downloads Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

Real-World Threats Demand Real Results

AV-Comparatives conducted its Real-World Protection Test from February to May 2026, assessing 20 consumer security products against real-world internet threats. Seven products received the ADVANCED+ award for their reliable protection capabilities. The complete test report is available for free at av-comparatives.org. The tested products included well-known names such as Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, Microsoft, Norton, and TotalAV. The test methodology involved evaluating the products against a curated set of threats and assessing false-positive rates.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 Search will find your apps, not Bing results, even if you make typos

Microsoft has released the Insider Experimental Preview Build 26300.8687 for Windows 11 on June 12, 2026, which improves the Windows Search functionality. The update allows the search tool to accurately locate applications even with misspellings, omitted letters, or partial words. For example, typing “utlook” will yield Outlook as a result. Enhancements in the ranking of settings search results ensure that the most relevant options appear at the top. The update also improves local file search, allowing users to find files like “Severance-S2E5” more effectively. A new feature is being tested that will let users turn off web results in Windows Search, focusing exclusively on local content. Currently, disabling Bing results requires navigating through the Windows Registry, but a toggle in the Settings menu is being introduced for easier access. The June 2026 update has already implemented search enhancements, including returning file results after just two characters and a feature called Search by Substring, which allows users to find files using any segment of a filename.

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2026

Pokémon Champions Available Now on iOS and Android Devices

The Pokémon Company International has released Pokémon Champions for mobile devices, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. Players can participate in a special in-game campaign featuring Raichu until September 2, 2026, to receive Raichu and Mega Stones. The game is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all players, with free downloads and cross-play compatibility.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Android 17 brings enhanced parental controls with screen time and app management tools

Google has launched an enhancement to its Android Parental Controls with the introduction of Android 17, featuring tools for parents to manage children's screen time, app access, content restrictions, and digital wellbeing. Initially available on Pixel devices, it will roll out to all Android smartphones and tablets receiving the Android 17 update. Key features include the ability to set daily screen time limits, create downtime schedules, apply content filters, limit app usage, and block apps. The integration with Google Family Link allows for additional supervision tools such as School Time Mode, purchase approvals, location tracking, and device activity monitoring. Google has also increased its U.S. Digital Wellbeing Fund to support research and programs aimed at promoting healthy technology usage among children and teenagers. The new parental controls will be accessible through Android Settings on devices updated to Android 17.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

New Rokarolla Android Trojan Targets 217 Banking and Crypto Apps

Zimperium’s zLabs researchers have analyzed a newly identified Android banking trojan named Rokarolla, which targets 217 distinct banking and cryptocurrency applications. It is distributed through malicious websites that impersonate popular platforms like TikTok and Google Chrome, with one identified distribution point being hxxps://infocontablidades[.]it[.]com/. The malware uses a dropper disguised as Google Play Protect to install a second-stage payload and gain Accessibility Services access, allowing it to simulate user interactions and manipulate on-screen elements. Rokarolla downloads counterfeit HTML login pages for targeted applications and overlays them to capture user credentials, including sensitive card information. It can also deploy a fraudulent PIN entry screen, read and send SMS messages, intercept one-time codes from banks, and block incoming calls. The malware rewrites the clipboard, operates a keylogger and screen content logger, and scrapes WhatsApp contact data. It captures screenshots without alerting users and has a resilient command-and-control infrastructure with multiple fallback domains. No product flaws are exploited, and defenses against it include installing apps only from Google Play and being cautious with Accessibility Services. Zimperium’s Mobile Threat Defense and zDefend products can detect Rokarolla, and a list of indicators of compromise is available on their GitHub repository.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Google brings parental controls to all Android devices

Google has rolled out an update for Android users, making parental controls accessible across all devices running Android 17. These controls allow parents to manage screen time by setting limits, establishing downtime schedules, and filtering content for Google Play downloads. Parents can also block specific applications and impose time restrictions, with changes requiring a PIN for authorization. The parental controls integrate with Google Family Link for better management of children's accounts. Additionally, Google is expanding its digital well-being fund to promote healthy technology interactions and address social isolation.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

