Windows malware Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 29, 2025

Intego Mac Internet Security

PCs were introduced before Apple’s Macintosh, leading to the emergence of PC viruses and the establishment of antivirus companies, with Macintosh protection being less prioritized. Intego focused on Macintosh security from the start, offering Intego Mac Internet Security, which includes a firewall that manages network permissions and defends against external attacks. Intego has been effective against Mac malware, achieving a 99.1% malware detection score in independent lab tests, although it lacks phishing protection, a feature offered by competitors Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Intego's pricing is competitive, with a standard annual fee of .99 for a single license and .99 for three licenses. A five-device subscription costs .99, while the Mac Premium Bundle starts at .99 annually and includes additional features. A 14-day free trial is available, and free alternatives like Avast and AVG are also on the market. Intego supports older macOS versions back to Mavericks (10.9), but the latest version requires High Sierra (10.13) or later. The installation process for Intego is straightforward, requiring a restart and granting necessary permissions. The main interface includes components for updates, firewall, and antivirus, with user-friendly access to scanning options. Intego has received certification from AV-Comparatives and detected 100% of Windows malware samples in tests. Its quick scan takes about two and a half minutes, while a full system scan takes seven minutes. Intego's Safe Browsing feature checks existing browser protections but lacks a dedicated antiphishing solution. The NetBarrier firewall allows users to classify their network and manage traffic permissions effectively, although it may be complex for some users.

Tech Optimizer

March 27, 2025

This dangerous new Windows malware hides from your antivirus while impersonating a popular PC brand

A new strain of malware called CoffeeLoader targets Windows users by pretending to be an ASUS utility, specifically imitating ASUS's Armoury Crate. It has sophisticated evasion techniques that allow it to bypass antivirus software. Once installed, it deploys infostealers like Rhadamanthys Infostealer to extract sensitive information. CoffeeLoader operates undetected by executing code on the GPU instead of the CPU, using Call Stack Spoofing to disguise its activities, and employing Sleep Obfuscation to encrypt itself in memory when inactive. It also exploits Windows Fibers to evade detection. To protect against CoffeeLoader, users should download Armoury Crate only from the official ASUS website and be cautious of deceptive links and ads that may lead to malware installation.

Tech Optimizer

March 17, 2025

F-Secure Internet Security for Mac

F-Secure Internet Security for Mac provides essential malware protection, including quarantine capabilities and safeguards against future attacks, but lacks features compared to competitors like Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Its pricing structure includes .99 for one license, .99 for three, and .99 for five licenses, with options for up to 25 devices at 4.99 annually. F-Secure requires macOS 12 or later and has been rated excellent by AV-Test Institute, achieving a perfect score of 18 in recent macOS tests. The software offers a quick virus scan and custom scan options but does not include scheduled scanning. It successfully quarantines 82% of Windows malware samples and scores 94% in phishing detection. F-Secure includes parental controls for managing children's online activities and features scam protection similar to its Windows version.

Tech Optimizer

March 7, 2025

Webroot Premium

PCMag editors independently select and review products. Webroot Premium combines device-level protection with identity theft tracking and remediation, but its antivirus protection is limited compared to competitors. Webroot Premium costs .99 per year for five devices and one identity, with a family edition available for .99 covering ten devices and identities. Other competitors like Bitdefender Ultimate Security and Norton 360 With LifeLock offer more comprehensive features at similar price points. Webroot AntiVirus has been rebranded as Webroot Essentials, and older versions have been phased out. The installation process for Webroot Premium is straightforward, and it includes a firewall that monitors network activity. Webroot's antivirus effectively identifies malware, achieving a 100% detection rate in tests. It also offers a secure deletion tool and basic identity protection features, including credit monitoring, transaction monitoring, and dark web monitoring, though these features are less comprehensive than those of competitors. Webroot provides 24/7 support for identity restoration, with a monetary guarantee for remediation services up to million for ten family members. Overall, while Webroot Premium offers solid antivirus protection, its identity protection capabilities are limited compared to other security suites.

Tech Optimizer

February 13, 2025

Steam just killed a game that was installing Windows malware

The Steam platform experienced a security breach due to a free-to-play game called PirateFi, which was found to be delivering malware to players. The game was available on the Steam store for a week before Valve removed it and banned the developer after discovering it was distributing suspected malware. Approximately 800 users downloaded the game, and some reported compromised Microsoft and Steam passwords, leading to unauthorized access to their game currency. Valve has notified affected users via email, advising them to perform virus scans or format their PCs if necessary. This incident highlights the challenges Steam faces in maintaining security as the platform continues to grow, with over 15,000 new games released last year.

