biometric data Archives

Winsage

May 6, 2026

Microsoft’s Windows 11 update just fixed memory leaks, slow startup, and File Explorer bugs

Microsoft released the April 2026 optional preview update (KB5083631) for Windows 11, targeting versions 24H2 and 25H2. This update resolves the "white flash" bug in File Explorer, overhauls its codebase, and preserves user settings for View and Sort preferences. It improves the reliability of the explorer.exe process, optimizes the Delivery Optimization service to reduce memory leaks, and enhances the boot sequence for faster startup. The update lifts the FAT32 formatting limit from 32GB to 2TB. It also includes reliability improvements for the Taskbar, fixes for Microsoft Store download errors, resolves a Windows Hello fingerprint data loss issue, enhances Remote Desktop scaling, ensures color profile consistency, and improves the Fluid Dictation feature. The comprehensive improvements will be included in the mandatory Patch Tuesday update on May 12, 2026.

AppWizard

April 24, 2026

Another spyware maker caught distributing fake Android snooping apps

The Italian digital rights organization Osservatorio Nessuno has revealed a new malware called Morpheus, used by government agencies for surveillance. Morpheus is disguised as a phone updating application and can extract various data from targets' devices. The spyware is linked to IPS, an Italian firm specializing in lawful interception technologies, which claims to operate in over 20 countries. Morpheus is categorized as "low cost" due to its straightforward infection method, which involves tricking targets into installing the software. Authorities collaborated with the target's mobile service provider to obstruct data and send an SMS prompting the installation of the malware. Once installed, Morpheus exploits Android's accessibility features to access extensive information and masquerades as the WhatsApp application to solicit biometric data. The spyware's code contains Italian phrases and references to "Gomorra," indicating its connection to the Italian spyware industry. The attack is likely linked to political activism in Italy. IPS is among several Italian spyware manufacturers that have emerged following the decline of Hacking Team.

Winsage

April 20, 2026

Windows 11 to get a major reliability update in May with faster clipboard, stable taskbar, storage and more

Microsoft has released new Insider builds for Windows 11 across various channels, focusing on enhancing reliability and performance. Key components receiving updates include: 1. File Explorer: Improved speed and reliability, retaining customized folder views. 2. Settings App: Enhanced navigation and consistency, particularly in the Installed Apps page and Privacy & Security section. 3. Drop Tray: Optimized for better usability during multitasking. 4. Clipboard History: Performance enhancements to reduce access delays. 5. Storage Settings: Improved performance for large storage volumes, enabling instant loading of the Disks & Volumes page. 6. Windows Hello: Enhanced fingerprint and face recognition reliability, maintaining biometric data across upgrades. 7. Input and Voice Dictation: Improved keyboard navigation and persistent voice typing settings. 8. Startup Applications: Refined performance and memory management for faster boot times. 9. Display, Audio, and Font Rendering: Better stability and compatibility for color profiles, audio drivers, and font legibility. 10. Security Enhancements: Improved trust model for third-party drivers and command-line scripts. These updates are expected to be available to regular users in the upcoming April optional update and the mandatory May security update.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

India drops proposal to mandate national biometric ID app on iPhones and Android phones

The Indian government has decided to abandon a proposal that would have required the pre-installation of the Aadhaar biometric ID app on smartphones from major manufacturers like Apple and Samsung. This decision was announced by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) after significant pushback from the tech industry. Concerns raised by manufacturers included device security, compatibility issues, and increased production costs due to the need for separate manufacturing lines for the Indian market. The Ministry of Information Technology expressed reluctance to enforce the requirement, and UIDAI confirmed that the government is not in favor of mandating the app's pre-installation.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Hide from Meta’s spyglasses with this new Android app

An innovative Android application called Nearby Glasses, developed by Yves Jeanrenaud from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, alerts users about nearby smart glasses using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. The app detects manufacturer identifiers associated with smart eyewear, including Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, and notifies users when such glasses are in proximity. However, it may produce false positives due to other Bluetooth devices from the same manufacturer. The app's launch coincides with growing concerns about non-consensual recording, highlighted by incidents like a viral altercation on a New York subway involving smart glasses. Meta has stated that their glasses have an LED light that indicates when recording is occurring, but this indicator can be disabled. Legal experts warn that while video recording in public is generally allowed, collecting biometric data raises privacy concerns, and various state laws may require consent for audio recordings. Recent courtroom incidents have also underscored the contentious nature of wearable technology.

