advertising revenue Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 27, 2025

ClickFix fake error message malware spikes over 500%, takes second place as the most abused attack vector

The ClickFix attack vector has increased by 517% since the latter half of 2024, becoming the second most exploited method for cyberattacks, following phishing. Hackers are using ClickFix to deploy various infostealing malware, including Lumma Stealer, VidarStealer, StealC, and Danabot. The ClickFix mechanism involves a counterfeit reCAPTCHA that misleads users into executing harmful Powershell commands. This method is primarily spread through phishing emails directing users to fraudulent websites. ESET’s Threat Report indicates that SnakeStealer has surpassed Agent Tesla as the most frequently detected infostealer, targeting businesses in the US and EU for credential theft. The ransomware landscape has been disrupted by internal conflicts among groups, with DragonForce launching defacement campaigns against other ransomware entities. On mobile devices, Kaleidoscope infections have caused a 160% increase in Android adware detections, and the SparkKitty malware has been found in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Kaleidoscope generates revenue through intrusive ads while infecting devices with a malicious app from third-party stores.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing ads in messaging app; launches new monetisation features

WhatsApp plans to introduce advertisements within its messaging app, specifically in the Updates tab, while ensuring that personal chats remain free of commercial content. This decision is part of parent company Meta Platforms' strategy to generate new revenue streams. WhatsApp reassured users that personal messaging, calls, and statuses will remain end-to-end encrypted and not used for ad targeting. This move marks a departure from the original ad-free vision set by WhatsApp's founders. Advertisements will be based on non-sensitive data, such as age, language, location, and interaction with ads. WhatsApp also unveiled three monetization features, emphasizing the importance of monetizing the app as part of Meta's broader strategy to diversify advertising revenue across its platforms.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

Meta’s Threads app to test direct messaging in some countries

Meta Platforms is rolling out direct messaging on its Threads app, starting in select markets like Hong Kong and Thailand, to boost user engagement. The feature will not be encrypted initially. Threads, launched in 2023, has over 350 million monthly active users but is not expected to significantly drive revenue growth by 2025. eMarketer projects a 17.5 percent increase in U.S. monthly active users for Threads, reaching 60.5 million, while X is expected to decline by 14.4 percent to about 50 million users.

AppWizard

May 1, 2025

Meta launches a standalone AI app to compete with ChatGPT

Meta has launched a stand-alone AI application at the LlamaCon event, designed to integrate with its platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. The app utilizes user data from these platforms to offer personalized interactions, allowing it to tailor responses based on individual user preferences. Currently, it is available in the U.S. and Canada and enables users to share personal information to enhance future conversations. The app also includes a Discover feed for users to share their AI experiences with friends, while maintaining control over what is shared. Users are advised to be cautious about how their data may be used, as Meta relies on user data for its advertising revenue.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Google hit with antitrust order in Japan over preinstalled Android apps

Japan's Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating the nation's anti-monopoly law by requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications on Android devices. This practice has been in place since at least July 2020 and has hindered competition by making it difficult for rival search engines and browsers to gain a foothold on Android devices sold in Japan. The JFTC found that Google's contracts incentivized manufacturers to set Google Chrome as the default browser and not preinstall competing applications, affecting around 80 percent of Android smartphones in Japan. The JFTC classified these actions as violations of the Antimonopoly Act and mandated Google to stop these practices, develop compliance guidelines, and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence to the order. Non-compliance could result in significant financial penalties. Google expressed disappointment but indicated a willingness to collaborate with the JFTC.

AppWizard

April 16, 2025

Japan orders Google to stop pre-installing Chrome and its other apps on Android smartphones – The Times of India

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) issued a cease-and-desist order against Google for violating Japan's anti-monopoly law by requiring Android smartphone manufacturers to preinstall its applications, which restricted competing search engine applications. Google incentivized manufacturers financially to designate Chrome as the default browser and not to preinstall rival search applications. The order mandates that Google stop these practices, prohibits the requirement for preinstallation of its apps, and requires the company to create compliance guidelines and appoint an independent third party to oversee adherence for five years. Google had agreements with six manufacturers representing about 80% of Android smartphones in Japan. The investigation began in 2023, reflecting a trend of increased scrutiny of big tech firms globally.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

What is messaging app Signal and how secure is it?

Signal was used for a secret group chat among senior U.S. officials, which included discussions about a military strike against the Houthi group in Yemen. This incident was revealed when Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, was inadvertently included in the chat. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the leak as "one of the most stunning" in military intelligence history and called for an investigation. Signal has an estimated 40 to 70 million monthly users and is known for its end-to-end encryption, which ensures message privacy. However, experts warn that using Signal for sensitive national security discussions is unusual, as such conversations typically occur on secure government systems. There are concerns about potential legal issues with disappearing messages on Signal, particularly regarding official record-keeping. The ongoing debate over end-to-end encryption has seen companies like Signal resist governmental attempts to create backdoors for monitoring communications.

AppWizard

November 7, 2024

A decade and $22 billion later, Meta’s big bet on messaging is finally starting to pay off

Meta's investment in WhatsApp has begun yielding substantial returns, with a 48% year-over-year increase in non-advertising revenue reported in Q3, largely due to WhatsApp's business messaging capabilities. This product enables companies to engage in paid conversations with customers, contributing to revenue growth since Q3 2022. Non-advertising revenue in Q3 was million, compared to .9 billion in ad revenue, but is growing at over twice the pace of advertising. Messaging products, including WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram Direct, are still in the early stages of monetization, with estimates suggesting messaging could account for around 10% of Meta's total revenue. A significant increase in content shared through direct messages has been noted, with a 100% year-over-year rise. Meta is also exploring revenue opportunities through sponsored messages and "click-to-message" ads. Generative AI is expected to enhance the messaging business's efficiency and potential revenue generation. User behavior is shifting towards sharing in direct messages rather than traditional feeds, prompting Meta to enhance its Messenger app with new features. Each messaging product serves different user bases and presents unique monetization opportunities.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

CFTC Warns Messaging App Users of Crypto-Related Scams

Meta Platforms, Inc. generates 98.6% of its total sales from its core activities, which include social networking, messaging, and photo and video sharing. The company has 3.98 billion monthly active users across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Threads, and WhatsApp. Additionally, 1.4% of net sales come from virtual and augmented reality products, such as Meta Quest headsets and Facebook Portal. Advertising accounts for 97.5% of net sales, while other revenue sources contribute 2.2%. Geographically, 39.2% of net sales come from the United States and Canada, 26.8% from the Asia-Pacific region, 23.1% from Europe, and 10.9% from other regions.

AppWizard

September 25, 2024

Kaspersky finds new strain of Google Play malware

Kaspersky researchers discovered two new Android applications, Wuta Camera and Max Browser, that are infected with the Necro malware, which has previously compromised around 100 million devices. Wuta Camera has 10 million downloads and versions 6.3.2.148 through 6.3.6.148 contained the malicious SDK, but it has been updated to remove the threat. Max Browser had approximately 1 million downloads and has been removed from the Google Play store. Additionally, Necro has been found in various Android applications in alternative marketplaces, posing as modified versions of popular apps like Spotify, Minecraft, and WhatsApp.