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'Loophole' in law on messaging apps leaves children vulnerable to sexual abuse, says NSPCC
AppWizard
February 18, 2025

‘Loophole’ in law on messaging apps leaves children vulnerable to sexual abuse, says NSPCC

Nearly 39,000 child sex abuse image crimes were documented in the past year, with approximately 38,685 crimes recorded in England and Wales during the 2023/24 period, averaging over 100 incidents per day. Snapchat was identified as the most frequently mentioned app in these cases, accounting for 50% of incidents, followed by Instagram (11%), Facebook (7%), and WhatsApp (6%). The NSPCC and other organizations are advocating for stronger enforcement of the Online Safety Act, citing concerns about a loophole that allows direct messaging services to remove harmful content only if deemed "technically feasible." The NSPCC expressed the need for proactive measures from platforms to prevent becoming "safe havens" for abusers, particularly highlighting risks associated with end-to-end encryption. A 13-year-old victim shared her distressing experience on Snapchat, where she was threatened after sending nude pictures to a stranger. NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood called for immediate government action, criticizing separate regulations for private messaging services that allow tech companies to evade responsibility. The Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, mandates social media companies to mitigate illegal and harmful content, but protective measures are still being implemented. Ofcom stated that most services should be capable of removing harmful content, while a government spokesperson reiterated the commitment to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse and to implement the Online Safety Act effectively.
'Minecraft' Gets Free "CyberSafe AI" DLC, Teaching AI Literacy to a New Generation
AppWizard
February 14, 2025

‘Minecraft’ Gets Free “CyberSafe AI” DLC, Teaching AI Literacy to a New Generation

Mojang Studios and Microsoft released the "CyberSafe AI" DLC as part of their educational content series, aimed at teaching users about the applications and challenges of artificial intelligence. The DLC is free and available on the Minecraft Marketplace. A Microsoft Global Online Safety Survey indicates that in 2024, 51% of individuals reported using generative AI, up from 38% in 2023, with Generation Z leading at 64%. The DLC allows players to simulate AI usage while learning about the importance of verifying AI-generated information. The CyberSafe series has achieved over 80 million downloads since its launch in 2022, focusing on digital citizenship skills. The experience encourages critical questioning of AI content and emphasizes the need for human oversight in AI systems. Families can access additional resources through the Minecraft Family Cyber Toolkit and Xbox's family gaming platform.
Minecraft is a digital playground for learning and growth
AppWizard
February 12, 2025

Minecraft is a digital playground for learning and growth

Minecraft has over 141 million active players and serves as a platform for children to explore, create, and interact, significantly impacting child development, social interactions, and cognitive learning. Researchers from the University of South Australia found that collaborative play in Minecraft fosters skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Dr. Vincenza Tudini highlights that the game encourages creativity and social growth, promoting pro-social behavior among players. Minecraft enhances language development and digital literacy through gameplay interactions. The game cultivates problem-solving and teamwork skills as children collaborate to overcome obstacles. However, there are risks associated with its open online environment, including cyberbullying and interactions with strangers. Parents and educators are encouraged to implement safety measures, such as using private servers and teaching responsible online behavior. Minecraft Education Edition is being used in classrooms to teach subjects like coding and mathematics, transforming learning into an interactive experience. The study on Minecraft's impact is published in the journal Children’s Online Learning and Interaction.
Norton VPN Plus is so much more than just a VPN, and it's 54% off
Tech Optimizer
February 6, 2025

Norton VPN Plus is so much more than just a VPN, and it’s 54% off

The landscape of online security has changed significantly, requiring a multi-faceted approach to cybersecurity as of 2024. Antivirus software is still important but is now just one part of a broader security strategy. Incorporating a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential for robust protection against online threats. Norton VPN Plus is highlighted as a reputable VPN service, known for its trusted brand, user-friendly interface, comprehensive security features, and a global server network that allows users to access content while maintaining privacy. A VPN encrypts data between the user's device and the VPN server, enhancing privacy and security.
Microsoft thinks it could stop this dangerous scam forever
Tech Optimizer
February 2, 2025

Microsoft thinks it could stop this dangerous scam forever

Microsoft has launched a new ‘Scareware blocker’ feature for Edge web browsers on Windows PCs, designed to enhance user protection against tech support scams. This machine learning threat detection software identifies signs of scareware in real-time and aims to reduce the prevalence of such scams, which cost victims millions annually according to the FBI. The technology analyzes new websites and uses a SmartScreen feature for global protection, processing information locally without uploading images to the cloud. When a potential threat is detected, Edge exits full-screen mode, stops aggressive audio playback, and alerts the user. Users can report malicious sites or inaccuracies to improve the model. The feature is available to all Edge users upon updating their browser.
Norton’s making it easy to stay secure this Christmas with up to AU$160 off its award-winning antivirus suites
Tech Optimizer
December 20, 2024

Norton’s making it easy to stay secure this Christmas with up to AU$160 off its award-winning antivirus suites

Norton has reduced the first-year price of its Norton 360 suites by up to AU0 during the holiday season, offering discounts on both one-year and two-year subscriptions. Norton 360 provides comprehensive protection against online threats, including features like cloud backups, dark web monitoring, and VPN access. The Norton 360 Deluxe suite includes a VPN, parental controls, a powerful firewall, and customer support. The discounts are temporary and will return to standard pricing after the holiday season.
F-Secure Total review: affordable antivirus solution lets you build custom plan
Tech Optimizer
December 13, 2024

F-Secure Total review: affordable antivirus solution lets you build custom plan

F-Secure Total is an antivirus solution priced at .99, offering robust protection for various devices with customizable subscription plans. The most economical plan starts at .99 annually for one device, with options for 1 to 26 devices. Users can add a VPN and password manager for an additional fee. It supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and provides 24/7 live chat support. The software features real-time malware protection, regular scans, and has received positive scores from cybersecurity labs, though it has a higher-than-average false-positive rate. F-Secure's privacy policy ensures user data is not sold or shared with third parties.
Top 5 Reasons Cybersecurity Is a Huge Problem in Minnesota
Tech Optimizer
December 11, 2024

Top 5 Reasons Cybersecurity Is a Huge Problem in Minnesota

Minnesota ranks 39th in the number of cybercrime victims per 100,000 residents and 8th in average loss per victim, indicating significant financial damage from cyber incidents. Many residents lack sufficient insurance for cyber-related losses, leaving them to bear recovery costs. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to phishing and ransomware attacks, often unprepared for recovery. There is a lack of diversity in cybersecurity tools, with many relying solely on antivirus software and free solutions that offer inadequate protection. Awareness of essential tools like VPNs and anti-ransomware software is low. Limited public education on online safety leaves individuals and employees of small businesses susceptible to scams. The healthcare sector is frequently targeted by ransomware attacks, and local industries face unique cyber challenges due to outdated systems. Reliance on outdated technology increases vulnerabilities, as these systems often lack necessary security features and are incompatible with modern cybersecurity tools.
TotalAV Antivirus Review and Pricing in 2024
Tech Optimizer
December 5, 2024

TotalAV Antivirus Review and Pricing in 2024

TotalAV offers a suite of digital security features that includes privacy tools and online protection, distinguishing it from standard antivirus software. Its user interface is intuitive and has minimal impact on device performance. The software conducts rapid scans with accurate detection of harmful files. However, it lacks behavior-based detection, does not include a built-in firewall, and was unable to prevent the download of potentially harmful files during testing, although it could identify and quarantine them afterward. TotalAV provides substantial protection against various cyberthreats and has an attractive pricing model for users.
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