contacts Archives

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Best Secure and Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026

Your text messages and calls can be intercepted by hackers, corporations, and government entities, putting your private information at risk. Corporations may use your messages for targeted advertising or sell your data, while hackers may exploit it for identity theft or fraud. Governments may monitor communications under the guise of national security. Secure messaging apps are essential to protect your communications, as many default options expose sensitive information through metadata or lack proper security. Signal is recognized as the most secure messaging app, offering end-to-end encryption, being open-source, and free of charge, though it requires a phone number for registration. Threema allows complete anonymity without data collection but has no free version. Telegram, while popular, has security concerns as not all communications are end-to-end encrypted by default. WhatsApp and Keybase are discouraged due to ownership issues affecting privacy. Characteristics to look for in a secure messaging app include end-to-end encryption, third-party testing, open-source code, self-destructing messages, and minimal user data collection.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Meta makes changes following a Solon man’s $1 million loss in scheme police say started on Facebook Messenger

A 63-year-old resident in Solon, Ohio, lost over a million dollars to a scammer posing as a cryptocurrency investment guru. The scam began with a friendly outreach on Facebook, which transitioned to WhatsApp for private conversations. Over several months, the victim was convinced to invest in what he thought was a legitimate opportunity. This incident reflects a broader trend, as the FBI reported that Ohioans aged 60 and older lost over a million to fraud in 2024. Meta Platforms is enhancing tools to detect and disrupt fraudulent activities on its platforms, including new warnings for screen sharing requests on WhatsApp. In the first half of 2025, Meta removed eight million accounts suspected of scams and shut down 21,000 pages impersonating legitimate businesses. Warning signs in the Solon case included initial contact from a stranger, a quick shift to cryptocurrency discussions, and unusually high promised returns.

AppWizard

February 27, 2026

Android 17 Beta 2 gives apps a way to access contacts, display color securely

Google has released Android 17 Beta 2, which includes features aimed at enhancing user privacy. The update introduces a limited-access contacts picker that allows apps to access specific contacts based on user-selected data fields, employing a temporary, session-based read access model. This reduces the need for broad READ_CONTACTS permissions and allows users to choose which contacts to share. Additionally, the EyeDropper API is introduced, enabling apps to collect display color data without requiring screen capture permissions, thus enhancing security. Both features are designed to give users greater control over their personal information.

AppWizard

February 27, 2026

Android 17 beta 2 brings a new multitasking trick and cross-device handoff

Android 17 Beta 2 is now available for developers, introducing new features and bug fixes, including solutions for spontaneous reboots and interface freezes. Key features include the ability to create floating app bubbles, Cross-device app Handoff for seamless task continuation across devices, a new system-level contact picker for temporary read-only access to contacts, expanded SMS OTP protection, and enhanced local network privacy. The update also includes an EyeDropper API for color requests without needing screen capture permissions. Enrollment in the Android Beta Program is required for Pixel device users to access the update, which is rolling out via OTA, with options for sideloading or manual flashing. The stable release of Android 17 is expected in mid-2026.

Tech Optimizer

February 24, 2026

Hackers Are Using Fake Invitations to Take Over Your PC

Cybercriminals are sending counterfeit email invitations that, when clicked, install a backdoor on the victim's computer, allowing hackers full control. The scam often involves downloading a file named “invites.msi,” which is a Windows Installer package. This file can install ScreenConnect, a legitimate remote support tool that can be exploited by attackers to monitor screens, access files, and deploy additional malware. Many security engines fail to flag this software as malicious, making it difficult to detect. If someone suspects they have fallen victim to this scam, they should disconnect from the internet, check for and uninstall any remote management software, run a comprehensive antivirus scan, change passwords for critical accounts, enable two-factor authentication, inform their IT department if applicable, and consider performing a full Windows reset. The scam originated from a compromised email account, which was used to send the malicious link to contacts. Implementing two-factor authentication and using a password manager can help prevent such incidents. Users should be cautious of any email invitations that require downloading and running installer files.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

