shield Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 2, 2025

NordVPN blocks 90% of phishing sites and earns AV-Comparatives certification

NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro feature has successfully blocked 90% of phishing websites in independent testing by AV-Comparatives, making it the only VPN with certified phishing protection. This feature has been recognized for two consecutive years for its effectiveness in detecting phishing attempts, surpassing the 85% threshold required for certification. Threat Protection Pro is available to subscribers of NordVPN Plus, Complete, and Ultra plans, while Basic tier users only have access to a DNS filter. NordVPN has also ranked third among 35 competitors for avoiding online shopping scams in 2024 and achieved a 99.8% malware protection rate according to testing by West Coast Labs.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

Ask Jerry: Who are the 3 billion Android users?

Apple claims to have two billion devices, and these figures are credible. The numbers refer to devices rather than users, and a device is classified as active if it communicates with the Play Store at least once every 30 days. Android devices include smartphones, wearables, tablets, media streamers, and Chromebooks, contributing to over three billion devices in total. A single user can own multiple devices, which can inflate the overall count. Estimates suggest that three billion devices may be used by only 375 million distinct individuals, but there is no verifiable data on the actual number of users versus devices.

AppWizard

June 29, 2025

The brilliant Half-Life-inspired survival game Abiotic Factor cascades into 1.0 this July

Deep Field Games has announced the 1.0 release of its survival game, Abiotic Factor, set to launch on July 22. The game will feature a new Residence Sector, an upgrade system, enhanced base assaults, and the ability to construct office cubicles. Players have enjoyed the creative aspects of the game, such as crafting items from everyday objects. Abiotic Factor has received consistent updates, including the Crush Depth and Dark Energy expansions. The game is currently available at a 20% discount for £24 until July 10 as part of Steam's summer sale.

Tech Optimizer

June 28, 2025

We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here’s what they came up with, and more

In the digital landscape, online activities are monitored, leading to targeted advertising, scams, and privacy breaches. Individuals can enhance their digital security through various tools, including VPNs, antivirus software, password managers, secure browsers, encrypted messaging apps, and data removal services. VPNs protect internet traffic through encryption, with options like Mo Harber-Lamond at .91/month, Surfshark starting at .99/month, and ExpressVPN from .99/month. Antivirus software, such as Amber Bouman at .17/month, Norton 360 Deluxe from .17/month, and Malwarebytes Plus from .81/month, defends against malware and phishing. Password managers like Amber Bouman at .99/month, Bitwarden (free), and NordPass from .29/month help secure passwords. Secure browsers include George Phillips (free), Vivaldi (free), and Tor (free), which prioritize user privacy. Encrypted messaging apps like George Phillips (free), Session (free), and Threema (one-time payment) enhance communication security. Data removal services, such as Mo Harber-Lamond at .29/month, Optery from .99/month, and PrivacyBee from .99/month, help reduce personal data exposure. Budget-friendly options for privacy tools can be assembled for under /month, while premium bundles can cost around /month. The highest privacy-focused bundle totals /month, featuring Mullvad VPN, Proton Pass, Tor, and Session. Mobile privacy protection can be achieved for .01/month with NordVPN and Bitdefender Mobile Security. The Proton Unlimited bundle, priced at .99/month, offers an all-in-one solution with various encrypted services.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Steam’s “Early Access” is no longer what it used to be — has it failed gamers?

Valve's "Early Access" initiative on Steam currently features 14,056 titles. Successful games like Kerbal Space Program, ARMA 3, Prison Architect, and Kenshi have received positive reviews. However, many players have become disillusioned with the program, particularly due to experiences like the prolonged development of DayZ, which spent nearly five years in Early Access. The program's guidelines require developers to maintain transparency and accountability, but some exploit these rules for financial gain without completing their projects. The Early Access program is intended to gather player feedback, provide funding, and support development, but issues with unfinished games and unmet promises have raised concerns about its integrity.

