cookies Archives

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

Telegram’s ad business: How the messaging app makes money

Telegram has established an advertising model that focuses on monetizing public channels, selling ads based on channel topics rather than user identity. Revenue generated from ads is split evenly between Telegram and the channel owner, with no data-mining or behavioral targeting involved. The primary ad format is Sponsored Messages, which appear in public channels with at least 1,000 subscribers and consist of a text block and optional call-to-action button. Advertisers can purchase these ads through a self-serve portal without demographic targeting, ensuring no personal data is used for placements. Public channels are treated as independent units, with 50% of ad revenue going to channel owners, paid in Toncoin. Telegram's ad system has become more accessible by lowering minimum spend requirements. In addition to Sponsored Messages, Telegram is developing Mini Apps funded by its in-app currency, Stars. Regulatory scrutiny has increased, with various countries imposing bans or restrictions on Telegram for reasons related to content moderation and compliance, such as a temporary ban in India in June 2026 due to exam fraud investigations.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

I changed one Android 17 setting and made my Pixel home screen so much cleaner

Google Pixel phones have received an update that enhances home screen customization, allowing users to remove the At a Glance widget and eliminate app names for a cleaner aesthetic. The Android 17 update introduces five app icon styles and shapes, including a Minimal option that aligns icons with a color palette, and a Create option for custom designs with six styles. The Google Pixel 10 is highlighted as the ideal device to experience these features and future updates.

Winsage

June 19, 2026

WBNS 10TV

Organizations use cookies and data to enhance user experience and maintain online platform integrity by delivering services, monitoring outages, protecting against spam and fraud, and measuring audience engagement. When users accept all cookies, additional functions include developing new services, displaying and measuring advertisements, and personalizing content. Rejecting all cookies results in non-personalized content and advertisements based on current content and user location. Cookies also help ensure age-appropriate functionality. Users can explore privacy settings through "More Options" or visit g.co/privacytools for guidance.

Winsage

June 12, 2026

Hackers Use Fake Windows Update Installers to Deliver OnyxC2 Credential Stealer

OnyxC2 is a sophisticated credential stealer available for a subscription fee of 0 per month, distributed through disguised lures such as fake Windows updates and legitimate software installers. It functions as a commercial product with features like an automated payload builder, tiered licensing, and a centralized web dashboard. The malware boasts a 99% detection-evasion rate, successfully evading major antivirus solutions during tests. It is developed in C++, utilizing direct system calls and mutating with each build to avoid detection. OnyxC2 collects data from around 210 applications, targeting 45 web browsers, password managers, cryptocurrency wallets, and FTP clients. The malware is delivered using DLL sideloading, where a password-protected archive contains a legitimate application and a malicious DLL. The attacker's DLL is disguised by inflating its size and is loaded by a trusted binary. The malicious code remains encrypted on disk and decrypts in memory to evade analysis. OnyxC2 communicates with a Cloudflare-fronted command-and-control server to manage infected hosts and execute commands like hardware registration and cookie uploads. The threat extends to business environments, targeting FTP and email clients, with stolen session cookies allowing ongoing access to corporate infrastructure. Implementing anti-data exfiltration controls is recommended as a mitigation strategy.

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2026

Fake ChatGPT download site infects Windows and Mac users with malware

A counterfeit website, openew[.]app, is impersonating OpenAI's official ChatGPT download page and distributing malware. Windows users who download from this site receive a credential-stealing malware loader, while macOS users are infected with Odyssey Stealer, a variant associated with cryptocurrency theft. The fake site mimics the legitimate ChatGPT interface and uses HTTPS to appear trustworthy. The Windows malware, Chat_GPT.exe, creates a back channel to an attacker-controlled server, while the macOS malware captures sensitive data and attempts to replace legitimate cryptocurrency wallet applications with compromised versions. Users who download from official sources remain safe, but those who click on ads or unfamiliar links risk compromising their online accounts and sensitive information. Malwarebytes offers protection against this malware. Indicators of compromise include specific file hashes and network indicators associated with the malicious site.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

