security tools Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Best Antivirus Software (2025): ESET Recognized as Top Cybersecurity Solution by Software Experts

ESET is recognized as a leading antivirus provider in 2025, known for its robust security solutions that effectively combat rising cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and zero-day exploits. The company's offerings include heuristic and behavioral detection, ransomware and phishing protection, exploit blocker technology, and low resource usage, ensuring minimal impact on system performance. ESET provides various products for home users, including ESET HOME Security Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, as well as a Small Business Security package for up to 25 devices and scalable solutions for larger organizations. Pricing for home products starts at .99/year, with multi-device and multi-year discounts available. ESET operates in over 200 countries, utilizing a global network for real-time threat intelligence and maintaining a commitment to effective digital security since its establishment in 1992.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Your Android phone is getting a huge security upgrade for free

Google has introduced a suite of security tools for Android users to protect against various threats, including: 1. Protection against Scam Calls: Alerts users to potential scam calls and blocks harmful actions, focusing on disabling Google Play Protect, preventing sideloading of unverified apps, and restricting accessibility permissions. 2. In-call Protections for Banking Apps: A feature that warns users when they open banking apps while sharing their screen with unknown callers, starting in the UK, and automatically enabled for participating banks on devices running Android 11 or higher. 3. Improved Scam Detection in Google Messages: Enhanced scam detection capabilities that now cover a wider range of scams, including toll road, cryptocurrency, financial impersonation, gift card, and technical support scams. 4. Better Encryption for Text Messages via Key Verifier: A tool that allows users to confirm contacts' identities through public encryption keys, enhancing privacy and security. 5. Stronger Mobile Phone Theft Protection: Expanded theft protection features, including the Identity Check tool, restrictions on unauthorized factory resets, and obscured one-time passwords on the lock screen. 6. Advanced Protection for Mobile Devices: An Advanced Protection Program offering cryptographic verification for all login operations, available on devices running Android 16. 7. Improvements to Google Play Protect: Upgrades to identify malicious apps before installation and live threat detection to alert users of suspicious app behavior. 8. Enhancing Overall Android Security: Ongoing commitment to improve Android security through regular updates and new tools to protect users from evolving cyber threats.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Microsoft Photos Can Relight Your Images

Microsoft has introduced new features for Windows 11 and its Copilot+ PCs, along with AI-ready Surface hardware. Key enhancements include: - Photos App: A relight feature for adding digital light sources, auto presets, and manual adjustments; new object selection capabilities in Paint; and improvements to the Snipping Tool with a text extractor and color picker. - Recall Feature: Helps users find content by retracing steps and describing memories, with strong privacy controls. - Improved Windows Search: Allows conversational queries with AI interpreting context for relevant results, aided by specialized chips in Copilot+ PCs. - Click to Do: Streamlines workflows with contextual shortcuts for actions within a single application. - Surface for Business Copilot+ PCs: Introduction of a 12-inch Surface Pro and a 13-inch Surface laptop featuring Snapdragon X Plus processors and advanced security tools. - Surface Laptop for Business: A 13-inch model with a thinner profile, anti-reflective touch screens, and an AI-enhanced camera. - Surface Pro for Business: A 12-inch versatile device that transitions between laptop and tablet modes, featuring an adjustable kickstand. - Availability: Software updates will start in April 2025, while new Surface devices will ship from July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Expanding the Surface for Business Copilot+ PC portfolio

AI has evolved into a transformative force for organizations, increasing the demand for secure and high-performance AI-ready Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft has introduced Copilot+ PCs, including the new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, both powered by the Snapdragon X Plus processor with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 45 trillion operations per second. The 13-inch Surface Laptop offers up to 23 hours of video playback and 16 hours of web browsing, with performance enhancements of up to 50% faster speeds and double the battery life compared to its predecessor. It features an AI-enhanced 1080p front camera for video conferencing and a durable design. The 12-inch Surface Pro is the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC, providing 50% faster performance and up to 16 hours of local video playback. Both devices are designed as Secured-core PCs with advanced security features, including Windows Hello for Business and biometric authentication options. They support enhanced productivity through AI features in Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 Copilot, enabling faster file searches and improved team efficiency. Microsoft emphasizes sustainability with the use of recycled materials and energy-efficient designs. The new devices will be available starting July 22 in select markets.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

One Small Upgrade Can Have the Biggest Impact on Your Cybersecurity

Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro enhances digital security and streamlines operations for business owners. Key features include Trusted Platform Module 2.0 support, Smart App Control, BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Azure AD integration, and Hyper-V virtualization. Additionally, it includes a built-in AI Copilot for productivity. Currently, Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, a significant discount from its regular price of 9, valid until June 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with no coupon required. Prices are subject to change.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2025

VIPRE Advanced Security Awarded Highest Ranking in AV-Comparatives’ Malware Protection Test 2025

VIPRE® Advanced Security received the Advanced+ award from AV-Comparatives in the March 2025 Malware Protection Test for its effectiveness against cyber threats. The test evaluated 19 security products using 10,030 malware samples on a Windows 11 system, focusing on both online and offline threats. VIPRE achieved a 98.7% detection rate in all scenarios, a 99.93% overall protection rate during execution testing, and had one of the lowest false positive counts among the products tested. VIPRE's security solutions are integrated into other Ziff Davis products, enhancing their protection capabilities. VIPRE is a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc., specializing in cybersecurity solutions with over 25 years of experience.

