Latest news with #Windows-based
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Time Business News
From Mobile Threats to AI Defense: Protectstar's Two-Decade Evolution in Cybersecurity
In cybersecurity, two decades can feel like a geological era. The threats of 2004, clumsy viruses, mass-mailing worms, rudimentary trojans, barely resemble the advanced persistent threats and nation-state actors we battle today. Companies that survived and thrived through this radical shift didn't just adapt. They anticipated. They innovated. They evolved. Protectstar is one of those rare survivors. Its journey from a startup focused on mobile threats to a leader in AI-driven defense systems is more than a success story; it's a blueprint for how cybersecurity must continue to evolve if it wants to keep up with an increasingly complex digital world. The Early Days: Mobile Security Before It Was Cool When Protectstar launched in 2004, the idea of 'mobile cybersecurity' sounded almost laughable to most in the industry. Smartphones were barely a concept. The big threats were Windows-based and largely concerned desktops and servers. But Protectstar's early focus on securing mobile devices showed a prescience that was, frankly, rare. By 2005, they were developing protections for early smartphones, years before 'bring your own device' would become a corporate nightmare and mobile malware would explode into a billion-dollar criminal enterprise. Protectstar understood something the rest of the market was slow to grasp: security follows the user. As devices shrank and mobility increased, the attack surface would inevitably shift. Building a Foundation: Extended AES and iShredder One of the key pillars in Protectstar's rise was their development of data protection tools, especially around secure deletion and encryption. Extended AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and iShredder weren't just software utilities. They were answers to a deeper anxiety growing in the digital world — the idea that once data existed somewhere, it was almost impossible to fully erase. iShredder, in particular, tapped into a psychological fear that resonates even today: how do I really delete my information? Protectstar didn't just offer an eraser, they offered trust . Algorithms modeled after military data destruction standards, certified wiping processes, and forensic resilience. It wasn't flashy. It was foundational. And it laid the groundwork for the credibility Protectstar enjoys today. The Shift Toward Artificial Intelligence: Necessity, Not Novelty Fast forward a decade. Signature-based detection was crumbling. Zero-days were being weaponized faster than vendors could patch. Malware began evolving too quickly for human-led analysis to keep pace. Protectstar didn't chase the AI hype, they were dragged into it by necessity. Extended AI (EAI) became a core part of Protectstar's defensive architecture. Their Antivirus AI and Anti Spy apps don't rely on bloated signature libraries. Instead, they use machine learning models that continuously analyze patterns, behaviors, and anomalies both locally and in the cloud. What's critical to understand here is that Protectstar didn't just bolt AI onto existing products as a gimmick. They re-engineered how their apps think. This matters because threat actors are increasingly deploying polymorphic malware – malicious code that changes itself to evade traditional detection. Static defenses don't cut it anymore. Only adaptive, learning-based defenses stand a chance. Protectstar's approach reflects that hard truth. From Threat Prevention to Threat Prediction The real pivot that marks Protectstar's maturity is the move from reaction to prediction. Most security tools still play catch-up. Malware is detected after the fact. Damage is contained after a breach. Protectstar's AI models aim to spot malicious intent before it executes. Behavioral analysis, context-based risk scoring, and anomaly detection allow their systems to 'feel' when something is off, even if it's never seen that particular attack signature before. In cybersecurity, milliseconds matter. The difference between prevention and reaction can be catastrophic. Protectstar's shift toward predictive defense mirrors what the smartest players in the industry are trying to achieve: turning cybersecurity into a proactive, pre-emptive shield. Keeping It Lean: The Beauty of Minimalism One of the easy mistakes security companies make when chasing innovation is bloat. More features. More processes. More 'stuff'. Protectstar resisted that temptation. Their apps are tight. Fast. Lean. They're built for resource-constrained devices like smartphones, not massive enterprise data centers. There's elegance in how Protectstar's tools integrate AI while maintaining a minimal attack surface themselves. Remember: every line of code, every open port, every background process — it's all potential exposure. Protectstar's