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Messenger rolls out new safety, useful, and fun features
AppWizard
February 21, 2025

Messenger rolls out new safety, useful, and fun features

Meta has updated Messenger with new features focusing on privacy, usability, and enjoyment. Privacy and safety updates include the View Once Media option for single-view media messages, screenshot and screen recording blocks, in-app scam alerts via Spam Protection, and streamlined reporting and blocking of suspicious contacts. Usability improvements consist of HD photo sharing, enhanced HD video calls, noise-suppressed audio for clearer calls, and Siri integration for easier navigation. Expressive features allow users to personalize chats with themes, add music to notes, and use new sticker packs, including the Butterbear stickers. Social features encourage community building through Messenger Communities, enabling topic-based chats via QR codes, and engaging with public figures through Broadcast Channels.
Android's Phone app grabs 'Recent' filters alongside a small Pixel change
AppWizard
February 20, 2025

Android’s Phone app grabs ‘Recent’ filters alongside a small Pixel change

Google is enhancing its Pixel Call Assist feature to help manage spam calls, introducing five new filters in the Phone app: All, Missed, Contacts, Non-Spam, and Spam. These updates are rolling out on the new Pixel 9 series, which also features a redesigned user interface with a dedicated Call Assist button. Additional features include Live Caption for accessibility, allowing users to read spoken dialogue and type responses during calls, and Call Screen, which uses AI to handle incoming calls and transcribe spoken content. Google previously launched an Audio Emoji update and has initiated a beta program for real-time scam detection, which alerts users to potential scams with a red pop-up notification.
New Snake Keylogger infects Windows using AutoIt freeware
Winsage
February 19, 2025

New Snake Keylogger infects Windows using AutoIt freeware

A new variant of the Snake Keylogger is targeting Windows users in Asia and Europe, utilizing the AutoIt scripting language for deployment to evade detection. This malware, built on the Microsoft .NET framework, infiltrates systems through spam email attachments, logging keystrokes, capturing screenshots, and collecting clipboard data to steal sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and credit card details from browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. The keylogger transmits stolen data to its command-and-control server using methods like SMTP email, Telegram bots, and HTTP POST requests. The executable file is an AutoIt-compiled binary that unpacks and executes the keylogger upon opening. The keylogger replicates itself in the %Local_AppData%supergroup directory as ageless[.]exe and places a file named ageless[.]vbs in the Startup folder to ensure it runs automatically on system reboot. This persistence mechanism allows continued access to the infected machine without requiring administrative privileges. Once activated, the keylogger injects its payload into a legitimate .NET process, specifically targeting RegSvcs.exe through process hollowing. It logs keystrokes using the SetWindowsHookEx API with a low-level keyboard hook, capturing sensitive information. Additionally, it retrieves the victim's public IP address by pinging hxxp://checkip[.]dyndns[.]org for geolocation purposes.
X is blocking links to Signal, a secure messaging platform used by federal workers
AppWizard
February 18, 2025

X is blocking links to Signal, a secure messaging platform used by federal workers

Elon Musk's platform, X (formerly Twitter), has imposed restrictions on links to Signal.me, a URL shortener for the encrypted messaging service Signal. This affects direct messages, public posts, and user profile pages. In response to the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) actions targeting federal agencies, many federal employees are using Signal for secure communication. DOGE's initiatives have led to the dismissal of nearly 10,000 federal workers, with some agencies, like USAID, potentially facing shutdowns. Users attempting to share links to Signal.me on X encounter error messages indicating that the action cannot be completed due to spam protection measures.
X Blocks Signal Messenger Links Shared on Posts, DMs, and More—But Why?
AppWizard
February 18, 2025

X Blocks Signal Messenger Links Shared on Posts, DMs, and More—But Why?