Tech Optimizer

February 6, 2025

ClamXAV for Mac

ClamXAV for Mac enhances the Clam Antivirus with a user-friendly interface and its own scanning engine and database, providing essential malware defense with minimal performance impact. It is priced at .95 annually for a basic license covering three Macs, and a nine-Mac Family Pack is available for .95 per year. ClamXAV supports older macOS versions back to 2014’s Yosemite (10.10) and offers a 30-day free trial. It features scanning options for the entire computer and specific folders, with a straightforward installation process. ClamXAV has recently achieved a perfect score of 18 points in independent testing but lacks comprehensive web protection and additional security features found in competitors like Bitdefender and Norton 360 Deluxe. The quick scan completes in 14 seconds, while a full scan takes 54 minutes, and it can detect 38% of Windows malware samples.

Tech Optimizer

December 13, 2024

F-Secure Total review: affordable antivirus solution lets you build custom plan

F-Secure Total is an antivirus solution priced at .99, offering robust protection for various devices with customizable subscription plans. The most economical plan starts at .99 annually for one device, with options for 1 to 26 devices. Users can add a VPN and password manager for an additional fee. It supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and provides 24/7 live chat support. The software features real-time malware protection, regular scans, and has received positive scores from cybersecurity labs, though it has a higher-than-average false-positive rate. F-Secure's privacy policy ensures user data is not sold or shared with third parties.

Winsage

December 11, 2024

Microsoft fixes zero-day security flaw in latest Windows update

Microsoft addressed 71 vulnerabilities in its December Patch Tuesday update, including a critical zero-day flaw. Of these, 59 vulnerabilities affect various versions of Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. CVE-2024-49138 is a high-risk buffer overflow issue that allows privilege escalation and could enable full control over affected systems. Microsoft classified 16 Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities as critical, with nine related to the Remote Desktop service. CVE-2024-49112 affects the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and could allow code injection without user login. CVE-2024-49117 affects Hyper-V, allowing code execution from a guest system on the host system. Additionally, eight security vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office were resolved, including three RCE vulnerabilities. CVE-2024-49063 is the first identified security flaw in Microsoft's open-source AI project, Muzic. The next Patch Tuesday is scheduled for January 14, 2025.

Tech Optimizer

November 27, 2024

Top 5 Free Antivirus Protection Programs (2025)

Free antivirus software provides essential protection against viruses, malware, and online threats without cost. Key features often include real-time scanning, automated updates, and basic security measures. Notable free antivirus programs for 2025 include: - Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition: Offers real-time protection, on-demand scanning, and anti-phishing features with low system impact. - Avira Free Security: Includes real-time protection, web protection, a VPN, a password manager, and a system optimizer. - Sophos Home Free: A cloud-managed solution that uses AI for threat detection and includes parental controls. - AVG AntiVirus Free: Known for reliable protection against malware and includes a ransomware decryption tool. - Microsoft Defender: Built into Windows, it provides decent protection and receives regular updates. Choosing the right antivirus depends on individual needs; options vary in features and performance impact. Free antivirus programs typically lack advanced features found in paid versions, such as comprehensive malware detection, firewall protection, and priority customer support. Independent labs test antivirus software for effectiveness, focusing on detection rates, false positives, and performance impact. Some free antivirus tools offer additional features like password managers and limited VPN access, but many advanced functions require payment. Overall, while free antivirus solutions may not be as comprehensive as paid options, they still provide solid protection for everyday users.

Tech Optimizer

October 22, 2024

Avira Free Antivirus for Mac

Microsoft is actively improving security in Windows, while macOS has security as a foundational principle but is still vulnerable to malware, necessitating antivirus protection. Avira Free Antivirus for Mac supports macOS versions starting from 10.15 (Catalina), with alternatives available for older systems. Premium antivirus options include McAfee Total Protection and Norton 360 Deluxe, with various pricing models. Avira was acquired by Gen Digital, which also owns Norton and Avast. Installation of Avira Free Antivirus is straightforward, and it includes features like scheduled scans and real-time protection. Independent testing labs rate Avira highly, with a score of 17.5 points from AV-Test. Avira's Browser Safety extension provides phishing protection, achieving a 100% detection rate for phishing URLs. The free version includes limited VPN access and basic privacy features, while advanced options require an upgrade to Avira Prime. The Smart Scan feature identifies security and performance issues, but users must upgrade for full remediation.