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The Pros And Cons Of Behaviour-Based Antivirus Detection
Tech Optimizer
November 5, 2024

The Pros And Cons Of Behaviour-Based Antivirus Detection

32% of UK businesses experienced cyberattacks at least once a week last year, with an average financial toll of £1,630 per incident. Traditional signature-based antivirus systems struggle to recognize new threats, leading to the emergence of behaviour-based detection systems that monitor real-time application behavior. Behaviour-based detection operates independently of a database and can identify sophisticated threats, but it may generate false alarms, affect device performance, and raise privacy concerns. Most modern antivirus solutions now use a combination of both detection approaches to enhance cybersecurity.
Valorant is winning the war against PC gaming cheaters
AppWizard
November 4, 2024

Valorant is winning the war against PC gaming cheaters

In 2020, multiplayer games experienced a surge in cheating during COVID-19 lockdowns, with titles like Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG, and Destiny 2 struggling against aimbots and wallhacks. Riot Games launched Valorant with its anti-cheat system, Vanguard, which has effectively deterred cheat developers. Vanguard employs a kernel-level driver that detects unauthorized access attempts and has led to a decrease in traditional software cheats, although some cheaters have shifted to hardware solutions like direct memory access (DMA) techniques. Vanguard has also been successful in detecting and blocking suspicious hardware-level DMA attempts. Currently, triggerbots account for about 80 percent of cheats in Valorant. Vanguard was introduced to League of Legends, resulting in over 175,000 account bans. A study from the University of Birmingham indicated that Valorant has the top anti-cheat system, while other games like Call of Duty: Warzone continue to struggle. Riot is exploring collaborations with Microsoft to enhance security and may adjust Vanguard's activation based on Windows 11 features. There are no plans for Linux support due to risks of kernel manipulation. The potential rise of AI-powered cheats presents a new challenge, as AI could replicate human gameplay, complicating anti-cheat efforts.
Microsoft Delays Windows Copilot+ Recall Release Over Privacy Concerns
Winsage
November 2, 2024

Microsoft Delays Windows Copilot+ Recall Release Over Privacy Concerns

Microsoft has postponed the release of the Recall feature for its Windows Copilot+ PCs from October to December 2024 to enhance user experience and address privacy and security concerns. Recall, introduced in May, is designed to provide a "visual timeline" of users' screens and will now operate on an opt-in basis due to potential privacy risks. Microsoft is implementing additional security measures, including "just in time" decryption, which requires user authentication through Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) to access Recall snapshots.
Microsoft's Recall AI tool for Copilot+ PCs faces a third delay
Winsage
October 31, 2024

Microsoft’s Recall AI tool for Copilot+ PCs faces a third delay

Microsoft's AI-powered Recall tool has been delayed again, with the new launch date for Windows Insiders set for December. The tool, initially scheduled for testing in June and then delayed in August, aims to enhance search capabilities on Copilot+ PCs but has faced privacy and security concerns due to its extensive access to user data. Microsoft has made Recall an opt-in feature, requiring user consent for tracking activities, and has outlined privacy protections. However, the delays indicate challenges in implementing robust security measures.
Encrypted messaging apps: a persistent challenge in fighting organised crime
AppWizard
October 28, 2024

Encrypted messaging apps: a persistent challenge in fighting organised crime

Approximately 700 officers from the Australian Federal Police executed arrest warrants as part of Operation Kraken, aimed at apprehending Jay Je Yoon Jung, the alleged mastermind behind the encrypted messaging application Ghost, used for organized crime. Ghost facilitated various illicit activities, including drug and weapon trafficking, with around 800 devices globally, 376 identified in Australia. The AFP learned about Ghost through Europol and collaborated with the US FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police to access its software. The operation highlighted challenges in disrupting encrypted communications, accelerating law enforcement's technological adoption, and preventing future exploitation by criminals. Australia's encryption laws allow law enforcement to access encrypted communications, sparking a debate on privacy and public safety. Continuous innovation, international collaboration, and training for law enforcement are essential to counter organized crime effectively.
Google Reveals New Chrome Update—Microsoft Warns Windows Users To Change Your Browser
Winsage
October 19, 2024

Google Reveals New Chrome Update—Microsoft Warns Windows Users To Change Your Browser

Google's Chrome holds a 65% market share and faces potential break-up actions from the Department of Justice. Microsoft is promoting its Edge browser to Windows users, highlighting enhanced security features through Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. Microsoft encourages enterprises to adopt Edge, suggesting that employees may also use it at home, threatening Chrome's user base. In response, Google has launched a campaign to reassure its 3 billion Chrome users about its security measures, emphasizing its innovations and commitment to user safety. Google is also addressing privacy concerns related to tracking cookies and plans to introduce an opt-in tracking mechanism, while Microsoft is developing the “Privacy-Preserving Ads API” for Edge. Both companies are focusing on security and privacy as key competitive factors. Chrome has recently updated to version 130.0.6723.58/.59, and users are advised to restart their browsers after the update for optimal security.
Google Play will force many apps to use Android’s Photo Picker for better privacy
AppWizard
October 18, 2024

Google Play will force many apps to use Android’s Photo Picker for better privacy

Google Play is urging developers to transition to the Android Photo Picker to enhance user privacy by limiting access to users' photos and videos. The Android Photo Picker, introduced with Android 13 in 2022, allows apps to access only selected media rather than the entire gallery. Despite its introduction, many developers continue using the legacy system file picker, prompting Google to implement a new policy requiring developers to either justify their need for broad access or switch to the Photo Picker by September 18. Non-compliance will restrict app updates on the Google Play Store. By early 2025, only apps demonstrating a core functionality reliant on accessing user images and videos will be allowed to request broad media permissions. Google's efforts aim to enhance user privacy, although the current Photo Picker lacks certain features that users may find essential.
Crypto Getting Inside the Messaging Apps
AppWizard
October 17, 2024

Crypto Getting Inside the Messaging Apps

Global cryptocurrency ownership surpassed 295 million people in 2021, with messaging applications like Telegram, Facebook Messenger, and WeChat integrating cryptocurrency wallets and payment systems. Telegram introduced The Open Network (TON) for seamless cryptocurrency transactions and has contributed to the growth of Bitcoin casinos. WeChat is exploring the incorporation of China's digital yuan into its payment system. Signal allows users to send MobileCoin, while Japan's Line has launched its own cryptocurrency, LINK. Key drivers for this trend include the demand for financial autonomy, speed and convenience of transactions, and the need for cross-border payment solutions. Younger demographics, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are leading adoption rates. In-app crypto payments utilize blockchain technology for secure transactions, with a straightforward process for sending and receiving cryptocurrencies. Benefits include convenience, lower fees, and financial inclusion for the unbanked, while challenges involve regulatory hurdles, cryptocurrency volatility, and privacy concerns. The integration of crypto in messaging apps could disrupt traditional banking, affect remittance markets, and prompt partnerships between banks and messaging platforms. Future growth in cryptocurrency adoption within messaging apps is anticipated, with potential mainstream acceptance akin to credit cards and mobile payments.
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