commitment to streamlined engineering doesn't just make their apps faster; it makes them inherently safer. Privacy as a Product Feature, Not a Tagline Somewhere along the way, 'privacy' became a buzzword in cybersecurity marketing. But Protectstar's handling of user data shows that for them, it's not a checkbox. It's an ethos. They collect minimal telemetry. They anonymize threat data. They avoid unique device IDs where possible. They build their machine learning models to operate with as little raw user data as necessary. Cybersecurity companies are often caught selling or leaking user information, and this is where Protectstar's record stands out. It's not because they're perfect (no one is), but because their default posture is user-first. That's important. Trust is brittle in this industry. Lose it once, and it's almost impossible to earn back. What's Next for Protectstar? If the past is any indicator, Protectstar's future will involve getting even smaller and smarter . On-device AI: We're likely to see more models that do heavier lifting directly on the device, reducing latency and dependency on cloud processing. We're likely to see more models that do heavier lifting directly on the device, reducing latency and dependency on cloud processing. Cross-platform convergence: Expect tighter integration across mobile, tablet, and IoT devices as Protectstar expands its ecosystem. Expect tighter integration across mobile, tablet, and IoT devices as Protectstar expands its ecosystem. Post-quantum security: It wouldn't surprise me to see them experiment with quantum-resistant encryption models ahead of the broader market. It wouldn't surprise me to see them experiment with quantum-resistant encryption models ahead of the broader market. Behavioral micro-segmentation: Building even more contextually aware, fine-grained models that treat every app and process on a device as its own micro-environment to monitor. If Protectstar has taught us anything, it's that they're rarely satisfied with staying reactive. They anticipate shifts before they hit the mainstream. Lessons from Two Decades on the Front Lines Protectstar's evolution isn't about flashy breakthroughs. It's about relentless adaptation. Predicting user needs before users even articulate them. Recognizing technological shifts before the rest of the industry stumbles into them. More importantly, it's about staying grounded. Lean engineering. Ethical data practices. Pragmatic AI. For those of us who work in cybersecurity, Protectstar's journey is a reminder: survival isn't just about reacting to threats. It's about evolving your very DNA to match a digital world that's changing faster than we ever imagined. And if their track record is any indication, Protectstar's best chapters are still unwritten. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Indian Express
Warning: This malware is using a Windows feature to steal your banking details
Security researchers have stumbled across a new variant of the infamous Coyote malware that uses a Windows feature to steal bank credentials. Discovered by Akamai, a cybersecurity firm that helps prevent, detect and mitigate cyberthreats, Coyote is now using a Windows feature called the UI Automation framework to understand which cryptocurrency and exchange websites are accessed by users to steal wallets and banking information. For those wondering, Microsoft's UI Automation framework allows applications to use assistive technologies to interact and control user elements. As for Coyote, the malware uses various techniques like keylogging and phishing overlays to steal banking information using the Squirrel installer, a popular tool that helps install and update Windows-based applications. Cybersecurity researchers say that the malware sends detailed information like computer name, user name, system attributes and information about the financial services used by the victim to its command and control centre. It then invokes a Windows API called GetForegroundWindow() to get control of the currently active window and compares it to a hardcoded list of banking websites and cryptocurrency exchanges. If it is unable to find a target in the window title, it then makes use of the Windows UI Automation service to get the web address and compare it with its list. And while Coyote's use of UIA is currently limited to the reconnaissance phase, security researchers at Akamai have shared a proof-of-concept that shows how the Windows feature can be used to steal login credentials entered on these websites. Currently, the malware is targeting Brazilian users, but researchers say that it is common for cybercriminals to test the effectiveness of a new malware in a specific region before they unleash it worldwide. Recently, cybersecurity researchers came across the first-of-its-kind AI-powered malware called 'LameHug' that hides itself in ZIP archives to infect Windows machines.
