VPN service Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 29, 2026

NordVPN isn’t just a VPN anymore, but a full security suite – here’s what you get now

NordVPN is transforming its VPN application to integrate modern threat protection capabilities, focusing on three core pillars: connect, protect, and monitor. The company is consolidating its security features, including browser protection, anti-malware, dark web monitoring, and phishing protection, into a comprehensive security app. In April 2026, NordVPN's threat protection and antivirus service blocked 4.8 million threats, highlighting the need for an evolved approach to cybersecurity. The new app aims to provide proactive protection against various online threats, reducing the complexity of managing multiple security applications. NordVPN's subscriptions start at a few dollars per month, with different tiers offering varying levels of security features, including a Basic plan, Complete plan, and Prime tier for comprehensive cybersecurity.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2026

Bitdefender review: The ultimate antivirus software for all-round protection

Bitdefender is an antivirus software that offers various plans for consumers, families, and businesses, with the Ultimate Security plan being particularly notable. The software features a user-friendly interface, anti-theft and anti-scam capabilities, a VPN, and identity protection services. Pricing for consumer plans starts at .99 for Bitdefender Total Security, .99 for Premium Security, and .99 for Ultimate Security. For small businesses, the Ultimate Small Business Security Plan starts at .99 for three users, scaling up to 9.99 for 25 users. The GravityZone Small Business Security plan costs 9.99 for five devices, with the GravityZone Business Security Plan priced at 9.99. Bitdefender Total Security has received a perfect score of 6/6 from AV Test for Protection, Performance, and Usability, and an AAA rating from SE Labs. The software installation is straightforward, and it performs scans efficiently without impacting system performance. It includes features like Scam Protection Pro, Vulnerability Scan, and identity theft protection, with continuous monitoring of the dark web. Customer support is available 24/7 via email, chat, or phone, and there is a dedicated B2B help center for businesses.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

KING VPN Announces Android VPN App with 40+ Server Locations for UK and Russian Users

Tech Digital Labs has launched KING VPN, an Android application designed for users in the UK and Russia seeking a mobile VPN experience. The app features over 40 server locations and a one-tap connection for easy use on smartphones and tablets. It is available for download on Google Play and offers a clean interface for straightforward connections. KING VPN supports browsing on public Wi-Fi and accessing apps in compliance with local network policies, with server options including the US, Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China. The app is aimed at users who prefer a lightweight VPN experience without complex setup procedures.

Tech Optimizer

April 28, 2026

Surfshark Has Dropped to $1.78/mo: Unlimited Devices, One Subscription (Ends Soon)

Surfshark is offering a VPN service at a discounted price of .49 per month, down from the regular price, with an upfront cost for a two-year commitment being approximately .76, which includes three additional months free. The service supports unlimited devices, provides security for online activities, access to popular streaming services, and offers unlimited data and speeds with over 4,500 servers in 100 countries. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, Surfshark has introduced an antivirus option for .08 per month, which includes features like dark web monitoring and anonymous browsing. The antivirus plan costs .96 for the initial two-year period, also at an 88% discount. Surfshark maintains a no-logs policy and has been audited by third parties, making it a secure choice for users.

Tech Optimizer

April 14, 2026

Avira Review 2026: Decent Antivirus and Excellent Device Optimization, but Privacy Is Lacking

Avira Antivirus offers a freemium model that includes antivirus protection and device optimization tools. Its highest-tier plan, Avira Prime, provides comprehensive protection for up to 25 devices. Performance metrics for Avira are as follows: Performance: 7/10, Security: 8/10, Customer Support: 6/10, Usability: 9/10, Value: 8/10, Features: 8/10. Pros include excellent device optimization tools and higher-tier suites with privacy and dark web monitoring. Cons involve significant resource usage during scans, challenging customer support communication, inconsistent performance in third-party lab tests, and a slow VPN service. Avira's plans include: - Avira Free Antivirus: Basic features for 1 device at no cost. - Avira Internet Security: Advanced features for 1, 3, or 5 devices, with a starting price for the first year. - Avira Prime: Comprehensive features for 5 or 25 devices, with a starting price for the first year. While Avira excels in device optimization, it lacks advanced identity theft protection and privacy monitoring tools compared to competitors. Installation is straightforward, but the active scans consume up to 90% of CPU power. The VPN service is slow and lacks essential privacy features. Customer support quality is inconsistent, and while Avira is budget-friendly, more comprehensive solutions may be found with competitors.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

22 of Russia’s 30 most popular Android apps monitor whether users have VPN enabled, study finds

Recent research by RKS Global found that 22 out of the top 30 Android apps in Russia monitor users' VPN status. Banking apps like T-Bank, Sberbank, VTB, and Alfa-Bank are leading this trend, along with Yandex and VK applications such as Yandex Browser and VKontakte. Online marketplaces including Wildberries, Ozon, MegaMarket, and Samokat also track VPN usage. In total, 18 of the 30 apps transmit VPN status data to their servers, while 24 send lists of installed applications. Yandex Browser uniquely searches for the Tor browser, and Samokat and MegaMarket retrieve lists of installed VPN apps. The Russian Digital Development Ministry has mandated that major internet platforms restrict access for users with VPNs by April 15.

