Tag Archive for: Premium

Avast Premium Security for Mac 2022 review


Avast Premium Security for Mac: Specs

Malware protection: Very good
System impact, background: Slight
System impact, scans:  Moderate
macOS compatibility: 10.11
Browser extensions: No
Firewall: No
Hardened/secure browser: No
Blocks Potentially Unwanted Apps: Yes
Parental controls: No
Ransomware rollback of encrypted files: Yes
Password manager: No
Scan scheduling: Yes
Webcam protection: No
System Optimizer: No
VPN: No
Backup: No
Support options: 24/7 email, phone and live chat

With the ability to keep the bad guys out, Avast Premium Security can help protect your Mac. Besides good malware defenses, the security suite only has a modest impact on system performance when scanning and while idle. Happily, it doesn’t require an online account to get and manage its defenses and Avast has one of the easiest interfaces to use. 

All is not perfect because the security software is slow to scan an entire system and its VPN isn’t integrated into the main app. It also misses a feature or two, although Avast Premium Security Ultimate is a simple way to safeguard your Macs (and other computers). Our Avast Premium Security Ultimate review will help you decide if this is the best Mac antivirus software you can get today or if you’d be better off using one of the best internet security suites instead.

Avast Premium Security for Mac: Costs and what’s covered

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Android malware subscribes you to premium services without you knowing


Microsoft’s 365 Defender Team says there’s a growing popularity of malware that can subscribe you to a premium service without your knowledge. The attack is quite elaborate, though, and there are quite a few steps that the malware has to execute.

For starters, the apps harboring the malware are usually classified as “toll frauds” and use “dynamic code loading” to carry out the attack. In short, the malware subscribes you to a premium service using your telecom monthly bill. You are then forced to pay.

Android malware subscribes you to premium services without you knowing

The malware only works by exploiting the so-called WAP (wireless application protocol) used by cellular networks. That’s why some forms of the malware disable your Wi-Fi or just wait for you to go outside of Wi-Fi coverage. This is where the aforementioned dynamic code loading comes into play. The malicious software then subscribes you to a service in the background, reads an OTP (one-time password) you may receive before subscribing, fills out the OTP field on your behalf and also hides the notification to cover its tracks.

The good news is that the malware is largely distributed outside of Google Play because Google restricts the use of dynamic code loading by apps. So be careful out there and avoid side-loading Android apps.

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Backdoor baked into premium school management plugin for WordPress


Backdoor baked into premium WordPress plugin for school management

Security researchers have discovered a backdoor in a premium WordPress plugin designed as a complete management solution for schools. The malicious code enables a threat actor to execute PHP code without authenticating.

The name of the plugin is “School Management,” published by Weblizar, and multiple versions before 9.9.7 were delivered with the backdoor baked into its code.

Although the latest version is clean, the developer failed to determine the source of the compromise.

The plugin allows schools to manage live classes, send email or SMS notifications, keep attendance boards and manage noticeboards, accept payments and issue invoices, manage exams, set up online lending libraries, and even manage transport vehicle fleets.

It is a complete solution that comes with an Android and iOS app to provide various access levels to users such as admins, teachers, accountants, students, parents, librarians, and receptionists.

PHP backdoor

Jetpack started to take a look at “School Management” (site not secure at the time of writing) after the WordPress.com support team reported finding malicious code in several sites using the plugin.

When looking at the lightly obfuscated code, Jetpack found a backdoor injected into the license-checking code of the plugin, which allows any attacker to execute PHP code.

The backdoor code after reversing obfuscation
The backdoor code after reversing obfuscation (Jetpack)

The backdoor can let an attacker access or alter the website’s contents, elevate privileges, and assume complete control of the site.

This is a critical security problem that is currently tracked as CVE-2022-1609, and received the maximum severity score of 10 out of 10.

Because the backdoor is injected in the license checking part of the plugin, the free version that doesn’t have one doesn’t contain the backdoor either, so it’s not impacted.

Discovery and fixing

Jetpack assumed that the presence of the backdoor was a case of a nulled plugin – a premium plugin that has been hacked or modified (pirated), distributed through third-party websites, that often work without a license

However, after discussing with the site owners, the analysts learned that the plugin was sourced directly from the vendor, so the backdoor…

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NOD32 Antivirus / ESET Internet Security / Eset Smart Security Premium 15.0.18


ESET

NOD32 for Windows is the best choice for protection of your personal computer. Almost 20 years of technological development enabled ESET to create state-of-the-art antivirus system able to protect you from all sorts of Internet threats. ESET Internet Security boasts a large array of security features, usability enhancements and scanning technology improvements in defense of your your online life.

ESET Internet Security
ESET Internet Security keeps your computer or laptop safe with intelligent multi-layered protection combining proven antivirus, antispyware, firewall, anti-rootkit and antispam capabilities. Based on ESET NOD32 Antivirus, it protects you from viruses, worms, spyware, and all Internet threats. It conserves resources and improves computer speed. You are protected at the highest level while you work, social network, play online games or plug in removable media.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus
Your best defense against viruses, trojans and other forms of malware—and the top choice for IT professionals. Powered by the ThreatSense® engine with advanced heuristics, which blocks far more unknown threats than the competition. The latest generation of the legendary ESET NOD32 Antivirus takes your security to a whole new level. Built for a low footprint, fast scanning, it packs security features and customization options for consistent and personalized security online or off.

ESET Smart Security
Ultimate protection for everyday web users, thanks to ESET’s trademark best balance of detection, speed and usability. Stay safe from viruses and spyware. Stay protected from ransomware – Blocks malware that tries to lock you out of your own data. Receive free support by email or telephone in your local language, wherever you are. Bank and shop online more safely – automatically secures transactions on internet banking sites, and helps to protect you on online payment gateways. Stop hackers from accessing your PC – Personal Firewall prevents hackers from gaining access to your computer and keeps you invisible when you use public Wi-Fi. Keep your kids safe online – block unwanted internet content by categories or individual websites and keep…

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