Users are experiencing difficulties sharing links from Signal Messenger on Elon Musk's X platform, as these links appear to be blocked. Reports indicate that attempts to share Signal links result in various error messages, affecting public tweets and direct messages. There has been no official explanation from X regarding this restriction. Journalist Matt Binder noted that links to Signal have seemingly vanished from X, with users reporting similar issues. Error messages encountered range from generic notices to alerts labeling posts as harmful content or spam. While links already posted may carry warnings, they can still be accessed; however, links associated with Signal handles or the main website are currently inaccessible. Elon Musk previously endorsed Signal Messenger as a trustworthy alternative to WhatsApp, but the current blockage suggests a shift in his stance on secure messaging.
This Messenger App Offers Feature To 'Partially' Ignore Others - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups
AppWizard
February 15, 2025

This Messenger App Offers Feature To ‘Partially’ Ignore Others – Trak.in – Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups

Discord has introduced a new feature that allows users to partially ignore specific individuals, enabling them to manage interactions without muting the entire app or blocking contacts. Users can choose to ignore someone by clicking on their profile and selecting the ignore option. Ignored individuals can still send messages, which users can view at their discretion, and they will not receive notifications about their status. This feature is designed to reduce annoyance from spam messages while maintaining the option for communication. It is particularly useful in situations of persistent harassment, although users are still encouraged to block and report inappropriate messages when necessary.
10 Best UTM (Unified Threat Management) Firewalls
Tech Optimizer
February 11, 2025

10 Best UTM (Unified Threat Management) Firewalls

Unified Threat Management (UTM) firewalls integrate multiple security functionalities into a single platform, streamlining security management and reducing costs for organizations, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). UTM solutions include features such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), antivirus, anti-spam, VPN, web content filtering, and application control, providing comprehensive protection against various cyber threats. UTM firewalls serve as a gateway between internal networks and external connections, inspecting all traffic to block malicious activity. They continuously monitor for suspicious patterns, scan for malware, filter web access, provide VPN capabilities for secure remote connectivity, and filter emails to protect against spam and phishing. UTM systems offer centralized management through a unified dashboard, receive regular updates for emerging threats, and may include performance optimization features. The distinction between UTM and traditional firewalls lies in UTM's broader range of security functions, acting as a comprehensive security solution rather than solely focusing on real-time malware scanning. Top UTM firewalls include: 1. SonicWall UTM: Intrusion prevention and gateway anti-virus. 2. Sophos UTM: User-friendly management with advanced security measures. 3. Check Point UTM: Comprehensive protections including firewalls and VPNs. 4. Fortinet FortiGate UTM: Integrates security and networking functions. 5. WatchGuard UTM: Balances performance, security, and management ease. 6. Juniper UTM: High-performance security services. 7. Barracuda UTM: Extensive network protection through integrated functions. 8. Stormshield UTM: Proactive defense mechanisms. 9. Huawei Unified Security Gateway (USG): Versatile security protections. 10. Cisco UTM: Integrated security and threat management services. Key features of the best UTM firewalls include application control, advanced threat prevention, reporting and analytics, scalability, endpoint protection, and DDoS protection.
Everything you need to know about the Surfshark One VPN bundle for Apple
Tech Optimizer
February 5, 2025

Everything you need to know about the Surfshark One VPN bundle for Apple

Surfshark One is a comprehensive online privacy solution for Mac users that includes a VPN, antivirus protection, and a leak notification tool. It has been recognized as the top VPN for iPhone in 2025 by AppleInsider. The service offers a 24-month prepayment option at a cost of .69 per month, with an additional three months free, totaling for 27 months. Surfshark VPN provides privacy protection across unlimited devices, includes features like CleanWeb, cookie pop-up blocker, customizable browsing controls, Kill Switch, and Dynamic MultiHop for enhanced encryption. Surfshark Antivirus offers scheduled scans, webcam protection, and regular updates every three hours. Surfshark Search is a private search engine with zero logs, no ads, and no tracking. Surfshark Alert monitors personal data for breaches and provides notifications. The Alternative ID feature generates fake identities for online use to protect users' real information. The entire Surfshark One bundle is available for when prepaid for 24 months.
Modern Discord hacked into Windows 95 and 98, slimmed down version keeps core functionality intact
Winsage
February 3, 2025

Modern Discord hacked into Windows 95 and 98, slimmed down version keeps core functionality intact

A developer known as IProgramInCpp has backported Discord to Windows 95 and Windows 98 Second Edition, creating a version called Discord Messenger. This backport retains essential messaging functionalities such as direct messages, server interactions, image uploads, message editing, typing indicators, server member lists, and untrusted URL indicators. However, it lacks features like the friend list, dark mode, and voice channel capabilities, with voice call support being particularly challenging to integrate. The application runs on Windows 98 SE and Windows XP SP2, but may not appeal to users on modern systems. Caution is advised as using a custom Discord client may violate the platform's terms of service, especially since certain features are omitted to avoid spam detection.
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