services Archives

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Russia restricts calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, the latest step to control the internet

Russian authorities have announced partial restrictions on calls made through Telegram and WhatsApp, citing concerns about crime and misuse of these platforms. Roskomnadzor claims these messaging services are used for deception, extortion, and terrorist activities. The government has expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from the platform owners regarding countermeasures. Recent reports indicate users are experiencing difficulties with calls on these applications. WhatsApp had over 96 million monthly users and Telegram had more than 89 million in Russia as of July. In Crimea, cellphone internet shutdowns may last indefinitely, and a new law penalizes users for accessing illicit content. A new national messaging app, MAX, is being developed by VK, a Russian company. Access to calls via WhatsApp and Telegram could be restored if the platforms comply with Russian laws, but current restrictions only apply to audio calls.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday gives sys admins a baker’s dozen

Microsoft's August Patch Tuesday addressed 111 vulnerabilities, including 12 classified as critical. A known elevation of privilege flaw in the Windows Kerberos protocol, CVE-2025-53779, has a CVSS score of 7.2 and requires authenticated access for exploitation. Two critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-50165 and CVE-2025-53766, both rated 9.8, were identified in the Windows Graphics Device Interface. SharePoint has a critical RCE bug, CVE-2025-49712, with a severity score of 8.8. Other critical flaws include vulnerabilities in Microsoft Message Queuing, Office, Hyper-V, and Azure Stack Hub. Adobe released fixes for 68 CVEs, including eight critical RCE bugs in InCopy and critical issues in other products like Commerce, InDesign, and Substance 3D applications. SAP issued 15 security notes, including three critical vulnerabilities rated at 9.9 related to code injection in SAP S/4HANA. Intel released 34 advisories addressing 66 vulnerabilities, including high-severity issues in Xeon 6 processors and Intel Ethernet Drivers. Google updated Android to fix several flaws, including two actively exploited Qualcomm vulnerabilities.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Gemini on Android may soon support the full range of Canvas creation options (APK teardown)

Google Gemini introduced Canvas, a feature for enhancing document handling that allows users to create outputs like apps, audio overviews, and infographics from documents. Google is working to extend this functionality to the Gemini mobile app, integrating more web features into the mobile experience. The latest beta version of the Google app for Android includes changes aimed at bringing Gemini Canvas web features to the mobile app, allowing users to create outputs such as web pages and quizzes directly within the app. An upcoming user interface update is expected to streamline access to these functionalities. The timeline for the public rollout of these features is uncertain, and an APK teardown suggests potential future features may not all be released.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Beware the strange file in your messages: This “antivirus” app fakes scans, then watches everything

A new Android app called LunaSpy poses as an antivirus or banking protection tool but is actually sophisticated spyware. It spreads mainly through messaging platforms like Telegram, using social engineering tactics to prompt users to grant extensive permissions by generating fake “threats found” notifications. Once granted access, LunaSpy can read text messages, extract credentials, track locations, and record audio or video. The app is distributed through links that encourage users to sideload an APK rather than downloading from the official Play Store. It requests excessive permissions that legitimate antivirus apps would not demand, making devices vulnerable to data exfiltration. Users are advised to avoid installing APKs from chat links, uninstall suspicious applications, review and revoke excessive permissions, and take steps to secure their accounts.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

August Patch Tuesday: Authentication hole in Windows Server 2025 now has a fix

A second hole in AI systems has been discovered, raising concerns among cybersecurity experts about command injection vulnerabilities. Multiple AI-related vulnerabilities have emerged, including those linked to GitHub Copilot and Azure OpenAI, prompting organizations to reassess their AI strategies. It is important for organizations to understand their AI usage, the specific services they employ, and their responses to vulnerabilities. Discussions often focus on data residency, retention, and ownership, but security measures and policies of AI service providers are also crucial. Chief Security Officers are encouraged to reevaluate risk assessment methods, as vulnerabilities are categorized by severity, leading to questions about the reliability of these ratings. Organizations are urged to establish an internal framework for effective risk measurement.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Microsoft’s new update makes your taskbar a productivity hub

