installing apps Archives

AppWizard

April 1, 2025

Google’s Play Store Warning—Do Not Update This Setting

A sophisticated trojan named TsarBot is targeting over 750 legitimate banking and shopping applications on Android devices. It overlays a counterfeit login screen on real apps to capture user credentials. TsarBot is believed to have Russian origins and can remotely control the device's screen, simulating user interactions and capturing device lock credentials through a deceptive lock screen. The trojan is typically installed from phishing websites, where a dropper application delivers the TsarBot APK file. Once installed, it disguises itself as the Google Play Services app and urges users to enable Accessibility services. Users are advised to avoid installing apps from outside the Google Play Store, ensure Play Protect is enabled, and only enable Accessibility Services when necessary to mitigate risks.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

7 PowerToys Run plug-ins I use to boost my productivity

PowerToys is a suite of productivity tools for Windows 11, featuring over two dozen modules. PowerToys Run is a launcher and search bar that simplifies launching applications and finding files. It can be enhanced with plug-ins, including: - Window Walker: Allows users to search for running applications for quick window switching. - OneNote: Enables quick access to notebooks and pages after activation. - WinGet/Scoop: Streamlines app installation and uninstallation from a trusted repository. - BrowserSearch: Facilitates quick searches of browser history across different web browsers. - FastWeb: Allows users to create shortcuts for websites accessible via text commands. - Everything: Provides a fast search engine for files, improving upon the basic file search capabilities. - Clipboard Manager: Makes clipboard history searchable for easier reuse of text clips.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

PJobRAT Android Malware Masquerades as Dating and Messaging Apps to Target Military Personnel

PJobRAT is an Android Remote Access Trojan that re-emerged in 2023, targeting users in Taiwan. Initially known for targeting Indian military personnel, it now disguises itself as benign apps like ‘SangaalLite’ and ‘CChat’, distributed via defunct WordPress sites operational from January 2023 to October 2024, with domain registrations dating back to April 2022. The malware is spread through counterfeit applications resembling legitimate messaging services, prompting users to grant extensive permissions. Enhanced capabilities allow it to execute shell commands, access data from any app, root devices, and communicate with command-and-control servers via Firebase Cloud Messaging and HTTP. The campaign appears to have concluded, highlighting the evolving tactics of threat actors. Users are advised against installing apps from untrusted sources and to use mobile threat detection software.

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

November 1, 2024

How to create Private Space for your apps on Pixel

Android 15 introduces the 'Private Space' feature, which functions as a digital vault for securely locking sensitive applications and data within a separate sandbox. Users can create a second instance of any app, protected by a distinct locking mechanism, separate from the primary screen lock. To set up Private Space on a compatible Pixel 9 device, users must navigate to Settings > Security & privacy > Private space, authenticate with their screen lock, and complete the setup process. Once established, Private Space appears in the app drawer, allowing users to manage installed apps and customize settings. Applications and data within Private Space are isolated from regular apps. The Google Pixel 9 is highlighted for its premium design, performance, and commitment to seven years of OS and security updates.

AppWizard

October 21, 2024

Here’s your first look at Google Play Store’s upcoming Download Manager (APK teardown)

The Google Play Store is developing a Download Manager feature to help users track recently downloaded but unopened applications. An APK teardown revealed code strings indicating functionalities for sorting downloaded apps. In version 43.2.16-29, the Download Manager will show currently downloading apps and recently installed apps that haven't been opened yet, removing them from the list as users engage with them. A download count badge will also appear on the app details page for recently downloaded applications. The feature does not currently include options to pause and resume downloads, and it is not yet publicly available or officially acknowledged by Google.

BetaBeacon

October 2, 2024

Epic is suing Google — again — and now Samsung, too

Epic has filed a second antitrust lawsuit against Google and Samsung, accusing them of conspiring to undermine third-party app stores. Epic claims Samsung's "Auto Blocker" feature prevents users from installing apps from unauthorized sources, making it difficult for new phone buyers to install competing apps. Samsung and Google deny collusion and state that Android device makers are free to take steps to keep users safe. Epic is asking for a jury trial and is positioning the lawsuit as a way to prevent Google and partners from pursuing a "malicious compliance strategy."

AppWizard

September 30, 2024

Epic is suing Samsung and Google for One UI’s Auto Blocker shenanigans

Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Samsung and Google over the Auto Blocker feature in Samsung's One UI 6.1.1, which restricts app sideloading to only the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store. The lawsuit claims that the feature was designed in collaboration with Google to limit competition in app distribution. The Auto Blocker, now a default setting, complicates the sideloading process, reportedly requiring up to 21 steps, while disabling it takes only four to seven steps but lacks clear user guidance. Epic argues that the Auto Blocker’s safety claims are misleading and does not conduct genuine security assessments. Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, previously proposed disabling the Auto Blocker by default or implementing a transparent whitelisting process but did not reach an agreement with Samsung before pursuing legal action. The outcome of the lawsuit is uncertain, and an appeal is likely.

AppWizard

September 24, 2024

Octo2 banking trojan is taking over Android phones and stealing cash — how to stay safe

The Octo malware has resurfaced as Octo2 after a two-year absence, featuring enhancements that lower the barriers for cybercriminals targeting high-end Android devices. Identified by ThreatFabric, Octo2 has been primarily used in campaigns across Europe but could easily target users in the U.S. and Canada. An infection allows hackers to gain control of the device, enabling fraudulent transactions while evading detection by financial institutions. The emergence of Octo2 is linked to the leak of the original source code, which has allowed hackers to create their own versions and adopt a malware-as-a-service model. Hackers use an APK binding service called Zombinder to embed malware in legitimate apps, tricking users into downloading them. To protect against Android malware, users should avoid installing apps from unverified sources, only download from reputable platforms, ensure Google Play Protect is activated, and consider using a reliable antivirus application. The availability of Octo's source code increases the likelihood of more malware variants emerging.

BetaBeacon

August 16, 2024

Epic Games Store goes mobile, brings Fortnite and other games to iPhones (in the EU) and Android (around the world) – Liliputing

Epic Games has launched a mobile version of the Epic Games Store for Android and iOS, including popular titles like Fortnite, Fall Guys, and Rocket League Sideswipe. Apple has made changes to iOS in the EU in response to the Digital Markets Act, allowing the installation of third-party app stores only in the EU. Google has always allowed third-party app stores on Android. Epic is working to expand its mobile offerings and attract developers of third-party titles.