Latest news with #MicrosoftDefender
Fox News
29-05-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Windows PCs at risk as new tool disarms built-in security
All modern Windows PCs come with Microsoft Defender built in. For the unaware, this tool is Windows' native antivirus. Over time, it has matured into a reliable security tool capable of blocking a wide range of threats. However, a tool called Defendnot can shut down Microsoft Defender completely, without exploiting a bug or using malware. It simply convinces Windows that another antivirus is already running. The implications are serious. This tool does not break into the system or use advanced code injection. It uses Windows features the way they were designed to be used. And that makes the problem harder to detect and harder to fix. Windows is built to avoid running multiple antivirus products at once. When a third-party antivirus registers itself, Windows disables Microsoft Defender to prevent conflicts. Defendnot exploits this system using an undocumented API that security software uses to communicate with the Windows Security Center. The tool registers a fake antivirus that appears legitimate to the system. It uses a dummy DLL and injects it into Task Manager, a trusted Windows process. By operating inside this signed process, Defendnot avoids signature checks and permission blocks. Once the fake antivirus is registered, Windows disables Microsoft Defender without warning or confirmation. No security alert is shown to the user. No visible changes are made to indicate that the system is unprotected. Unless someone checks manually, the machine remains open to attacks with no real-time protection running. The tool also includes options to set a custom antivirus name, enable logging and configure automatic startup. It achieves persistence by creating a scheduled task that runs whenever the user logs in. Defendnot is based on an earlier project called No-Defender. That project used code from an actual antivirus product to fake registration. It gained attention quickly and was removed after a copyright complaint from the vendor whose code had been reused. The developer took the project down and walked away from it. With Defendnot, the creator rebuilt the core features using original code. This version avoids copyright issues and uses a new method to achieve the same effect. It does not rely on another antivirus or third-party binaries. It was written from scratch to demonstrate how simple it is to manipulate Windows security from inside the system. Microsoft Defender currently flags the tool as a threat. It detects and quarantines it under the name Win32/ However, the fact that it works at all points to a weakness in how Windows handles antivirus registration and trust. While Defendnot is a research project, there's a chance that similar tools are already out there and could be used to compromise your PC. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe: 1. Use strong antivirus software: Even with regular updates, Windows systems can be left exposed by tools like Defendnot that silently disable built-in defenses. A strong third-party antivirus with real-time protection and frequent updates provides essential backup security. Look for solutions with real-time protection and frequent updates to tackle emerging threats. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 2. Limit exposure: Many exploits rely on user interaction, such as clicking a shady link, downloading a compromised file or mounting an untrusted virtual disk. Stick to reputable websites, avoid opening unsolicited email attachments and use a browser with built-in security features (like Microsoft Edge or Chrome with Safe Browsing enabled). 3. Avoid running unexpected commands: Never paste or run commands (like PowerShell scripts) you don't understand or that were copied from random websites. Attackers often trick users into unknowingly running malware this way. 4. Keep your software updated: Regularly update your operating system, browsers and all software applications. Updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that malware can exploit. 5. Use two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on all your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if they have your password. 6. Invest in personal data removal services: Even with strong device security, your personal information may still be exposed online through data brokers and people-finder sites. These services collect and publish details like your name, address and phone number, making you an easier target for identity theft or phishing. Automated data removal services track down these sites and submit removal requests on your behalf, helping to reduce your digital footprint and increase your online anonymity. While they can't erase every trace of your information, they make it significantly harder for attackers to find and exploit your personal data, which saves you time and reduces unwanted spam in the process. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web. Defendnot points to a bigger issue with how Windows handles security. It takes a feature meant to prevent software conflicts and turns it into a way to completely disable protection. The system assumes any registered antivirus is legitimate, so if attackers can fake that, they get in without much resistance. We often think of security as blocking the bad and trusting the good. But this case shows what happens when that trust is misplaced. Defendnot doesn't sneak past Windows defenses. It walks right in using valid credentials. The solution isn't just more patches or stronger malware signatures. What we need is a smarter way for systems to tell what is actually safe. Do you think companies like Microsoft need to rethink how Windows handles antivirus registration and trust, given that tools like Defendnot can so easily disable built-in protections without using malware or exploiting a bug? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Tom's Guide
19-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
This new Defendnot trojan can get Windows to disable its own antivirus software
