Technology

Independent Testing Shows Which Business Security Products Actually Hold Up When It Matters

Published

2 months ago

July 15, 2026

AV-Comparatives publishes its Business Security Test results for March to June 2026, as ransomware and supply-chain attacks continue to disrupt companies of every size

INNSBRUCK, Austria, July 15, 2026 /CNW/ — When Iranian-linked hackers breached medical device maker Stryker in March 2026, they did not need a sophisticated zero-day exploit to cause chaos. Once inside, they triggered simultaneous factory resets on more than 200,000 corporate devices across 79 countries, grinding order processing, production and shipping to a halt for days. Two months later, Foxconn confirmed that the Nitrogen ransomware group had stolen an alleged 8 terabytes of data from its North American factories, including project files tied to major technology clients. These are not isolated cases. They are part of a first half of 2026 in which manufacturing, healthcare, government and financial organisations of every size have been hit, often through a single compromised endpoint or a trusted third party.

Against this backdrop, AV-Comparatives, the independent Austria-based testing institute, has published the results of its Business Security Test for March to June 2026, evaluating 16 leading endpoint security products under real-world conditions.

What was tested

The Business Main-Test Series examined how well each product withstood live malware attacks encountered through everyday web use, pre-existing malware introduced via disk or network, and false alarms on both common business software and non-business applications. A dedicated Performance Test also measured the impact each product has on system speed during everyday tasks such as file copying, archiving, application launches and web browsing.

Sixteen vendors took part: Avast, Bitdefender, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Elastic, ESET, G Data, K7, Kaspersky, ManageEngine, Microsoft, Norton, SenseOn, Sophos, Trellix and VIPRE.

Key results

Across 400 real-world test cases collected between March and June, Kaspersky, Bitdefender and Elastic each reached a 99.8 percent protection rate, the strongest results in this round. In the dedicated Malware Protection Test, which used 1,000 recent malware samples, Elastic achieved a perfect 100 percent detection rate, with Avast and Norton close behind at 99.8 percent. Every single product tested recorded zero false alarms on common business software, a result that matters as much to IT administrators as raw detection numbers do.

On system performance, ESET and Kaspersky posted the lowest impact scores in the entire field, meaning day-to-day work on a protected machine was barely affected, while several enterprise-grade EDR platforms aimed at larger organisations traded some speed for deeper investigative capability.

Fifteen of the sixteen tested products met the strict criteria for the AV-Comparatives Approved Business Product Award for July 2026: Avast, Bitdefender, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Elastic, ESET, G Data, K7, Kaspersky, ManageEngine, Microsoft, Norton, SenseOn, Trellix and VIPRE. To qualify, a product needed at least 90 percent in the Malware Protection Test with zero false alarms on business software, at least 90 percent in the four-month Real-World Protection Test, fewer than fifty false alarms on any clean software or website, and an acceptable system performance impact.

Why it matters right now

“The Stryker and Foxconn incidents this year are a reminder that it rarely takes an exotic attack to bring a business to a standstill. A single endpoint left unprotected, or a security product that misses what it should catch, can be enough,” said Andreas Clementi, CEO of AV-Comparatives. “Our Business Security Test exists precisely to give IT decision-makers, from small companies without a dedicated security team to large enterprises with full security operations centres, an independent, evidence-based answer to a very practical question: does this product actually protect my organisation without getting in the way of it?”

The report also addresses a question many organisations are currently weighing: whether Zero Trust features are worth enabling on everyday workstations. AV-Comparatives’ analysis finds that while such features suit tightly controlled environments like kiosk systems well, they often introduce more administrative burden and user disruption than benefit on standard business machines, where built-in Windows protections such as Attack Surface Reduction rules and Controlled Folder Access can offer a more practical balance of security and usability.

The full report, including detailed results, product descriptions and a feature comparison table, is available at
https://av-comparatives.org/tests/business-security-test-2026-march-june

About AV-Comparatives

AV-Comparatives is the leading independent cybersecurity testing organization, evaluating security solutions that have evolved far beyond traditional antivirus software. Our systematic testing assesses modern endpoint protection, threat detection, and mobile security across PC, Mac, Android, and IoT devices. Using one of the world’s most relevant and sophisticated threat collections, we create real-world testing environments for comprehensive evaluation. Test results are freely accessible worldwide, and AV-Comparatives certification provides a globally recognized seal of approval for proven cybersecurity performance.

www.av-comparatives.org

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SOURCE AV-Comparatives

Technology

Agoda Unveils 2026 Return Visitor Ranking: Tokyo Is Asia’s Most Revisited City

Published

4 hours ago

September 26, 2026

SINGAPORE, Sept. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its latest Repeat Visitor Ranking, highlighting the top 10 destinations across Asia that keep travelers coming back for more. Based on bookings made during the first half of the year, Agoda reveals that Tokyo has claimed the top spot for the first time, overtaking Bangkok. Rounding out the top five are Bali—ranking third place for the first time—followed by Seoul and Osaka. Da Nang, Kuala Lumpur, Fukuoka, Taipei, and Johor Bahru complete the top 10 list.

Some destinations have a way of calling travelers back for more. The chance to discover new attractions, revisit fond favorites, or simply enjoy the familiar surroundings keeps travelers booking again and again. Agoda’s data shows that these beloved places often attract repeat visits, with some travelers returning multiple times in just the first half of the year.

Tokyo’s rise to number one reflects its unique ability to offer something new with each visit, from seasonal spectacles like cherry blossoms to hidden neighborhoods and an unmatched culinary scene. Bangkok, ranking second, continues to captivate with its unparalleled wellness experiences, world-class dining, and cultural landmarks. Bali’s climb to third place underscores the island’s magnetic appeal with its irresistible beaches, spiritual retreats, and lush landscapes that enchant travelers time and again.

