Americans Archives

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

PCSO offers new phone app to public

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has launched a new smartphone application and an updated website to improve communication with the community. The app, developed by TheSheriffApp.com, includes features such as a welcome message, inmate and jail information, registered sex offenders, school safety resources, pistol permit applications, cyber safety tips, crime tip submissions, and contact information for the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Russell Thomas stated that the app serves as an educational tool and enhances public safety engagement. The app allows citizens to access information conveniently on their smartphones, especially during emergencies or for updates like road closures.

AppWizard

March 24, 2025

Leading publishers found Accessible Games Initiative

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has launched the Accessible Games Initiative to improve accessibility in gaming by providing consumers with information on accessibility features in video games. This initiative is supported by major companies such as Electronic Arts, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, and Ubisoft, along with Amazon, Riot, Square Enix, and Warner Bros. It introduces 24 tags that highlight specific accessibility functions, including clear text options, subtitle availability, and flexible save features. ESA's president, Stanley Pierre-Louis, noted the initiative's goal to help millions of Americans with disabilities enjoy video games.

Tech Optimizer

February 24, 2025

Millions of Avast antivirus software customers are getting a refund. Here’s why.

Millions of Americans who purchased antivirus software from Avast may be eligible for compensation following a .5 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Approximately 3.7 million customers who acquired Avast products between August 2014 and January 2020 are affected. The FTC claims Avast collected extensive personal information from users, including religious beliefs, health concerns, political leanings, locations, and financial status, and sold this data without user consent to over 100 third parties through a subsidiary called Jumpshot. Affected consumers will receive emails about their eligibility to apply for compensation, and claims can be submitted online until June 5. Payments are expected to be distributed in 2026, with the amount depending on the total number of claims filed.

AppWizard

February 10, 2025

TikTok Offers Workaround for Android Users To Download the App

TikTok has created Android download kits for TikTok and TikTok Lite to allow users to access the platform despite its absence from US app stores. Users can download the app by visiting TikTok.com/Download, enabling sideloading, which is the installation of apps from outside official app stores. Certain features, like Live streaming and TikTok Shop, are not available. TikTok has not returned to Google Play or the Apple App Store since its removal on January 19 and is implementing security measures for its Android Package Kits. Political concerns about TikTok's ties to China have led to discussions about a potential ban and interest from various figures in acquiring the platform.

AppWizard

February 8, 2025

TikTok enables U.S. Android users to download app via website

On February 7, TikTok announced that U.S. Android users can download and access the platform directly from its website. This decision is in response to legislation effective January 19, requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest ownership or face a potential ban due to national security concerns. Since the law's enactment, Apple and Google have not reinstated TikTok in their app stores. Former President Donald Trump is seeking a 75-day delay in enforcement, indicating possible negotiations for a sale of TikTok. TikTok has approximately 170 million users in the U.S. Trump signed an executive order for a sovereign wealth fund, which could facilitate TikTok's acquisition. U.S. officials are concerned about data misuse under ByteDance, while advocates for free speech oppose the ban. TikTok claims that U.S. officials have misrepresented its ties to China, stating that user data is stored on Oracle-operated servers in the U.S. and that content moderation is conducted domestically.

AppWizard

February 5, 2025

ESA wants to be consulted on Trump tariffs

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has requested to participate in discussions about future tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump, expressing concern that these tariffs could burden American consumers. The video game industry relies on imported components, particularly from China, and currently faces a 10 percent tariff. There were also plans for a 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, which are temporarily suspended. The ESA stated that tariffs on video game devices and related products would impact Americans of all ages and emphasized the need for a transparent consultation process with the private sector. They highlighted the cultural significance of video games and warned that tariffs could negatively affect hundreds of millions of Americans and the industry's contributions to the US economy. The ESA is eager to collaborate with the Administration and Congress to sustain the economic growth supported by their sector.

AppWizard

December 5, 2024

Hackers May Be Reading Your Texts — U.S. Officials Urge All Americans to Use Encryption Messaging Apps in the Wake of Massive Cyberattack

A cyberattack attributed to Chinese hackers has compromised the data of over 1 million customers, targeting major telecommunications companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Lumen Technologies. The hackers may have intercepted live conversations and accessed private text messages, with political figures, including campaign teams for Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, being potential targets. Security experts stress the importance of encryption for safeguarding communications, recommending secure messaging applications like Signal Private Messenger, Telegram, or WhatsApp. There are concerns that the hackers may still be present in the telecommunications networks.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

Americans urged to use encrypted messaging apps after cyberattack: Officials

U.S. officials recommend citizens use encrypted messaging applications due to recent cyberattacks on major telecommunications companies, including AT&T and Verizon. Microsoft identified a hacking campaign called "Salt Typhoon" as a significant intelligence breach, which remains unresolved. The attacks are believed to be conducted by Chinese entities targeting American citizens, though Chinese officials have not commented on the allegations.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

FBI Warns Americans to Start Using Encrypted Messaging Apps

America's leading cybersecurity and law enforcement officials convened to address cyber threats, particularly following the Salt Typhoon intrusion attributed to Chinese government hackers, described by Senator Mark Warner as “the worst hack in our nation’s history.” The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI advised Americans to use encrypted messaging applications like Signal to protect against foreign infiltration. Encryption was emphasized as a vital defense, with officials noting that the hackers could not access encrypted communications, although they did gain access to metadata related to messages and phone calls. The Five Eyes alliance issued guidelines to fortify systems against the Salt Typhoon attack. Concerns remain about the implications of potential shifts in governance and the protection of civil liberties in an increasingly volatile political climate.

AppWizard

December 4, 2024

US Warns Citizens to Use Encrypted Messaging Apps Amid Cyberattack on Telecom Giants

A significant cyber intrusion has targeted major US telecommunications firms, including AT&T and Verizon, linked to Chinese state-sponsored actors and identified by Microsoft as Salt Typhoon. The FBI and CISA have confirmed that the attack focused on leading telecom companies, infiltrating sensitive data such as phone metadata, live calls, and law enforcement surveillance systems. The breach is attributed to the Chinese government, aiming to gather intelligence on American political and governmental operations, but officials state it is not intended to interfere with the 2024 elections. Types of sensitive information stolen include call logs and metadata, intercepted live conversations, and access to law enforcement systems. In response, officials are encouraging the use of encrypted messaging applications like Signal, WhatsApp, and iMessage to protect personal communications. The breach raises concerns about the vulnerability of telecom systems governed by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), which may not fully encrypt messages. Despite the damage caused by the Salt Typhoon operation, the breach highlights the risks associated with cyber espionage from state-sponsored groups, emphasizing the need for robust encryption to safeguard personal information.