shield Archives

Tech Optimizer

July 26, 2025

The best Android antivirus apps of 2025: Expert tested

Cyber threats targeting smartphones have evolved to include sophisticated malware and ransomware, with Android being particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks compared to iOS. Google recommends downloading apps only from the official Play Store, but some malicious applications can bypass these security measures. To protect Android devices from malware, investing in a reliable antivirus app is essential. Bitdefender Mobile Security is currently the top-rated Android antivirus app with a 4.7-star rating on Google Play, offering features like real-time web protection and app scanning. A free version is available, but a subscription is required for enhanced features. Sophos Intercept X for Mobile is a commendable free option with a 3.9-star rating, providing threat scanning and app protection. Other notable antivirus apps include Avast Security and Virus Cleaner, which has a 4.6-star rating and features a web shield and junk removal, and Malwarebytes Mobile Security, also rated 4.6 stars, known for its quick scans and digital footprint service. Norton360, with a 4.6-star rating, offers a comprehensive suite of features including antivirus scanning and a VPN. The best Android antivirus apps of 2025 include: - Bitdefender Mobile Security: Free, per year, 4.7 stars, 448K reviews - Sophos Intercept X: Free, 4.1 stars, 47.1K reviews - Avast: Ad-supported free, 4.6 stars, 7.34M reviews - Malwarebytes: Free, per year, 4.6 stars, 423K reviews - Norton360: Paid plans, 4.6 stars, 1.92M reviews The mobile malware landscape has reportedly increased by 151% since the beginning of 2025, with Google taking legal action against the BadBox 2.0 botnet targeting IoT devices, including Android. A new malware variant named ClickFix is also emerging, affecting macOS, Android, and iOS platforms. Relying solely on built-in protection and the Google Play Store is not advisable; a reputable antivirus app is recommended for additional security.

Tech Optimizer

July 21, 2025

How Often Should You Update Your Antivirus Software?

Antivirus software protects devices from various digital threats, including viruses, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. According to the 2025 Antivirus Statistics and Consumer Report, 75% of users believe their antivirus software effectively safeguards their devices. The effectiveness of antivirus software depends on the last update, as neglecting updates leaves devices vulnerable to emerging threats. Frequent updates are necessary because hackers continuously develop new malware. Failing to update antivirus software increases the risk of hacking and can degrade device performance. It is recommended to check for updates daily, perform manual checks weekly, and expect major updates every 3 to 6 months. Free antivirus software may offer limited protection and fewer updates, requiring users to be proactive in checking for updates.

Tech Optimizer

July 20, 2025

Antivirus vs Anti-malware: which is best for you?

The landscape of cyber threats has evolved, with increased sophistication and frequency of attacks, partly due to advancements in artificial intelligence. Businesses, regardless of size, should reassess their vulnerabilities as even small entities can be targeted. Investing in robust cybersecurity software is essential, with a distinction between antivirus and anti-malware tools being crucial. Malware includes various types of malicious software, and while antivirus software primarily uses signature-based detection, anti-malware tools employ advanced techniques like behavioral analysis and sandboxing. Anti-malware programs can identify hidden threats that antivirus may miss, such as rootkits. Antivirus solutions have adapted to include heuristic analysis and additional features like password management and firewalls. Antivirus is designed for average users, while anti-malware is favored by high-risk users, though everyone can benefit from both. Combining antivirus and anti-malware creates a layered security system, and many vendors now offer integrated products. Popular antivirus solutions with anti-malware capabilities include Bitdefender, Norton 360, McAfee, and Avast. Users are encouraged to run both types of software or choose a combined solution for comprehensive coverage. Despite high detection rates, users should remain vigilant and informed to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

AppWizard

July 20, 2025

11 best video games of 2025 (so far) on PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X and PC

