data Archives

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

Fake Android Banking Apps Are Hijacking Devices and Draining Accounts in Malware Campaign

A wave of mobile malware is targeting Android users in India, posing as legitimate banking applications. This malware can fully compromise infected devices, stealing sensitive data, intercepting communications, and conducting unauthorized financial transactions. It typically spreads through deceptive "dropper" apps via phishing messages on platforms like WhatsApp, SMS, or email, often disguised as system updates or official banking apps. The malware requests extensive Android permissions, allowing it to read and send SMS messages and intercept two-factor authentication codes. It operates stealthily, bypassing Android’s battery optimization features, and can manipulate notification content. All captured data is transmitted to attackers, enabling potential financial fraud and identity theft. Users are advised to install apps only from trusted sources, be skeptical of unexpected installation prompts, and review permission requests carefully.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

A guy in California is suing Microsoft for discontinuing Windows 10, demanding free extended support

Lawrence Klein, a San Diego resident, has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft challenging the company's decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 in October. Klein argues that Microsoft should maintain free support for Windows 10 until its user base falls below 10% of all Windows users, claiming the discontinuation pressures users to purchase new devices and helps Microsoft establish a monopoly in the generative AI market. As of April 2025, Windows 10 users make up approximately 52.94% of all Windows users, while Windows 11 adoption has been slow. Klein estimates that over 240 million devices may become obsolete due to Windows 11's hardware requirements, leading to increased e-waste. He criticizes Microsoft's strategy as atypical, noting that the transition to Windows 11 is being mandated only four years after its release, and he describes Windows 11 as "wildly unpopular." Klein seeks judicial intervention to stop misleading advertising, ensure clear communication about support discontinuation, and mandate continued updates for Windows 10 at no extra cost until its user base declines significantly. Klein is only requesting reimbursement for attorney's fees.

Winsage

August 10, 2025

Windows 10 will die this fall — here’s how to survive

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, but users will not lose access to their systems immediately. Microsoft is launching an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to receive critical security updates until October 13, 2026, for a fee. Individual users can also access these updates for free by redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or by backing up their data using the Windows Backup app and storing it on OneDrive. To upgrade to Windows 11, users should check their PC's compatibility with the PC Health Check app and back up their files before proceeding with the upgrade through the Windows Update app. If a PC does not meet the upgrade requirements, users may need to consider purchasing a new device.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

5 file management apps you should use instead of Files by Google

Files by Google is a free and lightweight file management application for Android that helps users manage files, clean up duplicates, and free up storage space. In a recent poll, users reported their preferences for file management apps: Files by Google (15%), Mixplorer (4%), Material Files (12%), Solid Explorer (23%), Cx File Explorer (12%), Fossify File Manager (12%), and another app (8%). Mixplorer is noted for its versatility, integrating various storage solutions and supporting symlinks, with a customizable design and a dropdown breadcrumbs menu. It is available for free via XDA, with a paid version, Mixplorer Silver, on the Play Store. Material Files features an intuitive interface influenced by Material You, adapting to device color themes, but lacks Google Drive browsing capabilities. Solid Explorer offers a polished UI with a two-pane file management system and real-time folder size displays, along with fingerprint security for storage access. Cx File Explorer focuses on managing storage with analysis tools that highlight storage usage and a clean design. Fossify File Manager is a free, open-source option that emphasizes privacy, allowing users to lock files and folders, with a user-friendly interface and customizable themes.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

McDonald’s sales improved last quarter, thanks to Minecraft

McDonald’s reported a 2.5% increase in U.S. same-store sales in the second quarter, the highest growth rate since late 2023, driven by the Minecraft Movie Meal promotion. This promotion also contributed to a 3.8% rise in global same-store sales. In the quarter ending June 30, McDonald’s system sales increased by 6%, with revenues of .8 billion and net income rising 11% to .3 billion, or .14 per share. The Minecraft Movie promotion included a Happy Meal for children and an adult meal option featuring either a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac, along with collectible items. McDonald’s has also introduced value offerings like the McValue Menu and new menu items such as McCrispy Strips to attract customers. The MyMcDonald’s Rewards loyalty program generated billion in sales over the past year, with 0 million in the last quarter. CEO Chris Kempczinski highlighted the significance of technology investments in enhancing the customer experience.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Battlefield 6’s anti-cheat has already stopped 330,000 ‘attempts to cheat’ in the open beta, but players are still calling out wallhackers who slip through the net

