authentication Archives

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 Update is Out — These Upgrades Might Surprise You

Google has announced the Pixel 10 range and the Pixel Watch 4, along with the release of the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 for Pixel users. The QPR2 beta introduces features such as lock screen widgets (Hub mode), an expanded dark theme for apps, auto-theming for app icons, improved haptic feedback, a new HDR brightness slider, native PDF editing capabilities, a personal audio switcher for Bluetooth LE devices, and enhanced security with a new Secure Lock Device mode. Users enrolled in the QPR1 beta can transition to the QPR2 beta, which is available for Pixel 6 through Pixel 9 series, the Pixel Tablet, and the upcoming Pixel 10. The stable release of Android 16 QPR1 is expected in September, with the public release of QPR2 anticipated in December.

AppWizard

August 21, 2025

Google is expanding a key anti-theft feature to make your apps more secure

Android's Identity Check feature will be enhanced in the Android 16 QPR2 update, requiring biometric-only authentication for apps using the biometric prompt, eliminating screen lock credentials as a fallback. This aims to improve security for sensitive applications by preventing unauthorized access, particularly in untrusted environments. The update expands Identity Check to more applications, ensuring that access necessitates biometric verification. Users can activate this feature through Settings on their Pixel devices. Future updates may allow the use of a smartwatch as a trusted unlock mechanism, bypassing biometric authentication when connected.

Tech Optimizer

August 19, 2025

PostgreSQL with Patroni: Installation and Configuration

A PostgreSQL Patroni Cluster will be set up for high availability, involving the following steps: 1. **Etcd Cluster Installation**: - Install Etcd binaries on nodes .196, .197, and .198. - Create necessary directories and users for Etcd. - Create a systemd service file for Etcd. - Configure the Etcd configuration file for each node. - Start the Etcd service and verify the cluster status. 2. **PostgreSQL + Patroni Installation**: - Install required packages on PostgreSQL nodes .193, .194, and .195. - Configure Patroni for each PostgreSQL node. 3. **HAProxy + Keepalived Installation**: - Install and configure HAProxy on primary (.191) and secondary (.192) nodes. - Install and configure Keepalived for high availability. 4. **pgBackRest Backup Solution Setup**: - Install and configure pgBackRest on the backup node (.199). - Initialize the pgBackRest stanza and run backups. The server infrastructure consists of the following nodes: - .190 → VIP - .191 → HAProxy Primary Node - .192 → HAProxy Secondary Node - .193 → PostgreSQL Node 1 - .194 → PostgreSQL Node 2 - .195 → PostgreSQL Node 3 - .196 → Etcd Node 1 - .197 → Etcd Node 2 - .198 → Etcd Node 3 - .199 → Backup Node

TrendTechie

August 18, 2025

Медиа-сервер на основе Telegram-бота / Питонист пробует Go

The project involved creating a Telegram bot to streamline the process of downloading and viewing movies in a home theater setup. The bot integrates with DLNA technology, allowing films to be played on various devices within a home network. Key functionalities include downloading films from torrents and streaming sites, automatic re-encoding for compatibility with older televisions, download monitoring, file management, and a role-based access system. The bot supports multiple languages and can issue temporary access for guests. Initially developed in Python, the bot was later rewritten in Go for better performance and compatibility across hardware platforms. It requires at least 1 GB of RAM and a Linux operating system to function effectively. The source code is available on GitHub.

AppWizard

August 18, 2025

How To Password Protect Your Android Apps (And Why You Might Want To)

Google has introduced security features for Android devices to enhance user privacy, including the "Private Space" feature for password-protecting specific applications. To enable Private Space, users must navigate to Settings, then Security & Privacy, select Privacy, and find Private Space. Users can set a different password from their screen lock for added security and can choose various authentication methods. Apps can be transferred to Private Space by pressing and holding the app icon and selecting the option to install it there. The Private Space feature is available only for devices running Android 15 or newer. Users should check their Android version in Settings under About phone or About tablet. For added privacy, using a separate Google account for protected apps is recommended to reduce risks associated with account compromise.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Facebook Messenger Hacked? Here’s How to Secure Your Account

