safe

AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Activision has temporarily removed the Microsoft Store version of “Call of Duty: WWII” due to a serious security breach involving a vulnerability that allowed hackers unauthorized access to players' computers. The company is investigating the situation and is working on a patch to resolve the exploit. Players have reported hacking incidents while playing, with concerns raised about a remote code execution vulnerability. The affected version of the game differs from those on Steam, as it contained an outdated flaw that had already been patched elsewhere. Activision has faced multiple hacking incidents in recent years, including issues with its anti-cheat system and malware targeting players. The company has also experienced layoffs that have impacted its cybersecurity resources.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Google is planning to enhance its Play Protect service by potentially adding scanning capabilities for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and WebAPKs during installation to improve user security against malicious threats. Recent code discoveries indicate that Google intends to enable verification for PWAs, as suggested by a code snippet found in the Google Play Store version 46.9.20-31. PWAs can be installed on devices through an "Add to Home screen" option, and when done via Chrome on Android, they receive a WebAPK, which integrates them more deeply into the Android ecosystem. Code snippets hinting at WebAPK scanning have also been uncovered, indicating a response to reports of malicious use of PWAs and WebAPKs for phishing schemes. However, the implementation of these scanning features has not been officially announced, and their availability remains uncertain.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Pneuma Games Group has established a new studio, Cast Iron Games, in Tileyard North, Wakefield, specializing in triple-A co-development and games porting. The studio is led by CEO Arden Aspinall and COO Jon Seymour, both of whom have extensive experience in the gaming industry. Cast Iron Games operates as a sister company to Double Eleven, sharing values and principles with it. Aspinall emphasizes the studio's commitment to reliability and quality in client partnerships. Seymour highlights the importance of a collaborative environment for the team, focusing on empowering them to realize clients' creative visions.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Jack Dorsey has launched a messaging app called Bitchat, which operates without an internet connection by using a Bluetooth mesh network. The app allows devices to communicate directly, facilitating message exchanges without mobile data or centralized servers. Currently in beta testing on Apple TestFlight, Bitchat aims for peer-to-peer communication off the grid and incorporates "store and forward" technology for message delivery. It allows users to communicate anonymously without the need for accounts or personal information, making it suitable for privacy-conscious individuals, activists, and those in areas with restricted internet access. However, Bitchat has limitations, including range restrictions due to Bluetooth connectivity, support for only plain text messages, and potential increased battery consumption. The app is still in development and not fully polished.
Tech Optimizer
July 7, 2025
A reliable antivirus program is essential for computer security. During Amazon Prime Day, Norton 360 Deluxe is available for a year at a low price, and McAfee Total Protection is offered for a full year at a discounted rate. Other antivirus deals include Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Kaspersky Security Cloud, Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security, Avast Premium Security, and Webroot SecureAnywhere, all featuring competitive pricing and special offers. More antivirus deals are expected to emerge throughout the week.
Tech Optimizer
July 5, 2025
Manufacturers are increasingly integrating IT systems with operational technology (OT), leading to heightened cyber threats such as ransomware, supply chain breaches, and attacks from nation-state actors. To enhance cyber resilience, it is crucial to segment IT and OT networks to prevent breaches on the IT side from affecting critical OT systems. Effective segmentation involves placing OT systems behind firewalls, restricting protocols, and using unidirectional gateways. Many manufacturing plants struggle with aging and undocumented devices, making security and monitoring challenging. Asset visibility tools can help map connected devices, enabling better inventory management and risk assessment. Attackers often use "living-off-the-land" techniques to navigate networks undetected, necessitating defenses that include behavioral analytics and application whitelisting. Incident response plans tailored for OT environments are essential, as production interruptions can have severe consequences. These plans should include scenarios like ransomware attacks and require regular testing and backups. For legacy systems that cannot be patched, isolation and monitoring are critical, along with virtual patching to block known exploits. Weak credentials pose a significant risk, so implementing role-based access control and multi-factor authentication is necessary. Security monitoring tools like SIEM and XDR should be used to consolidate data from IT and OT environments, providing alerts for potential attacks. Overall, cyber resilience in manufacturing focuses on minimizing risks and ensuring recovery without disrupting operations.
AppWizard
July 5, 2025
Call of Duty: WW2 has been added to Xbox Game Pass, but PC players are cautioned against playing it due to significant risks, including a decline in player engagement and the presence of hackers. Older titles, like WW2, are particularly vulnerable as Activision offers limited support, making them targets for malicious actors. Reports indicate that hackers are exploiting vulnerabilities, such as remote code execution (RCE) exploits, which can lead to unauthorized control over players' machines. Incidents have been reported where players experienced unexpected shutdowns and intrusive pop-ups, including inappropriate content. While no confirmed cases of data theft have emerged, the potential for malware remains a concern. Players are advised to avoid online matches in Call of Duty: WW2 on PC until an official resolution is provided.
Search