Time Business News
15-07-2025
- Time Business News
Latest LPI 300-300 Exam Dumps PDF Your Ultimate Guide to Passing the LPIC-3 Exams
Preparing for the LPI 300-300 (LPIC-3: Mixed Environment) certification exam can be challenging, especially if you're juggling work or other responsibilities. However, with the latest LPI 300-300 exam dumps PDF from CertsQuestions, passing the exam becomes much more achievable. This article will walk you through how our updated and expertly crafted exam materials can support your success, save you time, and ensure a confident exam day. The LPI 300-300 certification exam is part of the LPIC-3 certification, which is the highest level in the Linux Professional Institute's multi-level certification program. This specific exam focuses on mixed environments, particularly how Linux systems interact in a Windows-based network using protocols like Samba and LDAP. It's a vital certification for senior-level Linux engineers, system administrators, and IT professionals aiming to showcase their advanced skills in managing mixed networks. Having the LPIC-3 certification not only boosts your credibility but also opens the door to high-paying Linux system administrator roles globally. That's why choosing the right study material, like the 300-300 PDF exam dumps, can make a significant difference in your preparation journey. CertsQuestions is a trusted name in the certification preparation industry. Our website provides updated, verified, and realistic LPI 300-300 exam dumps PDF that help you pass the exam on your first attempt. All our content is compiled and reviewed by experts who have deep experience in Linux system management and certification exams. What makes CertsQuestions unique is our commitment to quality and success. We offer real exam-like questions, detailed answers, and practical scenarios that help you build both knowledge and confidence. Plus, you get access to regular updates, so you're never studying outdated content. Our LPI 300-300 exam dumps PDF are not just a list of questions and answers—they are a comprehensive learning solution. Here's what you can expect: Realistic Exam Questions : We simulate the actual exam format and difficulty level. : We simulate the actual exam format and difficulty level. Detailed Explanations : Each answer comes with a clear and detailed explanation. : Each answer comes with a clear and detailed explanation. Regular Updates : Content is continuously updated to reflect the latest exam patterns. : Content is continuously updated to reflect the latest exam patterns. Printable and Portable : Easily download, print, or study on the go in PDF format. : Easily download, print, or study on the go in PDF format. User-Friendly Language: The content is written in simple English so every candidate can understand, regardless of their native language. These features make it easier for learners to grasp complex concepts and reinforce their understanding before sitting the actual exam. Preparing for a high-level exam like the 300-300 requires both deep understanding and smart strategy. Our LPI 300-300 dumps PDF allow you to focus only on what's important—no unnecessary theory or outdated information. By practicing with our questions, you get familiar with the exam structure, common question types, and timing, helping reduce anxiety and improve performance. The LPIC-3 certification is not just about memorization—it's about applying knowledge in real-world scenarios. That's why we design our questions around practical situations, so you not only pass the exam but also gain usable skills for your career. Thousands of IT professionals have trusted CertsQuestions to pass their certification exams. Here's what some of our successful users have to say: 'I passed my LPI 300-300 exam in the first attempt, all thanks to CertsQuestions' well-structured dumps. The explanations were super helpful!' – James T., Linux Engineer 'CertsQuestions offered the best value. The questions were relevant and very similar to the real exam. Highly recommend it!' – Priya K., Senior System Administrator These testimonials reflect our commitment to helping you succeed with authentic and result-oriented materials. If you're ready to take the next step in your Linux career, don't wait. Start your preparation today with the latest LPI 300-300 exam dumps PDF available at CertsQuestions. Visit your exam page here: Explore more certifications from LPI at our vendor page: And learn more about the LPIC-3 certification details here: With CertsQuestions, you're not just preparing for an exam—you're preparing for a successful career in the Linux ecosystem. Passing the LPI 300-300 exam doesn't have to be stressful or time-consuming. With the expertly curated exam dumps PDF from CertsQuestions, you gain the knowledge, confidence, and edge you need to succeed. Our resources are designed with your success in mind—easy to understand, affordable, and tailored to the latest exam trends. Let CertsQuestions be your trusted study partner. Start today and step into your next Linux career milestone with confidence. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Microsoft confirms next-gen Xbox console with AMD partnership, multi-store support