A researcher referred to as es3n1n has developed a tool called Defendnot that is capable of tricking a Windows computer into disabling Microsoft Defender, leaving the device completely unprotected against malware. By registering a fake antivirus product, Defendnot convinces Microsoft to turn off its built-in antivirus software to keep any conflicts from happening between the two security programs. As reported by Bleeping Computer, Defendnot can do this even when there is no actual antivirus software installed on the machine by using an undocumented API in the Windows Security Center (WSC) – the same one used by legitimate antivirus software – to inform Windows that it's properly installed and handling the real-time protection for the system. Then, after a few weeks after the release, the project blew up quite a bit and gained ~1.5k stars, after that the developers of the antivirus I was using filed a DMCA takedown request and I didn't really want to do anything with that so just erased everything and called it a day. Once the registration step is complete, Defender will immediately shut itself off to prevent any issues, leaving the computer without active antivirus protection. The Defendnot tool also includes a loader that passes configuration data through a file, allowing users to set the name of the fake antivirus software to anything they like. Defendnot will create an autorun through the Task Schedule, so it starts when you log in to Windows. It's based on a previous project, the researcher called 'no-defender,' which laid the groundwork by using code from third-party antivirus software to spoof Windows Security Center registration. However, the vendor of that software filed a DMCA takedown request, which resulted in it being pulled from GitHub. Defendnot, on the other hand, learned from this and built the anti-virus functionality from scratch through a dummy DLL, which causes no copyright infringement. It injects a DLL into a Microsoft system process, which is signed and already trusted. Within this process, it can register the dummy antivirus with any spoofed display name. Though it is a research project, Defendnot demonstrates how easy it can be to turn trusted system features into security issues; currently, Microsoft Defender is detecting and quarantining Defendnot as a trojan based on its own machine learning algorithm. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Because Defendnot is a research project — and has already been quarantined by Defender — it is not putting any particular systems at risk currently. There are also no details about how Defendnot may operate on a computer that is running a third-party antivirus software in addition to Windows Defender. That being said, users who want the best level of protection for their Windows PCs should always use one of the best antivirus software programs and the built-in protection provided by Windows Defender. These security suites usually provide excellent malware protection and added features like parental controls, a VPN, and a password manager that can help keep you safe while online.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kansas man, 87, says scammers stole $30,000 after a fake computer alert, nearly wiped out his retirement fund
A Lakin, Kansas, family is speaking out after their 87-year-old father was scammed out of $30,000 — and nearly lost his entire retirement fund — after a fraudulent computer alert. Tom Grauburger says he was trying to file his taxes when his computer suddenly froze up on him. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) 'Microsoft Defender popped up and [said] something about [a] problem with the computer,' Grauburger recalled to KAKE News in a story published April 30. The message included a phone number, which he called. A person answered with a name and employee ID. Grauburger thought he was reporting a potential security issue. Instead, he was pulled into a scam that lasted three weeks and affected both his finances and relationship with his daughters. Grauburger was transferred to someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission. According to the broadcaster, the scammer told him his identity had been used to buy illegal firearms and child pornography. They even sent him fake documentation and credentials to make the lie more convincing. 'He asked how much money I had in my checking and savings account,' Grauburger said. 'Well, can't lie to a federal officer, so I told him.' The scammer told Grauburger he was under investigation, per KAKE News, and to sign a non-disclosure agreement. He was then instructed to withdraw $30,000 from two local banks, place the cash between pages of magazines, wrap it in bubble wrap and aluminum foil, and send it in a duct-taped box to an address provided by the scammers. He was told federal agents needed physical proof of his assets. All the while, Grauburger was kept on the phone for hours a day and instructed to leave his phone on — even at church — so he could be monitored. 'That was really intimidating,' he said. 'They listened to everything I said or whatever I did.' The scam became so consuming that Grauburger started avoiding his family, fearing arrest if he disclosed what was happening. 'My son's birthday was in April. My dad didn't call him, which was totally out of character,' his daughter, Debi Leal, told KAKE News. 'My youngest sister was very hurt. She called me, 'Why is Daddy mad at me? Why is Daddy lying to us?'' Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Grauburger says the scammers tried to steal even more money — $200,000 from his retirement account — but the transfer was flagged. The senior canceled the transaction when he received a call from somebody claiming to be a sheriff's deputy who threatened him with arrest. That's when he decided to go to the sheriff's office in person. 'I went down there, and of course, they didn't know anything about it,' Grauburger said. In the end, he was able to save his retirement savings, but his $30,000 emergency fund was gone. Grauburger and Leal are now both speaking out to help others avoid falling for similar scams. They urge families to stay alert. 'These people are real slick,' Grauburger said. 'I just felt like everybody needs to know.' Here are a few ways to avoid falling for even the most elaborate scams: Don't trust computer pop-ups or unsolicited calls. Microsoft and government agencies will never ask you to call a number that appears in a warning message. Watch for fear and isolation tactics. Scammers often use threats of arrest or legal trouble to keep victims compliant. Stay in contact with loved ones. Sudden changes in behavior or communication patterns could be a red flag. Never send out cash or gift cards. No legitimate agency will ask for physical money to prove your identity or assets. Ask questions. If you're unsure about a request, talk to a trusted friend, family member, or call local law enforcement yourself. Grauburger's story is also a reminder that the emotional toll of a scam can be just as devastating as the financial loss. By speaking out, he hopes others will be better able to avoid the tricky tactics scammers use. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Tom's Guide
18-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Do I need antivirus software for Windows 11?
