Group chats Archives

AppWizard

April 13, 2026

X’s standalone messaging app XChat to launch on April 17

X’s messaging app, XChat, will launch on April 17 and allows users to send direct messages (DMs) to anyone on the X platform. It is currently available for pre-order on the App Store and is designed for seamless communication across devices. XChat features include end-to-end encryption, message editing, the ability to delete messages, screenshot blocking, disappearing messages, and support for large group chats with up to 481 members. The app prioritizes user privacy by not displaying ads or tracking user data.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

X’s messaging app, XChat, may be available soon

XChat is now available for pre-order on the App Store and will be officially released on April 17. The app is designed for users of the X platform and features end-to-end encryption, the ability to edit and delete messages, block screenshots, and enable disappearing messages. It supports group chats of up to 481 members and is promised to be ad-free without user tracking. Users can pre-order XChat for iPhones and iPads, ensuring automatic download upon release.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July and replace it with Google’s

Samsung will discontinue its Samsung Messages app by July of this year, as announced on its website. Users are recommended to transition to Google Messages, which offers enhanced features such as Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, group chats, and real-time typing indicators. Google Messages also includes generative AI features for photo remixing and simplifies conversation switching across devices. Samsung has been phasing out its messaging app, starting with the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, and Galaxy S25 series, which no longer preload Samsung Messages. The final date for the app's discontinuation will be communicated through the app.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

NCSC warns of messaging app targeting by Russia-linked actors

The UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned of an increase in cyber threats from Russia-based actors, targeting high-risk individuals through messaging applications like WhatsApp, Signal, and Messenger. These threats involve deceptive tactics such as coaxing users for login codes, unauthorized device access, group chat infiltration, impersonation of trusted contacts, and phishing links. The targeting is linked to state-affiliated groups from Russia, China, and Iran. High-risk individuals are those with access to sensitive information or influential roles. The NCSC recommends several protective measures: enabling two-step verification, not sharing verification codes, monitoring linked devices, being cautious with unknown contacts, limiting personal app use for work, and using disappearing messages to reduce data exposure.

AppWizard

April 1, 2026

NCSC warns of messaging app targeting | National Cyber Security Centre

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued guidelines for individuals vulnerable to targeted attacks via messaging applications, particularly due to increased malicious activities from actors based in Russia. High-risk individuals, such as those with access to sensitive information, are especially susceptible. Past incidents involve state-affiliated groups like APT31 from China, the Russian FSB actor Star Blizzard, and Iran's IRGC targeting government officials. Attackers may use deceptive methods to obtain login codes, add devices to accounts, infiltrate group chats, impersonate contacts, and execute phishing attempts. To mitigate risks, individuals should avoid sharing sensitive information via messaging apps, use corporate services for work-related communications, refrain from sharing verification codes, activate two-step verification, utilize passkeys, regularly review linked devices, stay alert for impersonations, and consider using disappearing messages. The NCSC also provides guidance for enhancing account and device security for high-risk individuals.

BetaBeacon

March 31, 2026

TikTok just slid a hidden game into your DMs

TikTok has introduced a hidden emoji-based mini-game in direct messages where users can play a hopping game against their friends' high scores.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

The Korean Messenger Successfully Localized to Russian, It Has Millions of Users

KakaoTalk, a South Korean messaging app, has gained significant popularity in Russia following the ban of Telegram, reaching the second position in the 'Social Networks' category of the Russian App Store and recording approximately 10,000 downloads on RuStore. Interest in the app has surged, as indicated by Google Trends data, and it has entered the top 500 free apps across all categories in Russia. To appeal to Russian users, KakaoTalk has introduced a Russian interface, though some elements remain in English. Since its launch in 2010, KakaoTalk has built a user base exceeding 90% of smartphone owners in South Korea and has over 150 million downloads globally. The app provides features such as text messaging, image and sticker sharing, group chats, channels, and voice and video calls, and is available on Google Play, the App Store, and RuStore. KakaoTalk also played a crucial role during the 2011 Japan earthquake, experiencing a surge in messaging traffic as users sought to confirm the safety of loved ones.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

Phishing Campaign Targeting Messaging Apps’ Users

A phishing campaign targeting users of messaging applications has been reported by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This campaign exploits human behavior rather than software vulnerabilities, leading to the compromise of thousands of accounts worldwide, despite encryption. Attackers impersonate official support accounts and use social engineering tactics to prompt users to click on malicious links, request verification codes, or suggest account recovery actions. If users comply, attackers can take control of their accounts and may deploy malware. Platforms like Signal have been specifically targeted, but the tactics can apply to various messaging applications. Recommendations for users include being cautious with suspicious messages, avoiding unknown requests, carefully checking links, monitoring group chats for fake accounts, using built-in security features, and reporting incidents promptly.

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

FBI Warns of Russian Hackers Targeting Messaging Apps – The Advocate-Messenger

The FBI has issued a warning about phishing campaigns conducted by cyber actors linked to the Russian Intelligence Services (RIS), which target commercial messaging applications (CMAs). These actors have compromised numerous individual accounts, focusing on individuals with significant intelligence value, such as U.S. government officials and journalists, without breaching the encryption of the applications. The campaigns have allowed unauthorized access to private messages, contact lists, and the ability to send deceptive messages. Users of CMAs, especially Signal, are particularly targeted. The phishing tactics involve disguising messages as communications from automated CMA support, leading victims to click malicious links or provide sensitive information. To mitigate risks, users are advised to enhance their cybersecurity measures, remain vigilant, and follow best practices such as scrutinizing links, verifying group chats, and reporting suspicious activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center or local authorities.

AppWizard

March 22, 2026

Russian Intelligence targets American messaging app users, FBI says

FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that hackers linked to Russian intelligence are targeting the messaging accounts of high-profile U.S. individuals, including current and former government officials, military personnel, political figures, and journalists. The FBI has identified these cyber actors, who have gained unauthorized access to thousands of accounts globally, allowing them to view private messages, send impersonating messages, and conduct phishing attempts. The campaign specifically targets users of commercial messaging applications like Signal, which has been blocked in Russia due to alleged legal violations. Dutch intelligence agencies reported that Russian hackers are also engaged in a global cyber campaign against WhatsApp and Signal accounts, using phishing tactics to access sensitive information. Signal acknowledged recent targeted phishing attacks leading to account takeovers. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, its cyber operations have increasingly focused on disruptive tactics against Western allies.