This New Computer Virus Is Disguising Itself As A Popular Video Game

Old-school gaming consoles are seeing a resurgence, but hackers are exploiting this trend with a malware campaign called "WeedHack," which emerged in January. This malware operates on a "Malware-as-a-Service" model, allowing users to purchase it to infect victims. WeedHack functions as a remote access infostealer, compromising computers to manipulate screens, access webcams, and steal sensitive data. It propagates by enticing users with unofficial "Minecraft" mods and clients, often using videos and download links as bait. Additionally, it employs "SEO poisoning" to promote fake websites as legitimate sources for these mods on platforms like Discord and Reddit. WeedHack disguises itself as a JAR file, similar to the official "Minecraft" client, and once executed, it installs its payload from Ethereum server domains. It can insert itself into antivirus exclusion lists, evading detection, and McAfee's tests show that Windows Defender is ineffective against it. The malware collects extensive information, including Wi-Fi networks and browser cookies, and grants hackers complete control over infected computers. The WeedHack virus serves as both malware and a training ground for aspiring hackers, structured into two tiers: a free version with core capabilities and a paid subscription for advanced features. A community has formed around WeedHack, offering tutorials, a Discord server, and a website for feature requests and custom payload creation. This community aspect lowers the barrier for newcomers, particularly targeting a younger audience that may not understand online safety.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

This week in PC games: some enormous space sims and strategy games, plus a cheery prop hunt where you paint your own camouflage

The Summer Game Fest featured a new installment of Duskers and glimpses of a Fumito Ueda game. The following PC games were released or are in early access: - Atre: Dominance Wars - A turn-based fantasy kingdom builder available in early access, featuring four factions and a campaign. - Rakeo - A puzzle-platformer where players collect cookies in a 2D environment. - NBA The Run - A 3v3 street basketball game with vibrant visuals and humorous camera work. - Meccha Chameleon - A multiplayer hide-and-seek game focused on camouflage. - SAND: Raiders of Sophie - A PvPvE looting game involving warmechs. - 33 Immortals - A cooperative roguelike from the developers of Spiritfarer. - SpaceCraft - An early access game about exploring and transforming planets into a trading empire. - Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions - An early access spin-off of Astroneer for teams of cosmonauts. - Don't Let It Starve - A game about crafting bento boxes for a creature. The Treehouse will focus on interviews and impressions from the Summer Game Fest, with no further announcements allowed.

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

Pirated PC games are delivering password-stealing malware

A surge in Windows malware campaigns has been identified, with malicious software hidden in pirated PC games and modified installers for popular franchises like Far Cry, Need for Speed, FIFA, and Assassin’s Creed. Over 400,000 devices globally have been affected, with around 30,000 cases in the United States. The malware, known as the "RenEngine loader," is disguised as a legitimate game launcher and infects systems when users download cracked games. It aims to deploy an infostealer called ARC, which can capture sensitive information such as passwords and cryptocurrency wallets, and may also install other harmful payloads like the Rhadamanthys stealer and Async Remote Access Trojan (RAT). Users often remain unaware of their infection until significant damage occurs. Recommendations for safety include avoiding unofficial downloads, using up-to-date anti-malware protection, and regularly updating software.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Fake Minecraft Mods Infect 116K Systems With WeedHack Malware

A malware campaign named WeedHack has impacted over 116,000 Minecraft players since its inception earlier this year, according to a report from McAfee. Cybercriminals are using SEO poisoning to exploit gamers searching for mods, particularly targeting those hosted on GitHub and creating deceptive web pages that mimic official mod sites. Notable affected projects include Meteor Client, Radium Client, Wurst Client, Aristois, LiquidBounce, and Impact Client. Attackers also produce polished YouTube videos to promote malware, with comments guiding viewers on installation and links to malicious sites. The malware operates in two tiers: a free tier that steals cookies and passwords, targets crypto wallets, captures screenshots, and extracts credentials, and a premium tier that offers advanced capabilities like webcam control and keylogging for a monthly fee. The accessibility of such malware is concerning, prompting Minecraft users to be cautious when searching for and installing mods.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

Malware campaign targeting Minecraft users infects over 116,000 systems

A recent investigation by McAfee researchers has identified a Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) operation called WeedHack, which targets Minecraft users. Since its launch in January 2026, WeedHack has compromised over 116,000 systems, with 2,000 to 3,000 new infections daily. The operation uses YouTube and SEO poisoning to distribute malware, promoting Minecraft mods and utilities through videos. WeedHack is accessible for free, with premium features available at low costs. The malware targets Minecraft session IDs, collects system information, and extracts credentials from various platforms. It includes a web-based dashboard for tracking infections and offers tools for injecting malware into legitimate mods. The operation has also been linked to incidents of cyberbullying among its users. McAfee advises caution when engaging with Minecraft-related content on YouTube.