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Winsage

July 29, 2025

Is Microsoft Pushing Windows 11 Into Malware Territory?

Users are frustrated with Microsoft's direction for Windows 11, feeling that new features are more distracting than beneficial. The Widget board can be accidentally triggered, and the default multiple desktops setting can be irritating. The search function now prioritizes web browsing over file access, and the lock screen features advertisements for Microsoft services. The introduction of Copilot Vision and Recall has led to comparisons of Windows 11 to malware due to its invasive nature. Users are encouraged to find tips to disable intrusive features, although there is concern that Microsoft may remove these options in the future.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

10 hidden Windows settings you should change now

Most Windows users engage with basic settings, but there are hidden settings that can enhance usability and performance. 1. Adjust App Permissions: Navigate to Settings -> Privacy & security -> App permissions to limit unnecessary app permissions. 2. Disable "Let Apps Run in the Background": Go to Settings -> Apps -> Installed Apps, select the app, click the three dots, choose Advanced options, and turn off "Let this app run in the background." 3. Turn Off Ad Tracking and Personalization: Go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> General and deactivate ad-tracking options. 4. Disable Tips and Suggestions: Navigate to Settings -> System -> Notifications, expand Additional settings, and uncheck "Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows." 5. Enable Clipboard History: Go to Settings -> System -> Clipboard and toggle on "Clipboard history." Access it with Windows key + V. 6. Manage Startup Apps: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), switch to the Startup tab, and disable unnecessary apps. 7. Turn On Storage Sense: Navigate to Settings -> System -> Storage -> Storage Sense to enable automatic cleanup of temporary files. 8. Prevent Apps from Reopening on Startup: Go to Settings -> Accounts -> Sign-in options and disable "Automatically save my restartable apps." 9. Hide Recently Opened Files in Quick Access: Open File Explorer, click the "three dots," select Options, and uncheck "Show recently used files" and "Show frequently used folders." 10. Set Active Hours for Windows Update: Visit Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced options -> Active hours to define your active hours for updates.

Winsage

July 28, 2025

UpDownTool lets you move from Windows 11 to Windows 10 in just 5 clicks – without losing any data

A new application called UpDownTool allows users to revert from Windows 11 to Windows 10 without losing programs, files, drivers, or settings. Many users are dissatisfied with Windows 11 due to sluggish performance, a less intuitive interface, increased system requirements, and the removal of familiar features. Microsoft has limited options for downgrading, typically allowing a 10-day rollback period or requiring a clean install. UpDownTool simplifies the process by enabling users to transition to Windows 10 LTSC 2021 while preserving core data and configurations. Windows 10 LTSC 2021 is designed for long-term deployment and receives extended updates, with support for the IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition lasting until January 2032. The LTSC edition does not include preinstalled applications like the Microsoft Store and Cortana, making it appealing for users seeking a minimalist experience. UpDownTool can also repair existing Windows 10 LTSC installations or convert other editions to LTSC. Users must be cautious of licensing implications, as LTSC licenses are typically not available through consumer channels. The downgrade process involves downloading the installer and executing a batch script, with the system booting into Windows 10 LTSC 2021 upon completion. Users are advised to back up important files before proceeding.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

OperaGX is a browser built for PC gamers, and these 5 features prove it

Opera GX is a web browser designed specifically for PC gamers, featuring several tools to enhance performance and user experience. 1. GX Control allows users to limit RAM and CPU usage to prevent system slowdowns during gaming. 2. GX Corner serves as a hub for gaming news, free games, and release dates, providing a curated list and calendar without advertisements. 3. Integration of services like Twitch and Discord into the sidebar enables seamless communication while gaming. 4. The Hot Tabs Killer feature identifies and allows users to close resource-heavy tabs to maintain performance. 5. Users can customize the browser with various themes, background music, sound effects, and wallpapers to create a personalized experience.

AppWizard

July 23, 2025

Threat Actors Blend Click Fraud Apps and Malware to Steal Android Credentials

Security researchers at Trustwave SpiderLabs have identified a complex cluster of Android malware that combines click fraud, credential theft, and brand impersonation. This malware exploits the Android Package Kit (APK) file format to distribute malicious applications, often through phishing messages or deceptive websites. Users are tricked into installing these APKs, which are disguised as reputable brands or promotional apps. Once installed, the malware takes advantage of Android's permission model to access sensitive resources, primarily for click fraud and traffic redirection to generate illicit revenue. Some variants engage in data collection and credential harvesting, employing advanced evasion tactics to avoid detection, such as using counterfeit Chrome applications and overlay screens. A notable variant includes a spoofed Facebook app that mimics the official interface and connects to a remote command-and-control server for instructions. The malware uses encryption and encoding to secure data exchanges and employs open-source tools to bypass Android's signature verification. Evidence suggests that the operators may be Chinese-speaking, as indicated by the use of Simplified Chinese in the code and the promotion of related APK campaigns on Chinese-speaking underground forums.

