Netherlands Archives

AppWizard

February 19, 2026

New backdoor found in Android tablets targeting users in Russia, Germany and Japan

Researchers from Kaspersky have discovered an Android backdoor named Keenadu, embedded in the firmware of devices, allowing it to infect tablets before they reach consumers. This malware, affecting over 13,700 users globally, primarily targets advertising fraud by hijacking browser search engines, monitoring app installations, and generating fraudulent revenue. Tablets from various manufacturers, including Alldocube, have been found compromised, with the malware likely inserted during the firmware build stage through a compromised supply chain. Keenadu has multiple variants, some hidden in applications, and employs evasion tactics based on device language settings and time zones. It cannot be removed using standard Android security tools, and users are advised to install clean firmware or replace their devices entirely.

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

New Keenadu backdoor found in Android firmware, Google Play apps

A sophisticated Android malware named Keenadu has been discovered embedded in the firmware of various device brands, compromising all installed applications and granting unrestricted control over infected devices. It employs multiple distribution methods, including compromised firmware images delivered over-the-air, access via backdoors, embedding in system applications, modified applications from unofficial channels, and infiltration through apps on Google Play. As of February 2026, Keenadu has been confirmed on approximately 13,000 devices, primarily in Russia, Japan, Germany, Brazil, and the Netherlands. The firmware-integrated variant remains dormant if the device's language or timezone is associated with China and ceases to function without the Google Play Store and Play Services. While currently focused on ad fraud, Keenadu has extensive capabilities for data theft and risky actions on compromised devices. A variant embedded in system applications has limited functionality but elevated privileges to install apps without user notification. The malware has been detected in the firmware of Android tablets from various manufacturers, including the Alldocube iPlay 50 mini Pro. Kaspersky has detailed how Keenadu compromises the libandroid_runtime.so component, making it difficult to remove with standard Android OS tools. Users are advised to seek clean firmware versions or consider replacing compromised devices with products from trusted vendors.

TrendTechie

December 8, 2025

Торренты и пиратство в разных странах

Amnezia's team has received user feedback about VPN limitations for downloading torrents, attributed to legal frameworks in server-hosting countries rather than technical issues. VPN services face abuse reports from hosting providers when torrents are downloaded, leading to traffic restrictions. Specialized B2B servers, like Amnezia's Swiss P2P server, are more expensive but located in countries with lenient torrent laws. In 2024, visits to pirate sites reached 216 billion globally, with the U.S. leading at 26.7 billion visits. All major jurisdictions prohibit the distribution of copyrighted content, but penalties for piracy vary by country. - **Switzerland**: Allows personal downloading from illegal sources for personal use; uploading is prohibited. - **Netherlands**: Personal copying from illegal sources banned since 2014. - **Germany**: Intentional copyright infringement can lead to fines or imprisonment; enforcement often results in civil actions. - **France**: Increased efforts to block pirate sites; penalties include fines and potential criminal charges. - **Canada**: Notice-and-Notice model with rare fines for piracy. - **India**: Both sharing and downloading torrents are illegal; courts can issue injunctions against unknown infringers. - **United Kingdom**: Strict anti-piracy measures with civil lawsuits and potential prison sentences. - **United States**: Stringent laws with civil lawsuits for piracy; criminal cases are rare. - **Singapore**: Criminal liability for serious copyright infringement. - **Japan**: Illegal downloading can lead to prison or fines; severe penalties for sharing. - **Thailand**: Distributing pirated content is illegal; penalties vary by violation type. - **Vietnam**: Laws against piracy exist, but enforcement is rare. - **Turkey**: Prohibits downloading and sharing pirated content; enforcement focuses on commercial piracy. - **Portugal**: Prohibits downloading from copyright-violating sources; piracy levels remain high. - **Russia**: Civil lawsuits for damages are pursued, but individual users are rarely targeted. Overall, while anti-piracy laws are strict, enforcement is often lax, leading to a low likelihood of legal repercussions for torrent downloading in many regions, except in Germany and Japan.

Winsage

December 5, 2025

Microsoft Silently Fixes 8-Year Windows Security Flaw

Microsoft addressed a critical vulnerability in Windows, identified as CVE-2025-9491, which had existed for nearly eight years and allowed cybercriminals to conceal malicious commands within .LNK (shortcut) files. This flaw was exploited by state-sponsored hacking groups from countries including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, with evidence of nearly 1,000 malicious shortcut files used in various campaigns. The vulnerability was initially downplayed by Microsoft, which stated it did not require immediate servicing. However, as exploitation increased, Microsoft eventually included a fix in its November 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, which was not publicly announced. The fix allows the entire Target command to be displayed in the Properties dialog, addressing the security risk. Research indicated that around 70% of campaigns exploiting this flaw were focused on espionage and information theft across multiple sectors.

