digital footprint

TrendTechie
March 12, 2025
When a user downloads or shares a file via torrent, their IP address becomes visible to other participants in the network. The service IKnowWhatYouDownload aggregates this information, allowing users to search by IP address to uncover a list of torrents downloaded or shared from that specific address, along with corresponding dates and times of activity. This service can be used for legal matters, network monitoring, targeted advertising, and RedTeam operations. For example, Yandex Cloud provides a list of public addresses, and a specific IP address (84.252.128.118) was identified as having utilized torrents, allowing for the collection of related statistics on its torrent activity.
Tech Optimizer
March 12, 2025
Infostealer malware has become a major cybersecurity threat, with around 25 million users targeted between early 2023 and the end of 2024. These malware variants capture sensitive information, including bank card details and passwords, with nearly 26 million devices affected during this period, resulting in over 2 million unique bank card details leaked. One in every 14 infections compromised bank card data, passwords, and second-factor authentication cookies. In 2024, infections increased significantly, with RisePro's share rising from 1.4% to 22.45% and Stealc from 2.65% to 13.33%. Redline remained the most prevalent infostealer, responsible for 34.36% of infections. By August 2024, an estimated 15.9 million devices had been affected in 2023, increasing to 16.49 million by March 2025. Over 9 million infections were tracked in 2024, with final counts expected to exceed those of 2023. To protect sensitive information, it is recommended to invest in robust antivirus software, use virtual cards for online transactions, set up transaction alerts and spending limits, avoid storing card details in browsers, use strong and unique passwords, and consider personal data removal services.
Tech Optimizer
February 20, 2025
Malwarebytes version 5.xx is a high-performance anti-malware application designed to eliminate sophisticated malware and spyware threats. It employs a combination of proactive and signature-less technologies for enhanced malware prevention, with over 50% of users choosing it as their sole security solution. Key features include a unified user experience across desktop and mobile, modern security and privacy integrations with antivirus and VPN, and the Trusted Advisor feature for real-time insights and protection scores. The latest release, version 5.2.7.167, includes a new component package, usability improvements in localization support, and fixes for various issues. The update is available for download at 408.0 MB, with both free and paid options.
Tech Optimizer
February 19, 2025
Amazon is offering a bundle that includes Intuit TurboTax 2024 Deluxe Federal + State and a 15-month subscription to McAfee Total Protection for three devices at a 63% discount. The bundle costs .99, providing savings of off the regular price. TurboTax 2024 Deluxe allows for five federal e-files and one state return, guiding users through over 375 deductions and credits, and includes an Audit Risk Meter. It can import prior year data and essential forms. McAfee Total Protection 2025 features antivirus protection, secure VPN, password manager, and identity monitoring. Both applications are compatible with PC and Mac, with TurboTax requiring MacOS 13 or later.
Tech Optimizer
February 5, 2025
Surfshark One is a comprehensive online privacy solution for Mac users that includes a VPN, antivirus protection, and a leak notification tool. It has been recognized as the top VPN for iPhone in 2025 by AppleInsider. The service offers a 24-month prepayment option at a cost of .69 per month, with an additional three months free, totaling for 27 months. Surfshark VPN provides privacy protection across unlimited devices, includes features like CleanWeb, cookie pop-up blocker, customizable browsing controls, Kill Switch, and Dynamic MultiHop for enhanced encryption. Surfshark Antivirus offers scheduled scans, webcam protection, and regular updates every three hours. Surfshark Search is a private search engine with zero logs, no ads, and no tracking. Surfshark Alert monitors personal data for breaches and provides notifications. The Alternative ID feature generates fake identities for online use to protect users' real information. The entire Surfshark One bundle is available for when prepaid for 24 months.
Winsage
December 14, 2024
Luigi Mangione, 26, was charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after evading authorities. He was found with counterfeit identification and a 3D-printed firearm. The U.S. government indicted 14 North Korean nationals for fraudulent IT operations aimed at funding the country's nuclear ambitions, generating an estimated million while stealing sensitive information. Microsoft’s AI Recall Tool faced privacy concerns after capturing sensitive data, prompting the company to postpone its launch and enhance security measures. Cleo file-sharing software warned customers about a vulnerability exploited by cybercriminals using malware named Malichus. The U.S. government imposed sanctions on Chinese hackers accused of hijacking thousands of firewalls, targeting critical infrastructure, and offered a million bounty for information leading to their apprehension.
AppWizard
December 12, 2024
Microsoft is enhancing its Xbox PC app by adding nearly 400 new games to strengthen its position in the gaming market. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard highlights its commitment to expanding its digital presence. Xbox's content curation manager, Chris Charla, mentioned that the initiative aims to bring all PC games with Xbox features into the Xbox app, with popular titles like Shovel Knight Treasure Trove included. Over 100 of the new titles will support the Xbox Play Anywhere feature, allowing players to enjoy games across both Xbox console and PC. Plans to introduce Android games and microtransactions to the Xbox app have been delayed due to recent court rulings, but Microsoft continues to focus on expanding its offerings.
Winsage
October 7, 2024
Windows tracks user behavior through Most Recently Used (MRU) lists, which include recently opened documents, launched programs, and frequently accessed folders. To delete recently opened files and folders, press Win-R, type "recent," and hit OK to access the list in Windows Explorer. Users can delete these entries without affecting the original files. To stop Windows from saving the list, Windows 11 users can adjust settings in Explorer by clicking on the three dots, selecting Options, and unchecking "Show recently used files" and "Show frequently used folders." Windows 10 users can find these options in the View menu. Deleting entries under Recent does not remove all MRU lists; to clear lists in the Windows 11 Start menu, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Activity history and delete the activity history, then uncheck "Save my activity history on this device." Additionally, toggle off "Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer" under Personalization > Start settings.
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