Microsoft announced today that its next-generation Xbox console will feature AMD silicon and won't be restricted to a single game store, marking a significant shift in the company's gaming strategy. Xbox President Sarah Bond confirmed the development in a YouTube video, promising "an Xbox experience not locked to a single store or tied to one device." The tech giant has established a strategic multi-year partnership with AMD to co-engineer silicon across multiple gaming devices, including next-generation Xbox consoles for both living rooms and handheld gaming. This collaboration aims to deliver advanced graphics innovation and AI-enhanced gameplay while maintaining full compatibility with existing Xbox game libraries. Xbox breaks free from console-only gaming model Bond emphasized that Microsoft's vision centers on creating a gaming platform that follows players across all devices. The announcement comes days after Microsoft revealed its partnership with Asus to launch Xbox Ally handheld devices featuring a new full-screen Xbox experience running on Windows. This Windows-based approach allows access to multiple game stores, including Steam , signaling Microsoft's commitment to platform openness. Xbox + AMD: Powering the Next Generation of Xbox "This is all about building a gaming platform that's always with you, so you can play the games you want across devices anywhere you want," Bond stated. The company is working closely with its Windows team to position Windows as the premier gaming platform, supporting multiple storefronts and device types. Next-gen Xbox to preserve entire game library Microsoft has confirmed that next-generation Xbox consoles will maintain full backward compatibility with existing Xbox game libraries, addressing concerns raised after the Xbox Ally announcement. Unlike the Windows-based Xbox Ally devices, which can only run Xbox games with PC counterparts, the next-gen consoles will support the entire Xbox catalog. The partnership with AMD will focus on advancing gaming silicon technology to unlock deeper visual quality and immersive experiences enhanced by artificial intelligence. Microsoft's hardware investment spans consoles, handhelds, PC gaming, cloud services, and accessories, representing a comprehensive approach to next-generation gaming across multiple form factors and distribution channels. 7 Things You May Have Missed in the GTA 6 Second Trailer AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HostGator Web Hosting Review: Top-Tier Shared Plans
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing. Every business needs a website, whether it's a fully functioning e-commerce setup or a simple blog to post daily updates. Either way, web hosting is an essential online service. The stacked HostGator is a top choice, as it includes feature-rich cloud, WordPress, virtual private server (VPS), and dedicated server packages. In addition, HostGator's superb shared hosting plans really set the company apart from the pack and earn it an Editors' Choice award. If you're not familiar with the category, shared hosting is a type of web hosting that sees multiple sites living on a single server. In this setup, sites share the server resources (hence the name), so a large traffic surge on Site A can, unfortunately, negatively impact Site B's performance. Shared hosting is a good option if you're looking for cheap hosting; if you want more server resources devoted to your site, you must go the VPS or dedicated hosting routes. HostGator's shared web hosting tiers give small- and medium-sized businesses room to grow. Unfortunately, it no longer offers Windows-based shared packages: It's Linux or bust. For Linux services, HostGator offers the Hatchling plan (starting at $17.59 per month, or $13.95 per month with an annual plan) that includes 10GB SSD space, unlimited monthly data transfers, and unlimited email addresses. It also features a free SSL (secure socket layer), plus support for one domain and third-party applications, such as content management systems and e-commerce platforms. The Baby plan (starting at $24.19 per month, or $18.69 per month with an annual plan) builds on the Hatchling offering by adding unlimited domains and offering 20GB of SSD storage. The top-tier Business plan (starting at $30.79 per month, or $24.19 per month with an annual plan) includes highly specialized options, such as free dedicated IP, SEO tools for your business, the speedy Cloudflare CDN (content delivery network), and 50GB of SSD storage. HostGator offers month-to-month shared web hosting plans, but it pushes you hard to sign up for longer terms (HostGator defaults to a three-year commitment). Admittedly, this practice is common in the web hosting industry, but HostGator obfuscates the pricing of shorter-term