theft Archives

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Xodus Cracks Xbox Authentication and Game Package Decryption to Bring PC Game Pass to Linux

Developers of the Heroic Games Launcher have announced Xodus, an open-source project aimed at enabling access to PC Game Pass on Linux and macOS. Launched on August 10, 2026, Xodus has successfully addressed Xbox identity authentication and the decryption of MSIXVC packages, allowing local play of Game Pass titles for Linux and macOS users. Currently, the only way to access Game Pass on non-Windows devices is through Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and introduces latency. Xodus employs a layered architecture, including an Xbox Authentication Library (xal-rs) for managing Microsoft account sign-ins and license verification, and a reimplementation of the xgameruntime.dll for license checks and Xbox service access. The project can retrieve MSIXVC game packages using a valid Game Pass subscription and decrypt executables for local storage. However, it does not yet support UWP-based titles and lacks a user-friendly interface for general users. The project is under pressure due to Microsoft's upcoming transition to the MSIXVC2 package format, which Xodus does not currently support. Xodus is in early development with only a command-line interface available, and the team is working on emulating the GDK Gaming Services layer necessary for game initialization. The project is legal as it reimplements Xbox runtime behavior without enabling piracy, but it faces risks if Microsoft alters its authentication infrastructure.

Tech Optimizer

August 9, 2026

Kaspersky Research: Gen Z is the Most Active Internet User, but Minimal Cyber Protection

Generation Z is the most engaged demographic online, with 57 percent spending more time in the virtual realm than in the physical world. Smartphones are the primary tool for this generation, with 67 percent using them to access the internet. While 59 percent feel confident navigating the digital landscape, only 27 percent use antivirus software on their mobile devices. More than half (52 percent) have experienced cyber attacks, with 17 percent reporting hacking incidents on social media and 12 percent losing access to gaming accounts. Kaspersky recommends that Gen Z implement comprehensive security solutions, consider using a password manager, and utilize a trusted VPN for added online security.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

Android apps could be leaking your precise location

Third-party advertising tools embedded in Android applications are automatically collecting location data, often without the app developers' awareness. Software development kits (SDKs) used for advertising come with location data collection enabled by default, unless developers actively disable this feature. Historical location data has been sold to military and intelligence agencies, including the FBI, and used in immigration enforcement actions in the US. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) reported that app-level location permissions do not provide meaningful consent for location collection by third-party advertising SDKs. The EFF identified four advertising SDKs—InMobi, BidMachine, Verve's HyBid, and Huawei's Petal Ads—that collect and share location data by default. Two analyzed apps had been downloaded 60 million times without providing a privacy notice or seeking user consent for third-party location sharing. Users can manage location permissions through their device settings, but the EFF emphasizes that developers should ensure user data is not shared by default.

AppWizard

August 9, 2026

The GTA 3D trilogy fanpatch has its biggest update, with over 100 new fixes including restored dialogue for San Andreas

The PC versions of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, GTA 3, and Vice City have faced criticism for problematic ports due to code reuse and quality control issues. The modding community has created significant updates, including the SilentPatch, which addresses bugs and restores previously cut content. Notably, over 100 voice lines in GTA San Andreas have been restored, allowing players to access them while using a mouse and keyboard. These efforts reflect the dedication of the modding community to enhance the gaming experience and preserve the legacy of these classic games.

AppWizard

August 7, 2026

Take-Two boss dismisses hand-wringing over the end of disc-based games: ‘Our business is well over 90% digitally distributed as it is’

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, stated that physical game discs "don't really make sense" in today's digital market, especially with the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto 6 exclusively in digital format. While PC gamers have largely adopted digital gaming, the console sector has traditionally relied on physical releases. However, the lack of a physical edition for Grand Theft Auto 6 and Sony's plan to stop disc production by 2028 indicate a shift in this trend. Zelnick noted that although the transition to digital is inevitable, Take-Two will still release physical editions "now and then." Ubisoft's CEO and industry analyst Daniel Ahmad support Zelnick's views, highlighting that the console ecosystem is becoming "nearly entirely digital." The release of Grand Theft Auto 6 on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S raises questions about digital distribution and ownership in gaming.

Winsage

August 7, 2026

This ‘classic’ decades-old SQL injection flaw could let hackers take over entire Windows servers, thanks to a nifty database trick

Security researchers from Huntress discovered a sophisticated SQL Injection (SQLi) attack that led to the deployment of a rare toolkit called Khunt. The attackers exploited a public-facing application backed by an Oracle database by failing to validate user input, allowing malicious SQL commands to be executed. The Khunt toolkit enabled activities such as executing operating system commands, stealing credentials, and exfiltrating registry hive data. Experts recommend robust defense mechanisms, including input sanitation, regular security audits, and the implementation of web application firewalls to protect against such attacks.

Tech Optimizer

August 7, 2026

Bitdefender partners Digimune to sell consumer security

Bitdefender has partnered with Digimune Australia to allow Digimune to distribute Bitdefender's consumer cybersecurity products in Australia. This partnership aims to improve access to cybersecurity solutions amid rising threats like scams and ransomware. The products available through Digimune include Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Bitdefender Total Security, Bitdefender Premium, Bitdefender Mobile Security, and Bitdefender Premium VPN, which support various platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The collaboration focuses on household consumers, providing local support and simplifying the purchasing process for multi-device subscriptions. The partnership also addresses the growing competition in the Australian consumer security sector and aims to meet the demands for protection against various digital threats.

Tech Optimizer

August 6, 2026

Meet the antivirus software that covers more than just viruses

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is an award-winning security suite for Windows PCs that provides continuous system monitoring and real-time threat detection, effectively blocking viruses, ransomware, phishing attacks, and spyware. A one-year subscription includes features such as Advanced Threat Defense, anti-phishing and anti-fraud protection, ransomware defense, network threat prevention, a vulnerability scanner, anti-tracking tools, and Safepay for secure online transactions. It also offers a built-in VPN with 200MB of encrypted traffic daily. The subscription is available for both new and existing users in Canada and the United States. The current price for a one-year subscription is CAD, reduced from its original price of CAD.

Winsage

August 6, 2026

What Happens To Your Computer If You Skip Windows Updates

Windows operating systems have hidden functionalities and privacy enhancements introduced through regular updates, which are crucial for maintaining system security. Neglecting updates leaves known vulnerabilities open to exploitation by malicious actors, as Microsoft typically addresses security flaws only after they are identified. Windows Update is the primary mechanism for addressing these vulnerabilities. Unpatched systems become targets for cyber threats, leading to severe consequences such as remote code execution, privilege escalation, ransomware attacks, and boot-level compromises. The PrintNightmare vulnerability (CVE-2021-34527) was acknowledged by Microsoft after active exploitation was detected, leading to the release of patches. The WannaCry cyberattack in May 2017 affected over 300,000 computers due to an unpatched SMB flaw, highlighting the risks of outdated systems. Timely updates can prevent vulnerabilities that may lead to ransomware, credential theft, and other compromises. Users are advised to install updates promptly and avoid connecting unsupported versions to the internet.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Rockstar’s great Midnight Club racing series was killed off for one simple reason, and you can probably guess what it was

Midnight Club, an arcade street racing series from Rockstar, last released a title in 2008 with Midnight Club: Los Angeles. The series faced challenges that contributed to its decline, including missed development deadlines, conflicts between Rockstar's New York and San Diego studios, and the overshadowing focus on Grand Theft Auto. Former Rockstar designer Kris Roberts highlighted these issues in a recent interview, noting that the company's emphasis on blockbuster hits impacted the franchise's future.