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Stuck on a sketchy site? Google is finally putting a stop to it
AppWizard
April 15, 2026

Stuck on a sketchy site? Google is finally putting a stop to it

Google is implementing updated spam policies to combat "back button hijacking," a deceptive practice that manipulates browser history and traps users on unwanted websites. Starting June 15, websites engaging in this practice will face penalties, including manual actions or drops in search rankings. Google has observed an increase in scripts that alter browser history, often through JavaScript, creating misleading entries that redirect users within the same site or to advertisements. Website owners have a two-month period to address these issues, as failure to do so could lead to significant traffic loss. Google's enforcement will begin after the deadline, with automated systems identifying and removing offending sites from search results.
Decentraland Launches on Epic Games Store; Android Mobile App Now Live, iOS Coming Soon
BetaBeacon
March 31, 2026

Decentraland Launches on Epic Games Store; Android Mobile App Now Live, iOS Coming Soon

Decentraland is now available on the Epic Games Store for desktop users, offering an exclusive wearable for a limited time. The mobile app is currently available on Android with iOS coming soon, catering to the growing mobile gaming market. The mobile experience is designed for shorter, more frequent visits and seamless transition between desktop and mobile devices. Decentraland is a community-driven virtual space where users can engage in various activities and events.
Undeliverable? Why the Kremlin might be set to silence online messaging apps in Russia.
AppWizard
March 28, 2026

Undeliverable? Why the Kremlin might be set to silence online messaging apps in Russia.

Residents of Moscow are experiencing GPS spoofing in downtown areas, leading many to use paper maps instead of digital navigators due to signal manipulation by security forces to counter Ukrainian drones. The Russian government is "throttling" popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram in favor of a domestically developed super-app named Max. This strategy aims to reshape online interactions in Russia and is part of broader efforts to control the digital landscape. Analysts suggest that this could lead to a near-total internet shutdown during emergencies, with a published "whitelist" of about 900 essential websites. The internet disruptions have particularly affected younger generations who rely heavily on social networks and online services. Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has blocked foreign platforms for non-compliance with data localization laws and is targeting messaging apps, making them largely unusable without VPNs. Telegram may face a complete shutdown on April 1. Despite the crackdown, state agencies continue to use Telegram for communication, while security services view these apps as potential threats.
Android 16 Bug Silently Breaks VPNs, Say Providers
AppWizard
March 19, 2026

Android 16 Bug Silently Breaks VPNs, Say Providers

Multiple VPN providers, including Proton VPN, Mullvad, WireGuard, and TunnelBear, are experiencing a persistent bug in Android 16 that causes their services to disconnect unexpectedly after app updates. Google has acknowledged the issue but has not provided a timeline for a fix. The bug occurs when the network stack enters a problematic state during a VPN app update while still connected, leading to a "connecting" loop and potential loss of internet connectivity or exposure of non-VPN traffic. Restarting the VPN app does not resolve the issue; a device reboot or app reinstallation is required. This bug undermines Android's safety features like Always-on VPN and "Block connections without VPN." The issue affects a significant number of users, given Android's 70% market share and the 30-35% of internet users utilizing VPNs. Temporary workarounds include rebooting the device, manually disconnecting the VPN before updates, and pausing auto-updates. The bug poses operational risks for organizations enforcing always-on VPN policies, and developers are seeking app-side mitigations while emphasizing the need for a platform-level fix. Users are advised to monitor their VPN status after updates and report issues to assist in troubleshooting.
Торренты наиболее популярны в небольших городах
TrendTechie
March 2, 2026

Торренты наиболее популярны в небольших городах

A survey conducted by the ProResearch Center for Modern Studies and the National Agency for Financial Research (NAFI) included 1,600 respondents from 132 localities in 46 regions of Russia to explore torrent usage. The findings indicate that the most active torrent users are in smaller cities with populations between 50,000 and 100,000, while only 13% of users from major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg regularly use torrent services. Overall, 33% of internet users familiar with torrents engage with them regularly, but 59% of respondents had never heard of torrents, especially among older demographics. Young adults aged 18 to 24 are the most informed about torrents, with 41% having varying degrees of knowledge, and 17% of those knowledgeable use torrents regularly.
Max Messenger: A fake data breach with genuine consequences?
AppWizard
February 15, 2026

Max Messenger: A fake data breach with genuine consequences?

A user claimed to have breached Max but later clarified that no large-scale breach or critical vulnerabilities were found. False claims about data breaches can cause significant reputational damage, as demonstrated by a Russian hacking group that falsely claimed to have accessed Epic Games' data, which was later admitted to be a ruse. Similarly, EuroCar reported that fake breach reports may have been generated by ChatGPT, misleading customers. Russian users are distrustful of the Max app, perceived as buggy and insecure. The Russian Federal Security Service blocked its integration with government services due to encryption concerns. Although the government pressures citizens to adopt Max, many may install it without using it regularly. There is skepticism among Russian citizens regarding the app's security, making them susceptible to damaging rumors. Future claims about Max Messenger data breaches are anticipated. Recommendations for organizations to protect against misinformation include maintaining a good reputation, being transparent if a breach occurs, and investing in digital forensics to counter false claims.
Antivirus vs Endpoint Security in 2025: Which Protection Do You Really Need?
Tech Optimizer
December 24, 2025

Antivirus vs Endpoint Security in 2025: Which Protection Do You Really Need?

In 2025, users must choose between traditional antivirus software and modern endpoint security solutions for their digital safety. Antivirus software has evolved to include machine learning and cloud-based threat analysis, effectively combating various malware types but primarily protects individual devices. It is user-friendly and suitable for casual users but struggles against sophisticated attacks and lacks centralized management. Endpoint security, on the other hand, secures all network-connected devices and employs advanced technologies like AI-driven threat detection and real-time behavioral analytics. It offers proactive monitoring and automated threat responses, making it essential for businesses and professionals handling sensitive information. Endpoint security provides centralized management and a broader range of protections but is typically more expensive and may require technical expertise to set up. The choice between the two solutions depends on individual needs: casual users may prefer antivirus software, while professionals and businesses benefit from the comprehensive protection of endpoint security. As cyber threats become more complex, endpoint security is becoming the standard due to its proactive and automated defense capabilities.
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