identity Archives

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Meet Vera Report, The App That Lets You Whistleblow Anonymously From a Smartphone Using Telegram Messenger

AlphaTON Capital Corp. and the Midnight Foundation have launched Vera Report, an anonymous reporting platform utilizing privacy-preserving blockchain technology and confidential computing for real-time reporting of fraud, waste, and abuse. A report by the Government Blockchain Association reveals an annual loss of billion to trillion due to federal fraud in the U.S. and highlights that whistleblower cases have recovered .3 billion under the DOJ’s False Claims Act in FY 2025. Despite potential savings of 0 billion from a 20% reduction in fraud, 31% of employees fear retaliation for reporting. Vera Report allows users to report fraud anonymously through a Telegram application, employing Zero-Knowledge Proofs, Confidential Computing, Blockchain Verification, Decentralized Storage, Automatic Metadata Stripping, and AI Credibility Assessment to protect submitters’ identities and improve reporting efficiency.

AppWizard

March 4, 2026

Esoteric Ebb Review

Esoteric Ebb is a role-playing game inspired by Disco Elysium, focusing on exploration rather than combat, and features a narrative rich in literary and political themes. The game blends narrative depth with mechanics similar to Dungeons & Dragons. - Price: £21 - Release Date: March 3, 2026 - Developer: Christoffer Bodegård - Publisher: Raw Fury - Reviewed on: Steam Deck, Windows 11 (Core i5 12600K, RX 9070 XT, 32GB RAM) - Steam Deck: Verified - Official site link available Gameplay includes strategic challenges, such as an early ambush by an assassin where players can use spells creatively. Some minor complaints include a cluttered user interface on the Steam Deck, cumbersome inventory management, typographic errors, and occasional UI glitches. There are also reports of bugged feats affecting gameplay. Despite these issues, the game is considered compelling for RPG enthusiasts and offers good value for its price.

Winsage

March 4, 2026

Windows App Development CLI Updated with .NET Project Support, More

Microsoft has released version 0.2 of its Windows App Development CLI (winapp), incorporating several new features based on community feedback. Key updates include first-class support for .NET projects, allowing integration of WinUI 3, WPF, Windows Forms, and .NET console applications. Developers can initialize projects with winapp init, which aligns them with the appropriate Windows SDK version and generates necessary folders. The update also introduces manifest placeholders for easier app packaging, integrates Microsoft Store CLI commands into winapp, and enhances the help and error messaging system for better usability. Additional improvements include new commands for external catalogs and package identity, updates to winapp pack and manifest update-assets, and a Flutter guide with a sample project for using Windows App SDK APIs.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

Google turns Pixel’s Now Playing into a standalone app — and it’s a big deal

Google's Now Playing feature is now a standalone app available for download on the Play Store. It uses an on-device database for music identification without sending audio to the cloud. Google is testing a refreshed user interface for Now Playing, which will include clearer album art, updated controls, and smoother navigation. This transition allows for quicker updates and enhances the user experience.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Best Secure and Encrypted Messaging Apps in 2026

Your text messages and calls can be intercepted by hackers, corporations, and government entities, putting your private information at risk. Corporations may use your messages for targeted advertising or sell your data, while hackers may exploit it for identity theft or fraud. Governments may monitor communications under the guise of national security. Secure messaging apps are essential to protect your communications, as many default options expose sensitive information through metadata or lack proper security. Signal is recognized as the most secure messaging app, offering end-to-end encryption, being open-source, and free of charge, though it requires a phone number for registration. Threema allows complete anonymity without data collection but has no free version. Telegram, while popular, has security concerns as not all communications are end-to-end encrypted by default. WhatsApp and Keybase are discouraged due to ownership issues affecting privacy. Characteristics to look for in a secure messaging app include end-to-end encryption, third-party testing, open-source code, self-destructing messages, and minimal user data collection.

