chat functionality Archives

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

GTA V Enhanced Gets New Update To Fix Graphics Issues

The sixth post-launch update for GTA V Enhanced on PC has been released by Rockstar Games, focusing on improving graphics and addressing player concerns. The update size ranges from 400 to 900 MB, depending on the platform. Patch notes include fixes for Microsoft account communication issues, crash issues, texture problems, ray tracing performance, audio issues, and a progression halt in a Story Mode mission. Despite these updates, some larger issues remain unresolved, such as the lack of text chat functionality. GTA V is now available on Xbox and PC Game Pass, and the FiveM platform has also released an update to support these versions.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

PJobRAT Android RAT as Dating & Instant Messaging Apps Attacking Military Personnel

PJobRAT is an Android Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that re-emerged in 2023 with improved capabilities and a refined targeting strategy, previously known for attacking Indian military personnel in 2021. It is now targeting users in Taiwan through social engineering tactics, disguising itself as legitimate dating and messaging apps. The malware is distributed via compromised WordPress sites hosting fake applications like “SaangalLite” and “CChat.” The infection footprint is small, indicating highly targeted attacks rather than widespread campaigns. PJobRAT retains its core functionality of exfiltrating sensitive information, including SMS messages, contacts, and media files, while enhancing command execution capabilities. Upon installation, the malicious apps request extensive permissions to operate continuously in the background. The malware uses a dual-channel communication infrastructure, with Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) as the primary command channel and a secondary HTTP-based channel for data exfiltration to a command-and-control server. The campaign appears to have concluded, but the evolution of PJobRAT highlights the ongoing threat of sophisticated mobile malware targeting high-value individuals.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

PJobRAT makes a comeback, takes another crack at chat apps

In 2021, PJobRAT, an Android Remote Access Trojan (RAT), targeted Indian military personnel through deceptive apps. A new campaign was discovered in 2023, focusing on users in Taiwan, with malicious apps like ‘SangaalLite’ and CChat disguised as instant messaging applications. These apps were available for download from WordPress sites, which have since been taken down. The campaign began in January 2023, with domains registered as early as April 2022, and the latest sample detected in October 2024. The number of infections was low, indicating a targeted approach rather than a broad attack. The distribution methods remain unclear, but may involve SEO poisoning, malvertising, or phishing. Once installed, the apps request extensive permissions and feature basic chat functionality. Recent versions of PJobRAT have shifted from stealing WhatsApp messages to executing shell commands, allowing greater control over compromised devices. PJobRAT communicates with its command-and-control (C2) servers using Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) and HTTP, enabling the upload of various data types, including SMS, contacts, and files. The now inactive C2 server was located in Germany.

AppWizard

March 4, 2025

GTA 5 Enhanced Edition Leaves a PC Feature Behind

Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced has launched, featuring improved visuals, quicker loading times, and enhanced audio. It is available on PC through the Rockstar Games Launcher and Steam, but not on the Epic Games Store. Existing PC owners can upgrade for free, while new players can purchase it for .99, with promotional discounts available. A significant drawback is the absence of in-game text chat, a feature confirmed by Rockstar not to be supported at launch, leading players to rely on platform chat or SMS for communication. This removal has raised concerns about the future of in-game chat in the franchise, particularly with the anticipated release of GTA 6, speculated for late 2025. Rockstar has established an official Discord channel for GTA 6, indicating a shift towards alternative communication methods.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Top 10 Messaging App Alternatives to Telegram

Instant messaging systems gained widespread adoption in the mid-to-late 1990s, evolving from basic platforms like AIM and ICQ to advanced applications such as WhatsApp. WhatsApp has a large user base and complies with regulatory standards, but some users have concerns about its privacy practices despite claims of end-to-end encryption. This has led to the popularity of alternatives like Telegram, which offers a “secret chat” feature with end-to-end encryption but faces scrutiny due to recent developments involving the European Union and its founder's arrest. Users have diverse needs in messaging apps, ranging from simple functionality to advanced features like large file sharing and group communications. The top ten alternatives to Telegram and WhatsApp include: 1. Signal: Launched in 2015, it has 40 million users by 2022, focusing on privacy with instant messaging, voice/video calls, and group chats limited to five participants. 2. Viber: Facilitates community engagement with groups of up to 1,000 members, offers end-to-end encryption, and allows calls to landlines and mobile numbers. 3. Google Chat: Launched in 2017, it supports one-on-one and group chats, requires invitations to connect, and integrates with Google services. 4. Slack: Popular for organizational communication since 2009, it supports various content types and requires integration for certain features. 5. Twitch: Primarily a live-streaming platform, it includes a chat feature ideal for building a following, especially in gaming. 6. Snapchat: Evolved from a photo-sharing app to a messaging platform known for disappearing messages, targeting a younger audience. 7. Microsoft Teams: A corporate communication tool supporting individual/group chats, integrating with Microsoft Office, and gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. 8. Mighty Pro: Allows users to create their own community-building apps, featuring live streaming and discussion forums. 9. Discord: Designed for gamers, it serves as both a forum and live-streaming platform, focusing on social interactions rather than business. 10. Geneva: Facilitates group video chats with customizable chat rooms and basic scheduling features.

AppWizard

June 29, 2024

As ICQ logs off for good, a look back at popular instant messaging apps over the years

ICQ, a popular online messaging platform in the late 1990s and early 2000s, shut down its services after nearly three decades. It was launched in 1996 and at its peak in 2001, had over 100 million registered users.