JavaScript Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 5, 2025

Building a job search engine with PostgreSQL’s advanced search features

Job search platforms connect employers and candidates through advanced search engines that analyze structured and unstructured data. These platforms require robust database technologies for executing complex queries, full-text and semantic searches, and geospatial functionalities. A modern job search engine consists of a data repository that stores job listings and candidate profiles, and a search engine that facilitates bidirectional searches. Key features of an effective job search engine include: - **Full-text search**: Provides lexical matching for job titles and skills, supporting exact phrase matching and typo-tolerant searches. - **Semantic search**: Uses vector-based similarity to understand context and relationships beyond literal terms. - **Geospatial search**: Incorporates geographic considerations to find opportunities within specific distances. PostgreSQL serves as both a data repository and search engine, supporting full-text search, semantic search via the pgvector extension, and geospatial queries using the PostGIS extension. The job search engine utilizes PostgreSQL to manage job listings and candidate profiles, enabling real-time searches across millions of entries. The data model for a job search engine includes tables for jobs and resumes, with columns for full-text search vectors, semantic vectors, and geographical locations. PostgreSQL's full-text search capabilities include tokenization, dictionaries for language-aware parsing, and ranking functions for relevance. Advanced features such as proximity search, simple and weighted ranking, and fuzzy matching enhance search accuracy. Vector embeddings represent text in high-dimensional space, allowing for semantic searches that recognize similar roles or skills. PostgreSQL supports vector similarity searches with specialized indexing methods like IVFFlat and HNSW for efficient querying. Geospatial search capabilities in PostgreSQL enable location-aware job searches, allowing candidates to find jobs within commuting distances. Combining different search techniques, such as full-text and semantic searches, provides more relevant results. Performance optimization features in PostgreSQL address challenges related to computational complexity, indexing overhead, and concurrent query loads. The architecture discussed is applicable to various applications beyond job search platforms, including e-commerce, real estate, content recommendation systems, travel, and healthcare provider matching.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

New Android Malware Poses as SBI Card and Axis Bank Apps to Steal Financial Data

McAfee’s Mobile Research Team has identified a malware campaign targeting Android users in India, specifically Hindi speakers. The malware disguises itself as legitimate financial applications from banks like SBI Card, Axis Bank, and IndusInd Bank. It is distributed through phishing websites that mimic official banking portals and uses authentic assets to appear credible. The malware has dual functionality: it exfiltrates personal and financial data and mines Monero cryptocurrency using the XMRig tool, activated remotely via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM). It masquerades as a Google Play update, prompting users to install it, which leads to data theft. Upon installation, the malware presents a fake Google Play interface and requests sensitive information, which is sent to a command-and-control server. After data submission, users see a misleading confirmation page. The malware employs a multi-stage dropper to evade detection, with remote activation capabilities that keep it dormant until triggered. Phishing sites promote the malicious APK through SMS, WhatsApp, or social media. McAfee has reported these threats to Google, resulting in the blocking of the associated FCM account. All variants are classified as high-risk, with infections primarily in India but some in other regions. Users are advised to download apps only from Google Play and to be cautious with unsolicited links. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) include specific APKs for various credit cards and phishing site URLs related to the campaign.

Tech Optimizer

July 30, 2025

JSCEAL Malware Targets Crypto Users via Fake Facebook Ads

A new malware strain called JSCEAL has emerged, targeting cryptocurrency users by exploiting online advertising. Active since early 2025, it masquerades as legitimate trading applications and uses deceptive ads on platforms like Facebook to lure victims. The malware impersonates well-known exchanges such as Coinbase, Binance, and OKX, tricking users into downloading counterfeit apps that harvest sensitive information like credentials and wallet data. Over 35,000 malicious ads were tracked in 2025, affecting thousands of users. JSCEAL employs malvertising tactics, redirects users to counterfeit websites, and uses JavaScript-based payloads to exploit browser vulnerabilities. Its polymorphic code allows it to evade detection, and it can take remote control of devices using Android Accessibility permissions. Cryptocurrency exchanges are responding by enhancing security measures and advising users to verify app sources, implement multi-factor authentication, and use ad blockers. Users are encouraged to enable browser extensions that flag suspicious sites and to download applications only from official stores.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Someone rebuilt Windows XP in the browser for pure nostalgia

Microsoft's Windows XP, launched in 2001, has a lifespan of over 17 years and has inspired a developer to create a web-based simulation called Win32.run. This project recreates a fictional instance of Windows XP using web technologies, allowing users to explore a simulated file system and interact with embedded programs. The developer originally created the simulation as a tribute to the operating system from his childhood, using the Svelte framework, SvelteKit, and Tailwind CSS. However, the project was halted due to significant breaking changes in SvelteKit that made the codebase difficult for other developers to understand. The simulation operates on a client-side architecture, enabling users to run it locally in their browsers. There are also ongoing efforts to transform various editions of Windows into web applications, with projects ranging from simple browser-based simulations to more complex emulation tools. For a more immersive experience, users can run legacy operating systems like Windows XP in dedicated virtual machines using modern desktop hypervisors such as VMware Workstation.

