Messenger app Archives

AppWizard

March 20, 2025

Signal Messenger Exploited in Targeted Attacks on Defense Industry Employees

The Computer Emergency Response Team of Ukraine (CERT-UA) has warned about targeted cyberattacks against employees in the defense-industrial complex and members of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, which have been ongoing since at least summer 2024 and have intensified recently. Attackers are using the Signal messenger app to distribute malicious files by compromising trusted contacts' accounts. In March 2025, CERT-UA observed that attackers were sending archived messages through Signal, which included a PDF and an executable file called DarkTortilla, designed to activate the DarkCrystal RAT (DCRAT) software. The focus of these deceptive messages has shifted to critical topics like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and electronic warfare equipment. CERT-UA has labeled this activity UAC-0200 and advises reporting any suspicious messages immediately. They have also compiled indicators related to the attacks, including specific file hashes, IP addresses, and URLs linked to the attackers' infrastructure.

AppWizard

March 11, 2025

Accessing local journalism is even easier with the Fremont News-Messenger app

The Fremont News-Messenger app is available for download on Apple and Google Play stores, providing residents of Sandusky County access to local news and the eNewspaper. It features a customizable interface for news alerts, in-depth journalism, and a digital replica of the daily newspaper. Users can browse, clip, and share articles, adjust text size, listen to articles, and access previous editions. The app includes tailored news alerts, a "My Topics" feature for personalized content, and additional customization options like saving stories and switching to night mode. It is free to download, with subscriptions offering unlimited access to all content, including breaking news updates from the USA TODAY network.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Why Is Facebook Messenger Icon Blue in 2025?

Facebook Messenger has changed its app icon from a gradient of purple and pink to a solid blue. This change has generated curiosity among users, as the previous design had been in place for several years. Although Meta has not made a formal announcement about the update, it appears to be widespread across devices, suggesting it may be a permanent change. The app initially launched with a blue theme but switched to a gradient design in 2020. The recent change could indicate a shift in Messenger's branding and aligns with Meta's efforts to integrate communication across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. User reactions have been mixed, with some appreciating the return to the classic blue and others expressing confusion and frustration.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

Facebook Messenger faces global outage affecting users in US, UK – The Times of India

Facebook's Messenger app is experiencing a global disruption, affecting users' ability to connect, send messages, and make calls. The issues are primarily reported by users in the United States and the United Kingdom, with over 573 complaints from the US and 1,819 from the UK, indicating that nearly 80% of the problems are related to message-sending failures. In the UK, 92% of users reported issues sending messages, while 5% had trouble receiving messages, and 2% faced difficulties accessing the app. In the US, 76% reported difficulties sending messages, 19% had issues with the app, and 5% encountered problems with the website. Server connection issues and various app and website malfunctions have also been reported. In contrast, only nine users in India reported issues, all related to receiving messages. The outage began around 8:56 PM IST and peaked at approximately 9:15 PM. As of now, Meta has not provided an official statement regarding the cause of the disruption.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

Is WhatsApp down? Users report mass issues with messenger app

Over 56,000 users reported issues with WhatsApp on Downdetector, indicating a significant service disruption. Of these reports, 56% were related to difficulties in sending messages, 32% experienced connection issues, and 12% faced challenges with the app itself. WhatsApp has not issued a statement regarding the outages. Downdetector is a platform that allows users to report issues with various online services, and it identifies incidents when reports exceed normal levels.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

X Blocks Signal Messenger Links Shared on Posts, DMs, and More—But Why?

Users are experiencing difficulties sharing links from Signal Messenger on Elon Musk's X platform, as these links appear to be blocked. Reports indicate that attempts to share Signal links result in various error messages, affecting public tweets and direct messages. There has been no official explanation from X regarding this restriction. Journalist Matt Binder noted that links to Signal have seemingly vanished from X, with users reporting similar issues. Error messages encountered range from generic notices to alerts labeling posts as harmful content or spam. While links already posted may carry warnings, they can still be accessed; however, links associated with Signal handles or the main website are currently inaccessible. Elon Musk previously endorsed Signal Messenger as a trustworthy alternative to WhatsApp, but the current blockage suggests a shift in his stance on secure messaging.

AppWizard

February 15, 2025

Berkeley Twp Man Used Kik Messaging App To Send, Receive Child Porn: Prosecutor

Mario Calabrese, a resident of Berkeley Township, is under investigation for the distribution and possession of child pornography. He was reportedly sending and receiving illicit images through a KiK Messenger account. A court-authorized search warrant was executed at his residence on February 13, where forensic experts confirmed the presence of the Kik Messenger app on his devices. Calabrese was arrested without incident and faces charges of possession and two counts of distribution of child pornography. He is currently held at the Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.

AppWizard

February 15, 2025

This Messenger App Offers Feature To ‘Partially’ Ignore Others – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups

Discord has introduced a new feature that allows users to partially ignore specific individuals, enabling them to manage interactions without muting the entire app or blocking contacts. Users can choose to ignore someone by clicking on their profile and selecting the ignore option. Ignored individuals can still send messages, which users can view at their discretion, and they will not receive notifications about their status. This feature is designed to reduce annoyance from spam messages while maintaining the option for communication. It is particularly useful in situations of persistent harassment, although users are still encouraged to block and report inappropriate messages when necessary.

AppWizard

February 6, 2025

Meta Deletes Trans and Nonbinary Messenger Themes

Meta has removed nonbinary and trans-themed options from its Messenger app, which previously included themes celebrating these communities. This decision coincides with an update to community guidelines that allows labeling LGBTQ+ individuals as “mentally ill.” The removal has sparked internal dissent among Meta employees, with reports of significant unrest and a chaotic atmosphere within the company. The trans theme was introduced in June 2021, and the nonbinary theme in June 2022, both of which have had their related blog posts removed from Meta's online presence.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Meta ‘removes LGBTQ+ Pride themes from Facebook Messenger app’

Meta has removed Pride and LGBTQ+ themes from Facebook Messenger, which included color schemes reflecting the pride flags of transgender and non-binary identities. These themes were initially introduced in 2021 and 2022 for Pride Month. The company's recent changes to hate speech policies now allow users to label queer individuals as “mentally ill,” leading to backlash and internal chaos among employees, some of whom have taken sick leave. Reports indicate that employees are seeking clarification on the policy changes, which diverge from established scientific consensus. A member of Meta's policy team stated the revisions aim to correct overly restrictive rules while reaffirming the company's core value of free expression, even if it means allowing offensive content.