messaging capabilities Archives

AppWizard

April 25, 2025

12 Android apps secretly recorded your conversations

Recent findings from cybersecurity experts at ESET revealed that several Android applications, disguised as harmless tools, have been secretly recording conversations and stealing sensitive data. These malicious apps infiltrated devices through the Google Play Store and third-party platforms, compromising the privacy of thousands of users. One tactic used by cybercriminals involved romantic deception, where victims were coaxed into downloading a seemingly harmless messaging app containing the VajraSpy Trojan, which activated upon installation to record conversations and harvest personal data. The identified malicious apps fall into three categories: 1. Standard Messaging Apps with Hidden Trojans: These apps, including Hello Chat, MeetMe, and Chit Chat, request access to personal data and operate silently in the background, stealing contacts, SMS messages, call logs, device location, and installed app lists. 2. Apps Exploiting Accessibility Features: Apps like Wave Chat exploit Android’s accessibility features to intercept communications from secure platforms, record phone calls, keystrokes, and ambient sounds. 3. Single Non-Messaging App: Nidus, a news app, requests a phone number for sign-in and collects contacts and files, increasing the risk of data theft. The 12 malicious Android apps identified include: Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat. The first six apps were available on the Google Play Store and had over 1,400 downloads before removal. Users are advised to uninstall these apps immediately to protect their personal data.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

N.J. sues Discord, alleging the messaging app leaves kids vulnerable to predators

State officials in New Jersey have filed a lawsuit against Discord, alleging that the messaging platform fails to protect children from online predators and misrepresents its safety features, particularly regarding direct messaging. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin claims that Discord's misleading safety settings have made it a target for predators, exposing young users to risks. Discord has announced its intention to contest the lawsuit, asserting its commitment to safety. The complaint points out that Discord's default settings allow users to receive friend requests from anyone and that its claims about scanning and removing explicit content are misleading. The lawsuit demands that Discord relinquish profits earned in New Jersey and seeks civil penalties, following incidents where inadequate safeguards led to child exploitation. Additionally, a man has been accused of communicating with a 14-year-old victim on Discord after previously assaulting her.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Instagram’s Teen Accounts feature is coming to Facebook and Messenger soon

Meta is expanding its Teen Accounts protections, initially launched on Instagram, to Facebook and Messenger for users aged 13-15. These accounts limit messaging capabilities, filter out inappropriate content, and remind users to take breaks from screen time. Teens under 16 need parental permission to change default settings, with 97% choosing to maintain protections. The rollout of similar Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger is happening in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with global expansion planned. New features for Instagram Teen Accounts will require parental approval for going Live and disabling a feature that blurs suspected nude images in direct messages. An Ipsos survey indicated that 94% of US parents find Teen Accounts beneficial, and 85% believe they promote positive online experiences. Meta has over 54 million active Teen Accounts globally and is committed to enhancing safety for young users.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

Meta expands Instagram parental controls and brings them to Facebook

Individuals under the age of 16 will no longer have access to Instagram's live-streaming feature without obtaining parental consent. Users under 16 will also need parental permission to disable a feature that automatically blurs images suspected of containing nudity in direct messages. Teen Accounts, which are set to private and have limited messaging capabilities, were introduced last September, and approximately 54 million teenagers worldwide have transitioned to these accounts. Similar Teen Account features are being rolled out to Facebook and Facebook Messenger.

AppWizard

March 26, 2025

What is Signal, the messaging app Trump team used to share war plans?

