controls, dark web monitoring, and 75GB of secure cloud storage. It supports up to 10 devices and is compatible with macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. A 15-month subscription is available for .99.