In 2025, the gaming landscape features the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 and a variety of notable titles across platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. - Split Fiction by Hazelight Studios is a co-op game where players control rival authors Mio and Zoe in a simulation of their imaginations, emphasizing collaboration and real-time interactions. - Assassin’s Creed: Shadows by Ubisoft returns to stealth gameplay with dual protagonists in a vibrant Feudal Japan setting, offering over 100 hours of gameplay. - Lost Records: Bloom & Rage by Don't Nod presents an engaging narrative with dual timelines, exploring a supernatural mystery through character interactions. - Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 by Sandfall Interactive is a turn-based RPG known for its unique art style, intricate combat mechanics, and immersive storytelling. - Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves by SNK revives the classic fighting game series with smooth animations and a new REV system for varied gameplay styles. - Doom: The Dark Ages revitalizes the franchise with a medieval-inspired combat system and a focus on world-building and storytelling. - Monster Train 2 by Shiny Shoe builds on its predecessor's success with a deck-building experience featuring new equipment cards and clans. - Rematch by Sloclap is an online soccer game that emphasizes precision and offers a competitive atmosphere with a unique arena setup. - Death Stranding 2 by Kojima Productions delivers an emotional narrative with themes of fatherhood and redemption, showcasing Hideo Kojima's storytelling prowess. - Donkey Kong Bananza by Nintendo utilizes the Nintendo Switch 2's capabilities, offering classic gameplay with destructible environments and open-ended experiences.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

How to find and breed Turtles in Minecraft | Esports News

Turtles in Minecraft can be found in sandy beach biomes, particularly when the light level is above 8 and the elevation is below four blocks in Java Edition, or between Y=60 and Y=67 in Bedrock Edition. They typically appear in groups of two to five. To breed turtles, players must collect seagrass using shears and feed it to two adult turtles to trigger love mode. The pregnant female will return to her home beach to lay 1 to 4 eggs within a nine-block radius. Players should protect the eggs by surrounding the nesting site with fences and lighting. The eggs hatch over 4 to 5 game days, and baby turtles take about 20 Minecraft minutes to reach adulthood. Feeding baby turtles extra seagrass can reduce their maturation time by 10%. Adult turtles drop scutes, which are used for crafting turtle shell helmets and the Potion of Turtle Master.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

List of all Minecraft Advancements in 2025 | Esports News

Minecraft features a total of 122 advancements categorized into five groups: Minecraft, Nether, End, Adventure, and Husbandry. Each category includes various challenges related to progression and combat. Minecraft Advancements: 1. Craft a crafting table. 2. Mine stone with a pickaxe. 3. Craft a better pickaxe. 4. Smelt an iron ingot. 5. Wear a piece of iron armor. 6. Fill a bucket with lava. 7. Upgrade to an iron pickaxe. 8. Block a projectile with a shield. 9. Obtain a block of obsidian. 10. Obtain a diamond. 11. Build and enter a Nether portal. 12. Wear a full set of diamond armor. 13. Enchant an item using an enchanting table. 14. Enter the Nether. Nether Advancements: 1. Enter the Nether. 2. Deflect a ghast fireball. 3. Travel 7 km in the Nether. 4. Enter a Nether fortress. 5. Obtain crying obsidian. 6. Mine ancient debris. 7. Wear a full set of Netherite armor. 8. Get a Wither Skeleton skull. 9. Survive fire damage with a fire resistance potion. 10. Respawn using a respawn anchor. 11. Visit all Nether biomes. 12. Enter a Bastion Remnant. 13. Ride a strider with a warped fungus on a stick. 14. Rescue a ghast from the Nether. 15. Summon the Wither. 16. Have every status effect at once (secret). The End Advancements: 1. Enter the End. 2. Defeat the Ender Dragon. 3. Obtain the dragon egg. 4. Escape the End via an end gateway. 5. Respawn and defeat the Ender Dragon again. 6. Collect dragon’s breath. 7. Obtain elytra. 8. Levitate 50 blocks with shulkers. Adventure Advancements: 1. Discover every biome. 2. Kill one of every hostile mob. 3. Hit a target with an arrow. 4. Shoot a crossbow. 5. Kill a skeleton from 50+ blocks away. 6. Hit a target block bullseye from 30+ blocks. 7. Kill two phantoms with one arrow. 8. Kill a pillager captain. 9. Kill a mob with a poisonous potato. 10. Kill five unique mobs with one crossbow shot. 11. Change your spawn point by sleeping. 12. Successfully defend a village from a raid. 13. Throw a trident at something (and pick it back up). 14. Strike a villager with lightning. 15. Survive a lightning strike. 16. Walk on powder snow without sinking. 17. Spy on a phantom through a spyglass. 18. Spy on a ghost through a spyglass. 19. Spy on a dragon through a spyglass. 20. Fall and survive from a high place. Husbandry Advancements: 1. Eat any food. 2. Breed two animals. 3. Tame an animal. 4. Breed every breedable mob. 5. Tame every variant of cat. 6. Plant a seed and harvest it. 7. Collect honey safely. 8. Move a bee nest with silk touch. 9. Walk on honey blocks to slow down. 10. Apply wax to a copper block. 11. Scrape wax off a copper block. 12. Have an ocelot trust you. 13. Eat every edible food item. 14. Upgrade a hoe to the Netherite tier.

