fraud protection Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 1, 2025

Best Alternative to Kaspersky Antivirus of 2025

Bitdefender is a recommended alternative to Kaspersky for antivirus software, offering features such as ransomware protection, exploit protection, SafePay, a VPN (with limited traffic on the entry-level plan), and a password manager. It has a customizable user interface, performs slightly better in malware protection, executes faster scans with lower resource usage, and includes a global website reputation database. Bitdefender provides superior firewall protection and higher-tier plans that feature dark web monitoring, data breach detection, and identity theft insurance. It offers four pricing plans ranging from .99 to .99, covering one account and up to five devices. Customer support includes live chat, email, phone assistance, a community forum, and an extensive knowledge base, which are more comprehensive than Kaspersky's options. Overall, Bitdefender is positioned as a strong choice for users transitioning from Kaspersky, particularly in terms of privacy and security features.

AppWizard

July 8, 2025

Qwizzserial Android Malware Poses as Legit Apps to Steal Banking Info and Bypass 2FA via SMS Interception

A newly identified Android malware family, Qwizzserial, has emerged as a significant threat in Uzbekistan, disguising itself as legitimate financial and government applications. It spreads primarily through Telegram, using deceptive channels to impersonate authorities and financial institutions, luring victims with offers of financial assistance. Upon installation, Qwizzserial requests permissions related to SMS and phone state, prompting users to input sensitive information such as phone numbers and bank card details, which it exfiltrates via the Telegram Bot API or HTTP POST requests. The malware intercepts incoming SMS messages, including one-time passwords (OTPs) for two-factor authentication, and can extract financial information from messages. Analysts from Group-IB have tracked around 100,000 infections linked to Qwizzserial, with confirmed financial losses exceeding ,000,000 within three months. The malware's infection pattern follows a Pareto distribution, with a small subset of samples causing the majority of infections, particularly those impersonating financial institutions. Security solutions have developed detection rules for Qwizzserial, and organizations are encouraged to implement user education and monitoring to mitigate risks. End-users are advised against installing applications from untrusted sources and to scrutinize app permissions. Indicators of Compromise (IOC) include specific C2 domains and file hashes for both example and latest samples of Qwizzserial.

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Qwizzserial Android Malware Masquerades as Legit Apps to Steal Banking Data and Intercept 2FA SMS

A new Android malware family named Qwizzserial has emerged, primarily affecting users in Uzbekistan. Identified by Group-IB in March 2024, it functions as an SMS stealer that intercepts two-factor authentication codes and banking information. The malware disguises itself as legitimate applications and spreads through deceptive messages on Telegram, leading to approximately 100,000 infections from around 1,200 samples. Qwizzserial employs social engineering tactics, such as enticing file names and fake Telegram channels, to lure victims. Once installed, it requests permissions for phone calls and SMS access to exfiltrate sensitive data using Telegram bots. Advanced variants utilize obfuscation tools and may request users to disable battery optimization. The financial impact is significant, with one group reportedly generating around 0,000 between mid-March and mid-June 2025. The malware targets banking notifications and large transactions, exploiting the local banking sector's reliance on SMS authentication. Group-IB has developed detection methods to combat this threat.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Google talks smarter security against fraud and theft in The Android Show

Google has announced updates to enhance security and privacy for Android users, including: - Enhanced scam protection for calls and text messages. - Updated Factory Reset protections limiting phone functionality if reset without owner consent. - Upgraded Live Threat Detection in Google Play Services to identify malicious applications. - Introduction of the Key Verifier feature for verifying identities in conversations using public encryption keys, launching this summer for Android 10 and higher. - Expansion of the Identity Check feature to more devices with the upcoming Android 16 release. - Concealment of one-time passwords on the lock screen in Android 16. - Extension of the Advanced Protection program to a broader audience. - Rollout of live threat detection capabilities in Google Play Protect for Pixel 6 and newer devices and other smartphones. - Announcement of Google I/O 2025 scheduled for May 20 at 10 am PT (1 pm ET).

