safety Archives

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

UK-based pair behind messaging app accused of giving data to Iranian regime

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani, co-founders of TS Information Technology, operate a messaging app called Gap Messenger, which is associated with the Iranian regime. Their company is based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, and is linked to the Iranian software corporation Towse’e Saman Information Technology (TSIT). Despite claims of encryption and user privacy, experts have raised concerns about Gap Messenger's role in government censorship in Iran. Mahdi Anjidani has expressed pro-regime views in Iranian media and has connections to the Iranian government through his ventures. Gap Messenger has over 1 million downloads on Google Play and is part of Iran's domestic internet network aimed at controlling citizen access to information. Reports suggest that the app may have shared user data with Iranian authorities. The Anjidani brothers have ties to various business ventures in Iran, including a social network and a payment platform.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2026

Malwarebytes and ChatGPT team up to check all of those suspicious texts, emails, and URLs with one simple phrase

Malwarebytes has partnered with ChatGPT to enable users to verify the authenticity of suspicious communications by asking, “Malwarebytes, is this a scam?” This integration allows for rapid assessments of potentially fraudulent messages, URLs, domains, and phone numbers. The tool is accessible to ChatGPT Free, Plus, Team, and Enterprise users and aims to enhance user safety and cybersecurity awareness. Users can also submit suspicious content directly to Malwarebytes to improve threat intelligence.

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

Authorities urge online safety after encrypted messaging app linked to Hailey Buzbee case

Cookies en gegevens worden gebruikt om online ervaringen te optimaliseren, met de volgende essentiële functies: - Het leveren en onderhouden van Google-services. - Het bijhouden van uitval en bescherming tegen spam, fraude en misbruik. - Het meten van doelgroepbetrokkenheid en sitestatistieken ter verbetering van de servicekwaliteit. Bij het selecteren van 'Alles accepteren' worden ook de volgende doeleinden toegevoegd: - Ontwikkeling en verbetering van nieuwe services. - Weergave en effectiviteitsmeting van advertenties. - Aanbieden van gepersonaliseerde content op basis van gebruikersinstellingen. - Weergave van gepersonaliseerde advertenties, afhankelijk van gebruikersinstellingen. Bij 'Alles afwijzen' worden cookies niet gebruikt voor aanvullende doeleinden, wat leidt tot niet-gepersonaliseerde content en advertenties, beïnvloed door de huidige content en algemene locatie van de gebruiker. Gepersonaliseerde content kan videoaanbevelingen en een aangepaste YouTube-homepage omvatten. De functionaliteit van diensten wordt indien relevant afgestemd op de leeftijd van de gebruiker. Voor meer informatie en privacy-instellingen kan de optie 'Meer opties' of g.co/privacytools geraadpleegd worden.

Tech Optimizer

February 10, 2026

Researchers Use Windows Minifilter Drivers to Detect Ransomware in Real Time

A security researcher has developed a proof-of-concept tool called Sanctum, available on GitHub, aimed at combating ransomware within the Windows operating system. Sanctum utilizes a Windows feature known as a "filter driver" to monitor file operations at a strategic chokepoint between applications and the hard drive. It employs two primary callbacks: IRPMJCREATE, which detects rapid file write or delete requests indicative of ransomware activity, and IRPMJSET_INFORMATION, which identifies changes in file metadata, such as renaming with malicious extensions. Upon detecting suspicious activity, Sanctum blocks the action and identifies the source of the threat, logging events for security teams. Future enhancements may include real-time encryption detection and the ability to freeze malicious threads. This kernel-level approach offers greater visibility and speed compared to traditional antivirus solutions.

