routers Archives

AppWizard

November 27, 2025

Epic Games Store Down Right Now? Why The PC Launcher Is Having Issues

The Epic Games Store is experiencing significant disruptions, with many PC players unable to log in, access their game libraries, or launch titles due to issues with Epic Online Services (EOS) login systems. An active incident titled “EOS Login Issues” has been logged for November 26, 2025, affecting not only the Epic Games Store but also popular games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys. Epic has acknowledged the problems and is investigating, but no timeline for resolution has been provided. Reports indicate that thousands of players are facing launcher errors and login loops. The root cause appears to be a malfunction within EOS, which is responsible for user authentication. Players are advised to check Epic’s status page and avoid local troubleshooting measures. The outage disrupts free game claims, store sales, and access to online titles, but players should not lose their games or purchases as they are linked to their Epic accounts.

AppWizard

November 8, 2025

A dangerous rise in Android malware hits critical industries

A study by Zscaler has reported a significant increase in mobile and IoT security incidents, with 239 malicious Android applications on Google Play downloaded 42 million times. There has been a 67% year-over-year increase in Android malware transactions, primarily involving spyware, banking trojans, and adware, which now constitutes 69% of all malware detections. The energy sector has seen a 387% rise in attack attempts, while manufacturing and transportation industries face over 40% of IoT threats. IoT attacks are largely driven by malware families like Mirai, Mozi, and Gafgyt, which account for about 75% of malicious payloads, with routers being the primary targets. Mobile attacks are concentrated in a few countries, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures.

AppWizard

November 4, 2025

Malicious Android apps on Google Play downloaded 42 million times

The Android ecosystem has seen a significant rise in malicious applications, with over 40 million harmful apps downloaded from Google Play between June 2024 and May 2025. There has been a 67% year-over-year increase in malware targeting mobile devices, particularly spyware and banking trojans. Cybercriminals are shifting tactics from card fraud to mobile payment exploitation, employing phishing, smishing, SIM-swapping, and payment scams. Banking malware transactions reached 4.89 million in 2025, with a slowed growth rate of 3%. Malicious applications increased from 200 to 239, totaling 42 million downloads, with adware now accounting for 69% of all detections. Spyware has surged by 220% year-over-year, with India, the U.S., and Canada being the most affected countries. Notable malware families include Anatsa, which targets financial institutions, Android Void (Vo1d), which affects Android TV boxes, and Xnotice, which targets job seekers. IoT devices, particularly routers, are also being exploited, with the majority of attacks occurring in the U.S. Zscaler recommends implementing security measures such as regular updates, trusting reputable publishers, and adopting zero-trust technology for organizations.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

Spotify confirms Android app freezing issue; here’s how you can avoid it – The Times of India

Spotify has acknowledged an issue with its Android app affecting users on Samsung and Google Pixel devices, where the app freezes and crashes when connected to certain Wi-Fi networks, but not when using mobile data. This problem has been reported for nearly two weeks, and users have found that playback resumes when Wi-Fi is disabled or when switching networks. The issue may be related to specific routers or network configurations, possibly influenced by Chromecast-ready devices on the same network. Standard troubleshooting methods have not resolved the issue, and no timeline for a fix has been provided. Users are advised to switch to mobile data or disable Wi-Fi while streaming, or to roll back to an earlier version of the app.

AppWizard

October 23, 2025

Spotify on Android freezing and crashing? You’re not alone, and here’s what you can do

Many Android users, particularly those with Samsung and Google Pixel phones, are experiencing issues with the Spotify app freezing or crashing when connected to specific Wi-Fi networks, while it works fine on mobile data. The problem has been reported for about two weeks, and Spotify is investigating but has not provided a timeline for a fix. Users have suggested potential workarounds, such as switching to mobile data, disabling Wi-Fi, or rolling back to an earlier app version.

Winsage

October 23, 2025

Russian hackers replace malware with new tools, Windows updates cause login issues, campaign targets high-profile servers

