surveillance Archives

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

How Russian Spies Are Analyzing Data From China’s WeChat App

Moscow's skepticism towards foreign messaging applications has intensified, particularly regarding the Chinese app WeChat, which has weak encryption protocols. Russian counterintelligence is analyzing WeChat data to identify individuals in contact with Chinese operatives. A recent intelligence document reveals concerns about China's influence in Russia, particularly as Russia's isolation from the West grows due to geopolitical tensions. The F.S.B. is using an analytical tool called "Skopishche" to enhance surveillance, aggregating data from sources like WeChat, including account logins, contact lists, and message archives. This data is often collected from mobile devices seized from significant individuals. The shared focus on surveillance by Russian and Chinese authorities highlights their concerns about external influences and internal dissent.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Every game, trailer, and announcement in the PC Gaming Show 2025

The PC Gaming Show 2025 featured a variety of game trailers, announcements, and interviews. Key highlights include: - Ambrosia Sky: A narrative-driven game with stunning visuals. - Far Far West: An immersive world filled with adventure. - Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition: An enhanced version of the classic RPG. - Fresh Tracks: A rhythm game with combat and heavy metal music, featuring voice work from Peter Stormare. - Terminull Brigade: An action roguelike with contrasting aesthetic styles. - Ratatan: A roguelike rhythm game with online co-op for up to four players. - Moomintroll: A whimsical game based on its source material. - Necesse: A procedurally generated world supporting hundreds of players. - Den of Wolves: A four-player co-op heist FPS set in a techno-thriller future. - All Systems Dance: A rhythm and strategy game about toppling a tech billionaire, entering early access in August. - Spooky Express: A puzzle game set in a Halloween-themed amusement park. - The Rogue Prince of Persia: A fast-paced action game returning with a new trailer. - Enginefall: A survival and crafting game set on trains, releasing in 2026. - EVE Frontier: A hardcore space survival MMO with a Founders Access program. - SkyRig: A game promising an engaging experience in a unique setting. - Kaizen: A Factory Story: A factory management puzzle game with a demo available soon. - Dawn Apart: A space colonization and factory simulation game arriving on Steam later this year. - Modulus: A factory simulation game with intricate mechanics. - Generation Exile: A game about rebuilding society on a generation ship. - The Alters: A sci-fi survival game from the developers of Frostpunk. - Pathfinder: Abomination Vaults: A fantasy RPG with magic and combat specialists. - Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault: A game combining store management with action. - Barotrauma: Home and Harbor: An expansion of underwater survival mechanics. - No, I'm Not a Human: A game where players navigate a world that only allows humans. - Botsu: A playful sports game with ragdoll physics. - No More Room in Hell 2: Updates and new content promised for summer. - Farever: A game with unique gameplay mechanics. - Mandrake: A fresh take on familiar genres. - Pizza Bandit: A quirky third-person shooter combining pizza cooking and alien shooting. - Demonschool: A game with an engaging narrative. - The Last Caretaker: A survival shooter with a unique aesthetic. - Railborn: A game developing intriguing gameplay elements. - Voyagers of Nera: A vibrant world exploration game. - ICARUS: Great Hunts: A DLC expanding the PvE survival experience. - Garbage Country: A tower defense game in a post-apocalyptic setting. - DarkSwitch: A fast-paced action game. - Spirit X Strike: A game with a dynamic combo system. - Worship: Players act as a cult leader. - Stars of Icarus: Building anticipation among fans. - 007 First Light: Behind-the-scenes look at the new game from IO Interactive. - goblinAmerica: A psychedelic FPS experience. - EverSiege: Untold Ages: Continuing to develop unique gameplay mechanics. - PIGFACE: A gritty assassination sandbox FPS. - TerraTech Legion: Expanding its universe with new features. - Paralives: Showcasing life simulation features. - Lost Rift: A survival and extraction shooter. - Hell Clock: A dark action RPG. - Militsioner: An immersive sim under constant surveillance. - Arcane Eats: A cooking simulation with deckbuilding. - Guntouchables: A co-op roguelike emphasizing action. - Ultrakill: Showcasing impressive level design. - Stario Haven Tower: A city-building game in the sky. - Dispatch: Managing a team of former supervillains. - Wheel World: An open world exploration game. - FBC Firebreak: A cooperative shooter set in the Oldest House. - Anno 117: Pax Romana: Launching on November 17, allowing city management. - Baby Steps: A unique twist on the power fantasy. - Warhammer 40K: Darktide: New class addition. - Endless Legend 2: Early access on August 7, 2025. - Berserk or Die: A chaotic retro-style battlefield game. - Mycopunk: A co-op FPS with humorous gameplay. - Blippo+: Navigating an alien TV network. - Morbid Metal: Controlling multiple characters simultaneously. - Love Eternal: A psychological horror experience. - Bus Bound: Cozy gameplay mechanics. - Atmosfar: Early access in 2026 for a serene survival experience. - Void/Breaker: Engaging gameplay with destructible environments. - Grave Seasons: Unique gameplay mechanics. - Eyes of Hellfire: Dark themes and engaging narrative. - Deadwire: Fast-paced action with a top-down perspective. - Dinkum: Life simulation and exploration. - Abyssus: A cooperative FPS adventure releasing on August 12. - Ascendant: Chaotic multiplayer shooting experiences. - Mewgenics: An endless cat breeding RPG releasing on February 10, 2026. - Dead Reset: Developing intriguing gameplay mechanics. - Bernband: Showcasing unique gameplay elements. - Wanderburg: A captivating world to explore. - Void Martyrs: A grimdark narrative. - CloverPit: Combining slot machine mechanics with action gameplay. - Eclipsium: Haunting visuals and atmosphere. - Trash Goblin: Transitioned to a full story campaign. - Whiskerwood: A whimsical city-building experience. - Outbound: A cozy camper van simulation. - Capy Castaway: An exploration adventure aiming for release in 2026.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Putin’s WeChat wager Moscow is betting on a super-app strategy to sideline foreign platforms and control digital communications