This year’s ranking also reveals the rising appeal of Japan and Vietnam as increasingly popular places people love to revisit. Beyond Tokyo’s ascent to the top, Fukuoka has entered the top 10 for the first time at number eight, signaling travelers’ desire to explore beyond Japan’s traditional tourist hubs to experience Fukuoka’s renowned ramen culture and laid-back atmosphere. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s Da Nang has climbed two spots to sixth place, with its stunning beaches, proximity to UNESCO sites like Hoi An, and excellent value drawing visitors back repeatedly.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared, “Asia is home to so many destinations that are worth revisiting, and what we’re seeing is that travelers are building relationships with their favorite cities. The shift with Tokyo’s rise to number one and destinations like Fukuoka and Da Nang gaining ground show that travelers are finding new reasons to return, whether it’s seasonal attractions, undiscovered neighborhoods, or simply great food. At Agoda, we’re here to make those return trips easy and rewarding.”

For travelers looking to revisit their favorite destinations or discover new ones, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. Visit the website at www.Agoda.com or download the mobile app for the best deals.

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SOURCE Agoda

Technology

FDIC Appoints Sunwest Bank as Nano Banc’s Acquiring Institution

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2026

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sunwest Bank has acquired Nano Banc of Irvine, California in an FDIC-assisted acquisition. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) accepted receivership of Nano Banc from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), which closed Nano Banc on Friday, September 25th. The FDIC subsequently entered into an agreement with Sunwest Bank, under which Sunwest agreed to acquire substantially all the deposits and a portion of assets of Nano Banc. The assumed deposits total approximately $605 million and assumed loans total $227 million.

Nano Banc customers will have immediate access to their deposits. Over the weekend, they can access their deposits by writing checks, using ATMs or through their debit cards. Checks drawn on Nano Banc will continue to be processed. All loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual. The former Nano Banc will reopen as Sunwest Bank on Monday, September 28th.

“We are honored to once again to be selected by the FDIC as the acquiring institution of an FDIC-assisted acquisition, marking the sixth time Sunwest Bank has completed such a transaction,” said Carson Lappetito, President and CEO of Sunwest Bank. “This opportunity reflects the financial strength, disciplined management, and stability that have defined Sunwest Bank for more than five decades. We are excited to welcome Nano Banc’s customers to Sunwest and show them the high-touch service, advanced technology and sophistication we offer to our clients.”

Customers with questions should contact the FDIC toll-free at 1-866-314-1744 or visit the FDIC Website at FDIC.GOV. This phone number will be operational this evening until 8:00 p.m., Pacific Time (PT); on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., PT; Sunday from noon to 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., PT; Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., PT, and thereafter, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., PT.

About Sunwest Bank

Founded in 1969, Sunwest Bank is a privately held commercial bank with over $5.0 billion in assets. With a growing presence throughout the United States, Sunwest is headquartered in Sandy, Utah, with offices across California, Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, and Florida. The bank partners with businesses,

individuals, and entrepreneurs nationwide to deliver leading banking services including technology forward treasury management, commercial and real estate lending products, and corporate financial solutions.

With a strong capital position and a commitment to innovation, Sunwest Bank continues to challenge traditional banking models through forward-thinking initiatives designed to support its clients’ growth and long-term success. Sunwest Bank operates with a Fortress Balance Sheet, long-term outlook, and has an impeccable track record of supporting their clients through all economic cycles.

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SOURCE Sunwest Bank

Technology

FOTILE Showcases Next-Generation Kitchen Innovations at IDS Vancouver 2026

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2026

FreshBake™ Range and JQG7515 Range Hood highlight FOTILE’s approach to cleaner, smarter and more user-centered cooking

VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 25, 2026 /CNW/ — FOTILE is showcasing its latest kitchen appliance innovations at IDS Vancouver 2026, highlighting how new technologies can address real challenges in today’s kitchens while creating cleaner, smarter and more intuitive cooking experiences.

Now on display at Booth 906 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, FOTILE’s IDS showcase is led by two of its latest innovations: the FreshBake™ Electric Range and the JQG7515 next-generation inclined range hood.

The FreshBake™ Range addresses an often-overlooked aspect of everyday cooking: indoor air quality. Cooking can generate smoke, odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fine particulate matter. FOTILE’s FreshBake™ Technology integrates advanced PCF filtration and multi-stage purification into the appliance to help reduce cooking pollutants at the source and minimize lingering odors.

By bringing air purification closer to where cooking pollutants are generated, FreshBake introduces a new perspective on range design — expanding the role of a cooking appliance beyond food preparation to consider the overall kitchen environment and everyday well-being.

Also featured at IDS is the JQG7515, the latest evolution of FOTILE’s signature inclined range hood platform. Combining powerful smoke and grease capture with intelligent controls, the JQG7515 demonstrates how kitchen ventilation is becoming increasingly connected to the broader cooking experience.

Features including gesture control, app connectivity and appliance synchronization allow users to interact with ventilation more naturally, while helping transform the range hood from a standalone appliance into an integrated part of the smart kitchen.

Together, FreshBake and JQG7515 reflect FOTILE’s approach to innovation: identifying practical challenges in everyday cooking and applying engineering, intelligent technology and human-centered design to create meaningful improvements for users.

Throughout IDS Vancouver 2026, attendees can experience FOTILE’s latest innovations through live cooking demonstrations and product displays featuring the FreshBake™ Electric Range, JQG7515 inclined range hood, ChefCubii countertop combi oven and other kitchen solutions. The showcase highlights how FOTILE combines cooking, ventilation and intelligent technology to create a cleaner, smarter and more intuitive kitchen experience.

SOURCE FOTILE APPLIANCES CANADA LTD.