investigations

AppWizard
July 15, 2025
In 2023, a family at an amusement park experienced technology's impact on privacy when the park's app used geolocation to notify a waiting parent about fast-track entry. Spanish researchers investigated how apps exploit Bluetooth and Wi-Fi permissions to track users indoors, even without GPS. Their findings, to be presented at the Pets privacy conference, reveal that 86% of 9,976 analyzed Android apps collect sensitive data, including location coordinates. The study highlights ethical concerns regarding data sharing and potential misuse, as information can track individuals' movements and identify sensitive activities. Many apps use software development kits (SDKs) that include hidden location tracking features, with 52 SDKs identified in nearly 10,000 apps installed on around 55 billion devices. The Android Advertising ID allows companies to track users and create detailed profiles based on location data, raising ethical dilemmas about privacy and the commodification of personal information.
AppWizard
July 10, 2025
Activision has removed Call of Duty: WWII from the Microsoft Store and PC Game Pass due to reports of hackers exploiting a critical vulnerability in the game's PC versions. Players experienced hijacked computers during gameplay, with evidence of remote code execution attacks. An outdated and insecure build of the game was uploaded to Microsoft’s services, despite having been patched on other platforms. The game is still accessible via Steam and console versions. Activision has not reinstated access to the game and is investigating the security breach.
AppWizard
July 7, 2025
Activision has taken the PC version of Call of Duty: WWII offline shortly after its release on Game Pass due to reports of hacking incidents, specifically Remote Code Execution (RCE) attacks that compromised players' PCs. The decision follows a history of cheating issues in the Call of Duty franchise, particularly in multiplayer modes. Activision announced the game's removal on Twitter on July 4, 2025, while investigations are ongoing, but no timeline for its return has been provided. Meanwhile, other Call of Duty titles like Black Ops 6 and Warzone continue to operate, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to launch later this year.
AppWizard
July 7, 2025
A new Chinese FMV game titled "Revenge on Gold Diggers" has sparked nationwide debate over gender dynamics and misogyny. Players assume the role of Wu Yulun, a man seeking revenge against women who manipulate men into losing their fortunes. The game has faced criticism for reinforcing harmful stereotypes about women, with detractors labeling it as misogynistic rather than anti-fraud. Following the backlash, the creator, Mark Wu, was banned from Bilibili, and the game's name was changed to "Emotional Fraud Simulator" shortly after its release. The game's narrative parallels real-life events, including the case of streamer Pangmao, whose death was linked to financial exploitation by his girlfriend, further fueling online vitriol against women. Critics argue that the game distorts reality and promotes a regressive agenda rather than fostering meaningful discussions about relationships and financial exploitation.
Winsage
July 3, 2025
Microsoft has acknowledged issues with the latest Windows 11 updates, particularly affecting the update preview released last Friday. Users have reported firewall error messages and some computers failing to boot after applying the updates. The Windows Release Health Notes indicate that these firewall errors, specifically event number 2042 related to Windows Defender Firewall, can be ignored as they do not indicate a malfunction. The issue is linked to a function under development and primarily impacts Windows 11 24H2, with a resolution planned for a future update. Additionally, users of older Fujitsu Esprimo PCs have reported startup problems after installing the June security updates, with affected devices displaying a black screen. Investigations suggest these issues may be related to a DBX update affecting bootloaders when Smart Boot is enabled. Users have speculated that outdated BIOS may be a factor, and instructions for updating firmware have been shared, although they are not user-friendly. Microsoft has not confirmed the startup issues with Fujitsu PCs and is not currently working on a specific solution.
AppWizard
July 3, 2025
A sophisticated Android malware campaign named Qwizzserial has emerged as a significant threat to banking security in Central Asia, particularly affecting users in Uzbekistan. Initially identified in mid-2024, it disguises itself as legitimate applications to deceive users into installation. Analysts from Group-IB uncovered it, noting its distribution network resembles the Classiscam fraud infrastructure. The campaign has reportedly infected around 100,000 users, resulting in financial losses exceeding ,000 within three months. The primary distribution channel is Telegram, where cybercriminals pose as government entities. Qwizzserial requests critical permissions upon installation and collects personal and financial information, systematically harvesting existing SMS messages. Recent iterations have incorporated obfuscation techniques and enhanced persistence mechanisms.
AppWizard
June 28, 2025
The protagonist, humorously named "Dr. Doctor Eadful," operates in a Lovecraftian world where he faces challenges in his unconventional medical practice. A mishap with a patient named Victor Harlow triggers a series of unfortunate events. Players engage in narrative adventure and light puzzles, diagnosing patients based on the four humours and administering treatments, which become increasingly complex. Incorrect treatments can lead to severe consequences, including patients worsening or dying, impacting the doctor's reputation and financial stability. The protagonist is pressured to make ethically questionable decisions, including accepting a proposition from a gravedigger to misadminister treatments for profit. The game explores the tension between ethical medical practice and survival, leading to a descent into madness.
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