scam Archives

AppWizard

October 14, 2026

Google Messages adding ‘enhanced protection mode’ as Android works to combat phone scam

Google has introduced new features to enhance user security on its Android platform during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, focusing on combating messaging and phone scams. The key feature is an enhanced protection mode for the Google Messages app, which includes Scam Detection using Private AI Compute to analyze message context and identify scammer intent through cloud-based Gemini models. This mode complements existing on-device detection and aims to uncover sophisticated scams while ensuring user data remains encrypted and secure. Additionally, link protections have been upgraded with real-time web signals to assess unfamiliar links' trustworthiness, available on select devices such as Pixel 10+, Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Galaxy Z Flip 8, and Z Fold 8. Redesigned warnings will provide clearer context before users tap links from unknown numbers, previously limited to select countries or devices with Android Advanced Protection. Google is also expanding its on-device Scam Detection to more brands beyond Pixel, including HONOR, Infinix, iQOO, itel, JOVI, Motorola, OPPO, OnePlus, realme, TECNO, vivo, and Xiaomi. For phone scams, automatic screen-share privacy will conceal sensitive information in native apps and extend to Chrome and WebView on devices running Android 15 and above. Google plans to block apps from enabling call forwarding in the background to prevent one-time passcode theft, with this feature rolling out in early December on Pixel and select other devices. Android will also proactively warn users if a scammer attempts to trick them into entering an MMI forwarding code.

Tech Optimizer

October 13, 2026

NordVPN Teams With Shaquille O’Neal To Promote Online Protection

NordVPN organized an event in Times Square featuring Shaquille O'Neal to highlight the importance of online protection. A survey revealed that nearly half of Americans are confident in identifying online fraud, yet 74% failed to recognize a fake URL, 82% could not identify a fake CAPTCHA, and less than half recognized a phishing email. Additionally, 71% believe common sense is enough for online safety, while 51% reuse similar passwords. Nearly half rely solely on antivirus software for protection, and 73% reported encountering scams, with 13% losing or nearly losing money. Shaquille O'Neal emphasized the need for vigilance and using the right tools for online safety, while NordVPN's CMO noted the disconnect between confidence and actual skills in cybersecurity.

AppWizard

October 13, 2026

Samsung is now rolling out Android 17 to these older Galaxy devices in the US

Samsung has started the rollout of the One UI 9 update for the Galaxy S24 series and the Z Fold/Flip 6. The update is now available for devices that did not originally ship with it, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra. The rollout includes all three models of the Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6, currently accessible in South Korea and the United States, with broader availability expected soon. One UI 9 introduces features such as My FanCam for automatic video tracking, Generative and Editable Cards on Now Brief, detailed Warranty and Care information in the Settings menu, expanded Galaxy AI features, and enhanced Privacy & Security options.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Technical difficulties will prevent Grand Theft Auto VI from running on PC using emulators.

The gaming community is discussing the potential emulation of Grand Theft Auto VI on PCs, with its release scheduled for November 19th. Users are considering emulators like KytyPS5, SharpEmu, and RPCSX, but experts warn against downloading unreliable software such as PCSX5. The main challenge for emulation is the console's multi-layered security system, requiring developers to find vulnerabilities in the console's kernel and hypervisor. Current emulators can only handle basic games, and significant code optimization may take months to years. Legal challenges from Rockstar Games and Sony complicate efforts to distribute unauthorized game dumps. A stable PC port is seen as a distant goal, with the best experience expected on official consoles at launch.

Winsage

October 4, 2026

Hacker hijacked Microsoft’s X: “500,000 likes and we bring Clippy back,” all to pump a crypto token

Microsoft's official account on X experienced a security breach, leading to unauthorized posts promoting a Clippy-themed cryptocurrency token. The company confirmed the breach, removed the misleading content, and is investigating the incident. During the hijack, the account followed a Clippy-themed profile and engaged with its posts, which included a call for likes to "bring Clippy back." Microsoft stated that the posts did not originate from them and emphasized that they do not support any cryptocurrency linked to Clippy. The Clippy-themed account has since been suspended, and Microsoft plans to take legal action against the token and related materials. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about Microsoft's internal security measures, especially given a previous similar breach involving the Microsoft India account in 2024.

