mobile security Archives

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Chrome for Android could soon have your back when you download shady apps

Google is developing a feature for Chrome on Android that will allow the browser to scan downloaded APK files for malware. This feature is currently being tested in Chrome Canary and aims to provide an additional layer of protection alongside Google Play Protect, which already scans applications before installation. Users will receive notifications about the safety of their APK downloads, with a message indicating that the APK downloads are being checked for malware. This functionality is expected to enhance user confidence and reduce the risk of malware infiltration during the download process.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Chrome for Android adds new protection against malicious apps

Google is enhancing security measures for Android users by introducing a feature in Chrome for Android that will scan APK files for malware. This feature, currently in testing in Chrome Canary, will automatically check the safety of newly downloaded APK files, providing extra security for users who sideload applications. Play Protect already scans newly downloaded apps for malware and monitors installed applications for potential threats, alerting users and managing app permissions. The upcoming feature aims to improve security for sideloaded applications and reduce risks associated with harmful installations.

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

Android 16 will fight scammers by blocking certain features during phone calls

Google is developing a new security feature for Android 16 that will block changes to sensitive settings during phone calls to protect users from phone scams. This feature will prevent users from enabling sideloading permissions and granting accessibility access while on a call. A warning message will be displayed if users attempt to make such changes, informing them that these actions are prohibited during calls. The sideloading permission is disabled by default, but users can enable it through settings, except for those with Advanced Protection Mode activated. These security features are expected to be included in the public release of Android 16 later this year.

Tech Optimizer

February 9, 2025

The Best Antivirus Software For 2025

The necessity for robust antivirus software has become imperative due to the rise of malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and zero-day exploits, which pose significant risks to personal data and system performance. Modern antivirus programs utilize artificial intelligence, machine learning, and real-time behavioral analysis to identify emerging threats. They offer features such as encrypted browsing, webcam and microphone protection, identity theft monitoring, and built-in VPN services. Key factors for selecting antivirus solutions include detection rates, system impact, and additional features like file encryption and dark web monitoring. The eleven best antivirus options for 2025 include: 1. Norton 360 Deluxe 2025 | 5 Devices: Fast scanning, built-in VPN, cloud backup; requires annual subscription, limited VPN locations, higher price. 2. McAfee Total Protection 3-Device 2025: Advanced AI threat detection, automatic VPN; setup requires credit card, complicated activation, higher renewal pricing. 3. McAfee Total Protection | 5-Device 2025: Smart AI protection, built-in VPN; VPN may slow internet, dated interface. 4. McAfee+ Premium Individual Unlimited Devices 2025: Smart AI technology, unlimited VPN; cluttered interface, some features need configuration. 5. Norton 360 Deluxe 2025 | 3 Devices: Excellent malware detection, built-in VPN; frequent promotional pop-ups, higher renewal price. 6. Malwarebytes Premium Security – 2 Device: Powerful scanning tools, real-time ransomware protection; higher price, limited iOS features. 7. McAfee AntiVirus 2025 – 1 Device: Fast malware scanning, intuitive interface; renewal issues, frequent marketing notifications. 8. Norton 360 Premium 2025 – 10 Devices: Comprehensive protection, includes VPN; tricky auto-renewal, higher price. 9. Webroot Internet Security Complete 2025 – 5 Device: Fast scans, minimal system load; higher renewal prices, special installer for Windows 7. 10. Bitdefender Total Security 2025 (5 Device): Outstanding malware protection, minimal system impact; VPN limited to 200MB daily, complex interface. 11. Malwarebytes Premium 2025 | 5 Device: Excellent malware detection, user-friendly; slow premium support, lacks advanced customization. Choosing the right antivirus software involves evaluating features such as real-time protection, privacy features, malware detection rates, system performance impact, update frequency, and customer support availability. Pricing structures vary, with tiers offering different levels of protection and features.

Tech Optimizer

February 5, 2025

Avast Antivirus Statistics and Facts (2025)

Avast's global revenue for 2024 is projected to reach USD 950 million, with a growth rate of 4% compared to the previous year. The company has over 435 million active users globally, with 60% of its revenue coming from Europe and North America. Avast controls 6.5% of the global antivirus market and ranks among the top five providers in the cybersecurity industry. Its VPN services, using AES-256-bit encryption, saw a 12% increase in subscriptions. Additionally, 80% of Avast's products integrate AI and machine learning, and mobile security products account for 20% of its total revenue. Avast has raised USD 100 million in funding, bringing its valuation to USD 2,865.9 million, and partnerships with major tech companies contribute 10% of its total revenue. The company employs more than 1,800 individuals and has around 9 million weekly active users. Avast prevents nearly 1.5 billion attacks each month and has users in 59 countries. A total of 859 companies utilize Avast for organizational cybersecurity solutions, and the software is available in 45 different languages. Avast offers a 30-day free trial and has a highly accurate antivirus solution, with a 94.2% offline detection rate and a 99.5% online detection rate. Avast is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. The software features include real-time protection, Wi-Fi Inspector, CyberCapture, and email shield. Paid plans range from INR 4,144.79 (USD 49.99) to INR 6,632.17 (USD 79.99) per year. In Q1 2024, social engineering attacks were identified as the biggest threat, with scams increasing by 61% on mobile and 23% on desktop. Avast's global risk ratio was 31%, with a total of 3.52 billion blocked attacks. The company secured the fourth position in the antivirus market, with 8% paid users and 18% free users. As of July 2024, avast.com had 14.1 million visits, with the United States contributing 20.1% of the traffic. Male users made up 62.93% of visitors, and the highest percentage of users were aged 25 to 34. Organic search generated the highest traffic rate, accounting for 45.9%, while YouTube was the leading source of social media referrals.