Tech Optimizer

May 2, 2025

McAfee+ Premium antivirus review

McAfee+ Premium offers comprehensive antivirus protection without device restrictions under a single account. It includes features such as an unrestricted VPN, True Key password manager, file shredder, and cleanup tools. The pricing is higher compared to some competitors, with an Essential subscription available for .99 annually, covering five devices. The Advanced package costs .99 and includes fraud protection and a credit bureau scan, while the Ultimate package is .99 and offers three credit bureau scans. Ransomware protection is included only in the Advanced and Ultimate packages. Performance tests show a malware detection accuracy of 99.96%, although it has a higher number of false positives compared to Bitdefender. The interface is user-friendly, and customer support is available 24/7 via chat, but email support is not offered.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Google to Ramp Up Android Security With These New Features for Developers

Google has launched initiatives to enhance the security of its Play Store, focusing on reducing malicious and fraudulent applications. Key measures include upgrading the Play Integrity API to protect users from harmful apps and assist developers in addressing modified applications. Google Play Protect's threat detection will expand to target apps impersonating financial services, with Enhanced Financial Fraud Protection being rolled out to more markets. The app submission process will be streamlined with additional pre-review checks, and developers will receive notifications about policy compliance. Google has introduced "Government" and "Verified" badges for specific app categories and plans to expand this system. Over the past year, Google blocked 2.36 million apps violating Play Store policies and identified significantly more Android malware from third-party sources compared to those on the Play Store.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

Google bolsters Android security for app developers and users

Google has announced a suite of improvements to enhance security within the Android ecosystem and the Google Play Store. Key advancements include: - Enhanced tools to protect businesses from scams and fraud. - Pre-review checks to identify policy and compatibility issues early in app development. - Transparent information on Google Play to build consumer trust. - Strengthened threat-detection capabilities using AI to combat malicious activities. Developers will receive earlier notifications about relevant policies within Android Studio, and the policy experience has been revamped for clearer updates and more time for changes. The Google Play Developer Help Community is expanding to facilitate knowledge sharing among developers. The Play Integrity API is being utilized for over 500 million daily checks to prevent fraud and abuse, with apps using these features seeing an 80% reduction in usage from unverified sources. Improvements for devices running Android 13 include enhanced security signals and automatic updates for developers. New badges for app categories, including a "Verified" badge for VPN apps, are being introduced to validate secure applications. Google is also focusing on creating a safe online experience for children and developing tools like the Credential Manager API for Digital IDs. Last year, investments in security measures prevented 2.36 million policy-violating apps from being published. Google Play Protect is evolving to counter new threats, and the company is collaborating with industry leaders to establish security standards through the App Defense Alliance.

Tech Optimizer

March 14, 2025

Best Antivirus for Mac for 2025

Bitdefender Ultimate Security for MacOS achieved a 100% detection rate for threats in AV-Test conducted in December 2024. It operates with minimal resource consumption, with slight slowdowns during software installations similar to other third-party antivirus tools. The software protects against malware, including ransomware and phishing attacks, and includes AI-powered anti-scam features. The Ultimate Security package offers tools beyond MacOS's built-in XProtect, including a VPN, adblocker with anti-tracking, and a password manager. It provides identity protection by monitoring data leaks and alerts users if their information appears on the Dark Web, covering up to five devices across MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. Higher-tier packages for US residents offer identity theft and financial fraud protection, with coverage up to million. The pricing starts at .99 for the first year, renewing at .99 annually, with mid-tier and highest-tier plans priced at .99 and .99 for the first year, respectively, offering additional identity theft coverage and credit monitoring services.

AppWizard

March 9, 2025

Google Confirms Play Store App Deletion—Check Your Phone Now

A report has revealed an extensive ad fraud scheme called "Vapor," which has infiltrated the Google Play Store with over 180 malicious applications that garnered more than 56 million downloads before being removed by Google. These apps, which mimic legitimate applications, primarily target categories like flashlight utilities, QR code readers, and horoscope generators. They initially appear functional but later remove legitimate features in updates, replacing them with intrusive advertisements that hijack the device's interface. Some vapor apps achieved over one million downloads, aided by app install schemes that inflated their rankings. Google has committed to removing violating apps and provides Google Play Protect to safeguard users. Users are advised to be cautious and avoid installing low-value applications to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google Has Pulled Nearly 200 Apps Due to Extensive Android Ad Fraud Scheme

Google has removed over 180 applications from its Play Store due to a scheme exploiting Android apps for ad fraud, as revealed by Integral Ad Science (IAS). The investigation, initiated in late 2024, identified unusual app behavior and traffic patterns. The operation, named Vapor Threat, involved fraudsters creating shell applications that appeared as legitimate health and fitness tools but were designed solely to generate ad revenue through full-screen video advertisements. IAS emphasized the need for vigilance in the advertising ecosystem and highlighted the ongoing challenges of ad fraud, urging advertisers to adopt robust anti-fraud strategies.