subscriptions until you get to the checkout page. This pricing table will help you make an informed decision before signing up. However, the lack of shared Windows server options is a little disappointing. Check out Ionos for a service with both Linux and Windows plans. Virtual private server (VPS) hosting is for people who want more server horsepower than what shared hosting offers. VPS hosting also sees multiple sites living on a server, though far fewer in number than what you'll find on a shared hosting server. You'll pay more for a VPS server, but you get more server power in return. HostGator offers three Linux-based VPS hosting tiers. If you need more power, expect high traffic volumes, or have specific compliance requirements that prevent you from using shared servers (but you don't want to pay dedicated server prices), these are good options to consider. The most basic VPS plan, Snappy 2000 (starting at $59.99 per month, or $44.99 per month with an annual plan), offers 2GB of RAM, 100GB of NVMe storage, and unlimited email and monthly data transfers. The mid-tier Snappy 4000 package (starting at $92.99 per month, or $58.99 per month with an annual plan) builds upon Snappy with 4GB of RAM and 200GB of NVMe storage. The most advanced plan, Snappy 8000 (starting at $141.99 per month, or $89.99 per month with an annual plan), offers 8GB of RAM and 450GB of NVMe storage. Note that cPanel is not included in any of these plans by default. With a cPanel license, the price of Snappy 2000, 4000, and 8000 climbs to $71.99, $104.99, and $153.99, respectively. The plans are flexible, but not quite as well-rounded as you get with Hostwinds. Hostwinds has wallet-friendly VPS offerings that start at $16.99 per month for 1GB of RAM, 30GB of storage, 1TB of monthly data transfers, and unlimited email. Plans scale up to $574 per month for 96GB of RAM, 750GB of storage, 9TB of monthly data transfers, and unlimited email. Hostwinds' VPS plans also have a Windows operating system option, which is something that HostGator doesn't offer. Dedicated hosting is a powerful (and expensive) option that sees your site exist on a server by itself. It's the tier you should get if you expect lots of site traffic. HostGator's dedicated server packages begin with the Value tier (starting at $194.47 per month, or $142.79 per month with an annual plan). With Value, you get 32GB of DDR5 RAM, 1TB of NVMe storage, and unlimited email and monthly data transfers. Next up is Power (starting at $285.11 per month, or $226.79 per month with an annual plan), which includes 64GB of RAM and 2TB of NVMe storage. The high-end Enterprise server (starting at $417.11 per month, or $331.79 per month with an annual plan) contains 128GB of RAM and 3TB of NVMe storage HostGator's dedicated servers come in both Linux and Windows flavors, which isn't as commonplace as you might think; Linux tends to dominate the field. In fact, HostGator is one of the few web hosts I've tested that scored well and offers both operating systems. Even DreamHost, a top hosting service, lacks Windows-based dedicated servers. AccuWeb has an impressive feature set. Its dedicated hosting packages start at $123 per month, but they scale in price and power depending on your needs. The servers are available in Linux or Windows configurations, too. Still, HostGator's dedicated hosting offerings are nothing to sneeze at. Check them out if you need dedicated hosting with high-capacity SSD storage. HostGator no longer offers cloud hosting plans. With cloud hosting, your site's resources are shared across multiple servers. The benefits? Your site isn't limited to physical server constraints, allowing it to scale resources in real time. For cloud server options, consider either DreamHost or Ionos. DreamHost offers flexible cloud server hosting ideal for smaller businesses, with 4 vCPU servers with 8GB RAM, 80GB SSD storage, and unlimited monthly data transfers for $40 per month. Ionos is designed for enterprise-level businesses, offering up to 16 vCPU servers with 64 GB of RAM and 960 GB of storage for $90 per month. HostGator lets you install the WordPress content management system (CMS) onto any of its servers, but the web host also offers three tiers of preinstalled, managed WordPress web hosting: Baby, Business, and Pro. The Baby plan (starting at $24.19 per month, or $18.69 per month with an annual plan) offers unlimited monthly data, support for 20 WordPress sites, and unlimited email. The Business plan (starting at $30.79, or $24.19 per month with an annual plan) bumps you up to 50 WordPress sites, adds daily backups, and adds free domain privacy for one year. Pro (starting at $38.49 per month) grants 100 WordPress sites and enhanced performance. All plans come with page caching and an optimized WordPress hosting environment. That said, Bluehost and WP Engine top HostGator with slightly more robust packages. Please check out those reviews for a deeper dive into their WordPress offerings. WordPress is easy to