anonymity Archives

AppWizard

May 24, 2026

Report: St. Petersburg State University orders staff and students to use Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max

St. Petersburg State University has mandated the use of the Max messenger for internal communications, as directed by vice rector Vladimir Starostenko. The human resources department is required to inform new employees about this policy. Sources indicate that the directive has been communicated to all departments, but staff members express discontent and reluctance to adopt the platform, with many not engaging in meaningful communication via Max. The Max messenger, developed by VK, was launched in spring 2025 and is being promoted by Russian authorities for various uses, while popular apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are blocked in Russia.

Tech Optimizer

May 22, 2026

Threat Protection Pro: all you need to know about IPVanish’s anti-malware tool

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have evolved into comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, offering features like ad-blockers, antivirus software, and dark web monitoring. IPVanish offers a feature called Threat Protection Pro, available with the Advanced plan, which protects against malware, ads, and trackers. It enhances online security by blocking ads and tracking scripts, quarantining suspicious downloads, and preventing access to malicious websites. All IPVanish plans include core Threat Protection, utilizing DNS filters to combat trackers and malware across various platforms. Threat Protection Pro, launched in March 2026, provides 24/7 malware and antivirus protection, even when the VPN is not active. This feature is exclusive to Advanced-tier subscribers and currently supports Windows and Mac platforms. It employs VIPRE’s antivirus engine and initiates detailed measures to identify risks at multiple levels. Users can activate Threat Protection Pro through a straightforward setup process on Windows or MacOS. IPVanish allows unlimited devices per subscription and includes DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Advanced users also have access to a Secure Browser for disposable browsing.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Cairn revolutionizes bragging rights, lets you print a shirt showing your playthrough ascent from an in-game menu

Cairn invites players to explore a fantastical mountain with various paths, catering to both casual and adventurous players. The game allows players to share their climbing achievements through custom t-shirts that print their routes. It has received positive reviews and sold 500,000 copies as of March. A free DLC titled On the Trail is set to launch this summer.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

Android 16 VPN Bypass Lets Apps Reveal Users’ Real IP Address

A security vulnerability in Android 16 allows malicious applications to expose a user's real IP address, even with "Always-On VPN" and "Block connections without VPN" features activated. Discovered by security researcher 0x33c0unt and disclosed on April 30, 2026, the flaw exploits the registerQuicConnectionClosePayload feature, which lacks permission checks. This vulnerability has been verified on a Pixel 8 with Proton VPN active. Google has not released a patch, but users can disable the feature via ADB commands.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

Meta faces court over Android tracking claims

Meta is facing a class action lawsuit for allegedly exploiting vulnerabilities in Android smartphones to track users' private information, linking browsing activity to Instagram and Facebook accounts. The lawsuit claims Meta unlawfully accessed and de-anonymized personal data of millions of Android users to enhance advertising profiling. A US District Court Judge ruled that most privacy-related claims in the lawsuit must proceed, stating that plaintiffs have plausibly alleged a significant intrusion upon their privacy. Meta is accused of exploiting an Android vulnerability to bypass security measures that isolate apps, allowing it to link browsing information to users' accounts. Although Meta has reportedly stopped using this tracking method, it successfully dismissed two claims related to unjust enrichment and the use of modified pixel code. Additionally, the lawsuit includes claims against Google for negligence, with one claim dismissed but another allowed to proceed. In response to regulatory pressures, Meta is introducing new features for parental supervision of teens on its platforms and plans to use AI to detect underage accounts.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

This devious Android malware has returned disguised as TikTok or streaming apps — and is now using blockchain to remain undetected

Researchers at ThreatFabric have identified a new variant of the TrickMo banking trojan, named TrickMo.C, targeting Android users in Europe since January 2026. TrickMo.C disguises itself as popular applications like TikTok and streaming services, using tactics such as phishing overlays to harvest login credentials and sensitive information. It can log keystrokes, record screens, livestream content, intercept SMS messages, suppress OTP notifications, modify the clipboard, filter notifications, and capture screenshots. The primary targets are in France, Italy, and Austria, allowing unauthorized access to bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets. TrickMo.C distinguishes itself by using the TON network for communication, which enhances anonymity and complicates detection efforts.

AppWizard

May 10, 2026

From BBM to Threema: How messaging apps fuel JK terror networks

Srinagar has seen a resurgence of the Blackberry Messenger (BBM) application within the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror network, as revealed by the interrogation of a key operative. The Srinagar police recently dismantled an LeT module, arresting Abdullah (Abu Hureira) and others, prompting the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate. During questioning, it was disclosed that various communication apps, including BBM, Element, Threema, and Dust, were being used alongside mainstream platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. BBM was initially flagged by investigative agencies in 2009, leading to the establishment of servers in India in 2011-12 after the Indian government threatened a ban. However, BBM transitioned to a paid service in 2019, and investigators are now tracing accounts linked to terrorist activities. The Indian government banned 14 messaging applications in May 2023, including Element, due to their use by terror groups. Highly secure apps like Threema and ephemeral messaging platforms like Dust are under scrutiny for their potential to hinder intelligence gathering. The rise of the internet has facilitated communication for terrorist organizations, with the UN highlighting their exploitation of online platforms for propaganda and recruitment, leading to the adoption of Resolution 2354 in 2017 to combat terrorism online.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

If you ever need truly private photos on Android, this is the camera app to use

Smartphone manufacturers have focused on improving megapixels and zoom capabilities in camera technology while neglecting user security features. Major camera apps from companies like Google and Samsung lack immediate methods to protect sensitive information at the point of capture. A recent poll indicated that 71% of respondents believe privacy-focused features are necessary in camera apps. SnapSafe is an application designed to enhance privacy by operating without internet permissions, allowing for encrypted image capture, editing, and storage. Users must set a PIN to secure the app, and it includes features like a "Poison Pill" for deleting images with a secondary PIN, decoy photographs for security, and automatic face obfuscation. Despite some shortcomings, such as delays in image capture and limited image management features, SnapSafe is recognized as a leading private camera app for Android, highlighting the demand for privacy-centric technology in photography.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

Privacy Messenger Session Is Staring Down a 90-Day Countdown to Obscurity

The messaging app Session, which prioritizes user privacy and offers end-to-end encryption without requiring personal information for registration, is facing potential closure and has issued a call for support. The Session Technology Foundation (STF) has received funding to support operations for 90 days but will rely on volunteers after all paid staff have been let go. Development activities have paused due to insufficient funding, affecting the introduction of new features and the resolution of existing bugs. The STF has stated that it needs million to complete ongoing projects and introduce a subscription model to achieve self-sustainability. As of now, 0,000 has been raised towards this goal. Users can contribute at getsession.org/donate.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

22 of Russia’s 30 most popular Android apps monitor whether users have VPN enabled, study finds

Recent research by RKS Global found that 22 out of the top 30 Android apps in Russia monitor users' VPN status. Banking apps like T-Bank, Sberbank, VTB, and Alfa-Bank are leading this trend, along with Yandex and VK applications such as Yandex Browser and VKontakte. Online marketplaces including Wildberries, Ozon, MegaMarket, and Samokat also track VPN usage. In total, 18 of the 30 apps transmit VPN status data to their servers, while 24 send lists of installed applications. Yandex Browser uniquely searches for the Tor browser, and Samokat and MegaMarket retrieve lists of installed VPN apps. The Russian Digital Development Ministry has mandated that major internet platforms restrict access for users with VPNs by April 15.