New Rokarolla Android malware targets 217 banking, crypto apps

A new Android banking trojan named Rokarolla targets 217 banking and cryptocurrency applications and features 137 commands for malicious activities. It is distributed via deceptive websites posing as legitimate application sources and impersonates Google Play Protect to lure users into installing infected apps. Once installed, it seeks Accessibility service permissions and access to notifications, SMS, and calls. Rokarolla communicates with a command-and-control server, sending device profiles to generate unique identifiers for victims. Its primary goal is to steal financial information by using deceptive login overlays to capture sensitive data and maintain control over the device. The malware employs evasion tactics such as disabling Google Play Protect, hiding its icon, silencing notifications, and keeping the screen awake. It can steal SMS messages, extract contacts, capture keystrokes, record screen content, manipulate clipboard contents, block calls, and take screenshots. Zimperium confirms that Rokarolla is not found on Google Play, and users are advised to avoid downloading APK files from untrusted sources and to be cautious with Accessibility permissions.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

New Rokarolla Android Malware Steals PINs, SMS Codes, and Crypto Wallet Funds

Security researchers at Zimperium's zLabs have identified a new Android banking trojan named Rokarolla, which can target 217 banking and cryptocurrency applications and execute 137 remote commands. The malware spreads through deceptive websites that impersonate popular apps, installing a dropper that mimics Google Play Protect to gain Accessibility access. It uses overlay techniques to capture sensitive information by displaying counterfeit login pages and can intercept SMS messages, including one-time codes from banks. Rokarolla also features a keylogger, screen logger, and can rewrite clipboard contents to divert cryptocurrency payments. It employs advanced methods for discreet data capture and has multiple fallback command-and-control domains, making it resilient against takedowns. There is no patch available for this malware, and users are advised to install apps only from Google Play and remain cautious of unexpected Accessibility requests. Zimperium's products can detect this malware, and indicators of compromise are available on their GitHub repository.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

China-Linked SprySOCKS Backdoor Expands to Windows with Driver-Based Stealth

Cybersecurity researchers have identified two new Windows variants of the SprySOCKS backdoor, named WINDRV and WINPLUS, which were previously thought to be exclusive to Linux systems. Both variants feature hard-coded command-and-control configurations and can communicate via TCP, UDP, and WebSocket protocols. They support over 30 commands for operations such as system information collection and file management. WINDRV employs kernel drivers for stealth, obscuring network connections and allowing TCP traffic diversion. SprySOCKS was first documented by Trend Micro in September 2023, linked to the Chinese state-sponsored threat actor Earth Lusca, also known as FishMonger. The Windows variants belong to version 1.8 of SprySOCKS and utilize a kernel driver named RawWNPF for enhanced stealth. The attack chain begins with an initial access method that drops a batch script, leading to the installation of the backdoor. Evidence suggests these variants may have been used in attacks against government organizations in Honduras, Taiwan, Thailand, and Pakistan between 2023 and 2024. The WINPLUS variant was first detected in July 2024 in Pakistan. There are indications of a potential UEFI bootkit involvement exploiting CVE-2023-24932, a vulnerability in the Windows Boot Manager.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Start

The Start interface in Windows 11 is a centered floating window that can be accessed by clicking the Start button or using keyboard shortcuts like WINKEY or Ctrl + Esc. Key features include a Search box for initiating searches, a customizable Pinned section for frequently used apps, a Recommended area for recently accessed items, and an All section displaying all installed apps. Users can manage their account through the Account manager, access power options for Lock, Sleep, Shutdown, and Restart, and connect mobile devices via the Phone Link app. Customization options for the Start interface include moving the Start and Taskbar icons to the left, configuring Windows Search settings, and customizing the Pinned and Recommended sections. Users can pin, unpin, and rearrange app shortcuts in the Pinned section, adjust what appears in the Recommended section, and choose between different layout views in the All section. The Account manager allows limited customization of notifications, and users can add folders and mobile device slices to Start. The Quick link menu provides access to legacy management interfaces and can be accessed by right-clicking the Start button or using WINKEY + X.