AppWizard

October 1, 2026

Google’s new Android sideloading rules are live — and here are all the ways to already bypass them

Google has implemented new developer verification rules for Android sideloading, affecting users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Apps from unverified developers are automatically blocked on certified Android devices with Google Play Services. This change is part of a global rollout expected in 2027. Users can still install apps from recognized app stores like Google Play Store, HONOR App Market, and others, but third-party developers not registered with Google’s Android Developer Verification Program face restrictions. To circumvent these restrictions, users can: 1. Rely on established app stores. 2. Use Google’s Advanced Flow, which involves enabling Developer Options, confirming choices, and waiting a mandatory 24-hour period before installation. 3. Utilize ADB for installation without waiting periods. 4. Use Shizuku for on-device wireless debugging. 5. Root their devices to bypass restrictions entirely. Apps installed before the new rules will remain functional but cannot be updated without following the new procedures. Developer Options do not need to remain enabled after completing the Advanced Flow. If the process is not completed after the waiting period, users must restart it. Uninstalling the Android Developer Verifier app while using Shizuku may not affect the waiting period. Users in regions not yet impacted by these changes do not need to take immediate action.

Tech Optimizer

October 1, 2026

Norton’s antivirus plans drop to Black Friday prices — but the deals end tomorrow

Norton is offering discounts of up to 76% on its antivirus plans, matching last year's Black Friday prices. The current prices for the first year are as follows: Norton AntiVirus Plus for .99 (originally .99), Norton 360 Standard for .99 (originally .99), and Norton 360 Deluxe for .99 (originally 4.99). The AntiVirus Plus plan protects one device and includes features like Scam Protection and 2GB of cloud backup. The Norton 360 Standard plan covers three devices, adds a VPN and Dark Web Monitoring, while the Deluxe plan protects five devices, offers 50GB of cloud backup, Privacy Monitor, and Parental Control. These promotional prices are valid for the first year only, after which standard pricing resumes unless auto-renewal is disabled. Norton provides a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Tech Optimizer

September 30, 2026

Do You Actually Need a Separate Antivirus, VPN and Scam Protection? McAfee’s All-in-One Plans Have You Covered

Antivirus software prevents malicious software from infiltrating devices. A VPN encrypts internet traffic, providing privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi. Scam protection tools use AI to scan for signs of fraud in texts, emails, and videos. McAfee offers bundled security plans that include antivirus, VPN, and scam protection, with higher tiers providing features like Personal Data Cleanup, credit monitoring, and identity-theft protection. Users can save over 0 in the first year by consolidating security subscriptions. Antivirus software typically costs to 0 annually, standalone scam protection apps range from to per year, and VPN access costs between to 0 annually. McAfee’s Basic plan is available for .99 for the first year for one device, while the Essential plan covers up to five devices for an additional fee. McAfee’s plans include different features based on tiers: - Basic: Covers one device with essential security tools. - Essential: Covers up to five devices with core security tools. - Premium: Unlimited devices with personal info scans. - Advanced: Unlimited devices with personal info removal and identity restoration. - Ultimate: Unlimited devices with extensive financial monitoring and identity-theft coverage. Setting up McAfee involves downloading the app, creating an account, following setup instructions, turning on the Scam Detector, configuring the VPN, and adding other devices. McAfee plans include unlimited VPN data and support multiple operating systems under a single subscription. McAfee's Scam Detector has an accuracy of over 99% and works on both iPhone and Android.

Tech Optimizer

September 29, 2026

McAfee Overhauls Its Brand as AI Rewrites the Rules of Online Security

68% of consumers primarily associate McAfee with its antivirus software, despite the company offering additional services like scam detection and dark web monitoring. Awareness of these products is limited among consumers. McAfee is launching a rebranding initiative on September 29 to broaden awareness of its diverse offerings and strengthen its position in the cybersecurity market.

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

Norton’s antivirus plans drop to Black Friday prices — but the deals end tomorrow

Norton is offering substantial discounts on its antivirus plans, with reductions up to 76%. Current prices for the first year are as follows: Norton AntiVirus Plus at .99 (originally .99), Norton 360 Standard at .99 (originally .99), and Norton 360 Deluxe at .99 (originally 4.99). The plans provide protection for one, three, and five devices respectively, with additional features like VPN and dark web monitoring for higher-tier plans. After the first year, prices revert to standard rates unless auto-renewal is canceled. Norton also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.