India

AppWizard
August 15, 2025
Russia has imposed restrictions on voice calls made through Telegram and WhatsApp due to their non-compliance with local laws regarding information sharing with law enforcement. Users can still send messages, but call functionalities are affected. The restrictions will remain until both platforms comply with Russian regulations and cooperate with Roskomnadzor. Telegram stated it actively monitors content to combat fraud and violence, while WhatsApp has not commented. Since August 11, voice calls on Telegram have been largely ineffective, and WhatsApp calls have faced significant disruptions. Additionally, President Putin has approved the creation of a state-backed messaging application to reduce reliance on foreign technology and enable user monitoring.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
A new wave of Android malware is targeting banking applications, utilizing techniques such as NFC relay fraud, call hijacking, and root-level exploits. Variants like PhantomCard, SpyBanker, and KernelSU are designed to infiltrate devices and manipulate transactions in real time. PhantomCard mimics legitimate NFC payment processes, SpyBanker hijacks calls from financial institutions, and KernelSU exploits kernel vulnerabilities for persistent access. This malware has affected thousands of devices, with attackers using disguises on the Google Play Store and phishing campaigns. A related variant, Anatsa, impacted over 90,000 users through fake PDF applications. The rise of such malware correlates with the increasing adoption of contactless payments, particularly in Europe and Asia. Experts recommend that banks enhance their defenses with behavioral analytics and that users enable app verification. Additionally, malware like KernelSU allows evasion of detection by operating at the system's core. Cybersecurity firms suggest a multi-layered security approach, including device encryption and AI-driven threat detection, to combat these evolving threats.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
A Reddit user reported that their Pixel 9 Pro Fold with Android 16 received a new shortcut overlay for Google Wallet, allowing quick access by double-tapping the power button if Wallet is set as the designated app. This overlay provides a streamlined interface for navigating cards and using the NFC scanner for transactions. The rollout coincides with customization options in Android 16, but not all users with similar devices have experienced the feature yet. Google Wallet has been enhancing its offerings throughout 2024, expanding bank support and introducing features like real-time train status alerts for users with train passes, currently available only in India and Canada. Additionally, users can now add Loyalty and Gift card passes from the app's homepage on their computers.
AppWizard
August 13, 2025
Point Wild’s Lat61 Threat Intelligence Team has identified a new cyber threat targeting Minecraft fans, involving malware disguised as a Minecraft installer that steals personal data. This threat is associated with an unofficial browser-based Minecraft clone called Eaglercraft 1.12 Offline, commonly used in schools. The malware, a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) named NjRat, can capture keystrokes, access webcams and microphones, and establish a backdoor in the system by adding a hidden program called WindowsServices.exe to startup files. It can crash the system to avoid detection by security tools. The attack begins with a malicious file that, when executed, distracts the user with a fake game while downloading harmful files in the background. The malware connects to a remote server in India, allowing attackers to control the infected computer and extract data. Users are advised to download Minecraft only from official sources and be cautious with third-party applications.
AppWizard
August 12, 2025
Google Search is introducing a new feature called Preferred Sources, allowing users in India and the United States to prioritize trusted websites in their search results. This feature is available for English-language searches and enables users to select preferred sources from the Top Stories section to enhance visibility. The initiative responds to user concerns about low-quality content and was developed based on feedback from Google Labs.
AppWizard
August 12, 2025
Google has approached the Supreme Court regarding an antitrust case that could significantly impact India's digital economy, particularly concerning its dominance over the Android operating system and the requirement for app developers to use Google's payment systems, which can impose commissions of 15-30%. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) found Google to be a dominant entity, concluding that its practices constituted abuse of power, resulting in a penalty of ₹936 crores. Google appealed this decision, leading to a reduced penalty of ₹217 crores from the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), which did not classify Google as a "gatekeeper." Google has since filed additional appeals with the Supreme Court, which is set to hear the case in November. A study on Indian farmers revealed that extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 43°C, significantly impacts their livelihoods, leading to increased food insecurity and undernutrition. While average calorie consumption remained stable, the incidence of "strong undernutrition" rose, affecting approximately 3 million individuals. The study found that extreme heat forces families to seek non-farm employment and adapt their food sources, often leading to a decline in job retention and increased vulnerability due to limited access to credit. The findings suggest that climate change is exacerbating challenges in Indian agriculture, necessitating policy interventions to enhance resilience and support affected households. India's cabinet approved a one-time ₹300 billion payout to state-run fuel retailers to compensate for losses from selling subsidized LPG. Tata Motors reported a 63% year-on-year drop in Q1 consolidated profit, while Nayara faced scrutiny over Russian oil imports. The Supreme Court upheld a ruling classifying telecom towers as movable property, providing tax relief for telecom companies. Tesla India signed a nine-year lease for a showroom in Delhi, marking its expansion into the Indian market.
Tech Optimizer
August 12, 2025
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to the Indian economy and are increasingly adopting digital tools for growth. However, they face significant cybersecurity risks due to misconceptions about their vulnerability. SMEs often have limited IT resources, outdated systems, and poor security practices, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. The World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 indicates that 60% of organizations consider geopolitical tensions in their security strategies, highlighting the risks for digitizing economies like India. Cyber incidents can have severe consequences for SMEs, including operational disruptions and damage to customer trust. Cybersecurity should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than a discretionary expense, with practical measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, strong password policies, and employee training recommended. Additionally, having recovery plans and incident response procedures in place is essential for minimizing downtime and protecting business reputation. As India aims for Viksit Bharat 2047, robust cybersecurity measures are critical for sustainable growth.
AppWizard
August 11, 2025
A wave of mobile malware is targeting Android users in India, posing as legitimate banking applications. This malware can fully compromise infected devices, stealing sensitive data, intercepting communications, and conducting unauthorized financial transactions. It typically spreads through deceptive "dropper" apps via phishing messages on platforms like WhatsApp, SMS, or email, often disguised as system updates or official banking apps. The malware requests extensive Android permissions, allowing it to read and send SMS messages and intercept two-factor authentication codes. It operates stealthily, bypassing Android’s battery optimization features, and can manipulate notification content. All captured data is transmitted to attackers, enabling potential financial fraud and identity theft. Users are advised to install apps only from trusted sources, be skeptical of unexpected installation prompts, and review permission requests carefully.
Tech Optimizer
August 10, 2025
AIM Media House can be contacted via email at info@aimmediahouse.com. AIM India office address: 1st Floor, Sakti Statesman, Marathahalli – Sarjapur Outer Ring Rd, Green Glen Layout, Bellandur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560103. AIM Americas office address: 166 Geary St STE 1500, Suite #634, San Francisco, California 94108, United States.
TrendTechie
August 8, 2025
A new Trojan named Efimer has been identified, which can alter cryptocurrency wallet addresses in the clipboard, redirecting funds to cybercriminals. Efimer spreads primarily through compromised WordPress sites and phishing emails. Once installed, it can disable Windows Defender, install a Tor client, and capture seed phrases and wallet addresses. It targets Windows users globally, particularly those in Brazil, Russia, India, Spain, Germany, and Italy. The Trojan primarily targets wallets holding Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, Tron, and Solana, but may expand to other cryptocurrencies. To protect against Efimer, users are advised to use reliable security solutions, create strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid downloading files from unverified sources, and not store seed phrases in plain text.
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