Tech Optimizer

July 11, 2025

Google fixes another Chrome security flaw being actively exploited

Google has addressed a critical vulnerability in its Chrome browser, identified as CVE-2025-6554, which is the fourth zero-day exploit uncovered this year. This high-severity flaw originates from a type confusion bug within Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine, allowing attackers to execute malicious code or access sensitive areas of a system. Google has rolled out an emergency update for Chrome users across Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. The latest stable versions addressing this exploit are 138.0.7204.96/.97 for Windows, 138.0.7204.92/.93 for Mac, and 138.0.7204.96 for Linux. Users are urged to update their browsers and verify they are running the most recent version. Additionally, it is recommended to install reliable antivirus software for enhanced protection against cyber threats.

Winsage

July 11, 2025

Microsoft enables JScript9Legacy scripting engine to improve Windows 11 security

Microsoft is phasing out JScript in Windows 11 24H2 in favor of JScript9Legacy to enhance security. JScript9Legacy is enabled by default and will manage all scripting processes previously reliant on JScript without requiring user action. This new scripting engine offers improved performance, compatibility with modern web standards, and advanced security features to mitigate risks such as cross-site scripting (XSS). The transition is designed to be seamless, although Microsoft has not provided procedures for reverting to JScript if compatibility issues arise. The change is limited to Windows 11 24H2, with no updates planned for earlier Windows versions.

Winsage

July 11, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 standardizes its scripting engine

Microsoft has announced that starting with Windows 11 version 24H2, the JScript9Legacy engine will be enabled by default for all scripting processes that previously relied on the classic JScript engine. This new engine offers improved protection against threats like cross-site scripting (XSS) and enhances performance. Users will not need to take any action, as existing scripts will continue to function normally. In case of compatibility issues, organizations can revert to the previous engine temporarily. The transition marks the retirement of JScript, which has been part of Windows since 1996, as it is now considered outdated and vulnerable. Microsoft has decided to discontinue support for JScript due to the retirement of Internet Explorer and the adoption of the Edge browser. This update applies only to Windows 11 version 24H2 and later, while older versions will still use the original JScript engine.

Winsage

July 11, 2025

Windows 11 now uses JScript9Legacy engine for improved security

Microsoft has replaced the default scripting engine JScript with JScript9Legacy in Windows 11, version 24H2 and beyond to enhance security against web threats, particularly cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities. JScript, which has been in use since 1996, has become outdated and non-compliant with modern security standards. JScript9Legacy is designed to meet legacy scripting needs while improving security and compatibility. The transition to JScript9Legacy will occur automatically for users, and existing scripts should continue to function without disruption. If compatibility issues arise, users can revert to the previous engine with support from Microsoft.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

If you haven’t upgraded to Windows 11 24H2 yet, Microsoft’s giving you a good reason to do so

Microsoft has rolled out version 24H2 of Windows 11, enhancing its security framework by updating the scripting engine from JScript to JScript9Legacy. This upgrade improves performance for applications and web pages using JScript and reduces the likelihood of security breaches, particularly from cross-site scripting (XSS) and web-based attacks. The new engine features enhanced management of JavaScript objects and stricter execution policies, increasing resilience against malicious scripts. Windows 11 24H2 has a more robust security posture than its predecessor, 23H2, and the upgrade will become compulsory. Windows 11 25H2 is expected to include similar security improvements.

Winsage

July 8, 2025

Microsoft Edge Can Now Load Websites Faster After Migration to WebUI 2.0

Microsoft Edge has improved its web browser's loading speed, achieving a global First Contentful Paint (FCP) time of under 300 milliseconds, down from previous times that negatively impacted user satisfaction. Since February 2025, load times have been reduced by an average of 40 percent, with significant enhancements in features such as Settings, Read Aloud, and Split Screen. The migration to WebUI 2.0 has contributed to this improvement, reducing the Settings page load time from 0.394 seconds to 0.034 seconds. Microsoft plans to continue enhancing performance in features like Extensions and Print Preview in the coming months.