In late May, a significant amendment was introduced to a draft bill aimed at establishing a government-backed instant messaging platform, endorsed by President Vladimir Putin, which would have unique privileges compared to competitors. The proposed legislation includes features like document certification using electronic signatures and replacing physical identification with the platform's identification, which private enterprises would be required to accept. The platform is intended to function as an alternative to Russia's existing digital government services but will not replace them. The government will select an organization to manage the platform, which may be a private Russian company with over 500,000 users. VK, the company behind Russia's leading social network, is the frontrunner to develop the super-app called "Max," which offers various features and aims to integrate with external services. The Russian government may consider blocking competitors to Max, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, with the latter having a user base of 68 million daily users. President Putin has instructed his cabinet to promote the Russian messaging platform by migrating services from government agencies and financial institutions.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

Facebook, Yandex Apps Secretly Track Users Via Hidden Ports, Research Claims

Recent findings from IMDEA Networks Institute indicate that Facebook and Instagram apps have been tracking Android users' web browsing activities without consent, bypassing privacy controls and functioning even in incognito mode. This tracking affects millions of websites using Meta's tracking code. Yandex has employed similar tracking techniques since 2017, creating a cross-platform surveillance network. The tracking exploits Android’s permission system by establishing background services that listen on network ports, allowing the apps to capture browsing data and associate it with users' accounts. Meta's pixel is present on about 5.8 million websites, while Yandex Metrica is on around 3 million sites, potentially impacting billions of users. Approximately 78% of sites with Meta’s pixel and 84% of Yandex's sites attempted localhost communications without user consent. This tracking method operates at the operating system level, unaffected by cookie clearing, incognito modes, or privacy settings. Researchers have demonstrated that malicious apps could exploit this technique to gather users' browsing histories. Many website operators were unaware of these localhost communications, leading to confusion and complaints. In response, major browser vendors are implementing measures to block these tracking methods. Meta ceased this tracking on June 3rd, coinciding with the research's public release. The research highlights a significant security gap in mobile platforms regarding localhost communications, emphasizing the need for stricter policies and vetting processes.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Messaging app Signal will block Windows Recall from taking chat screenshots

