deletion Archives

Tech Optimizer

January 18, 2026

The best malware removal software of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Cybercriminals use various tactics to infiltrate devices and accounts, spreading malware that can affect PCs, mobile devices, and smart home products. Signs of infection may include increased power consumption, unwanted pop-ups, and sluggish performance, while some malware operates stealthily. Default operating system protections are improving, and users can take proactive measures like installing malware removal applications. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is recommended for its real-time and on-demand scanning capabilities, effective malware detection, and cost-effective plans starting at a certain price per year. It includes features such as anti-phishing, anti-tracking, and a VPN, although the VPN has a daily traffic limit. Malwarebytes is another strong option, effective against various threats and offering a user-friendly interface, with paid plans starting at a certain price per year. Avast One Essential provides a free antivirus solution with strong scanning capabilities and additional security features, while ESET offers high-quality antivirus scans but lacks a fully free version beyond a trial. Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a portable scanning tool that operates from a USB drive and is free for personal use. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus features include: - On-access and on-demand scanning - Live customer support - Anti-phishing and anti-tracking features - VPN - Scam protection - Ransomware combat capabilities Malwarebytes features include: - On-access, scheduled, and on-demand scanning - Browser Guard extension - VPN - Multi-platform compatibility - Free or paid options - Scam and ad blocker Avast One Essential features include: - On-access, scheduled, and on-demand scanning - Multi-platform compatibility - Free or paid options - Strong antivirus scores - Anti-scam guidance - Ransomware protection - Cleanup options ESET Home Security Essential features include: - On-access and on-demand scanning - Real-time protection for financial transactions - Advanced security features - Multi-platform compatibility - Anti-phishing capabilities - Live customer support Emsisoft Emergency Kit features include: - On-demand scanning - Portable operation from a USB - Compatible with Windows - Free for personal use

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Promising Bully mod, which mirrored GTA Online multiplayer, gets axed just one month after launching

Bully, a cult classic from Rockstar Games, remains popular two decades after its release. A group of modders, led by YouTuber Swegta, attempted to create a multiplayer version called Bully Online, featuring various minigames. However, the project was shut down, with an announcement stating that the Bully Online project is shutting down forever, leading to the closure of its server and removal of all associated data. The reasons for the shutdown are unclear, but monetization efforts may have raised legal concerns. Despite this, Bully's legacy endures, and there is hope for a sequel, Bully 2, in the future.

AppWizard

January 14, 2026

How to delete your OpenAI account in the Android app: Step-by-step guide to permanently remove data, manage subscriptions, and protect your privacy | – The Times of India

OpenAI accounts provide access to the ChatGPT API and related services. Users can delete their accounts through the ChatGPT Android App, but this action is irreversible, meaning all data will be permanently removed and the email address cannot be reused for new accounts. Account deletion ensures the removal of personal information, chat logs, and API usage records, although some data may be retained for legal reasons. The deletion process involves several steps: accessing the app menu, navigating to settings, going to data controls, and confirming the deletion. Users must cancel any active subscriptions separately, as account deletion does not automatically terminate them. After deletion, users will lose access to all OpenAI services, and their account information will be erased within 30 days, except for legally required data retention. Best practices before deletion include backing up important data, canceling subscriptions, and reviewing linked services.

AppWizard

January 1, 2026

Vietnam’s dominant messaging app faces regulatory scrutiny over data policy update

Vietnam’s National Competition Commission (NCC) has ordered VNG Corporation to revise its updated service terms for the Zalo messaging app due to user privacy concerns. The NCC emphasized that users should not be forced to consent to personal data collection as a condition for using the app and that consent mechanisms need to be voluntary and clear. The updated terms require users to accept all data management provisions or face account deletion within 45 days, which has led to significant user complaints and a decline in app ratings. Zalo's average rating on Apple’s App Store has fallen to around two out of five stars, and it has slipped to 59th place in download rankings, while international apps like WhatsApp and Viber have become more popular. Zalo has around 78 million active users and operates over 17,000 official accounts used by government and businesses. The NCC intends to meet with VNG to discuss the updated policy, as part of a wider regulatory trend against coercive data practices in digital firms globally.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

How to Retrieve Deleted Messages from Messenger: A Parent’s Step-by-Step Guide

Children are increasingly using messaging applications like Messenger for communication, leading to parental concerns over disappearing messages. Parents may want to retrieve deleted messages for reasons such as accidental deletion, bullying, or inappropriate conversations. Deleted Messenger messages may not be permanently erased immediately, and recovery is possible under certain conditions. Methods for recovering deleted messages include checking archived conversations, downloading Messenger account data, checking linked devices, and using Messenger tracking apps for parental monitoring. Parents should engage in open communication with their children about safety and establish digital guidelines to foster trust. To prevent message loss in the future, parents can educate children about archiving versus deleting messages, encourage responsible message management, and promote openness regarding online interactions.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Users confused by sudden terms of use update at Vietnam’s most popular messaging app Zalo

