one-time codes Archives

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Meta Adds Scam Detection to Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger

Meta is introducing new scam detection tools for its platforms—Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger—to enhance security. Facebook users will receive alerts for suspicious friend requests, while WhatsApp will issue device-linking warnings to prevent unauthorized access. Advanced algorithms will analyze conversation patterns for signs of fraud, prompting users to report suspicious messages for AI analysis. Users can choose to block or report accounts based on these alerts, ensuring privacy through opt-in sharing of messages. The initiative responds to rising fraud statistics, with the FTC noting significant consumer losses and increased phishing attempts. Key metrics for success will include the interception of suspicious interactions and user engagement with reporting features. Users are advised to maintain skepticism toward unsolicited communications and enable two-step verification for added security.

AppWizard

December 8, 2025

Android scam protection: How new screen sharing warnings and a 30-second pause safeguard bank app users from call scams | – The Times of India

Fraudsters are using screen sharing during phone calls to impersonate bank representatives and extract sensitive information from users, leading to unauthorized transactions. In response, Android has launched a pilot program in the U.S. to enhance user security against these scams. The program automatically detects when a call from an unknown number coincides with screen sharing on a banking app, displaying a warning and offering an option to end the call. This feature is available on Android devices running version 11 and above. It includes a 30-second pause before users can continue interacting with the call, disrupting the scammers' tactics. The feature was previously tested in the U.K., where it successfully helped users terminate risky calls and avoid financial losses. Major financial service providers, including popular fintech apps and banks, are supporting the U.S. rollout of this scam protection.

AppWizard

November 26, 2025

Hackers Bypass Signal, Telegram And WhatsApp Encryption To Read Messages

CISA has issued a warning about spyware targeting users of instant messaging applications, particularly highlighting the Sturnus trojan, which poses significant risks to Android smartphone users. Sturnus, identified as a banking trojan, can bypass encrypted messaging by capturing messages after they are decrypted on the smartphone screen, rather than cracking the encryption itself. Security expert Aditya Sood noted that Sturnus uses a combination of plaintext, RSA, and AES-encrypted communication, complicating detection efforts. The trojan can read everything displayed on the smartphone screen in real time, including sensitive messages and contacts. CISA also identified tactics used by cyber threat actors, such as phishing, zero-click exploits, and impersonation to gain unauthorized access to messaging apps. Users are advised to keep Google’s Play Protect activated, avoid unauthorized app stores, and be cautious with accessibility permissions to protect against these threats.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

WhatsApp And Messenger Include Scam Warnings For Seniors

Meta is enhancing user safety on WhatsApp and Messenger by introducing protective measures aimed at curbing scams, particularly targeting older adults. WhatsApp will display a warning when users share screens during calls with unknown contacts, discouraging the sharing of sensitive information. Messenger is piloting a scam detection system that alerts users to potential fraud indicators, allowing them to block or report suspicious contacts. Research shows that timely alerts can reduce compliance with fraudulent requests. Meta has disrupted around 8 million scam accounts and removed over 21,000 impersonating profiles. The company is also collaborating with the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, which includes various major corporations, to combat scams across platforms.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

Valve refutes reports of massive Steam hack

Valve addressed concerns about alleged breaches of user data, refuting claims of a significant hack involving Steam account information. The company clarified that reports of leaked two-factor authentication text messages do not indicate any compromise of its internal systems. The source of the leak is under investigation, and it involved older text messages containing one-time codes valid for 15 minutes, without linking phone numbers to Steam accounts or exposing sensitive information like passwords or payment details. Valve emphasized that old text messages cannot compromise account security and that attempts to change account details via SMS will trigger additional confirmation steps. Allegations from Underdark.ai about a dataset containing over 89 million Steam user records are questioned due to the low asking price for the data.

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

No, your Steam info isn’t being sold on the dark web: Valve confirms the Steam leak was just a bunch of old, harmless texts and “you do not need to change your passwords”

Valve addressed concerns about a potential data leak affecting Steam accounts, confirming that while a data leak did occur, it was limited to outdated text messages containing one-time validation codes that expire after 15 minutes. The only information potentially accessed was the phone numbers to which these messages were sent, which poses minimal risk. Valve stated that users do not need to change their passwords or phone numbers due to this event.