AppWizard

June 27, 2025

Your Android phone is getting a big security upgrade for free

Google has introduced various security features for Android users to protect against scams and malware. Key enhancements include: 1. Protection against scam calls with warnings and blocking actions related to disabling Google Play Protect, sideloading apps, and granting accessibility permissions. Screen sharing reminders will be provided on devices running Android 6 or higher. 2. In-call protections for banking apps, alerting users to potential risks when sharing screens with unknown callers, available for participating banks on devices running Android 11 or higher. 3. Improved scam detection in Google Messages, targeting various types of scams, including job scams, cryptocurrency scams, and technical support scams. 4. The Key Verifier tool for verifying contact identities through public encryption keys, ensuring private conversations. 5. Enhanced mobile theft protection with the Identity Check tool expanding to more devices running Android 16, reinforced protections against unauthorized factory resets, and hidden one-time passwords on the lock screen. 6. An Advanced Protection Program for targeted attacks, cryptographically verifying login operations on devices running Android 16. 7. Improvements to Google Play Protect, utilizing new on-device rules for malware detection and providing warnings about potentially malicious apps. 8. Ongoing commitment to enhancing overall Android security with each new version and updates to Google Play services.

Tech Optimizer

June 25, 2025

Meet the new features for Avast Free AV and Avast Premium Security

Avast has millions of active users and is recognized in the cybersecurity field for its effective solutions and commitment to user security. Avast Free Antivirus includes real-time behavioral analysis for proactive malware detection, enhanced Network Inspector and Firewall modules for network security, improved intelligent quarantine and cloud scanning, and the new Scam Guardian feature, which includes Web Guard for browsing protection and Avast Assistant for scam guidance. Avast Premium Security offers additional features for heightened privacy, including Sensitive Data Shield, Webcam Shield, Data Shredder, and Hack Alerts for monitoring password leaks. The Pro version introduces Email Guard, which uses AI for intelligent email filtering to detect phishing attempts. Avast's tools enhance online shopping safety, email security, public Wi-Fi connections, and protection of sensitive files and credentials.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

FBC: Firebreak patch aims to improve the game’s early hours, which ‘do not provide a good experience,’ Remedy admits

Remedy has acknowledged that FBC: Firebreak did not meet expectations but believes many issues are fixable. A recent patch introduces balance changes to improve gameplay, including making Lost Assets easier to locate and allowing new players to start at Clearance Level 3 for the introductory job, Hot Fix. The patch also includes significant overhauls to core systems, enhancing progression and rewards, with recalibrated unlockable costs and streamlined gear progression. New players can now begin at Clearance Level 3 for the first Job, and must complete a full three-zone run at CL3 to unlock subsequent Jobs. The Operational Requisition has been divided into two categories: Essentials and Expressions, allowing players to access essential gear without unlocking unrelated items. Balancing changes include reduced construction times for certain items, increased health for enemies, and improved accessibility for the Stapler Corrupted Item. Audio issues have been addressed, including missing sound effects and music transition problems. User interface corrections include XP level indicators and crash issues in the Loadout menu. Gameplay improvements involve enhanced haptic feedback and visibility for Lost Assets. Visual enhancements include performance improvements and updates to environmental elements.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft Axes Old Drivers, Sparks Compatibility Debate

Microsoft is removing outdated drivers from Windows Update to enhance system reliability and reduce security vulnerabilities. This initiative may disrupt users who rely on legacy hardware, as many older devices lack updated driver support from manufacturers. IT administrators face challenges in finding alternative drivers or workarounds for critical systems, as not all hardware vendors provide timely updates. The move reflects a broader trend of prioritizing security and efficiency over backward compatibility, raising concerns about the implications for users with integrated legacy systems. Critics suggest that Microsoft should offer clearer guidance and transitional support for affected users.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Splitgate 2 review

Splitgate 2 is a multiplayer first-person shooter developed and published by 1047 Games, featuring portals in its gameplay. It is free-to-play and offers cosmetic bundles and a battle pass, and is compatible with the Steam Deck. The game includes a class system with three distinct classes, each having unique abilities, but with minimal differences in weaponry. The maps are designed with narrow corridors and expansive plazas but lack depth and character. The monetization strategy includes multiple tiers of season passes and a cosmetic store, which some find excessive. The battle pass system feels uninspired, and the game struggles to differentiate itself in the battle royale genre, leading to a repetitive gameplay experience.