data extraction Archives

AppWizard

July 15, 2025

How does your phone know so many private details? How thousands of apps are exploiting mysterious indoor location tracking

In 2023, a family at an amusement park experienced technology's impact on privacy when the park's app used geolocation to notify a waiting parent about fast-track entry. Spanish researchers investigated how apps exploit Bluetooth and Wi-Fi permissions to track users indoors, even without GPS. Their findings, to be presented at the Pets privacy conference, reveal that 86% of 9,976 analyzed Android apps collect sensitive data, including location coordinates. The study highlights ethical concerns regarding data sharing and potential misuse, as information can track individuals' movements and identify sensitive activities. Many apps use software development kits (SDKs) that include hidden location tracking features, with 52 SDKs identified in nearly 10,000 apps installed on around 55 billion devices. The Android Advertising ID allows companies to track users and create detailed profiles based on location data, raising ethical dilemmas about privacy and the commodification of personal information.

AppWizard

June 8, 2025

I used a self-hosted app to track all my receipts and it’s shockingly good

Receipt Wrangler is a self-hosted tool for managing receipts that offers a straightforward installation process and an intuitive user interface. It allows users to rename, tag, group, and search receipts easily, creating a consistent and searchable archive. The app prioritizes user experience by placing essential functions prominently and supports flexible tagging systems for personalized organization. Receipt Wrangler can connect to self-hosted AI models or external services for automatic scanning and tagging of receipts. Its self-hosting feature ensures data security and ownership, allowing users to back up their information as needed. The tool has transformed the receipt management process into a more efficient and enjoyable experience, encouraging timely filing and reducing procrastination.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

How to Uninstall Problematic Windows Updates Easily

AI-powered invoice data extraction is transforming the accounts payable (AP) process by automating the manual entry of invoice data, which reduces time and resources required for data entry. This technology uses machine learning algorithms and optical character recognition (OCR) to accurately capture and interpret data from invoices. Benefits of this automation include enhanced accuracy, cost savings, faster processing times, and improved cash flow management. The adoption of AI-driven tools is becoming essential for organizations to remain competitive in the evolving financial management landscape.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

How to Easily Install Pending Windows Updates: A Comprehensive Guide

AI-powered invoice data extraction is transforming accounts payable processes by using machine learning and optical character recognition (OCR) to automate the extraction of information from invoices. This technology increases accuracy, improves time efficiency, reduces costs, and offers scalability for growing businesses. It integrates seamlessly into existing financial systems, enhancing transaction speed and providing insights into spending patterns and vendor relationships. The shift towards automated invoice data extraction is essential for organizations embracing digital transformation and aiming for future growth.

Tech Optimizer

March 20, 2025

Dangerous new password-stealing trojan automatically reinstalls itself on infected PCs

Microsoft Incident Response has identified a new remote access trojan (RAT) called StilachiRAT, which extracts sensitive information from infected computers, including passwords, cryptocurrency wallet details, operating system specifications, and device identifiers. StilachiRAT has a self-reinstatement mechanism that allows it to reinstall itself if removed. It targets digital wallets from platforms like Coinbase Wallet, Phantom, Trust Wallet, Metamask, OKX Wallet, and Bitget Wallet. The malware can harvest credentials from web browsers, monitor clipboard data, gather system information, detect camera presence, and track active Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions. It can extract credentials from Google Chrome, monitor clipboard activity, and maintain its presence using the Windows service control manager. StilachiRAT can impersonate users to monitor RDP sessions and employs anti-forensics mechanisms to evade detection. Discovered in November of the previous year, it has not yet achieved widespread distribution. Microsoft advises users to download software from official websites, use robust security software, install reputable antivirus, be vigilant against phishing attacks, avoid clicking on unexpected links, and consider using a VPN and password manager for enhanced security.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Power Automate vs RoboTask: Here’s what you should use to automate your PC

Power Automate and RoboTask are automation tools for Windows 11 users that aim to simplify repetitive tasks with minimal coding. Power Automate is developed by Microsoft and is pre-installed with Windows 11, offering many features at no additional charge, while RoboTask is a third-party application that requires a paid license after a 30-day trial. Power Automate has a modern interface that integrates well with Windows 11, making it easier to record workflows, whereas RoboTask has over 300 actions, including advanced capabilities like registry key manipulation. RoboTask can run automations based on various triggers, while Power Automate requires an internet connection to function and excels in integrating with Microsoft Office and cloud services.

Winsage

August 17, 2024

Unmasking Styx Stealer: How a Hacker’s Slip Led to an Intelligence Treasure Trove – Check Point Research

Check Point Research (CPR) has identified a new malware variant called Styx Stealer, which extracts sensitive information from users, including browser data, instant messaging sessions from Telegram and Discord, and cryptocurrency assets. Styx Stealer is linked to the developer Sty1x, associated with the threat actor Fucosreal and the Agent Tesla malware. An operational security failure by the developer led to the accidental leak of sensitive data, allowing CPR to trace the malware back to its creator. Styx Stealer inherits functionalities from Phemedrone Stealer, capable of extracting saved passwords, cookies, auto-fill data, and information from browser extensions and cryptocurrency wallets. It can also capture session data from Telegram and Discord, gather system information, and take screenshots. The malware features auto-start capabilities, clipboard monitoring, and enhanced evasion techniques, and is marketed through a subscription model. In March 2024, a spam campaign distributing a malicious TAR archive containing Agent Tesla malware targeted various industries. CPR identified 54 customers who purchased Styx Stealer and Styx Crypter products, generating approximately ,500 in revenue over two months, with payments accepted in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero. Styx Stealer employs evasion techniques to avoid detection, including checks for debugging tools and virtual machine environments.