Tech Optimizer

July 18, 2025

ESET vs Avast: Which antivirus is better in 2025?

ESET and Avast are leading antivirus software providers, each offering solutions for individual and business users. ESET features real-time threat detection with a multi-layered engine that includes advanced heuristics and machine learning, achieving high marks in independent tests for catching new threats. Its firewall allows granular control over network traffic and includes a Learning Mode for initial configuration. Identity theft protection is available only in its Ultimate tier, focusing on proactive monitoring. ESET includes a VPN in its highest-tier solution and provides a password manager compatible with multiple platforms. Parental controls include content filtering and activity logging. ESET is recognized for minimal impact on system performance, scoring 5.5 out of 6 in performance tests. Avast offers strong malware detection with a vast threat intelligence network, achieving near-perfect detection rates. Its firewall protects against network attacks and is integrated into the Avast One suite. Identity theft protection is included across all plans, with advanced features in higher tiers. Avast bundles its VPN across all offerings and does not provide a traditional password manager but alerts users about compromised credentials. It lacks built-in parental controls but offers supplementary features. Avast scored a perfect 6 in performance tests. Both ESET and Avast scored highly in protection and usability during AV-Test trials, with Avast achieving a 97.7% offline and 99.3% online detection rate, while ESET recorded 96.5% offline and 97.2% online detection rates. ESET's pricing is customizable, starting at .99 for a single device, while Avast offers a free Basic tier and starts its premium plans at .88 for three devices.

Tech Optimizer

July 18, 2025

Avast vs Norton: Which antivirus is is better in 2025?

Avast and Norton are leading antivirus software options that utilize the same antivirus engine for core malware protection. Avast excels in real-time monitoring and offers a Wi-Fi security scanner, while Norton uses AI and machine learning for threat defense. Both provide robust firewalls, but Norton includes an Intrusion Prevention System for enhanced security. In terms of identity theft protection, Avast One offers credit monitoring and compensation, while Norton partners with LifeLock for more comprehensive services. Avast includes a basic VPN in its free version, whereas Norton offers a more extensive VPN with advanced features. Norton provides a password manager, while Avast does not. Norton has superior parental controls compared to Avast, which lacks this feature. Both have additional security features, with Norton offering Data Shredder and Dark Web Monitoring. Avast has a slight edge in system performance, while both have user-friendly designs, though Avast is simpler. Both have identical detection rates in malware protection tests. Pricing differs, with Avast being more economical and Norton offering a wider range of plans at higher prices.

Winsage

July 9, 2025

Deal Alert: Get Windows 11 Pro for Just $9.97 Before Windows 10 Support Ends

A lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, a 95% discount from the standard retail price of 9.99, until July 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Windows 10 support will end in October 2025. Windows 11 Pro features include BitLocker device encryption, Secure Boot, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, DirectX 12 Ultimate support for gaming, Microsoft Copilot AI for productivity, and optimized performance for Intel and AMD chips.

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.