privacy and security Archives

AppWizard

September 19, 2026

Russia’s national messenger app Max found to contain backdoor capable of secret screen captures

Researchers have found that Max, a messaging app mandated by the Russian government, can secretly capture screenshots, access sensitive information, impersonate users, and inject code into other applications. Developed by VK, the app integrates messaging, banking, and government services. Since September 1 of last year, it has been preinstalled on new smartphones, following the blocking of WhatsApp and Telegram. Despite its reach, it is not widely used in political circles, with insiders indicating that compliance with its use is performative.

Winsage

September 18, 2026

How to measure and shrink the Windows search index

The initial storage cost of the search index on a fresh installation of Windows 11 is minimal, only a few megabytes. When a sizable work folder is added, the index expands, but it does not revert to its original size after the folder is removed. The search index is stored in Windows.db for Windows 11 and Windows.edb for Windows 10. Windows 11 has two indexing modes: Classic (default) and Enhanced, with Classic indexing Documents, Pictures, Music folders, and the Desktop, while Enhanced scans the entire PC. The index includes file names and content, allowing keyword searches. Users can measure their index items through Settings without special permissions, while file size requires administrative access via PowerShell. An index under 30,000 items is acceptable for average users, while performance issues may arise beyond 400,000 items, with a technical ceiling of one million items. In an experiment, the index grew from 462 items and 6.71 MB to 3,466 items and 18.66 MB after adding 3,000 text files, but remained at 16.81 MB after deleting those files. To reclaim disk space, users can exclude specific folders from indexing and rebuild the index, which can significantly reduce its size while retaining the same number of items.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

GrapheneOS is ditching AOSP apps and building its own alternatives

GrapheneOS is an open-source Android-based operating system focused on security and user privacy, appealing to privacy-conscious users. It features an enhanced app sandbox, a privacy-first design for managing app permissions, and regular security updates. The operating system has gained attention on social media platforms like X and Mastodon, where users share tips and experiences, fostering a supportive community. This engagement allows for real-time feedback, collaborative problem-solving, and increased awareness of privacy and security topics.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

Ohio Mobile ID Arrives in Google Wallet, Opening the Program to Android

Ohio residents with Android devices can now integrate their driver's license or state ID into Google Wallet as part of the state's Mobile ID program. This digital credential is a companion to the physical card, and users are encouraged to carry their plastic IDs. To add the credential, users can navigate through the Google Wallet app. The digital ID is accepted for age and identity verification at various businesses, state buildings, TSA checkpoints, and casinos in Ohio. It utilizes specialized readers for presentation and allows users to review shared data. The credentials are encrypted and can be remotely erased if the phone is lost or stolen. Participation in the program is voluntary and free, adhering to privacy and security standards. Governor Mike DeWine highlighted the convenience of this innovation, and vendors are expanding support for mobile driver’s licenses in multiple states.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

7 Ways To Use Private Space On Your Android Device That Are Actually Helpful

Google's Private Space is a feature on Android devices that creates a secure environment for managing sensitive information. It allows users to lock banking apps, providing a secure vault that is hidden from the main interface and protected from malware and unauthorized access. Users can enhance security with a unique PIN or biometric authentication, and the space locks automatically when the smartphone is secured. Private Space also serves as a secure repository for personal documents, enabling users to move files like PDFs and IDs into it, ensuring they remain inaccessible until the space is locked. Additionally, Private Space allows users to separate personal and professional digital lives by logging into a different Google account, maintaining distinct emails, contacts, and calendar events. Users can install separate instances of messaging and social media apps within Private Space to manage multiple accounts securely. It also helps keep dating apps hidden, protecting users' privacy and personal data. When sharing devices, Private Space ensures personal data remains secure behind authentication. Lastly, it allows users to store data locally without syncing to the cloud, prioritizing privacy over convenience.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

Google Wallet will now let you add physical transit cards and balances with NFC

Google has released version 26.35 of Google Play Services, which includes the ability to integrate physical transit cards into Google Wallet using NFC technology, allowing users to access public transportation with NFC-enabled Android devices. This feature requires an NFC chip in the device. The update also includes a redesigned “Add a card” success screen in the Wallet app. Additionally, Google has launched version 53.1 of the Google Play Store app, featuring a short description of key features for similar apps, the ability to see which devices have specific apps installed, and a new navigation bar for exploring interests. Users can access updates for Google System Services through their device settings or enable automatic updates.

AppWizard

August 31, 2026

Fake dating apps are being used to target Android users: How the new cyber scam works

India's cybercrime authorities have warned about the misuse of dating and adult-themed advertisements on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, which are being exploited by criminals to distribute malicious Android applications. These ads redirect users to external websites where they are prompted to download APK files, bypassing security measures of trusted app stores. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has identified several malicious applications, including Night Play, Reloop, Kyss, Vimo, Rivo, Nexo, and Vixa, and cautions against installing unfamiliar applications promoted through unsolicited ads. These apps may request sensitive permissions, such as access to SMS messages, contacts, photos, device storage, and Accessibility Services, which can allow fraudsters to access valuable information. Compromised devices can lead to financial fraud by intercepting OTPs and other verification details. The I4C recommends using trusted app stores, keeping Google Play Protect active, reviewing app permissions, and being cautious with social media ads. If a suspicious app is installed, users should restart their phone in Safe Mode to uninstall it, disable its permissions if necessary, and consider a factory reset if removal fails. Users who suspect fraud are encouraged to report incidents promptly.

AppWizard

August 29, 2026

Android 17 adds new protections against sneaky Wi-Fi tracking and web snooping

Google has introduced several network security enhancements in Android 17 to improve user privacy. One key feature is Encrypted Client Hello (ECH), which encrypts domain names to prevent external observers from monitoring user activities. ECH is integrated with private DNS and is enabled by default for apps using compatible networking libraries. Google claims to be the first major mobile operating system to implement widespread ECH support. Testing conducted by Jigsaw showed stable connection success rates and minimal interference across various networks. Additional security features in Android 17 include: - Local Network Protection, requiring apps to request permission before accessing devices on a user's home network. - Certificate Transparency, mandating public logging of certificates to detect forged ones. - A 2G Network Shutdown option for mobile operators to disable 2G services, reducing exposure to phishing messages.

AppWizard

August 28, 2026

Did A New Google ‘Pulse’ App Just Appear On Your Android Phone? Here’s What It Does

A new app called Pulse has been released on the Play Store, quickly reaching over 10 million downloads. It is an existing Google system service that became more visible in the settings app following a recent update and has been in place since March. Pulse may collect information related to app performance but does not share data with third parties. It can be accessed on Pixel devices through Settings > Google services > All services > Privacy & security > System services. Disabling system services like Pulse could disrupt features, so it is advisable to keep it installed. Pulse helps monitor resource usage in Android, including battery drain, memory usage, and CPU activity, and is part of Google's efforts to track issues within the operating system. Google plans to implement stricter measures against apps that excessively consume resources.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

Google Pay and Apple Pay are finally coming to Walmart

Walmart is introducing contactless payments through a new feature called Tap to Pay, allowing customers to use digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay at checkout. The rollout will begin on August 24, 2023, in Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the U.S., with plans to have it available in all stores and clubs by the end of 2026, and at fuel stations by mid-2027. Walmart will continue to offer other payment options, including cash, chip cards, Walmart Pay, and Scan & Go. The shift to contactless payments responds to customer demand and the trend among retailers, enhancing privacy and security for shoppers by not sharing physical card numbers during transactions.