Signal has introduced a "Screen Security" feature in its desktop application to prevent external programs, including Windows 11, from capturing screenshots of its interface. This feature is enabled by default and is a response to Microsoft's Recall feature, which captures app window screenshots for AI processing. Signal is concerned about the privacy risks posed by Recall's design, despite Microsoft's assurances of improved privacy controls. The developers have used Windows' Digital Rights Management technology to protect against unauthorized screenshots due to the lack of official APIs from Windows 11. Signal's leadership has criticized the need for such workarounds and has called on Microsoft to provide better tools for developers to safeguard user privacy.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

Decentralized Messenger Session Goes Live on Arbitrum With $SESH Token Launch

The decentralized encrypted messenger app, Session, is launching its token, $SESH, on May 21st, 2025, coinciding with the mainnet launch of the new Session Network after a testing phase. Session has over one million monthly active users and operates on a specialized DePIN network with more than 2,000 nodes, ensuring user privacy and anonymity. The total supply of $SESH is capped at 240 million, with an initial release of up to 80 million tokens at the Token Generation Event (TGE). Users can stake 25,000 $SESH tokens to operate a Session Node, ensuring network integrity. The application emphasizes minimal metadata collection and offers features like emoji reactions, voice calls, and group chats. Session is now managed by the nonprofit Session Technology Foundation based in Zug, Switzerland.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Windows 95 chime composer Brian Eno denounces Microsoft for its ties to Israeli government

Renowned musician Brian Eno announced he will donate the earnings from his Windows 95 startup chime to support those affected in Gaza. This decision follows scrutiny of Microsoft’s contracts with the Israeli government amid ongoing humanitarian crises. Eno criticized Microsoft for its involvement in operations contributing to violations of international law and called for the company to suspend services supporting such actions. Microsoft acknowledged its contracts with Israel’s Ministry of Defense but claimed an internal review found no evidence of its technologies targeting civilians in Gaza. Following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, significant casualties have been reported in Gaza, with estimates of over 52,000 to as high as 109,000 deaths. Human rights organizations have accused Israel of war crimes. Protests by Microsoft employees have occurred, demanding accountability for the company's actions. Eno emphasized the need for artists and corporations to consider the implications of their contributions.

AppWizard

May 2, 2025

Signals crossed: How Signal Messenger thrived as support for Mike Waltz took a dive

Signal, the encrypted messaging app, has seen a surge in popularity due to increased media attention on the White House's Houthi attack plan scandal. The app's usage has risen as public perception shifts, with many viewing Signal as a champion of privacy amidst concerns about data breaches and surveillance. The app has reported a notable increase in daily active users, and market analysts anticipate potential expansions and innovations as competitors take note of Signal's success. The scandal has led to discussions about privacy and security, particularly affecting key figures within the U.S. government.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Trojanized Alpine Quest app geolocates Russian soldiers

Russian soldiers are facing a digital threat from a modified Android application, Alpine Quest, which has been tampered with to track their locations and extract sensitive information. The malware, known as Android.Spy.1292.origin, was embedded in an older version of the app and distributed as a free upgrade to Alpine Quest Pro via a fraudulent Telegram channel. Once installed, the trojan collects various types of information, including geolocation, downloaded files, phone numbers, and app versions, and can download additional modules to exfiltrate specific files. Additionally, researchers at Kaspersky discovered a backdoor hidden in counterfeit software updates for ViPNet, a secure networking suite. The malware, disguised as msinfo32.exe, connects to a command-and-control server to steal files and deploy more malicious components. On the Ukrainian side, Russian operatives are conducting a phishing campaign targeting Ukrainian officials and allies, using social engineering tactics to hijack Microsoft 365 accounts. Attackers contact victims via messaging apps, invite them to video calls, and trick them into providing OAuth codes, granting access to their accounts.

AppWizard

April 12, 2025

Two men flee Oconee theater with Minecraft display, but alert citizen foils escape plan

Two young men, aged 21 and 22, attempted to steal a large cardboard display promoting "A Minecraft Movie" from the University 16 theater in Georgia on April 6. Their plan was interrupted when a bystander photographed their getaway vehicle, an Audi, and alerted the theater's manager. Sheriff’s Cpl. Baer Schiffer reviewed surveillance footage and identified the suspects through the vehicle's license plate. The 21-year-old suspect admitted to the theft and he and his accomplice returned the display to the sheriff’s office. No charges have been filed yet, as the theater manager has not decided whether to pursue legal action.