threats Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 11, 2025

Mac users once skipped antivirus software — here’s why that’s no longer a good idea

In 2024, 22 new Mac malware families emerged, up from 13 in 2022, indicating a rise in malware targeting macOS. Built-in security features include XProtect, which warns users about known malicious software; Gatekeeper, which prevents the installation of unsigned software; Sandboxing, which isolates applications to prevent unauthorized changes; Lockdown Mode, which restricts app functionality to protect user data; Safari protections against phishing and tracking; and password security measures that alert users about weak or compromised passwords. While Apple's built-in protections are robust, third-party antivirus software may provide additional security layers. Users are advised to practice good security habits, keep software updated, avoid unverified apps, and use a VPN on public Wi-Fi.

AppWizard

May 11, 2025

Scrutinizing the security of messaging apps continues.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the White House are facing scrutiny over security vulnerabilities in their messaging application. Hacktivists breached GlobalX, the airline handling U.S. deportation flights, exposing sensitive flight manifests. The FBI warned about threats exploiting outdated routers. Pearson confirmed a cyberattack compromising customer data. Research shows cybercriminals are using Windows Remote Management (WinRM) for lateral movements in Active Directory environments. A new email attack campaign is delivering a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) via malicious PDF invoices. A zero-day vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver allows remote code execution, affecting multiple sectors. An Indiana health system reported a data breach affecting nearly 263,000 individuals.

AppWizard

May 10, 2025

‘Thunderbolts*’ Crossing $100M Today, Eyes $30M+ 2nd Frame; ‘Minecraft’ Clicks $401M; ‘Sinners’ Shooting Past $200M; ‘Clown In The Cornfield’ $600K Previews

Disney and Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts is outperforming Shang-Chi’s second weekend, having earned .3 million on Friday and projected to reach approximately million over the weekend, reflecting a 53% decline from its opening week. By Sunday, it is expected to surpass 0 million in total earnings. In comparison, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings achieved .7 million during its post-Labor Day frame in 2021, marking a 54% drop. This weekend's overall box office performance is anticipated to match the same period last year, which recorded .1 million, significantly bolstered by the debut of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which opened with .4 million. Warner Bros’ Sinners continues to perform well, bringing in .6 million in its fourth weekend, comparable to The Sixth Sense (.5 million) and exceeding It (.2 million) in their fourth frames. The weekend box office breakdown includes: - Thunderbolts (Disney) - 4,330 theaters, Friday .3M, 3-day M (-53%), Total 0.3M/Wk 2 - Sinners (Warner Bros) - 3,502 theaters, Friday .6M, 3-day .3M (-39%), Total .3M/Wk 4 - A Minecraft Movie (Warner Bros) - 3,468 theaters, Friday .7M, 3-day M (-48%), Total M/Wk 6 - Accountant 2 (Amazon) - 3,402 theaters, Friday .58M, 3-day .8M (-39%), Total .6M/Wk 3 - Clown in a Cornfield (IFC) - 2,277 theaters, Friday .4M, 3-day .5M/Wk 1 - Shadow Force (Lionsgate) - 2,170 theaters, Friday .0M, 3-day .7M/Wk 1 - Fight or Flight (Vertical) - 2,153 theaters, Friday .5M, 3-day .5M/Wk 1 Thunderbolts is expected to dominate the weekend box office with an estimated million, reflecting a decline of 60% or less from its debut. Sinners is expected to cross the million threshold today, with a robust fourth weekend forecasted between million and million. Clown in the Cornfield is projected to earn around .5 million, while Shadow Force is eyeing a weekend total of million to million. Fight or Flight is set at .5 million. Briarcliff Entertainment's Juliet & Romeo is projected to earn around million.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

Gemini fuels Chrome for Android with enhanced scam and spam protection

Google has announced a new security feature for Chrome on Android that uses machine learning through its Gemini intelligence to alert users about potential scams, spam, and unwanted notifications from malicious websites. This update allows Chrome to analyze website notifications more effectively, enhancing user protection. In September, Google also updated Chrome's Safety Check for Android, which now includes improved background tasks, notification alerts, and scans for security risks in passwords and installed extensions. The machine learning model was trained using synthetic data evaluated against real notifications to ensure effectiveness. The enhancements aim to provide a stronger defense against online threats.

