enhanced security

AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Google is planning to enhance its Play Protect service by potentially adding scanning capabilities for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and WebAPKs during installation to improve user security against malicious threats. Recent code discoveries indicate that Google intends to enable verification for PWAs, as suggested by a code snippet found in the Google Play Store version 46.9.20-31. PWAs can be installed on devices through an "Add to Home screen" option, and when done via Chrome on Android, they receive a WebAPK, which integrates them more deeply into the Android ecosystem. Code snippets hinting at WebAPK scanning have also been uncovered, indicating a response to reports of malicious use of PWAs and WebAPKs for phishing schemes. However, the implementation of these scanning features has not been officially announced, and their availability remains uncertain.
Winsage
July 7, 2025
Popular Science readers can acquire Windows 11 Pro keys for .97 until July 20 or while supplies last, a significant discount from the typical retail price of 9. Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Windows 11 Pro includes features such as BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Azure AD, Hyper-V, a revamped user interface, Windows Copilot AI assistance, Smart App Control, TPM 2.0, and DirectX 12 Ultimate. The offer provides a lifetime license with no future fees.
AppWizard
July 7, 2025
A concerning trend in mobile security shows that malicious applications and spyware are increasingly targeting Android users. Adware, particularly the Android.HiddenAds family, remains the most prevalent threat, despite a decrease in detections. The Android.MobiDash adware trojans have increased by over 11%. The Android.FakeApp malware, which disguises itself as legitimate applications, has seen a 25% decline in activity, primarily targeting Turkish and French-speaking users. The Android.Banker variant has surged by over 70%, indicating a rise in banking trojans. A large-scale crypto theft operation involved the Android.Clipper.31 trojan embedded in a modified WhatsApp version and low-cost Android firmware, which replaces cryptocurrency wallet addresses. Spyware named Android.Spy.1292.origin targets Russian military personnel through a counterfeit mapping application. Malicious applications continue to be found on Google Play, including adware disguised as cryptocurrency news apps and fake finance applications. The open nature of Android poses ongoing cybersecurity risks, even within official app stores.
AppWizard
July 6, 2025
Embark Studios announced updates for their game, The Finals, focusing on enhanced security measures against cheating through the introduction of kernel-level anti-cheat technology in the 7.3 patch. This technology aims to combat cheats that use kernel-drivers to manipulate game memory. The developers confirmed their commitment to supporting players on Steam Deck and Linux platforms, stating there are no plans to drop support for SteamOS/Proton/Wine and/or SteamDeck. They have been collaborating with CodeWeavers since Season 5 to ensure quality assurance for each release. Players are encouraged to report any issues they encounter. The interest in SteamOS and other Linux distributions is rising as Windows 10 approaches its end of life. The Finals is currently in its seventh season since its launch in 2023.
Winsage
July 6, 2025
As of July 2025, Windows 11 has a market share of 51.77%, surpassing Windows 10's 45.02%. Windows 11 was launched in October 2021 and initially captured less than 10% of installations by the end of its first year. Its market share increased to 28% in 2023 and 36% by late 2024. Factors contributing to this growth include the impending end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, hardware upgrades by users, and attractive features of Windows 11. Over 700 million devices are currently running Windows 11.
Winsage
July 2, 2025
Windows 11 provides several adjustments to enhance gaming performance, including: 1. Enable Game Mode: Prioritizes gaming processes. 2. Disable Memory Integrity: Can improve performance during gaming. 3. Disable Virtual Machine Platform: Turns off virtualization for better performance. 4. Change Power Mode: Set to "High Performance" for maximum resource allocation. 5. Enable Auto HDR: Enhances visuals for HDR-capable displays. 6. Enable Automatic Super Resolution: Upscales games using AI for better frame rates and image quality. 7. Change Game Default GPU: Set a specific GPU for individual games. 8. Install Games on Secondary Drive: Improves loading times, especially with SSDs. 9. Optimization for Windowed Games: Reduces input latency for windowed mode games. 10. Change Refresh Rate: Adjust to the highest available for smoother gameplay. 11. Disable Apps at Startup: Frees up system resources by minimizing startup applications. 12. Free Up Storage Space: Enhances system speed and gaming performance. 13. Install System Updates: Resolves performance issues and improves compatibility. 14. Update Graphic Drivers: Ensures optimal performance in games. 15. Debloat Setup: Uninstall unnecessary applications to free up resources. 16. Enable GPU Scheduling: Reduces latency by offloading tasks from the CPU. 17. Use DirectStorage: Allows faster asset loading from NVMe SSDs. 18. Enable Variable Refresh Rate: Synchronizes refresh rate with frame rate to reduce screen tearing. 19. Change Settings in Games: Adjust in-game settings for optimal performance. 20. Reset Your Computer: Restores system to optimal performance if issues persist.
Winsage
July 2, 2025
Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 10 in October 2025. StackSocial is offering Windows 11 Pro for a low cost, significantly less than its standard retail price of 9. This promotion also applies to Windows 11 Home. Windows 11 Pro includes features like BitLocker device encryption, Azure-AD integration, and Hyper-V for virtualization. Users must ensure their devices meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, and the download code must be redeemed within 30 days of purchase. The offer represents a saving of 9.
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2025
NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro feature has successfully blocked 90% of phishing websites in independent testing by AV-Comparatives, making it the only VPN with certified phishing protection. This feature has been recognized for two consecutive years for its effectiveness in detecting phishing attempts, surpassing the 85% threshold required for certification. Threat Protection Pro is available to subscribers of NordVPN Plus, Complete, and Ultra plans, while Basic tier users only have access to a DNS filter. NordVPN has also ranked third among 35 competitors for avoiding online shopping scams in 2024 and achieved a 99.8% malware protection rate according to testing by West Coast Labs.
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