data usage Archives

AppWizard

April 6, 2025

Pentagon inspector general investigating Hegseth’s use of Signal messaging app

DoD's acting Inspector General, Steven Stebbins, is reviewing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal app for operational airstrike discussions in Yemen to evaluate compliance with policies on commercial messaging for official communications and classification mandates. Concurrently, House Oversight Committee Democrats are investigating the Department of Government Efficiency's data usage, while OPM is directing agencies to revise performance review processes to prioritize adherence to presidential policies. The Defense Department has mandated public reporting of canceled contracts linked to Trump's efficiency initiatives. The SSA is tightening identity-proofing requirements for benefit applications, discontinuing phone verification options. During a nomination hearing, Trump’s nominees for OPM and OMB faced questions regarding federal workforce reductions. The Army has abandoned plans for a billion-dollar software development contract after feedback on draft RFPs. Employees at the IMLS have been placed on administrative leave amid concerns over the agency's future and grant disbursement obligations following Trump's executive order aimed at eliminating smaller entities.

TrendTechie

March 29, 2025

10 best torrent apps and torrent downloaders for Android

Torrent applications serve various legitimate purposes, including sharing open-source software and distributing artistic works. For Android users, several noteworthy torrent apps are available: 1. **1DM**: Free download manager with integrated browser and torrent functionality; premium version available to remove ads. 2. **BitLord**: Free torrent downloader with built-in audio player and Chromecast support; Wi-Fi-only mode enabled by default. 3. **BitTorrent and µTorrent**: Free apps with similar features; BitTorrent promotes legal content, while µTorrent offers a simpler experience; both have premium versions to remove ads. 4. **FrostWire**: Free torrent downloader with support for .torrent files and magnet links; includes a basic torrent search and optional ad removal. 5. **LibreTorrent**: Free open-source torrent app with a simple UI and active torrent tracking; based on libtorrent code. 6. **nzb360**: Free app supporting multiple services; requires initial configuration but allows management of various torrent-related tasks. 7. **Torrnado**: Free app that connects to a computer for remote torrent management; offers a trial version with a paid full version. 8. **TorrDroid**: Free torrent app covering basic features; includes a torrent search function but lacks a pro version for ad removal. 9. **Transdrone**: Free app for managing torrent downloads remotely; useful for controlling seedboxes or home servers. 10. **tTorrent**: Free popular torrent app with comprehensive features, including encryption and a web interface; pro version available at a competitive price.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

What is Signal, the messaging app Trump team used to share war plans?

Top officials from the Trump administration mistakenly included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in an encrypted chat on the Signal messaging app, discussing military strategies against Yemen's Houthi rebel group. This incident has led to calls from Democratic and some Republican lawmakers for a congressional investigation into a potential security breach. Goldberg reported being added to the chat on March 13, which aimed to coordinate U.S. military responses to Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The inclusion of an outsider in the chat raises concerns about the protocols for sharing classified information on commercial messaging platforms. Under U.S. law, mishandling classified information can result in criminal charges, although it is unclear if any laws were violated in this case. Signal is known for its secure messaging capabilities, utilizing end-to-end encryption, and does not track or store user data beyond basic account information. The app has gained popularity among privacy advocates, journalists, and government organizations.

AppWizard

March 22, 2025

Nasty Android apps that steal credit cards and passwords downloaded 60 million times

Over 331 applications on the Google Play Store have been identified as potentially compromised by a widespread malware campaign, which has affected millions of Android devices. These malicious apps can steal sensitive information, including passwords and credit card details, and have accumulated over 60 million downloads globally. They often disguise themselves as benign utility applications, such as QR code scanners and fitness tools, and generate revenue through intrusive advertisements. The malware campaign began in April 2024, with many apps initially appearing benign before being updated with malicious components. Some apps can hide their icons and bypass Android security measures, making detection difficult. Victims are primarily located in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, Turkey, and South Korea. Despite Google's efforts to remove many of these apps, some remain active, and users must take proactive measures to protect their devices.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

These malicious Android apps were installed over 60 million times – here’s how to stay safe

Cybersecurity experts from Bitdefender discovered an ad fraud scheme involving over 300 Android applications that collectively had more than 60 million downloads from the Google Play Store. These apps, which appeared as utility tools like QR scanners and health apps, mainly targeted users with older Android versions (Android 13 and earlier) and first appeared in the third quarter of 2024. As of the research's completion, only 15 of the identified apps were still active, with most affected users located in Brazil, and others in the United States, Mexico, Turkey, and South Korea. The deceptive apps concealed their icons, displayed intrusive ads without user consent, and attempted to harvest sensitive information. Many of these harmful apps have been removed from the Play Store, but users with them installed remain vulnerable. Signs of compromise include lagging, excessive ads, overheating, or unexpected data usage. Users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps and to use the latest version of Android, currently Android 15.