Winsage

July 19, 2025

Microsoft shuts down Movies & TV digital storefront on Xbox and Windows

Microsoft will discontinue its Movies & TV digital storefront on Xbox consoles and Windows devices on July 18, 2025, ending the ability to purchase new movies and TV shows through the Microsoft Store. Users will still have access to previously purchased content via the Movies & TV application on their devices. The closure will affect new entertainment content acquisitions on Microsoft.com and the Microsoft Store on Windows and Xbox, but users can continue to enjoy their existing digital libraries. The refund policy for movies and TV shows will remain unchanged, with purchases being ineligible for refunds. Content portability options are available through Movies Anywhere for U.S. residents, but direct migration to alternative services is largely unavailable. Third-party entertainment services will continue to be available on Microsoft's platforms for new content purchases. The Movies & TV storefront has been operational since 2015, evolving from earlier services. Microsoft will maintain server infrastructure for existing content libraries and provide ongoing support for previously purchased content. Content licensing agreements will dictate the availability of purchased titles.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Konfety Android Malware Exploits ZIP Tricks to Masquerade as Legit Apps on Google Play

Security researchers from zLabs have identified a new version of the Konfety Android malware that uses advanced ZIP-level modifications to avoid detection and mimic legitimate apps on the Google Play Store. The malware employs an "evil-twin" strategy, distributing malicious versions with the same package names as harmless apps. It manipulates the APK's ZIP structure to disrupt reverse engineering tools, allowing it to evade analysis. The installation process on Android can handle these malformed packages without raising alarms. Konfety features a dynamic code loading mechanism, hiding a secondary Dalvik Executable (DEX) file that is decrypted at runtime, which contains malicious components. It integrates with the CaramelAds SDK for ad fraud, while disguising its activities through geofencing and icon concealment. The malware has been linked to previous campaigns and uses decoy applications on the Play Store for camouflage. Upon execution, it redirects users to fraudulent websites, leading to unwanted app installations and compromising user privacy. The threat actors behind Konfety continuously update their tactics to evade detection, highlighting the growing sophistication of Android malware. Users are advised to scrutinize app sources and monitor network activity to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

Konfety Android Malware on Google Play Uses ZIP Manipulation to Imitate Legitimate Apps

Zimperium’s zLabs security research team has identified a new variant of the Konfety Android malware, which employs advanced evasion techniques to bypass security analysis tools while executing fraudulent advertising operations globally. The Konfety malware family, first recognized during a mobile advertising fraud campaign in 2024, initially involved over 250 decoy applications on the Google Play Store and was responsible for 10 billion fraudulent ad requests daily. The malware uses sophisticated ZIP-level manipulation tactics to disrupt analysis tools, including misleading the General Purpose Flag within the APK’s ZIP structure to trigger password prompts and declaring an unsupported compression method in the AndroidManifest.xml file to crash analysis tools. Additionally, it utilizes dynamic code loading and obfuscation to hide malicious functionality, embedding executable code within encrypted assets and maintaining a benign appearance during installation. The malware has developed a command-and-control infrastructure that initiates contact through a sequence of network requests after user agreement acceptance. It also employs stealth techniques to conceal its application icon and name, complicating user identification and removal. Behavioral detection systems can identify malicious activity by monitoring application behavior patterns and network communications.

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

How does your phone know so many private details? How thousands of apps are exploiting mysterious indoor location tracking

In 2023, a family at an amusement park experienced technology's impact on privacy when the park's app used geolocation to notify a waiting parent about fast-track entry. Spanish researchers investigated how apps exploit Bluetooth and Wi-Fi permissions to track users indoors, even without GPS. Their findings, to be presented at the Pets privacy conference, reveal that 86% of 9,976 analyzed Android apps collect sensitive data, including location coordinates. The study highlights ethical concerns regarding data sharing and potential misuse, as information can track individuals' movements and identify sensitive activities. Many apps use software development kits (SDKs) that include hidden location tracking features, with 52 SDKs identified in nearly 10,000 apps installed on around 55 billion devices. The Android Advertising ID allows companies to track users and create detailed profiles based on location data, raising ethical dilemmas about privacy and the commodification of personal information.

AppWizard

July 12, 2025

USD Summer Camp Uses Minecraft, Podcasting to Teach STEAM Skills

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