Thanh Hung, a sales employee in Ho Chi Minh City, was prompted to accept new terms of service on Zalo, a messaging platform, under the threat of account deletion. He accepted without reading the details due to urgency. Thanh Tuan from Hanoi also faced a similar situation, expressing concern over potential hidden clauses and opting to decline the new terms, risking account deletion in 45 days. Zalo, with over 80 million users, updated its terms on December 26, introducing a comprehensive user agreement and a separate agreement for its social network. Users can either accept all terms or decline specific services. The sudden notification has led to discussions among users, with some feeling pressured to agree. The update is seen as a response to the upcoming Law on Protection of Personal Data, which imposes penalties for violations. Key changes in the terms include a distinction between the messaging platform and the social network, a definition of "user content," and the introduction of Zalo ID for enhanced security. Zalo states that data collection serves its business operations.

Tech Optimizer

December 30, 2025

How to Run an iPhone Malware Scan: Find and Remove Viruses

iPhones do not support traditional antivirus applications due to iOS's app sandboxing feature, which limits apps' access to system-level data. Users can identify potential malware by monitoring for unusual behaviors, such as overheating, fast battery drain, unexpected data usage spikes, unwanted Safari pop-ups, unfamiliar apps, repeated login prompts, and strange messages sent from their accounts. To investigate for malware, users should check device performance, review storage and data usage, monitor battery usage, and look for jailbreak indicators. If malware is suspected, users can take steps such as updating iOS and apps, restarting the device, deleting suspicious apps, clearing Safari data, removing unknown profiles, resetting network settings, restoring from a clean backup, or performing a factory reset as a last resort. iOS includes built-in protections against malware, such as App Store reviews, sandboxing, code signing, and regular security updates. However, iPhones are not completely immune to threats, and jailbreaking increases vulnerability. To protect against malware, users should keep iOS and apps updated, use strong passcodes, avoid jailbreaking, be cautious with links and attachments, use secure browsers, and consider using a VPN on public Wi-Fi. CyberGhost VPN can provide additional security on unsecured networks by encrypting internet traffic. While iPhones do not have built-in malware scanners, they incorporate various protections to prevent malware from reaching the device. Signs of potential malware include overheating, rapid battery drain, unexpected data usage spikes, and unusual app behavior. Malicious apps can occasionally bypass App Store scrutiny, and users should take immediate action if they suspect an infection. Generally, iPhones are considered more secure than Android devices due to stricter app controls.

AppWizard

December 25, 2025

Here’s the latest on Google’s work to enhance Android backups

Google is refining its backup functionalities for Android users, focusing on the downloads folder and per-app backup settings. Users will soon be able to back up files from their downloads folder, but edits made to these files will not sync with the backup on Google Drive. Additionally, a new notification will inform users that disabling backups for a specific app will result in the deletion of its backup copy. The interface for managing app backups is also being updated to differentiate between user applications and system processes. These features are currently in beta and not yet publicly available.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Android Automotive will let you PIN-lock apps to keep them private from passengers

Google is introducing a native App Lock feature for its Android Automotive operating system, allowing users to secure specific applications with a unique PIN, separate from the primary profile lock. This feature, called sensitive app protection, addresses privacy concerns in shared vehicle environments by enabling users to lock third-party apps like Chrome or WhatsApp. The App Lock feature will be accessible under Settings > Privacy and requires users to create a 4-to-16-digit PIN. If forgotten, the PIN can be reset by signing into the associated Google Account, potentially requiring the deletion of locked apps or their data. Essential system tools will remain accessible, and the feature's implementation will depend on individual automakers. Google is also developing a similar App Lock for Android phones, set to be released as a public API in the upcoming Android 17 update.

Winsage

December 18, 2025

China-Aligned Threat Group Uses Windows Group Policy to Deploy Espionage Malware

A newly identified cyber threat cluster called LongNosedGoblin has been linked to cyber espionage attacks targeting governmental entities in Southeast Asia and Japan, with activities traced back to at least September 2023. The group uses Group Policy to spread malware and employs cloud services like Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive for command and control. Key tools include NosyHistorian, NosyDoor, NosyStealer, NosyDownloader, and NosyLogger, which perform functions such as collecting browser history, executing commands, and logging keystrokes. ESET first detected LongNosedGoblin's activities in February 2024, identifying malware on a governmental system. The attacks showed a targeted approach, with specific tools affecting select victims. Additionally, a variant of NosyDoor was found targeting an organization in an EU country, indicating a possible connection to other China-aligned threat groups.