set up on HostGator, even if you don't go the managed-WordPress route. The customer dashboard has an option to quickly install WordPress, making the process a cinch. There's also a handy shortcut called Get Started With WordPress Today that leads to the Quick Links interface. I set the path to my blog's installation, entered the username for the WordPress administrator account, and clicked on the install button. As easy as that, my site was up and running. HostGator also automatically installed the WP-Super-Cache plug-in to help improve blog performance. If you're looking for even more plug-ins to give your site a boost, check out the best WordPress plug-ins. HostGator lacks a blog-import button, but WordPress makes the import process easy enough. HostGator has several options for building a website, including HostGator's excellent, simple-to-use Gator website builder. The drag-and-drop functionality let me quickly build an attractive page complete with slideshows, contact forms, social media links, and more in no time. You can also install WordPress or other CMS platforms, such as b2evolutions, Drupal, Joomla, Mambo, and Tiki, to name a few. A File Manager tool lets you manually upload files to the server to create the website that way. The tool is better than a basic FTP client because you can edit the files directly or use a built-in HTML editor. HostGator blesses you with a free domain name if you sign up for at least 12 months of cloud, shared, or WordPress hosting—dedicated and VPS hosting do not qualify. That's not an unusual feature in the web hosting space, but it is a nice touch. There are two caveats, however. The no-cost period lasts for one year, and your desired domain must end in either the .com, .org, or .net extensions. If you already own a domain name ending in one of the aforementioned extensions, HostGator will transfer it to a server free of charge. If you want to know more about site building, check out the best courses for learning how to build websites and how to create a blog. HostGator has greatly improved its interface, which was quite clunky and confusing. Now, the dashboard consolidates all important elements into easy-to-read tabs. From here, you can quickly manage SSL certificates, install WordPress, access your databases, and so on. The traditional cPanel is also a mere click away if you prefer working with that interface. In fact, you must enter the cPanel to set up your email. You can create free, server-based emails through cPanel. Email offered through the dashboard, however, takes you to a purchase page to buy business email service (professional is $19.99 per year, professional pro is $29.99 per year). When signing up, HostGator automatically enrolls you in the Professional email trial, which is free for one month. After this one-month trial, you must pay for the service. This is extremely annoying and underhanded. You cannot unenroll when signing up: Hostgator hitches you with this, no matter what you do. You must go into your renewal settings in the dashboard to cancel auto-renewal, otherwise, you'll get a nasty additional charge at the end of the month. If you're looking to get into the web hosting business but don't want to deal with infrastructure issues, check out HostGator's reseller hosting packages. The plans, starting at $43.99 per month, include unlimited email across the board. The Aluminum, Copper, and Silver packages have Linux or Windows operating system options, but HostGator doesn't them unlimited storage and monthly data transfers at each tier, as Hostwinds does with its offerings. On the upside, HostGator lets you apply your own branding to the servers you rent, and supplies 24/7 tech support. As mentioned, HostGator is partnered with Mojo Marketplace, which offers valuable design tools like graphics, logos, themes, and templates. Quick Links offers e-commerce packages, including Magento, phpCOIN, SugarCRM, and ZenCart. I installed Magento, which provides a drag-and-drop interface for creating an attractive online store. Setting up shop with the new tool is straightforward and easy. You select a theme, add products, pricing, and images, and pick your preferred payment and shipping methods. If you plan on using your website to sell products, HostGator offers many excellent options. HostGator promises 99.9% uptime, and offers 24/7 telephone support and live web chat support. I placed a call on a weekday morning and spoke to a customer service rep less than a minute later. I asked about the different hosting tiers, and experienced excellent customer support. The rep was friendly and knowledgeable. I then connected to their live web chat to inquire about their WordPress services and pricing, and the support agent replied within seconds to explain how each tier was priced and the features included in each. Like many other web hosts, HostGator has a 30-day money-back guarantee. That said, DreamHost is even more generous with its impressive 97-day guarantee for shared hosting plans.