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

5 Free Antivirus Programs To Eliminate Malware and Viruses (2025)

Users are increasingly seeking effective malware protection without the cost of premium software, leading to the emergence of free antivirus programs that offer robust security features. This trend is particularly beneficial for Windows 11 users who want real-time protection while staying within budget. Several leading cybersecurity firms provide free antivirus solutions equipped with advanced features such as real-time scanning, phishing defenses, cloud-based malware detection, and system optimization tools. These free programs can adequately protect a diverse audience, including gamers, remote workers, students, and casual users. Top free antivirus programs for Windows 11 in 2025 include: 1. Bitdefender Antivirus Free: Utilizes the same malware engine as its paid version, offers real-time detection, anti-phishing protection, and is ultra-light on system resources. 2. Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Integrated into Windows 11, provides cloud-delivered protection and built-in ransomware mitigation without ads. 3. Avast Free Antivirus: Offers additional tools like network scanning and a Do Not Disturb mode for gaming. 4. AVG AntiVirus Free: Features a simpler interface, link and attachment protection, and fewer pop-ups. 5. TotalAV Free Antivirus: A newer option with a clean interface, real-time protection, and a junk file cleaner. Key factors to consider when selecting free antivirus software include real-time protection, low resource usage, minimal intrusion, and extra security tools. While free solutions are suitable for most users, premium protection may be necessary for small businesses or those handling sensitive data. For gamers, Bitdefender and Avast are recommended for their low system impact and gaming modes. For remote workers, Microsoft Defender and TotalAV are highlighted for their ease of use and integrated protections. Essential features of effective antivirus programs include robust virus protection, real-time scanning, and a behavior shield to detect new threats. Performance should not significantly slow down the system, and the interface should be user-friendly. Experts recommend Windows Defender for basic protection, with AVG and Avast receiving endorsements for their feature balance, while Bitdefender Free is noted for its detection rates and minimal system impact. Free antivirus programs may lack advanced features and technical support compared to paid versions.

Winsage

April 23, 2025

Critical Flaw in Windows Update Stack Enables Code Execution and Privilege Escalation

A newly identified vulnerability in the Windows Update Stack, designated as CVE-2025-21204, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code and escalate privileges to SYSTEM level on affected machines. This critical security flaw arises from improper privilege separation and inadequate validation during the update orchestration process. Attackers can exploit it by creating harmful update packages or acting as man-in-the-middle on compromised networks. The vulnerability impacts any Windows system utilizing the vulnerable update mechanism, affecting both enterprise and consumer editions. Microsoft is working on a patch, and users are advised to monitor official channels for updates and apply patches promptly. Organizations should also restrict network access to update servers and monitor for suspicious update activities. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.8 (High), indicating significant risk.

Tech Optimizer

April 22, 2025

VIPRE Security Crushes Competition with 99.93% Protection Rate in Latest Test

VIPRE® Advanced Security received the Advanced+ distinction from AV-Comparatives in their March 2025 Malware Protection Test, demonstrating strong capabilities against cyber threats. The test evaluated 19 security products using 10,030 malware samples and included both online and offline scenarios. VIPRE achieved a 98.7% detection rate and a 99.93% overall protection rate during execution testing, with one of the lowest false positive counts among the products tested. VIPRE's security solutions also enhance other Ziff Davis consumer security products, utilizing its threat intelligence cloud to block malicious sites and improve overall protection.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Critical Windows Update Stack Vulnerability Allows Code Execution & Privilege Escalation

A security vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-21204 has been discovered in the Windows Update Stack, allowing local attackers to execute unauthorized code and escalate privileges to SYSTEM-level access. This vulnerability, with a CVSS score of 7.8 (High), affects Windows 10 versions 1507, 1607, and 1809, among likely other supported Windows 10/11 and Windows Server versions. The flaw arises from a design issue where Windows Update processes do not properly follow directory junctions, enabling attackers with limited user privileges to redirect trusted paths to locations containing malicious code. Microsoft has introduced a mitigation strategy in its April 2025 cumulative update, which includes creating a new folder at the root of system drives and implementing detection rules for suspicious junction creations. Organizations are advised to apply the April 2025 security updates, restrict ACLs on specific directories, prevent symbolic link creation, and monitor file creation activities in certain directories.