October 2024 Archives

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

TapTrap Android Exploit Allows Malicious Apps to Bypass Permissions

A new Android vulnerability named TapTrap allows malicious applications to bypass the operating system's permission system without requiring special permissions. It exploits activity transition animations to mislead users into granting sensitive permissions or executing harmful actions. Researchers from TU Wien analyzed 99,705 applications on the Google Play Store and found that 76.3% are susceptible to this attack. TapTrap uses low-opacity animations (approximately 0.01 alpha) to make sensitive permission dialogs nearly invisible while still registering touch events. The attack can last up to six seconds and can lead to unauthorized access to critical functionalities like the camera and microphone, and even device administrator privileges. TapTrap bypasses existing defenses against tapjacking in Android, affecting popular web browsers as well. A user study showed that all participants failed to detect at least one variant of the attack. As of June 2025, Android 15 remains vulnerable, with no timeline for a comprehensive fix. The vulnerability has been assigned two CVEs, and researchers disclosed their findings to Google in October 2024. They propose solutions to mitigate the risks, including blocking touch events during low-opacity animations and setting an opacity threshold of 0.2.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

Android 16 review: Post-hype

The Android 16 update will feature a status bar chip displaying essential information, with the option to tap for full notifications, although this will not be available at launch. The update is part of a two-phase rollout, with a more substantial update expected later in the year. Historically, new Android versions are released in the fall, but Android 16 is being divided into two updates, with a smaller one featuring API adjustments to follow at year’s end. Anticipated features like the Material 3 Expressive UI and desktop windowing capability are currently in testing and expected to debut later. Updates to Google applications will support Material 3, but changes may be subtle for non-Pixel devices, as brands like Samsung and OnePlus have diverged from Google's interface.

AppWizard

June 23, 2025

Iran encourages citizens to use a messaging app previously flagged as a state surveillance tool

Iranian authorities are promoting the domestic messaging app Bale for communication with family abroad amid a near-total internet blackout since June 18, 2025. Bale has 16.5 million monthly active users as of May 2023, with increased adoption following restrictions on Western apps after 2022 protests. A security audit by the Open Technology Fund revealed critical vulnerabilities in Bale and two other Iranian messaging apps, Eitaa and Rubika, including the lack of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) and potential state surveillance through a state-owned service called the Message Exchange Bus (MXB). Bale's encryption could compromise sensitive data and shares location data during authentication. Experts recommend more secure alternatives like Signal and advise against using Bale for sensitive communications. Since the blackout, internet connectivity remains poor, with the government urging citizens to delete WhatsApp and imposing restrictions that have increased VPN usage by over 700%.

Winsage

June 21, 2025

Just like many Windows 10 users, some SSDs are snubbing Windows 11, too

A recent update to Windows 11 version 24H2, released in October 2024, has caused installation issues for users of Western Digital SSDs, particularly the WD SN770 model. Users encounter a compatibility message stating their hardware isn't ready for the new version. Possible solutions include reverting to a Windows 10 image, switching to Linux, or updating the SSD's firmware using the SanDisk Dashboard, which may help pass the Windows hardware scan. While Linux offers fewer hardware restrictions, it may present challenges with application compatibility.

Tech Optimizer

June 9, 2025

Cryptostealing Malware Found in Printer Software Highlights Growing Supply Chain Threat

A cybersecurity incident involving Procolored printers revealed vulnerabilities in everyday hardware, as users may have downloaded malware capable of stealing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Tech content creator Cameron Coward reported an antivirus alert linked to Procolored printer software, prompting an investigation by G Data researchers who found malicious code in installation files on the manufacturer's website. The identified threats included a remote access tool (Win32.Backdoor.XRedRAT.A) and a cryptocurrency wallet stealer (MSIL.Trojan-Stealer.CoinStealer.H). Compromised files were last updated in October 2024 and distributed through official channels. The company initially denied the issue but later removed the downloads from their website in May 2025 and acknowledged the malware might have been introduced via USB transfers. An analysis of an attacker’s wallet showed a total of 9.3 BTC accumulated across 330 transactions before it was emptied. Cybersecurity experts recommend that users conduct antivirus scans and consider reformatting drives and reinstalling operating systems if infections are suspected.