If you're new to using a computer or new to Microsoft, or on the flip side, very, very experienced you might be thinking: Do I really need an antivirus program for my Windows 11 computer? The short answer here is yes. Always yes. The long answer is still yes. That's one of the reasons why Microsoft provides its users with the free, built-in antivirus program Microsoft Defender. But if your question is more along the lines of: Do I need additional third-party support on top of what Microsoft Defender provides, then that's a more nuanced answer… that is mostly also going to be yes, for the reasons we'll explain below. The reality is, every computer should have an antivirus program – even Mac owners should consider adding third-party antivirus software at this point. However, it's particularly important for Windows 11 users because they're even more likely to be targeted by malware, ransomware, phishing, spyware or other cyberattacks. As of April 2025, Windows 11 made up for almost 44% of desktop users worldwide, and an AV-Test report from 2020 showed that 83% of the malware that year targeted Windows computers. Cybercrime is an industry that makes trillions of dollars each year, and Windows computers are at the top of the list. It's often preventable through the simple use of one of the best antivirus software suites and good cybersecurity hygiene. You, the user, are the first line of defense, but in the instance that you slip up, you'll want a solid security program backing you up with virus scans, access to a password managers, a VPN, website blockers, and more to help keep your data safe and your computer running smoothly. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Microsoft Defender is included free and automatically enabled when you set up Windows 11, making it an easy antivirus option for Windows users – particularly new users or those who don't want to spend a lot of time downloading and installing a third-party program. Defender is kept automatically updated and uses the cloud to provide fast malware identification. When we reviewed it, we found its malware protection to be good, with four scanning options including a quick scan and a custom scan option. It also offers some great additional features like the basic ransomware protection that will back up OneDrive files and folders and can prevent malicious changes without administrator approval. There's also SmartScreen, an Edge browser feature that can warn you if a website, app, or download you open or run is potentially malicious. Billed as an anti-phishing tool, SmartScreen, can be easily dismissed if you want to get around it and is more intended as a warning to the user than a block. Another feature Defender offers is a firewall, which filters network traffic to protect against malicious apps and hacks that want access to your network or devices. The firewall can filter or limit network traffic based on your preferences, and it will automatically block any untrustworthy attempts from connecting to your network or devices. There's more, like a password manager for Edge, some parental controls for limiting screen time, app control that can block unsigned apps, and VPN and identity protection. But as with any free program, some of it is limited or includes an add on fee. Microsoft Defender offers a good base layer of protection for your Windows 11 system, it's true. But it's generally considered a starting point – while the security features offered by Defender are usually good enough, they often put the responsibility of safety into your hands (think SmartScreen's warning pop ups) and you'll still need to practice excellent cybersecurity practices to keep yourself safe by watching what sites you visit along with what you download and click on. It's also worth pointing out some of the advantages that a third-party antivirus software can provide: more robust antivirus protection that can anticipate malware and virus attacks, more expansive features and bundled packages that protect a whole household or multiple devices. Third-party, or paid, antivirus programs like those from Norton or Bitdefender may offer up better parental controls, a VPN that's included instead of one that you have to pay extra for, a password manager that works with any browser of your choice (and not just Edge), and include other features like identity theft protection, a file shredder, or webcam blocker. Regardless of what you choose, built-in and free or third-party and paid, or both, you should absolutely, always, make sure that your Windows 11 computer has one of the best antivirus software programs installed, running and up-to-date. It might take a little bit of time to get one set up the way you like it, and it may occasionally give you a warning about an app or website, but that is always better than having to deal with a virus, getting your data stolen, or having your computer taken over by hackers and malware which would be a much, much bigger hassle.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Best Free Antivirus Software for Device Protection in 2025
In 2025, most devices come with built-in antivirus software. These tools scan files you attempt to download, blocking anything they deem suspicious. They also perform automated scans to remove malicious files that make it onto your computer and may let you perform manual scans if you suspect there's an issue. However, they often lack advanced features like scan scheduling. You'll need a separate program if you want full control over your antivirus software or additional security software like safe browsing tools. Luckily, there are several free antivirus programs and some come bundled into free security suites with other safety tools. We've researched popular free antivirus software and brought the best options together on this list. Avira Free Antivirus is the best free antivirus software, offering real-time protection against malware like viruses, plus manual and automated scans. Avira Free Antivirus also provides protection from phishing -- a type