Tech Optimizer

March 2, 2025

Your Privacy Sold? FTC Forces Avast to Pay $16.5M for Data Misuse—Find Out If You’re Eligible

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued claim forms to approximately 3.7 million consumers affected by misleading marketing tactics related to Avast antivirus software. The FTC's complaint, filed in February 2024, accused Avast of falsely assuring customers of privacy protection while collecting and selling identifiable browsing data to over 100 third parties through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. As part of a settlement, Avast is required to pay .5 million in compensation and is prohibited from misrepresenting its data usage policies or selling browsing data for advertising. The FTC will notify 3,690,813 customers who purchased Avast software between August 2014 and January 2020, with email notifications sent until March 7, 2025. Eligible consumers can submit claims at www.ftc.gov/Avast, with compensation amounts varying based on the number of claims filed.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Cincinnati Reds announce new 2025 theme days, including Harry Potter, anime, Minecraft and more

Many businesses are temporarily restricting website access to users in most European nations due to GDPR compliance. The GDPR, effective since May 2018, mandates strict guidelines on personal data handling, prompting companies to reassess digital strategies. Organizations are investing in technology solutions, such as consent management systems, to balance compliance with user experience. Businesses are encouraged to prioritize transparency and user trust, implement user-friendly consent mechanisms, and leverage data analytics to tailor offerings while remaining compliant.

Tech Optimizer

February 26, 2025

FTC Announces Refund Claims Process for Avast Customers Impacted by Deceptive Privacy Claims

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a complaint against Avast for deceptive marketing practices related to its antivirus software, claiming it misled users about protecting their privacy while collecting and selling browsing data. As part of a settlement, Avast will pay .5 million to compensate affected consumers and is prohibited from misrepresenting its data usage or selling browsing data for advertising. The FTC will notify approximately 3.7 million consumers who purchased Avast software between August 2014 and January 2020, with emails expected by March 7, 2025. Eligible individuals can file claims online by June 5, 2025, without needing to pay or provide sensitive information. The FTC has also reported over million in refunds to consumers in 2024.

Tech Optimizer

February 24, 2025

How to Get Your Share of the FTC’s $16.5 Million Avast Settlement

Avast antivirus software will distribute a portion of its .5 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to approximately 3.7 million consumers who purchased its software between August 2014 and January 2020. The settlement follows allegations that Avast misled users about its privacy protections and failed to disclose that it was collecting and selling users' personal internet browsing data. Avast is now prohibited from misrepresenting its data usage practices and from selling or licensing browsing data for advertising purposes. Eligible consumers can file a claim online with the FTC until June 5, but payouts will vary based on the number of claims submitted, with an average payment estimated at about [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Avast Users to Benefit from FTC Settlement In a significant development for millions of users, Avast antivirus software is set to distribute a portion of its .5 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following allegations of misleading marketing practices. The FTC announced on Monday that it will be reaching out to approximately 3.7 million consumers who purchased Avast antivirus software between August 2014 and January 2020, with notifications expected to arrive by March 7. The settlement stems from claims that Avast misled its users regarding the privacy protections offered by its software. While promoting its product as a shield against third-party tracking, Avast reportedly failed to adequately disclose that it was collecting and selling users' personal internet browsing data to other entities. As part of the settlement, Avast is prohibited from misrepresenting its data usage practices in the future. Additionally, the company is barred from selling or licensing any browsing data collected from its products for advertising purposes. Eligible consumers are encouraged to file a claim online with the FTC between now and June 5. However, potential claimants should temper their expectations regarding payout amounts. The FTC has indicated that the distribution will depend on various factors, including the total number of claims submitted. If every eligible consumer were to file a claim, the average payment would amount to approximately .47 each." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].47 if all eligible consumers file a claim.

Tech Optimizer

February 24, 2025

FTC says antivirus software Avast illegally sold almost 3.7 million people’s tracking data- could you be getting money in return?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a complaint against Avast for deceptive marketing practices related to its antivirus software, alleging that the company misled users about its data collection practices while claiming to protect their privacy. Avast has agreed to a settlement of .5 million to compensate affected consumers and is prohibited from misrepresenting its data usage or selling browsing data for advertising. The FTC will notify approximately 3,690,813 consumers who purchased Avast software between August 2014 and January 2020, with email notices expected by March 7, 2025. Consumers can file claims online at www.ftc.gov/Avast until June 5, 2025, and the compensation amount will vary based on the number of claims submitted. The claims administrator can be contacted at 866-290-0165 or info@AvastSettlement.com for assistance, and no fees or sensitive information are required to submit a claim.