Mark your calendars for this Friday's Super Cyber Friday, featuring the session titled "Hacking the Death of EDR." Russian state-sponsored hacking group Coldriver has introduced three new malware strains: NOROBOT, YESROBOT, and MAYBEROBOT, following the exposure of their previous tool, LostKeys. The new malware is designed to evade detection and extract sensitive data from high-value targets. Microsoft has acknowledged that Windows updates released since August 29th are causing login failures on systems with duplicate Security Identifiers (SIDs), leading to authentication failures. Microsoft recommends rebuilding affected systems or contacting support for a temporary fix. Kaspersky researchers have identified a likely Chinese-speaking threat actor behind the “PassiveNeuron” campaign, targeting government, financial, and industrial servers across Asia, Africa, and Latin America since 2024, using custom implants and Cobalt Strike. CISA has added high-severity vulnerabilities in Oracle E-Business Suite, Microsoft Windows SMB Client, Kentico Xperience CMS, and Apple JavaScriptCore to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, requiring federal agencies to patch by November 10th. Researchers from France's CEA and Soitec have unveiled a new chip architecture called Fully Depleted Silicon-on-Insulator, designed to defend against laser fault injection attacks on automotive microcontrollers. During Pwn2Own Ireland 2025, researchers exploited 34 zero-days across various devices, earning a total of 2,500 in rewards, with Team DDOS chaining eight zero-days to compromise a QNAP router and NAS. Koi Security researchers discovered a new self-propagating malware named GlassWorm, which has infected approximately 36,000 developer systems by exploiting Visual Studio Code extensions, pilfering credentials, and installing remote access tools. PolarEdge is a botnet malware targeting Cisco, ASUS, QNAP, and Synology routers, first detected in February, which installs a TLS-based backdoor to fingerprint hosts and execute tasks while employing anti-analysis techniques.

Tech Optimizer

October 14, 2025

Ethernet vs Wi-Fi security comparison reveals surprising results for home users seeking protection

Ethernet relies on a physical cable for direct connection to the router, reducing the risk of data interception, while Wi-Fi transmits data wirelessly, making it more vulnerable to unauthorized access. A well-secured Wi-Fi network can be more secure than a poorly managed Ethernet setup. The security of a network depends on factors such as router configuration, software updates, and the number of connected devices. To enhance internet security, users should employ strong passwords, enable the latest encryption, keep router firmware updated, review connected devices, install antivirus software, and consider using a VPN for sensitive tasks.

AppWizard

October 8, 2025

How to Fix the GETSOCKOPT Error in Minecraft

The GETSOCKOPT error in Minecraft occurs when the game cannot establish a network connection, often indicated by messages like “Connection timed out: getsockopt” or “Connection refused: getsockopt.” This error is not a bug in Minecraft but relates to network reachability or permission issues from the system or router configuration. Common causes include incorrect IP address or port, server being offline or misconfigured, firewall or antivirus interference, missing router port forwarding, double NAT or CGNAT from the ISP, and router limitations. In a LAN setup, AP isolation or a “Public” network type can also cause issues. VPNs or proxy services may disrupt connections as well. To troubleshoot the GETSOCKOPT error, players can take several steps: 1. Run Minecraft as Administrator to grant necessary permissions. 2. Double-check the IP address and port for accuracy. 3. Use a VPN to bypass routing issues or ISP restrictions. 4. Reconnect the Wi-Fi or Ethernet to refresh the network adapter. 5. Temporarily disable antivirus and allow Minecraft through the firewall. 6. Set up port forwarding for self-hosted servers to ensure inbound traffic reaches the device. 7. Contact the ISP to check for blocked ports or restrictive NAT policies.

Tech Optimizer

September 8, 2025

ESET review

ESET Home Security offers robust antivirus protection, particularly appealing to budget-conscious consumers. The Premium tier features a gamer mode, parental filters, virus scanning tools, and an antitheft service. However, it lacks a VPN client, which is available in the more expensive ESET Ultimate version. The Premium version is priced lower than competitors like Norton 360 Deluxe and McAfee+ Premium, with costs rising after the first year. ESET Premium provides comprehensive antivirus features, including quick and custom scans, ThreatSense technology, Deep Behavior Inspection, Host Intrusion Protection System (HIPS), and Ransomware Shield. It also offers defenses against botnets and network threats, with quick scans completing in about five minutes. Additional features include a parental filter, password manager, browser protections, file encryption, and an anti-theft system. The user interface has been criticized for being outdated and complex, with limited support options available.

Tech Optimizer

September 4, 2025

Don’t use your home Wi-Fi before fixing certain security risks

Home Wi-Fi networks connect various devices and are essential for online activities, but they can be vulnerable due to weak security settings and outdated equipment. Hackers often target residential networks, which typically have weaker defenses than corporate systems. Compromised networks can lead to the interception of sensitive information. To enhance Wi-Fi security, it is important to use a modern router with strong encryption (WPA3 or WPA2), regularly update firmware, change default login passwords, and create a strong Wi-Fi password of at least 12 to 16 characters. Monitoring connected devices and disabling Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) can help prevent unauthorized access. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect online privacy, while antivirus software can safeguard connected devices from malware. Taking these steps can significantly improve home Wi-Fi security.