Facebook Messenger has raised concerns about unauthorized access to user chats. Signs of unauthorized access include: receiving messages from unknown contacts, login times when the user was not online, changes to account settings such as password changes or alterations to privacy settings, chats marked as read without the user opening them, and warnings from Facebook about suspicious activities. Users are advised to regularly check their account for unfamiliar devices, monitor connected applications for unusual activity, and take proactive security measures like installing security software, logging out of all devices, changing passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2025

How to Create a Foreign Data Wrapper in PostgreSQL and Aurora PostgreSQL on AWS RDS

Foreign data wrappers (FDWs) in PostgreSQL and Aurora PostgreSQL allow users to access and manipulate data from external sources without data migration. To set up a foreign data wrapper, the following steps are required: 1. **Install the Foreign Data Wrapper**: Use the command `CREATE EXTENSION postgres_fdw;` to install the FDW. 2. **Set Up Foreign Data Wrapper Access**: Grant usage permissions using `GRANT USAGE ON FOREIGN SERVER foreign_server_name TO PUBLIC;` or for specific users. 3. **Create a Foreign Server**: Use the command `CREATE SERVER foreign_server_name FOREIGN DATA WRAPPER postgres_fdw OPTIONS (host 'hostname', dbname 'dbname', port '5432');`. 4. **Create User Mapping**: Establish authentication details with `CREATE USER MAPPING FOR local_username SERVER foreign_server_name OPTIONS (user 'remote_username', password 'remote_password');`. 5. **Create Foreign Tables**: Reference remote tables using `CREATE FOREIGN TABLE remote_table ( id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY, data VARCHAR(50) ) SERVER foreign_server_name OPTIONS (table_name 'remote_table');`. An example use case is an online retailer using a PostgreSQL database for operations and an external SQL database for customer feedback, allowing real-time insights into customer satisfaction.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2025

The best antivirus software 2025

Antivirus software enhances security for desktop PCs, laptops, and mobile devices, protecting against threats like phishing, ransomware, and malware. Modern solutions provide alerts for untrusted websites and conduct regular scans. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended as the top antivirus, compatible with multiple platforms and offering features like anti-phishing protection and a built-in VPN. Norton Antivirus Plus provides real-time protection for one device and includes a firewall and cloud backup. McAfee offers antivirus protection across various platforms with additional features like a VPN and password manager. Surfshark provides basic antivirus functionality within its VPN packages. ESET Protect is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, offering customizable security solutions. AVG offers a robust free antivirus option with thorough scanning capabilities. Prices for these antivirus solutions vary, with some offering free plans and others requiring annual subscriptions.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft patches more than 100 Windows security flaws – update your PC now

Microsoft's August Patch Tuesday update addresses 107 vulnerabilities in Windows, including 13 critical ones. It affects all current versions of Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. The update fixes security issues in components like File Explorer, Remote Desktop, and Hyper-V, as well as bugs in Microsoft Office, Edge, and Teams. Nine critical vulnerabilities involve remote code execution. One vulnerability, CVE-2025-53779, is a zero-day flaw in the Windows Kerberos authentication system that could grant domain administrator privileges if exploited. The update also introduces new features, including a revamped error screen called the Black Screen of Death and Quick Machine Recovery for troubleshooting boot failures. Users can check for the update in the Windows Update section of Settings.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Surge in Android Malware Targets Banking Apps with NFC Fraud

A new wave of Android malware is targeting banking applications, utilizing techniques such as NFC relay fraud, call hijacking, and root-level exploits. Variants like PhantomCard, SpyBanker, and KernelSU are designed to infiltrate devices and manipulate transactions in real time. PhantomCard mimics legitimate NFC payment processes, SpyBanker hijacks calls from financial institutions, and KernelSU exploits kernel vulnerabilities for persistent access. This malware has affected thousands of devices, with attackers using disguises on the Google Play Store and phishing campaigns. A related variant, Anatsa, impacted over 90,000 users through fake PDF applications. The rise of such malware correlates with the increasing adoption of contactless payments, particularly in Europe and Asia. Experts recommend that banks enhance their defenses with behavioral analytics and that users enable app verification. Additionally, malware like KernelSU allows evasion of detection by operating at the system's core. Cybersecurity firms suggest a multi-layered security approach, including device encryption and AI-driven threat detection, to combat these evolving threats.