The Battlefield 6 open beta has seen reports of cheaters using wall hacks, despite EA's implementation of the Javelin anti-cheat system. EA's anti-cheat team has noted that Secure Boot is not a definitive solution and requires ongoing data to adapt to new cheating methods. Players need relatively new gaming rigs to participate, and those on Linux systems are excluded. The presence of cheaters on the first day raises concerns about the effectiveness of anti-cheat measures ahead of the beta's wider release on August 9. The community hopes that the influx of players will not lead to increased cheating, aiming for a balanced gaming experience.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

3 apps that are saying ‘no’ to Microsoft’s invasive Recall tool, and how you can too

Microsoft's Recall tool is currently available only on Copilot+ PCs, and users can easily disable it. There are concerns that Recall may become an integral part of Windows, limiting user control. Signal has developed a workaround to prevent Recall from capturing data by enabling screen security, which uses Microsoft's DRM to keep its windows blank during screenshots. Brave has implemented a similar strategy by labeling every browser window as a private browsing session, preventing Recall access while allowing screenshots. AdGuard has updated its functionality to specifically target Recall, providing an additional layer of protection for users concerned about data privacy.

Tech Optimizer

August 9, 2025

No firewalls or antivirus software—this new quantum technology using magnets promises to protect your information at the subatomic level

A team from Kyoto University has developed a light source that emits single photons, enhanced in brightness by a small magnetic field, which can be used for secure quantum communications. This technology relies on the principles of quantum mechanics, making it difficult for eavesdroppers to replicate or measure the quantum states without detection. The researchers used a one-atom-thick semiconductor sheet, WSe₂, creating traps for excitons that emit photons when relaxed. Current limitations include the need for cryogenic temperatures for operation, but advancements in materials may allow for room-temperature single-photon emission. The technology has potential applications in secure communications for sensitive transactions and could evolve into compact modules for practical use. Recent studies have demonstrated successful quantum key distribution (QKD) using true single-photon sources, indicating progress in integrating quantum technology into real-world networking.

Winsage

August 9, 2025

9 Hidden Default Settings and Behaviors on Windows 11

Windows 11 has several default settings that users may not be aware of: 1. Windows Update can utilize renewable energy by scheduling installations during times of lower carbon intensity. 2. Microsoft accounts automatically back up apps and settings, but individual item restoration is not available. 3. Delivery Optimization is enabled by default, allowing updates to be downloaded from both Microsoft servers and local devices. 4. The "Find My Device" feature is automatically turned on for Microsoft account users to help locate lost or stolen computers. 5. Device Encryption (BitLocker) is enabled by default, with the decryption key stored in the user's Microsoft account. 6. System Protection is disabled by default, requiring users to enable it manually for recovery capabilities. 7. Storage Sense is enabled by default to automatically delete unnecessary files and free up disk space. 8. Hibernation is disabled by default, likely due to hardware compatibility issues. 9. The default account lockout policy allows for 10 invalid sign-in attempts before locking the account for 10 minutes.

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

I switched to this YouTube client and I’m never going back

YouTube has evolved into a platform filled with ads and a complex algorithm since its launch in the late 2000s. In response, many users have turned to NewPipe, an open-source streaming client developed in 2015, which offers a lightweight and efficient viewing experience without user data collection. NewPipe allows ad-free video playback, offline downloads, background playback, and picture-in-picture mode, while enabling users to create local playlists. However, it lacks features such as posting comments, YouTube Shorts, and algorithm-driven recommendations, which may limit content discovery. Although using NewPipe does not violate laws, it contravenes YouTube's terms of service, and while it eliminates ads, creators do not receive compensation through this platform. NewPipe is available on F-Droid and operates independently using publicly available data.