Tech Optimizer

February 5, 2025

Avast Antivirus Statistics and Facts (2025)

Avast has a user base exceeding 435 million globally and employs over 1,800 individuals. The company’s projected global revenue for 2024 is USD 950 million, with approximately 60% generated from Europe and North America. Avast commands 6.5% of the global antivirus market and has raised USD 100 million in funding, elevating its valuation to USD 2,865.9 million. The software prevents nearly 1.5 billion attacks each month and operates in 59 countries. It is available in 45 languages and competes with brands like Symantec and McAfee. Avast's antivirus solution has a 94.2% offline detection rate and a 99.5% online detection rate. Paid plans range from INR 4,144.79 (USD 49.99) to INR 6,632.17 (USD 79.99) annually. In Q1 2024, Avast blocked 3.52 billion attacks, with social engineering attacks being the predominant threat. The website avast.com recorded 14.1 million visits in July 2024, with the United States accounting for 20.1% of total traffic. Organic search generated 45.9% of total visits, and YouTube was the leading social media referral source.

Tech Optimizer

February 3, 2025

Phone Antivirus Software Market 2025 Growth Analysis by Market Size, Share, Manufactures and Forecast till 2033

The Phone Antivirus Software Market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% through 2033. Key growth drivers include technological innovations, shifts in consumer behavior, and evolving market demands. The market is segmented by type (Free to Use and Pay to Use) and application (Individual Users and Enterprise Users). It covers various regions, including the United States, Europe, China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Potential limitations to growth include regulatory challenges and economic fluctuations. Businesses are encouraged to identify growth opportunities, understand market dynamics, and implement data-driven strategies.

AppWizard

December 23, 2024

Urgent Android warning for anyone who uses Amazon – delete dangerous app now

McAfee's security team discovered a malicious app named "BMI CalculationVsn" in Amazon's Android Appstore, which pretended to be a health tracker but was capable of screen recording, password theft, and accessing private SMS messages. Following the report, Amazon removed the app from its platform, and users who downloaded it are advised to uninstall it immediately. McAfee recommends that Android users install reliable antivirus software, scrutinize permission requests before downloading apps, and monitor app behavior for unusual activity to enhance their security.

AppWizard

December 16, 2024

Android users warned of chilling Russian spy attack that records phone calls

Recent findings from Lookout reveal malware targeting Android devices, specifically designed to record phone calls and access personal photos. This malware is hidden in counterfeit versions of popular apps like Telegram and Samsung Knox. Two strains identified are BoneSpy, operational since 2021, and PlainGnome, discovered earlier this year, both linked to the Gamaredon group associated with Russia's FSB, primarily targeting Russian-speaking users. BoneSpy can collect text messages, record audio and calls, capture location data, take pictures, access browser history, and read notifications. PlainGnome includes all these features but operates more stealthily, recording audio and calls only when the device is idle, making detection less likely. Neither strain has been found on Google Play, suggesting victims install it through social engineering attacks. Signs of infection include being signed out of Google accounts, persistent pop-up ads, alerts about viruses, malfunctioning antivirus software, decreased device speed, unexpected storage loss, and unauthorized changes to browser settings. Users may also notice their contacts receiving messages they did not send.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Microsoft December 2024 Patch Tuesday fixes 1 exploited zero-day, 71 flaws

A compilation of vulnerabilities in various Microsoft products has been released, highlighting critical issues that require immediate attention. Key vulnerabilities include: - Microsoft/Muzic Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2024-49063) - classified as important. - Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on Android Spoofing Vulnerability (CVE-2024-49057) - rated important. - Microsoft Edge vulnerabilities: - Type Confusion in V8 (CVE-2024-12053) - severity unknown. - Spoofing vulnerability (CVE-2024-49041) - rated moderate. - Microsoft Office vulnerabilities: - Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2024-49059) - rated important. - Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability (CVE-2024-43600) - rated important. - Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in Microsoft Access (CVE-2024-49142) - rated important. - Critical vulnerabilities in Microsoft Excel (CVE-2024-49069) and Publisher (CVE-2024-49079). - SharePoint vulnerabilities: - Information disclosure (CVE-2024-49064, CVE-2024-49062) - rated important. - Elevation of privilege (CVE-2024-49068) - rated important. - Remote code execution (CVE-2024-49070) - rated critical. Critical vulnerabilities in Windows services include: - Windows Hyper-V Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2024-49117) - rated critical. - Windows Remote Desktop Services vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-49132, CVE-2024-49115, CVE-2024-49116) - all rated critical. - Windows Lightweight Directory Access Protocol vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-49124, CVE-2024-49112, CVE-2024-49127) - rated critical. - Windows Message Queuing (MSMQ) vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-49118, CVE-2024-49122) - rated critical.