Winsage

February 15, 2026

Microsoft Blocks Credential Autofill to Fix Windows Hello Flaw

Microsoft has blocked credential autofill functionality in Windows 11 as part of the February 2026 Patch Tuesday updates to address the critical vulnerability CVE-2026-20804, which allows unauthorized access by tampering with Windows Hello authentication. This vulnerability was first identified in August 2025 and allows local administrators to inject biometric data. The restriction was documented in the January 2026 Patch Tuesday release notes. Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) operates at a hypervisor virtual trust level but is limited by hardware compatibility issues, particularly affecting AMD-based systems. Post-update, credential dialogs do not respond to virtual keyboard inputs from remote desktop or screen-sharing applications, preventing autofill during remote support sessions. Microsoft has provided a risky workaround that allows applications to operate with elevated administrator privileges, but this reintroduces the vulnerability. Organizations must now choose between disrupted remote support workflows or risking exposure to credential injection attacks, leading to operational challenges for IT teams and help desk staff.

AppWizard

December 13, 2025

Sam Altman’s World App Launches Encrypted World Chat Messenger & Expanded Crypto Payments for Verified Users

World has developed chat encryption capabilities that are comparable to leading consumer messaging platforms, utilizing encrypted identifiers instead of traditional biometric storage to enhance user confidentiality. The integration of biometric identity with messaging services raises challenges related to data governance, regulatory compliance, and user trust. There is a need for a robust framework for data management to handle user information responsibly, and as global data privacy regulations tighten, companies must navigate legal requirements to maintain compliance. Building and maintaining user trust is essential, requiring transparency in data usage and protection.

AppWizard

December 12, 2025

Sam Altman’s Biometric ID ‘Super App’ Launches Encrypted Messaging and Crypto Payments

World, supported by Sam Altman, launched an upgraded application featuring encrypted messaging and enhanced cryptocurrency payment capabilities. The app allows users to confirm their identity as unique humans online through biometric authentication with World ID. Key features include: - World Chat offers Signal-level encryption and color-coded verification badges for user identity confirmation. - Users can receive paychecks and bank deposits directly in the app and convert funds to cryptocurrency. - The company has verified under 20 million people and aims to reach one billion iris scans. - The app includes social features aiming to create a messenger platform similar to WhatsApp or Telegram, with a focus on security. - Users verify their identity by having their iris patterns scanned by an Orb device, which converts the data into encrypted digital codes for World IDs. - Orb Minis, handheld devices for home self-scans, were introduced to ease the verification process.

AppWizard

December 10, 2025

Android 17 may finally add the native App Lock feature Pixel users have been waiting for

The upcoming Android 17 update is expected to introduce a native App Lock feature, addressing the lack of built-in app locking solutions for Pixel users. Currently, Android's Private Space feature is cumbersome and not user-friendly, leading many to rely on third-party app lockers, which pose security risks. The new App Lock feature, hinted at in the recent Android Canary build, will include an App Lock API requiring specific permissions and will be accessible to all launchers. It aims to provide a more secure and reliable option for locking apps, potentially utilizing the Biometric Prompt API for authentication. However, the feature is not yet active and is unlikely to be released with the upcoming Android 16 quarterly update, with the earliest expectation for availability being with Android 17. Additionally, it remains uncertain how notifications from locked apps will be managed regarding content visibility.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

You Can’t Delete This Samsung App—And It Might Be Spying on You

Samsung faces criticism for allegations that certain budget-friendly Galaxy A and M smartphones are preloaded with unremovable spyware, particularly affecting users in the Middle East and North Africa. The Lebanese digital rights organization SMEX has highlighted a pre-installed application called AppCloud on some Galaxy A and M devices sold in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. AppCloud, developed by ironSource, collects sensitive user data without explicit consent during device setup and is difficult to uninstall, often reinstalling after a device reset. Concerns have been raised about its potential use for surveillance and targeted cyberattacks, especially in politically sensitive areas. SMEX has called for increased transparency from Samsung, which has not yet responded. Independent research validating these claims about AppCloud's impact on privacy is currently lacking.