Microsoft is introducing a suite of "lightweight" companion taskbar apps for work computer users, which will launch automatically upon starting the computer. The apps include: 1. People app: A contact management tool that syncs contacts from various sources and allows quick communication via Teams calls. 2. File Search companion: A tool for locating Microsoft 365 files across OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook, with filtering options and file previews. 3. Calendar app: A productivity tool for creating events, setting reminders, and managing schedules, which syncs across devices and integrates with other applications. The rollout of these features will begin this month for all Microsoft 365 Business users, aiming to enhance workflow efficiency and accessibility.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

What’s new in Android’s August 2025 Google System Updates

The monthly “Google System Release Notes” provide updates on various platforms, including Play services, Play Store, and Play system updates for Android devices, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. The “Google System” includes first-party applications that enhance user experience and developer capabilities. Features listed in the changelog may take time to become available. Google Play services v25.31 (2025-08-11): - New developer features for Utilities-related processes in Auto, Phone, and TV. - New features for Maps-related functionalities for Google and third-party developers on Phone. - Bug fixes for Device Connections services in Auto. - Updates to system management services for Device Connectivity on Phone and Wear. - Privacy enhancements in system management services for Auto, PC, Phone, TV, and Wear. - Bug fixes for Wallet-related services on Phone and Wear. - Eligible users can add a Pix account in Wallet on Phone. Google Play Store v47.6 (2025-08-11): - A new featured format added to the top of the Apps tab on Phone. Google Play services v25.30 (2025-08-04): - Enhancements to onboarding and sign-in for Automotive applications in Auto. - Optional security question for Remote Lock functionality on Phone. - Bug fixes for Utilities-related services on Phone. - Autofill feature with Google shortcut on Gboard for quicker credential and payment entry on Phone. - Multi-family residential options introduced in Google Wallet for Phone and Wear. - Pix users in Brazil receive a tone and vibration upon completing tap transactions on Phone. Google Play Store v47.4 (2025-08-04): - Quests reward Play Points for engaging with games on Phone. - Users can view paragraph review summaries and topic-level summaries on reviews pages on Phone.

Tech Optimizer

August 12, 2025

Postgres for everything? not really..and here are some of the problems.

PostgreSQL can serve as a powerful all-in-one database, but real-world implementations often complicate its effectiveness due to complex corporate infrastructures. Accessing a production database may involve numerous network hops, firewalls, and antivirus software that can slow down performance. The lack of administrative privileges can hinder the use of extensions. Developers often turn to Kubernetes for more freedom, but this can introduce new challenges, such as unpredictable resource allocations and performance inconsistencies. Row-Level Security (RLS) can lead to performance overhead and complicate debugging. Centralizing business logic in stored procedures can enhance performance but complicates version control and tracking changes. In large organizations, policies governing technology use often create bottlenecks. PostgreSQL may not be optimal for portable setups (SQLite), simple caching (Redis), or specialized search functionalities (Elasticsearch, Meilisearch). It is most effective when developers have control over the environment, allowing it to handle various applications efficiently.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

Remedy revenue up 63.5% despite Firebreak underperforming

Remedy Entertainment reported a 63.5% increase in revenue for the second quarter, totaling €16.9 million, due to increased game sales, royalties, and reduced development costs. The CEO, Tero Virtala, noted that the new title FBC: Firebreak contributed significantly to this growth, supported by minimum guarantees from Microsoft and PlayStation. However, the game has not met expectations on the Steam platform, with most players engaging on PlayStation and Xbox. Remedy is committed to improving the game based on player feedback and has started rolling out patches for ongoing development.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

Microsoft 365 Is Gaining Brand-New Apps — Here’s What’s on the Way to Windows 11

Microsoft 365 is introducing new companion apps for Windows 11 users, including People, File Search, and Calendar, set to roll out soon. These apps utilize Microsoft Graph to enhance search capabilities and user experience. The People app allows users to look up colleagues and access organizational charts, while the File Search app helps locate and share Microsoft 365 files. The Calendar app provides easy access to the Microsoft 365 calendar and upcoming events. Currently, access to these apps is limited to Microsoft 365 Insider Program for Business members, and they are exclusive to Windows 11.