Winsage

May 9, 2025

How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 unless users enroll in the Extended Security Updates program. Upgrading to Windows 11 may be difficult for PCs older than five or six years due to strict compatibility requirements, including a CPU on the approved list and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Users may encounter error messages if their hardware does not meet these criteria. There are workarounds for some users, particularly those with PCs designed for Windows 10, but older devices, especially with AMD processors, may face significant challenges. To upgrade, users must ensure their PC is configured to start with UEFI, supports Secure Boot, and has an enabled TPM. A registry edit can allow bypassing CPU checks and accepting older TPM versions. Alternatively, a clean installation of Windows 11 can be performed using installation media, which bypasses CPU compatibility checks but still requires TPM and Secure Boot support. Microsoft has introduced new restrictions with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, requiring CPUs to support specific instructions (SSE4.2 and PopCnt). For those opting to use the Rufus utility to create installation media, it is essential to use version 4.6 or later to bypass compatibility checks. Users must download the Windows 11 ISO, prepare a USB drive, and follow specific steps to initiate the upgrade process.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

NVIDIA DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation Is Coming Soon to MechWarrior 5: Clans and New World: Aeternum

NVIDIA DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation has been introduced to enhance the visual experience in several games, including MechWarrior 5: Clans, New World: Aeternum, and Spirit of the North 2. MechWarrior 5: Clans, a spin-off set in the MechWarrior universe, will receive an update with the Ghost Bear: Flash Storm DLC, supporting NVIDIA DLSS 4 for improved frame rates on GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics cards. New World: Aeternum will launch Season 8 - Season of the Divide, featuring new maps and events, and will integrate NVIDIA DLSS 4 for enhanced visuals and performance. Spirit of the North 2 will support NVIDIA DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation from its launch in two days. Other titles adopting DLSS technology include Bodycam, which has been updated to support DLSS Super Resolution with plans for Frame Generation, and Lost Skies, which launched on Steam Early Access with DLSS Super Resolution. Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree and Necrophosis also feature DLSS Super Resolution support.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Amid the slow death of Windows 10, Microsoft’s CEO reveals a bold stat about Windows 11

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning no more security patches will be provided. As of April 2024, Windows 10 comprised 70% of Windows users, but this dropped to 54% by April 2025. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reported a nearly 75% increase in commercial deployments of Windows 11 year over year. Transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free, but Windows 11 requires more RAM and memory, which may not be compatible with older hardware. Microsoft continues to release updates for Windows 11, with the latest security update on April 25 and the anticipated 24H2 version released in October 2024. The next version, Windows 11 25H2, is expected between September and October 2025.

TrendTechie

April 29, 2025

Релиз qBittorrent 5.1

On April 27, 2025, qBittorrent version 5.1 was released, developed using the Qt toolkit and available on GitHub under the GPLv2+ license. It supports Linux, Windows, and macOS. Key features include an integrated search engine, RSS feed subscription, remote management, and advanced torrent settings. The 5.1 release includes enhancements such as bug fixes, drag-and-drop support, external IP address display, configurable statistics saving, improved pseudorandom number generation, a new magnet link setting, tracker extraction from URLs, an announce_port setting, an enhanced search interface, over 50 web interface modifications, support for the Thunar file manager, and localization updates. Prior to this, version 5.0.1 was released in late October 2024, fixing a long-standing SSL/TLS certificate validation bug that posed a vulnerability to man-in-the-middle attacks.

AppWizard

April 27, 2025

Driveclub can now run on PC via the PS4 emulator, shadPS4

In October 2024, shadPS4 successfully booted the PS4 racing game Driveclub, which can now enter the game environment due to advancements with shadPS4Plus. Currently, Driveclub operates at approximately 38 frames per second (FPS) on a system with an Intel Core i5 3600KF and an NVIDIA RTX 3080Ti, but significant visual glitches remain, making it not fully playable. There is optimism that continued development could eventually achieve a smooth 60FPS experience on high-end PCs. Other PS4-exclusive titles like inFamous: Second Son and The Last Guardian are also not yet playable, while Godzilla 2014 shows more promise in rendering graphics. If development continues at the current pace, players might enjoy Driveclub by the end of 2025.