Top officials from the Trump administration mistakenly included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in an encrypted chat on the Signal messaging app, discussing military strategies against Yemen's Houthi rebel group. This incident has led to calls from Democratic and some Republican lawmakers for a congressional investigation into a potential security breach. Goldberg reported being added to the chat on March 13, which aimed to coordinate U.S. military responses to Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The inclusion of an outsider in the chat raises concerns about the protocols for sharing classified information on commercial messaging platforms. Under U.S. law, mishandling classified information can result in criminal charges, although it is unclear if any laws were violated in this case. Signal is known for its secure messaging capabilities, utilizing end-to-end encryption, and does not track or store user data beyond basic account information. The app has gained popularity among privacy advocates, journalists, and government organizations.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

Warning for millions of WhatsApp users as app to trial huge messaging BAN

WhatsApp has introduced a new update that imposes a limit on the number of broadcast messages users can send each month, potentially restricting individual users to just 30 messages. This change also affects business accounts, which previously had unlimited messaging capabilities. In response to these limitations, businesses will soon have access to a paid version of the broadcast messaging feature, allowing them to schedule messages and receive 250 customized messages for free during the trial phase. Meta is also implementing measures to combat spam, including charging for various types of messages sent through the application programming interface (API). Essential features for business owners, like a landing page and product catalog, will remain free.

AppWizard

March 5, 2025

Google’s March Pixel Drop is here with a ton of Android upgrades

Google's latest Pixel Drop update enhances the Pixel series with new features, including expanded satellite messaging capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, which now supports users in Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of Europe. This feature allows users to connect to compatible satellite networks for emergency assistance when cellular service is unavailable. The update will also support Verizon and T-Mobile for satellite messaging. Additionally, the Pixel 9 family introduces a video recording feature that enables simultaneous recording from multiple angles using another Pixel device or a compatible GoPro camera. The AI-powered scam detection feature will be available on all currently supported Android devices, allowing Google Messages app users to identify potential scam texts, while comprehensive phone call scam alerts will remain exclusive to the Pixel 9 series.

Winsage

February 28, 2025

Microsoft is reportedly killing Skype after 14 years of neglect

Microsoft is preparing for the potential discontinuation of Skype, as indicated by a concealed message in the latest preview of Skype for Windows stating, "Starting in May, Skype will no longer be available. Continue your calls and chats in Teams." Skype, launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011, has faced challenges in maintaining relevance and performance. Despite attempts to revitalize the platform with new features, it has struggled, and Microsoft recently discontinued the Skype Number service. An official announcement regarding Skype's shutdown has not yet been made.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Elon Musk’s X blocking links to Signal messaging app

Social media platform X has implemented restrictions on links to the Signal messaging application, resulting in error messages when users attempt to share signal.me links through public posts, direct messages, or profile pages. This blockage also affects existing signal.me links. Signal, known for its end-to-end encryption, is commonly used by journalists and whistleblowers. X has previously restricted links to Facebook, Instagram, Mastodon, and Substack, despite Signal not being a direct competitor. Users can still share Signal handles on X, and a workaround exists by copy-pasting the link into Signal to bypass the restrictions.

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

Remove These 12 Android Apps Now—They’re Secretly Capturing Your Conversations

Some Android applications are covertly monitoring conversations and collecting personal data without user consent. Cybersecurity firm ESET identified six malicious apps on Google Play and another six on third-party app stores that disguise themselves as legitimate messaging platforms. These apps harvest data such as text messages, call logs, and recorded conversations. Hackers also employ tactics like creating fake romantic connections to persuade victims to download infected apps, such as those containing the VajraSpy Trojan, which records conversations and accesses personal files. Three groups of dangerous apps include: 1. Messaging apps disguised as secure platforms (e.g., Hello Chat, MeetMe, Chit Chat) that steal contact information and SMS messages. 2. Apps exploiting accessibility features (e.g., Wave Chat) that can intercept messages and record phone calls. 3. A fake news app that seeks access to personal data without messaging capabilities. A list of malicious apps includes: Rafaqat, Privee Talk, MeetMe, Let’s Chat, Quick Chat, Chit Chat, YohooTalk, TikTalk, Hello Chat, Nidus, GlowChat, and Wave Chat. Six of these apps were downloaded over 1,400 times each before being removed from Google Play. To protect privacy, users are advised to uninstall suspicious apps, change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, run security scans, and stay informed about cybersecurity threats.