AppWizard

November 21, 2025

This Free App Unlocks AirPods Features on Android Devices

Apple's annual shopping event will take place from November 28 to December 1, featuring deals and exclusive offers in multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and several European nations. Customers can receive an Apple gift card with their purchases, which can be used for future transactions. The event will include a variety of products, such as iPhones, MacBooks, accessories, and services, and will offer a seamless online shopping experience.

Tech Optimizer

November 13, 2025

Emotet: The horse returns to a gallop more dangerous than ever

Emotet is a Trojan Horse malware that emerged in 2014, impacting over 1.6 million devices and originally designed to steal banking credentials. Developed by the MealyBug criminal organization, it evolved into a modular Trojan-dropper, enabling it to download various payloads and act as Malware-as-a-Service on the dark web. Emotet spreads primarily through spam emails, often using malicious Word or Excel files, and has been disseminated via local area networks and password-protected zip folders. The malware operates through botnets categorized into epochs, with Epochs 1, 2, and 3 dismantled in 2021 by a coordinated international operation. Following this, Emotet resurfaced in November 2021 as Epochs 4 and 5, incorporating a Cobalt Strike beacon for enhanced propagation. Recommended precautions include keeping software updated, using two-factor authentication, and educating employees about email threats. Network administrators are advised to block unscannable email attachments, configure specific email filters, and maintain secure backups.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

German healthcare aims to replace faxes and phones with secure mess…

Germany's healthcare system is introducing TI-Messenger, an encrypted messaging service overseen by Germany’s National Digital Health Agency, Gematik, to enhance communication among patients, healthcare professionals, and insurance companies. This service aims to replace traditional communication methods like faxes and phone calls, with initial trials showing significant time savings for medical staff. TI-Messenger, based on the Matrix open network technology standard, is designed to allow secure communication across health institutions while maintaining data control. As of July 15, 2025, it became accessible to all German citizens with public health insurance. A trial in Hamburg demonstrated that pharmacists significantly reduced phone calls by using TI-Messenger. There are two versions of the service: TI Messenger ePA for citizens and TI-Messenger Pro for healthcare professionals, which has not yet seen widespread adoption. Challenges in user adoption exist, with potential solutions including financial incentives and simplified onboarding processes. Future developments may lead to automated responses and improved communication practices, with hopes for collaboration with other European countries using similar technologies.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Windows 10 ESU enrollment doesn’t work for some users, leaving them vulnerable

Users are experiencing difficulties enrolling in the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, with error messages indicating unsupported regions. Devices linked to work or school accounts are flagged as needing an organizational ESU license. A workaround involves downloading the Windows 10 ISO and performing an in-place upgrade to resolve enrollment issues.

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Microsoft: Patch for WSUS flaw disabled Windows Server hotpatching

An out-of-band security update, KB5070881, has disrupted the hotpatching feature for some Windows Server 2025 devices. This update was released alongside reports of the CVE-2025-59287 remote code execution vulnerability. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has instructed U.S. government agencies to strengthen their systems against this vulnerability. Microsoft has acknowledged that the OOB update caused some Hotpatch-enrolled Windows Server 2025 systems to lose their enrollment status and has ceased distributing the update to these devices. Those who installed the update will not receive Hotpatch updates in November and December but will get standard monthly security updates. Administrators can install the KB5070893 security update to address the CVE-2025-59287 flaw without disrupting hotpatching. Microsoft has also disabled the display of synchronization error details in its WSUS error reporting system and resolved various issues affecting Windows 11.

AppWizard

November 1, 2025

Dole promotes healthy eating in Minecraft for global campaign

Dole Food Company has partnered with Minecraft to launch a global campaign titled “Make the World a Healthier Place,” promoting healthy lifestyles through education on eating habits, hydration, and nutrition. The campaign will run from October 2025 to March 2026 in countries including the U.S., Canada, Germany, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands, featuring in-store displays and social media activations. Players can unlock a Dole Banana Hoodie for their Minecraft avatar by uploading a Dole Banana sticker or Dole Pineapple tag on a microsite, which will also offer digital content like activity sheets and coloring pages. Dole will release two waves of stickers featuring Minecraft characters, including iconic figures and animals. The campaign will include Minecraft-inspired recipes such as Golden Banana Ingots and Creeper Crusher Smoothies. Dole has seen a year-over-year revenue increase of 14.3%, reaching .4 billion in the second quarter ending June 30.