Tech Optimizer

April 7, 2026

Norton 360: Comprehensive Cybersecurity for Devices

Norton 360 is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that protects consumers and businesses from digital threats, integrating features like a VPN and password manager. It safeguards various devices, including PCs and smartphones, and offers multiple editions for individuals, families, and small businesses. Key features include real-time threat detection, a smart firewall, a no-logs VPN, a password manager, parental controls, behavior-based detection for zero-day threats, cloud backup functionality, and performance optimization tools. The suite is effective against phishing, malware, and ransomware, with a 100% detection rate confirmed by independent tests. Norton 360 also caters to small businesses with endpoint protection, compliance tools, and secure file sharing. It employs heuristics and machine learning for threat adaptation and supports unlimited devices in premium plans. The software is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and offers a VPN service with servers in over 30 countries. Norton 360 competes in the global cybersecurity market, maintaining a strong presence in North America and Europe, with subscription models ranging from basic to deluxe editions. Demand for the product has increased due to high-profile data breaches, and it is available in over 150 countries. Common use cases include protecting home networks, securing client data for freelancers, and safeguarding school-issued laptops. Norton 360 is part of Gen Digital Inc., which focuses on consumer cybersecurity.

Tech Optimizer

April 2, 2026

Cybersecurity expert highlights mobile device vulnerabilities

Cybersecurity expert John Joyce emphasizes the vulnerabilities of mobile devices, noting that many users mistakenly believe their smartphones are secure. He highlights that smartphones often serve as primary computing devices, storing sensitive personal information, which makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Joyce advises users to look for signs of compromise, such as device slowdowns or unusual app behavior, and to keep their devices updated with the latest operating systems and security patches to reduce risks. He recommends using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when on public Wi-Fi and suggests utilizing security apps like Norton and TotalAV for additional protection. Joyce also points individuals to Cirrus Technology Consultants' online resources for further information on mobile cybersecurity.

Tech Optimizer

March 21, 2026

Avast VPN: An in-depth review of its speed, security and value

Avast launched its VPN service, Avast Secureline VPN, in 2017, focusing on encryption, a no-logs policy, and DNS leak protection. The company operates outside the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances, which limits data-sharing with intelligence agencies. In January 2020, Avast faced criticism for collecting user data for its subsidiary, Jumpshot, but ceased this practice shortly after. The VPN offers dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, basic split tunneling, and a kill switch, but lacks comprehensive features compared to competitors. Supported protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec, with encryption standards generally secure. Avast claims to operate 700 servers across 27 countries, with a limited selection of streaming-optimized servers. The app supports various platforms but lacks support for Linux or routers. Speed tests showed an average download speed of 275.69 Mbps, but performance in unblocking content was disappointing, with limited success on streaming services. Avast's privacy policy indicates extensive data collection, despite claims of addressing past issues. Customer support includes 24/7 access for paying customers. Pricing tiers include a 60-day free trial, with competitive rates but limited features. Pros include decent speeds and reasonable pricing, while cons highlight controversial data practices, limited information, poor streaming performance, and fewer features compared to competitors.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Android 16 Bug Silently Breaks VPNs, Say Providers

Multiple VPN providers, including Proton VPN, Mullvad, WireGuard, and TunnelBear, are experiencing a persistent bug in Android 16 that causes their services to disconnect unexpectedly after app updates. Google has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix. The bug occurs when the network stack enters a problematic state during a VPN app update while still connected, leading to a "connecting" loop and potential loss of internet connectivity or exposure of non-VPN traffic. Restarting the VPN app does not resolve the issue; a device reboot or app reinstallation is required. This bug undermines Android's safety features like Always-on VPN and "Block connections without VPN." The issue affects a significant number of users, given Android's 70% market share and the 30-35% of internet users utilizing VPNs. Temporary workarounds include rebooting the device, manually disconnecting the VPN before updates, and pausing auto-updates. The bug poses operational risks for organizations enforcing always-on VPN policies, and developers are seeking app-side mitigations while emphasizing the need for a platform-level fix. Users are advised to monitor their VPN status after updates and report issues to assist in troubleshooting.