of fraud involving sending emails or messages pretending to come from a reputable source to steal information -- and ransomware -- a type of malware that locks your computer and requires you to send a payment to unlock it. Avira Free Antivirus includes other security tools as well, including a software updater to automatically keep your apps and drivers up to date, a password manager, a browser extension for blocking malicious sites and ad trackers/third-party trackers. Best of all, you can use Avira Free Antivirus on most operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android. However, some features -- including the Software Updater program -- are available only for Windows PCs. Avira Free Antivirus uses the same antivirus engine as the paid version of Avira, which consistently receives high rankings in all AV-Test categories. You'll get real-time protection as well as the option to run manual scans and schedule scans on a daily or weekly basis. This last feature is particularly notable, as both Microsoft Defender and XProtect (the MacOS equivalent to Microsoft Defender) lack the ability to schedule scans. Other layers of protection include phishing protection, ransomware protection and a Software Updater that automatically updates apps and drivers. You'll also get a browser extension that blocks unsafe sites, ad tracking and other third-party trackers. A password manager is also included. None of these features are included with Microsoft Defender, XProtect or Bitdefender. AVG Free Antivirus includes some of these features, but lacks a password manager. Avira Free Antivirus is available for MacOS, iOS and Android, but certain features -- like the Software Updater -- only work with Windows. There are also many features listed in the dashboard that are only partially accessible without upgrading to a paid version. For example, if you run a System Speedup scan, Avira will find performance issues, but if you click on the option to fix them, you'll be told to upgrade. Avira Free Antivirus is the best free antivirus if you want a full security suite without spending a dime. The Software Updater makes it a particularly great choice if you're using Windows. See at Avira Microsoft Defender (formerly known as Windows Defender) is built into Windows 10 and 11 and enabled by default. Microsoft Defender consistently receives high marks from AV-Test, and the program is updated regularly to ensure protection against new malware. Defender provides real-time protection and runs automated scans. You can run manual scans if you're ever concerned about your computer's performance or a specific file or program you've downloaded. You can also set up Controlled Folder Access, which automatically stops apps from making unauthorized changes to your folders (you can manually exclude apps you trust). The one big drawback of Defender is that you can't schedule the scans yourself; you'll have to rely on the program's automatic scans or run an on-demand check. However, Defender can track when your system is idle and tends to run scans during this time. Windows 10 and 11 will automatically disable its own Windows Defender antivirus when you install third-party antivirus programs. If you uninstall the third-party protection, Windows will turn on its own antivirus again. Microsoft Defender is a good choice if you're looking for no-effort antivirus protection and you follow internet safety best practices. See at Microsoft Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition offers real-time protection against malware like viruses and spyware alongside ransomware protection. Bitdefender antivirus regularly earns a 6 out of 6 protection ranking from the AV-Test lab, plus high rankings for usability and performance. You can run manual scans and schedule daily, weekly or monthly scans to catch anything that makes it through Bitdefender's real-time protection. The free antivirus version covers one Windows or MacOS computer. You can also download Bitdefender apps for iOS and Android. For broader protection including parental controls and a VPN, you can choose Bitdefender Total Security or Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. Bitdefender is a great choice if you're looking for robust antivirus protection and you don't need or want any other cybersecurity tools. See at BitDefender AVG Antivirus Free and the paid AVG Internet Security app use the same antivirus cores -- the difference is that AVG Internet Security comes with a full suite of tools, like an enhanced firewall and webcam protection. Moreover, AVG consistently earns high scores in all three AV-Test categories, with the lowest recent ranking being a 5.5 out of 6 for performance. With AVG Antivirus Free, you'll get both real-time protection and the ability to manually run Deep Scans to find and remove malware that gets through the initial layer of protection. You can also schedule scans to run on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. AVG Antivirus Free guards against phishing and ransomware, plus provides a browser extension that blocks harmful sites and third-party tracking. You can get AVG Antivirus Free for Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android. The one drawback of the free version of AVG is the prominent upsells. You'll be directed to get a paid subscription if you click on certain features. Some of these upsells are rather sneaky, such as the one associated with the Smart Scan. You can run the Smart Scan and see issues it points out -- like vulnerabilities and settings configurations that might be harming your computer's performance -- but when you click 'Resolve All', you'll be hit with an upsell. AVG Antivirus Free is a great choice if you're looking for robust protection but you don't need the full suite of tools provided by Avira Free Antivirus. See at AVG Some particularly insidious malware is disguised as free antivirus software. You download something to protect your computer, and instead, you infect it, leading to stolen data or a locked device. You