fraud prevention Archives

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 5, 2025

New Android malware threat can wipe your bank account

A new malware called Albiriox has emerged, posing significant risks to Android users by allowing remote control of devices and the ability to drain bank accounts without passwords. Albiriox is often hidden within counterfeit Google Play Store pages for financial applications on external sites. Users who download these apps may unknowingly install the malware, which activates the "install unknown apps" permission, enabling further harmful software installation. Once active, Albiriox can mimic user actions to access sensitive information and finances. Users are advised to avoid downloading financial applications from unofficial sources and to remain cautious even with apps from the official Play Store, as some malicious apps have been reported to record user data.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Google eases U.S. Android app billing and distribution rules

Google is implementing changes to Android app distribution and billing in the U.S. following a federal court injunction related to the Epic Games antitrust case. This allows Android users to see links within apps directing them to external websites, alternative app stores, or merchant purchase pages, enabling various payment methods beyond Google Play Billing, such as credit cards, PayPal, and direct merchant checkouts. Developers can now promote their own stores and route transactions through any payment processor, potentially offering lower prices or promotional offers. This policy shift applies only to U.S. app users, with existing policies remaining in place for other regions. Historically, Play Store fees were as high as 30%, but the new ability to transact outside the Play Store may lead to cost savings for consumers and increased investment in user acquisition and content development by companies. Developers are expected to experiment with pricing strategies, including web-only introductory rates and loyalty discounts. Google must now compete for developer loyalty based on service quality rather than just platform policies. User trust and safety remain priorities for Google, which will continue to enforce measures to deter scams and harmful applications. Developers will need to implement secure transaction flows and recognizable domains to maintain user confidence. Key questions for the future of the U.S. Android app ecosystem include whether consumer prices will decrease, if major brands will adopt external checkout strategies, and how Google will enhance discovery and compliance tools for developers.

BetaBeacon

October 29, 2025

Xsolla Enables U.S. Google Play Game Developers to Add External Purchase Links Inside Their Games

Xsolla has announced its ability to facilitate external purchases for Android developers in the United States following Google's recent policy updates.

TrendTechie

August 16, 2025

Labubu-охота на криптопользователей, опасные торренты с фильмами и другие события кибербезопасности

- A user lost 140 ETH (approximately ,500) on August 15 due to crypto address "poisoning," resulting in a total loss of over .6 million from similar incidents within a week. - Labubu fans in Russia fell victim to a cryptocurrency theft scheme involving a counterfeit marketplace that prompted users to connect their crypto wallets. - The Efimer Trojan malware, distributed through compromised WordPress sites and torrents, has been identified as a method for stealing cryptocurrency by replacing wallet addresses in the clipboard. - Pro-Russian hackers gained control of a dam in Norway, opening discharge valves and allowing over 7.2 million liters of water to pass through before being stopped. - A cybersecurity researcher discovered a vulnerability in a car dealer's online portal that allowed remote access to customer data and vehicle control. - Tajikistan reportedly lost over million due to illegal mining activities. - BtcTurk suspended withdrawals amid suspicious transactions totaling million. - Hackers extracted million in Bitcoin from the Odin.fun platform, and KYC data leaks have led to increased attacks on crypto investors.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

Urgent money requests on messaging apps? Stay alart!

Ensuring safety in the digital realm involves protecting one's entire online presence, especially from breaches of smartphone applications like social media and messaging platforms. Such breaches can lead to fraudulent activities, where scammers impersonate individuals to request money from their contacts. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of urgent financial requests received through messaging apps before taking action. Individuals should exercise caution when sharing personal information online, particularly in messaging groups where information can spread quickly. A real-life example involves a university student whose messaging app was compromised, leading to fraudulent money requests sent to his contacts. To stay safe, individuals should verify requests through different channels, be wary of unusual payment methods, scrutinize messages for odd language, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share personal or banking details. They should also be aware that requests may originate from compromised accounts and report suspicious messages to the app and authorities. Maintaining awareness and skepticism is essential to avoid falling victim to fraud.

AppWizard

February 2, 2025

Google Blocks Over 2 Million Risky Apps to Boost Android Security

In 2024, Google blocked 2.36 million potentially dangerous Android apps from the Play Store, including those that breached policies or were flagged as malicious through AI-assisted reviews. New security features included improved biometric authentication and passkeys. AI-driven threat detection technology automated 92% of human assessments, enhancing the identification of malicious apps. Google expanded its Play SDK database with 80 new reliable SDKs and prevented 1.3 million apps from accessing sensitive user information. The Play Protect system detected over 13 million new malicious apps from outside the Play Store. Google expanded its untrusted APK installation blocking system to Brazil, India, Nigeria, and South Africa. Recommendations for users included installing apps from trusted sources and regularly reviewing app permissions.

AppWizard

December 24, 2024

Russian authorities reportedly weigh blocking messaging app calls

Russia's Digital Development Ministry and the federal censorship agency Roskomnadzor are considering changes to the regulation of voice calls through messaging apps to address rising fraud. They are evaluating a potential ban on such calls or restrictions on those originating from abroad, as around 40% of calls through these platforms are fraudulent, with 70% traced to foreign numbers. Telecom operators have expressed concerns about their inability to block these calls independently and are seeking collaboration with Roskomnadzor and messaging app developers. Roskomnadzor has the technological means to block calls if apps violate Russian law, but the Digital Development Ministry is not currently drafting regulations to restrict voice traffic on messaging apps and remains open to industry proposals.