The anonymous group CYBERLEEK claims to possess a complete working build of Grand Theft Auto 6 and threatens to release it to millions of PC users unless legal actions against them are stopped. They have distributed backup copies of the game globally, beyond U.S. legal jurisdiction, and have an automated system that could release the game if their communication is disrupted. CYBERLEEK is soliciting cryptocurrency donations and positioning their actions as a protest against the digitalization of the gaming industry. The gaming community is divided on the authenticity of the threat, with some speculating it may be a marketing strategy. Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games have not commented and are preparing for the game's release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles.
New Windows 11 Insider Preview builds are being rolled out for users in the Beta and Experimental Channels, addressing an issue with the Feature Flags list.
Notable new features include:
1. Modernized Autoplay experience: The AutoPlay dialog has been updated to streamline the selection process for connecting devices. It features a refreshed interface built with WinUI, supports dark mode, and is more responsive to text scaling and display settings.
2. Accessibility setting - "Open apps maximized": This new feature automatically maximizes app windows upon opening, benefiting users of screen readers, magnification tools, and those working in tablet mode. Users can enable it in Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.
Samsung Galaxy smartphones will benefit from the new Android 17 feature that imposes per-app memory limits, preventing any single app from monopolizing RAM. This feature is already active on Pixel devices and is expected to be adopted by other manufacturers, including Samsung, in the coming year. Android 17 allows the operating system to compress memory pages and terminate apps that exceed their memory limits, optimizing RAM usage without noticeable disruptions for users. This update aims to improve multitasking by allowing more applications to remain active in the background, particularly benefiting devices with limited RAM. Samsung's One UI already includes memory management tools, but the new system in Android 17 operates at a deeper level to enhance overall device performance. While no timeline for implementation has been announced, One UI 9 is based on Android 17, and the feature is anticipated to significantly improve user experience on Galaxy devices.
Image Toolbox is an open-source, free Android application that consolidates various media tools into a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple single-purpose apps. It features a user-friendly interface with four main tabs: Edit, Create, Image, and Tools. Key functionalities include:
- Image Resizer and Converter: Allows users to resize images and convert formats with a preview of the final file size.
- EXIF Remover: Offers bulk and selective removal of EXIF data from photos.
- Background Remover: Provides automatic and manual modes for background removal.
- PDF Editor: Includes tools for merging, rearranging, password protecting, and compressing PDFs.
- Image Stitcher: Facilitates the stitching of images.
- GIF Creator: Converts sequences of images into animated GIFs.
- QR Code Generator: Creates customizable QR codes.
- Collage Maker: Suggests templates and allows layout adjustments.
Users can customize settings such as the app's theme, tool layout, and default save locations. The app has proven to be an efficient replacement for various specialized applications, streamlining media management on Android devices.
Viruses and malware pose ongoing threats to personal computers and sensitive data. Windows Defender is a free antivirus option, but dedicated solutions like Bitdefender and McAfee offer enhanced security. Bitdefender was established in 2001 and McAfee in 1987.
Bitdefender Premium Security has a rating of 4.5/5, offers various plans, and is user-friendly with minimal system impact. Its pricing includes £59.99 for the Premium Security plan, which features a password manager, unlimited VPN, and other protections.
McAfee+ Premium also has a rating of 4.5/5, is visually appealing, and includes a smart scan feature. Its pricing starts at £49.99 for the Premium plan, which protects unlimited devices and includes various security features.
Bitdefender's pros include an affordable standard plan and a basic VPN, while cons include a requirement for a family plan for more than five devices and significant price increases in subsequent years. McAfee's pros include unlimited device protection and excellent security monitoring, with cons being potential high costs.
Both antivirus solutions offer significant first-year discounts, with Bitdefender's basic protection starting at £17.99 for one device and McAfee's basic package starting at £29.99 for one device.
In terms of features, Bitdefender includes a comprehensive suite with a password manager, while McAfee offers scam detection and a social privacy manager.
Bitdefender's dashboard is user-friendly but may feel cluttered, while McAfee's dashboard is visually appealing and organized. Both provide 24/7 support, but Bitdefender's phone support may incur charges.
The evaluation criteria included ease of use, features, value for money, and performance.
Google has launched "Android Pulse," an application for detecting anomalies in the Android operating system and installed applications, primarily for Google Pixel devices. The app is available for download on the Google Play Store and is in its initial version (v1.0.968586556). It functions like a system application with no additional configuration needed after installation. The app features a blank icon on the Play Store, but its "App Info" section displays an electrocardiogram (ECG) design, indicating its monitoring purpose. Future updates are expected to improve its anomaly detection capabilities.
Threat actors are exploiting FTP banners to conceal commands for deploying two undocumented remote access trojans (RATs), E4del and PINHOLE. This method was first observed by MalwareHunterTeam in July 2026, using shortcut files (.LNK) and FTP server banners as dead-drop resolvers to retrieve malicious commands. SOCRadar confirmed that this technique has been weaponized since early July 2026 and remains active, with new infrastructure identified as recently as August 2026. The attacks typically start with a ZIP archive leading to an LNK-based infection chain, likely initiated through phishing tactics.
E4del is a Node.js-based RAT disguised within a digitally signed Electron application mimicking Discord, capable of executing commands, capturing screenshots, streaming desktops, and downloading additional payloads. It also includes a module for privilege escalation. PINHOLE retrieves its command and control configuration from Pinterest and SurveyMonkey, designed to leave a minimal footprint and employing shellcode fluctuation. It supports 14 commands, including file management and credential theft, but had only recorded 11 execution events at the time of analysis.
SOCRadar notes that while using FTP banners is a novel approach, it is less stealthy than traditional web-based dead-drop resolvers. They provide indicators of compromise to help identify malicious infrastructure and infected machines.
Microsoft has introduced a standalone application called MicrosoftSettings.exe that prompts users to change their default search engine to Bing across all browsers on their PC. This application is not force-installed via Windows Update or available in the Microsoft Store; it can be downloaded from Microsoft's official servers. Upon installation, it encourages users to add a Chrome extension named Microsoft Bing Homepage & Search, which alters search settings and directs users to the Microsoft Rewards page. The installation process features a welcome screen with a pre-set toggle for changing the search engine to Bing, applicable to Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. The extension has a 4-star rating and claims 5 million users, but it triggers alerts from Chrome regarding its permissions. Microsoft has also launched a sweepstakes for Bing users and made it possible to sign into Bing using Google or Apple accounts. Despite efforts to promote Bing, Microsoft has committed to decluttering MSN and simplifying its offerings in other areas.
Two Star Wars titles, Star Wars Zero Company and Galactic Racer, are set to launch within months of each other, marking the first time in 15 years that games from different developers will share a release year. The simultaneous lifting of embargoes for both games occurred just an hour apart, creating a clash that disadvantaged the team behind Galactic Racer. The two titles are developed by independent studios Fuse Games/Secret Mode and Bit Reactor/EA, respectively, with Lucasfilm Games overseeing the process. The marketing strategies for the games have differed, with Zero Company announced at last year's Celebration and Galactic Racer unveiled in December. Star Wars Zero Company is set to launch on August 27th, while Galactic Racer will follow on October 6th. Pre-orders are available for both titles.