AppWizard

February 1, 2026

Horror Adventure Game DO NOT PLAY Launches This Summer for PC

SCRAP and Fahrenheit 213 are developing a horror adventure game titled DO NOT PLAY, set to launch on PC via Steam this summer. The game features a system error that overwhelms players with numerous windows, creating an unsettling experience. It draws inspiration from the banned browser game “GeM,” but the developers clarify they were not involved in its creation. DO NOT PLAY is a first-person escape game where players solve puzzles and mini-games to uncover mysteries and find safety. The game recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of early 2000s flash games and explores the intersection of nostalgia and reality.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

I got so mad at Windows I downloaded this free utility app to disable all its spyware

The author experienced two Windows reinstallations on a secondary PC due to issues with a lost sign-in PIN and a Microsoft account login loop. This led to a realization about the invasive nature of Windows and consideration of switching to Linux. Instead, the author used a utility called ShutUp10++ to manage privacy settings and disable unwanted data collection features. Before using ShutUp10++, it is crucial to create a system restore point to safeguard against potential issues. ShutUp10++ consolidates various privacy settings into a user-friendly interface, categorizing options and allowing users to make informed decisions. Users can choose to apply changes to their profile or the entire PC and should export their settings to prevent Windows updates from reverting them.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Cairn review

Cairn is a limb-by-limb climbing simulation game set for release on January 30, 2026, developed by The Game Bakers. Players take on the role of Aava, a renowned mountain climber, as she attempts to conquer Mount Kami. The game features a 15-hour journey focused on the careful placement of limbs on rock faces, with mechanics that initially seem unrefined but encourage players to adapt. Aava faces challenges such as narrow ledges and a diegetic stamina system indicated by her physical state. Players can place pitons as temporary safe zones during climbs, which require strategic placement due to their limited availability. The game incorporates survival mechanics, emphasizing Aava's need to eat, drink, and rest. Aava's character is developed through her struggles and interactions with other climbers, with a focus on realism and emotional stakes. The game features stunning art and atmospheric weather dynamics, drawing comparisons to titles like Death Stranding and Baby Steps while establishing its own identity.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

I found a Linux user who switched to Windows 11 after 8 years of distros — and he actually prefers it. Here’s why.

Critics describe Windows 11 as overly restrictive and bloated, with a focus on AI and Copilot features, while Linux is seen as an ideal alternative for developers prioritizing control and transparency. A former Linux user switched to Windows 11 after eight years with various distributions, finding that Windows embraced workflows that suited their needs. They discovered tools like Scoop, which functions as a package manager, and appreciated the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) for its integration without the challenges of desktop Linux. Despite acknowledging criticisms of Windows 11, such as data privacy concerns and unwanted interface changes, the user found Windows 11's compatibility and user-friendliness appealing. The narrative emphasizes that operating system choices are personal and depend on individual workflows and needs.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Not content with its breakneck pace, Hytale dev slows down updates for the live game so it can be “more adventurous”

Hytale, developed by Hypixel Studios, has reached a stable phase in its development, attracting millions of players for its early access launch. The studio has secured significant funding and is expanding its team to support ongoing development. Founder Simon Collins-Laflamme has introduced a new update release schedule, with two major updates and many smaller patches already rolled out. Pre-release builds will be launched weekly, with the understanding that some downtime may occur. Players are advised to back up their worlds due to potential instability during pre-releases. Updates will transition to the live build only when the team is confident in their quality, with releases expected every two to six weeks. Hypixel Studios will notify the community a few days before any full release, allowing for better adaptation between major updates. The development team emphasizes transparent communication with players to enhance the gaming experience.

Tech Optimizer

January 29, 2026

Using Windows 10? Do This Now to Lower Your Risk of Being Hacked

Support for Windows 10 officially ended last year, and Microsoft recommends users transition to Windows 11 or buy new computers. Users will no longer receive security updates, and any issues encountered will not be supported by Microsoft. Windows Update will indicate that devices are no longer receiving updates, leaving users to manage security vulnerabilities themselves. Microsoft Defender Antivirus will continue to receive updates until October 2028, and users can enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year of security updates until October 13, 2026, under certain conditions. Windows 11 installations surpassed Windows 10 in June 2025, with Windows 11 at 53.7% and Windows 10 at 42.7%. Users opting to stay on Windows 10 should implement third-party security solutions to mitigate risks from the lack of official updates.