Meta executive called Facebook Messenger encryption plan irresponsible court filing shows

Meta is implementing end-to-end encryption across its messaging services for Facebook and Instagram despite internal warnings about potential risks to child safety. Internal documents reveal that executives, including Monika Bickert, expressed concerns that the encryption would hinder the company's ability to report child exploitation incidents to law enforcement. A lawsuit filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez accuses Meta of enabling predators to access underage users, leading to potential abuse and human trafficking. The New Mexico case is notable as it is the first against Meta to reach a jury amid heightened scrutiny regarding the safety of young users. Over 40 attorneys general are also pursuing claims that Meta's products contribute to youth mental health issues, and various school districts have filed lawsuits. Internal communications indicated that senior safety executives were worried about the implications of encryption, predicting a significant drop in reporting child exploitation cases. A briefing document from February 2019 estimated that child exploitation reporting would decrease by 65% if Messenger were encrypted. In response to these concerns, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone stated that the apprehensions from 2019 led to the development of additional safety features prior to the launch of encrypted messaging in 2023, including special accounts for underage users to protect them from adult contacts they do not know.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Chaotic, Comedic Sports Roguelike Pro Jank Footy, Tackles PC, Consoles in 2026

Pro Jank Footy is an arcade comedy-sports game that will debut on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch in 2026. It is co-developed by Powerbomb Games and Tinker Town, and published by Umbrella Gaming. The game features solo and local head-to-head matches, as well as online multiplayer battles, with a power-up system that includes 150 different cards that can change gameplay dynamics. Players can choose from ten clubs in a single-player Season Mode. The creative team includes David Ashby, Cam Rogers, and Tyler Roach, with commentary by Broden Kelly. Powerbomb Games, established in 2024, is based in Adelaide, South Australia, and Pro Jank Footy is their first title. A demo will be available during the Steam Next Fest.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Cozy-punk record shop sim Wax Heads is spinning onto PC and consoles on May 5, 2026

Indie developer Patattie Games, in collaboration with publisher Curve Games, will launch the game Wax Heads on May 5, 2026, available on Steam, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Players will take on the role of a team member at Repeater Records, a vinyl shop, engaging with customers and making choices that affect their experience. A playable demo will be available during Steam Next Fest from February 23 to March 3. The game features over 80 in-game records, more than 60 hand-drawn characters, and over 30 original songs. Key features include a handcrafted musical world, an emotional narrative, puzzle designs, and a comic book art style. Patattie Games is co-founded by Murray Somerwolff and Rothio Tome, while Curve Games is an award-winning publisher based in London.

AppWizard

February 20, 2026

Messenger Website Shutting Down Worldwide

Meta has retired its standalone Messenger website, redirecting users to Facebook’s integrated Messages interface. Users can no longer send or receive messages through the Messenger site and must use facebook.com/messages instead. The mobile Messenger app remains unaffected. Those who used Messenger without a Facebook account will find their desktop access eliminated, requiring them to use the mobile app. Users with end-to-end encrypted chats must manage their secure storage PIN for restoring messages. Meta encourages users to export their data before the transition, aiming to streamline Messenger functionalities and reduce support costs. The closure was first reported by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi and further covered by TechCrunch, with Meta notifying users of the change.

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

PromptSpy Android Malware Abuses Google Gemini to Automate Recent-Apps Persistence

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a new Android malware named PromptSpy that utilizes Google's Gemini AI chatbot to enhance its capabilities and persistence on infected devices. PromptSpy can capture lockscreen data, obstruct uninstallation, gather device information, take screenshots, and record screen activity. It integrates Gemini to analyze the current screen and provide instructions to keep the malware active in the recent apps list. The malware uses a hard-coded AI model and communicates with a command-and-control server via the VNC protocol, allowing remote access to the victim's device. It is financially motivated, targeting users in Argentina, and was developed in a Chinese-speaking environment. PromptSpy is distributed through a dedicated website and is considered an advanced version of a previously unidentified malware called VNCSpy.