Tech Optimizer

March 1, 2026

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs to offer a real antivirus solution

Users are increasingly focused on the effectiveness of their security software alongside the number of streaming services they use. Leading VPN providers are responding by offering comprehensive packages that combine VPN capabilities with antivirus features. Surfshark has introduced Surfshark One, which integrates its VPN service with proprietary antivirus software. This solution is designed to provide a comprehensive cybersecurity experience within a single application. To access the antivirus feature, users must subscribe to the Surfshark One plan, which offers quick and full scans, customizable scanning options, and scheduled scans. Detected threats are quarantined and deleted after 60 days. The antivirus includes Cloud Protect for continuous defense against malware, updating its database every three hours, and provides 24/7 malware protection. Surfshark One also includes additional tools such as Alternative ID for safeguarding user information, Surfshark Alert for notifications about compromised sensitive information, and Surfshark Search for ad-free browsing. Surfshark's VPN offers access to over 4,500 servers and supports unlimited devices. Surfshark One differs from other VPN packages by providing essential tools for post-compromise care and customizable security settings. Competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer tiered pricing structures with advanced security features in higher-tier plans. To acquire Surfshark One, users can visit the Surfshark website and choose from various subscription plans. The cost difference between the Surfshark Starter plan and Surfshark One is minimal, with Surfshark One starting at .49 per month. Surfshark One+ includes additional features like personal data removal and identity theft coverage. Only a few providers currently offer both VPN and antivirus capabilities, including Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

Centre’s SIM binding directive on app-based messaging platforms ‘unconstitutional’: Tech industry body BIF

The Broadband India Forum (BIF) has expressed legal concerns about the government's SIM binding mandate, stating it is "ultra vires the parent legislation" and "unconstitutional," based on a senior counsel's opinion. This opinion critiques the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025, claiming they exceed the authority of the Telecommunications Act of 2023. The government's directive requires app-based communication services to maintain a link to a user's active SIM card, which BIF argues violates principles of due process and proportionality. BIF also highlights that the introduction of Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs) alters the scope of telecom regulation improperly, potentially leading to legal conflicts with existing laws like the Information Technology Act. BIF concludes that the amendment rules represent an impermissible expansion of delegated authority under the Telecom Act, advocating for adherence to the statutory framework. The government's directive, aimed at addressing cyber security concerns, would change how users access messaging services in India.

Tech Optimizer

February 27, 2026

Fake Avast Website Steals Users’ Credit Card Information

A phishing scam is targeting French-speaking users in Europe by impersonating Avast antivirus software. Victims are lured to a fraudulent website that mimics Avast's official portal, where they are tricked into providing credit card details due to a fabricated €499.99 charge and promises of a refund. The scam uses realistic branding, dynamic JavaScript for urgency, and live chat features to collect personal information. Users are asked to select refund reasons and submit their personal details, after which they are prompted for credit card information. The scam employs the Luhn algorithm to validate card numbers and displays a fake confirmation message after data submission. Key red flags include dynamic dates, tight deadlines, requests for full card re-entry, and suspicious live chat interactions. Avast has warned users about these scams and encourages reporting to authorities.

Winsage

February 27, 2026

Microsoft expands Windows restore to more enterprise devices

Microsoft has introduced a feature that allows enterprise users to restore personal settings and Microsoft Store applications from a previous Windows 11 device during their first login on a new or reimaged device using a Microsoft Entra ID account. This feature is part of Windows Backup for Organizations, which streamlines the migration process to Windows 11. The restore capability has been expanded to support hybrid-managed environments, multi-user device configurations, and Windows 365 Cloud PCs. Users will receive a prompt during the first login to either restore from a previous device's backup or set up the device as new, but those who bypass this step will not receive another prompt. IT administrators can manage this feature through Microsoft Intune or Group Policy. The feature will be available for devices with Windows updates released on February 24, 2026, and later. Windows Backup for Organizations was first announced in November 2024, reached public preview in May 2025, and became generally available in August.

Tech Optimizer

February 26, 2026

Avast Antivirus Just Got Smarter: Is It Finally Worth Your Money?

Avast Antivirus has introduced advanced AI tools, enhanced browser protection, and new privacy features in the U.S. market. It offers real-time malware protection, phishing shields, and Wi-Fi scanning. Avast's product lineup includes a free version, a premium security plan, and Avast One, catering to different user needs. Independent lab tests show Avast ranks highly in malware blocking, competing with brands like Bitdefender and Kaspersky. However, users should be cautious of upselling practices and data collection concerns. The free version provides strong protection, while paid plans offer additional features like VPN and advanced ransomware protection. Avast is accessible on various platforms, and pricing fluctuates due to promotions. Users are advised to assess their needs and be mindful of renewal rates before subscribing.