can avoid this malware by sticking with trusted antivirus companies. Choose a company from a vetted list like this one, read the third-party tests we link to and make sure the URL you're downloading from is authentic. Antivirus software typically offers two layers of protection: Scans that search your computer and remove malware. Some programs let you schedule these yourself, while others run them automatically when your computer is idle. You should also be able to manually run a scan at any time. Real-time protection that identifies and blocks malware from being downloaded onto your computer. Antivirus tools may also block malicious websites and protect you from threats like phishing, but these features are typically only included with premium programs. Similarly, antivirus tools may only provide limited scan scheduling. Most free antivirus software programs are created by companies that also produce paid antivirus tools. They typically use the same antivirus engines as the paid versions, so you'll get the same level of scanning and malware protection you'd get if you bought premium antivirus from the company. However, this protection is often only available for one device per person, whereas paid antivirus tools offer packages for five, 10 or even unlimited devices. Moreover, paid antivirus software usually comes with additional benefits, such as advanced ransomware and phishing protection. Many companies also offer full security suites that include things like VPNs and password managers alongside the antivirus tools. Check out our list of the best antivirus programs to learn more about these security suites. An antivirus tool's real-time protection shouldn't interfere with regular use of your computer. Deep scans will often slow things down by consuming RAM or CPU resources, but they shouldn't make your computer totally unusable. For years, Avast Antivirus for Windows was the gold standard of antivirus, with consistently high rankings on AV-Test. We've included its antivirus in our list of recommended security app options before. However, early in 2024, the Federal Trade Commission fined Avast $16.5 million to settle charges that from 2014 to 2020 the company had sold customer browsing information to more than 100 third parties. The FTC said that Avast allegedly collected the data through browser extensions and antivirus software and sold the data through its Jumpshot subsidiary. Then-Avast CEO Ondřej Vlček responded to the initial 2020 reports with a statement that he understood that his company's actions raised questions of trust in his company. To address these concerns, Avast terminated Jumpshot data collection in January 2020 and closed its operations. We hope there will be no further Jumpshot-style activities and that Avast returns to glory as one of the best antivirus software options. Until then, we recommend using one of the other free options on this list. Kaspersky has historically been another top antivirus provider, earning high marks and awards for virus and malware protection from independent labs. However, in June 2024, the US government announced a federal ban prohibiting Kaspersky from selling antivirus or cybersecurity software or services in the US or to US citizens due to alleged ties between Kaspersky and the Russian government. 'Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive US information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard US national security and the American people," Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the official announcement of the ban. In a statement, Kaspersky said it "does not engage in activities which threaten US national security and, in fact, has made significant contributions with its reporting and protection from a variety of threat actors that targeted US interests and allies." We use a three-step process to vet antivirus tools. First, we look at product pages to ensure that a tool is 100% free, and we analyze each app's features. Next, we look through reviews of the antivirus software -- both from tech experts and from regular consumers on sites like Trustpilot -- to gauge how effective and user-friendly the software is. We also look for scam alerts or other indications of shady business practices at this point. Finally, we consult AV-Test, an independent company with testing labs for antivirus software. AV-Test runs tests every two or three months (the exact testing cycle varies based on the product and operating system) and provides rankings for protection, usability and performance. An antivirus tool must have at least a 5 out of 6 ranking in all three categories to qualify for one of our best lists. The free version of Malwarebytes is one of the best tools for finding and removing malware on your computer. You can use the Malwarebytes scanner if you're having performance issues and you think your regular antivirus software has missed something. However, Malwarebytes doesn't offer real-time protection in the free version, so you'll still need another antivirus software to protect your devices in the future. The best standalone free antivirus software is Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. The best free digital security suite is AVG Antivirus Free. Yes, there are several 100% free antivirus programs available, including built-in antivirus software on Windows and MacOS devices, like Microsoft Defender and XProtect. Additionally, Bitdefender, AVG and Avira are all great options. Yes, it's OK to use free antivirus software, especially if you're strict about following internet safety rules. However, you might want to invest in paid antivirus software if you store personal data on your computer or use your computer for work. You'll probably be safe with a free antivirus tool if you're following basic internet safety rules. However, if you use your computer for work or store sensitive data on it, you may want to invest in paid antivirus software. Many paid antivirus tools also come with additional layers of protection, like password managers and VPNs.