AppWizard

May 9, 2025

Doom: The Dark Ages review

The latest first-person shooter from id Software, titled Doom: The Dark Ages, is set to release on May 15, 2025, with a price of £60. It is published by Microsoft and has been reviewed on an RTX 2080 Super, Intel Core i9 9900KS, and 32GB RAM. The game features a new mechanic called the Shield Saw, allowing players to deflect attacks and engage enemies more aggressively. However, the complexity of the firearms has been reduced, with no dedicated secondary fire modes and a focus on passive upgrades. The game emphasizes accessibility, offering customizable difficulty settings, but the level designs are simpler compared to previous installments. Players can pilot mechs and engage in aerial dogfights, but these moments are brief and feel disconnected from the main gameplay. The overall experience may lead players to prefer earlier entries in the series. The game does not include multiplayer and has not been tested on Steam Deck.

Tech Optimizer

May 9, 2025

Does Antivirus Software Collect Your Data

Antivirus software collects various types of data to protect systems, including system details (operating system version, RAM, CPU type, computer name), network data (local and external IP addresses, DNS server, network name), user data (Windows username, time zone, language, general location), browsing history (if web protection features are enabled), and file-related information (file names, locations, hashes, and sometimes entire files). The AV-Comparatives report indicates that while some antivirus companies manage data responsibly (e.g., F-Secure, G Data, K7), others (e.g., Norton, Panda, McAfee) have been criticized for poor practices. Data sharing can enhance malware detection but poses privacy risks, as seen in AVG's past actions of selling user browsing history. Users can limit data collection by adjusting settings, reviewing installation agreements, avoiding free antivirus software, choosing privacy-conscious vendors (like F-Secure, ESET, G Data), and reading privacy policies. Despite concerns about data collection, antivirus software is essential for protection against cyber threats, and selecting a transparent provider can help safeguard privacy.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

Do You Really Have to Stop Using Windows 10?

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users will continue to use Windows 10, but it will no longer receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to threats. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 if their hardware supports it, purchase a new device with Windows 11 pre-installed, or consider alternative operating systems such as ChromeOS Flex or Linux.

Winsage

May 8, 2025

Ransomware hackers target a new Windows security flaw to hit businesses

Several ransomware groups, including RansomEXX and Play, are exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in the Windows Common Log File System to elevate system privileges and deploy malware. This flaw was identified and patched during Microsoft's Patch Tuesday update in April 2024.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Synergy’s full release has more challenges like tricky soil, illness, and death, which will all slowly tear down your paradise

Synergy has transformed for its official launch, introducing new features that enhance gameplay, including new plants, seasons, and storylines. The game has evolved from a city builder with limited resources and storyline to a more complex experience influenced by solarpunk themes, where players care for refugees and establish sustainable settlements. The full release includes a dynamic temperature system that introduces challenges such as severe dry spells and the need for new tools. Players must also manage emerging threats like contagious diseases, necessitating the establishment of hospitals and scientific districts. Improvements in building systems include a unified water supply that simplifies resource management and enhanced monitoring tools for better strategic decision-making.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

A MINECRAFT MOVIE Brings the Party to 4K and Blu-ray June 24th!

A Minecraft Movie will debut digitally on May 13, 2025, and is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures. The film features a cast that includes Jason Momoa and Jack Black, directed by Jared Hess. It has grossed over 2 million globally, achieving the highest domestic opening of 2025 and becoming the most successful film based on a video game. The film will be available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and AppleTV, with physical formats (4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD) released on June 24. The story follows four characters who are transported into the Minecraft world and must navigate challenges to return home. The film runs for 101 minutes and is rated PG. Special features will include behind-the-scenes content and explorations of the film's creative process.