user protection Archives

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

How Gaming Is Regulated On Android’s App Store

The Google Play Store offers millions of mobile games and enforces strict regulations to ensure user safety and legal compliance. These regulations cover content policies, monetization practices, data protection, technical requirements, and regional compliance. Games must adhere to content policies that prohibit hate speech, excessive violence, and misrepresentation, and must be rated by the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC). Monetization strategies require developers to use Google’s payment system for in-app purchases and disclose pricing and refund policies. Gambling games must have the necessary licenses and disclose odds for loot boxes. Data privacy guidelines mandate clear communication about data collection and user consent. Technical standards require games to function well across devices and be free from security threats. Google employs automated and manual reviews to enforce compliance, with consequences for violations ranging from warnings to permanent bans. Regional compliance is necessary, particularly in areas with strict regulations like China and the EU.

AppWizard

February 28, 2025

Russian hackers find ways to snoop on Ukrainian Signal accounts

Hackers are employing deceptive tactics to compromise the security of Ukrainian users by enticing them to scan malicious QR codes, allowing hackers to intercept messages in real time. Recent findings from Google have identified Russia-linked groups, UNC4221 and UNC5792, disseminating altered Signal "group invite" links targeting Ukrainian military personnel. Signal, known for its end-to-end encryption, has not shown vulnerabilities in its encryption protocol, but its "linked devices" functionality is being exploited to bypass security measures. In response, Signal's senior technologist announced an overhaul of the user interface, additional authentication steps, and notifications for new linked devices to enhance user protection against social engineering attacks.

Tech Optimizer

February 26, 2025

If you use Avast’s antivirus software, you might be owed money — here’s how to get it

In 2020, Avast faced backlash for collecting user data without adequate disclosure and selling it to over a hundred companies through its subsidiary, Jumpshot. Investigations revealed vulnerabilities in their anonymization process, allowing users to be re-identified. In response to public outcry, Avast shut down Jumpshot and CEO Ondrej Vlcek apologized. The FTC initiated an investigation, resulting in penalties for Avast in February 2024, including a ban on selling user data and a settlement of .5 million. Customers who purchased Avast products between August 2014 and January 2020 may be eligible for a refund, with emails containing Claim Numbers sent starting February 24, 2025. Refund amounts will depend on the number of claims filed.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

Android 16’s enhanced Advanced Protection will let apps know when you’re serious about security

The latest beta version of Android 16 has introduced an API called AdvancedProtectionManager, which allows applications to determine if users are enrolled in the Advanced Protection program. This program enhances account security by prohibiting sideloading apps and requiring security keys or passkeys for Google account sign-ins. It blocks potentially harmful files from being downloaded and disables app installations from outside the Google Play Store. Additionally, it disables 2G connectivity and activates Memory Trust Execution (MTE) for compatible applications. Although the API is available in Android 16 Beta 2, users cannot yet enable the Advanced Protection mode, as synchronization with the operating system's features is pending a future rollout within Google Play Services. The effectiveness of the Advanced Protection program will depend on app developers' support in utilizing the new API.

Tech Optimizer

February 2, 2025

Microsoft thinks it could stop this dangerous scam forever

Microsoft has launched a new ‘Scareware blocker’ feature for Edge web browsers on Windows PCs, designed to enhance user protection against tech support scams. This machine learning threat detection software identifies signs of scareware in real-time and aims to reduce the prevalence of such scams, which cost victims millions annually according to the FBI. The technology analyzes new websites and uses a SmartScreen feature for global protection, processing information locally without uploading images to the cloud. When a potential threat is detected, Edge exits full-screen mode, stops aggressive audio playback, and alerts the user. Users can report malicious sites or inaccuracies to improve the model. The feature is available to all Edge users upon updating their browser.

Winsage

December 18, 2024

Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Your PC Is No Longer Trusted

Millions of Windows users are facing issues with the Phone Link app after the upgrade to Android 15 due to new security measures by Google. The update has led to certain notifications being hidden for user protection, particularly affecting notification mirroring for two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. Microsoft confirmed that Phone Link will no longer display notifications containing sensitive information, impacting apps downloaded from the Play Store, while preinstalled applications remain unaffected. Android 15 designates notifications with 2FA codes as ‘sensitive,’ allowing only trusted Notification Listener services to access them. Google introduced these changes to combat one-time passcode (OTP) fraud and protect sensitive content, which includes redacting OTPs from notifications for untrusted apps and securing app activities when OTPs are displayed.

Winsage

December 13, 2024

Microsoft Recall Can Still Potentially Screenshot Your Sensitive Information

Microsoft's Recall feature, designed for Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs, faced delays earlier this year due to significant security vulnerabilities. The feature began rolling out to select testers last month and became widely available on December 6 for users in the Windows Insider beta program. Recall aims to automatically detect and stop the screenshotting of sensitive information, but reports indicate that its filters may not be functioning effectively, as it continued to capture sensitive data in some instances. Microsoft has encouraged user feedback to improve the feature and emphasized that all screenshots are secured behind a Windows Hello login. Recall is currently an opt-in feature, disabled by default for Insider channel users, and is expected to have various issues as a beta product. Users must download AI models upon signing up for the Insider build, and Microsoft initially planned to launch Recall six months ago without the necessary refinements.

Tech Optimizer

November 18, 2024

Surfshark Black Friday Deals 2024

Surfshark is offering Black Friday deals with discounts of up to 87% on its cybersecurity products, including VPN, antivirus, and data removal services. The company has over 600 servers in the US, providing rapid connection speeds and easy access to US-based content. Surfshark's VPN features include auto-connect, kill switch, split tunneling, unlimited device support, and 24/7 customer support with a 30-day money-back guarantee. In 2023, Surfshark was recognized by Forbes as the "Best VPN for Unlimited Connections" for its unlimited device policy and advanced features. Surfshark also offers an antivirus solution that protects against various digital threats with real-time scanning and customizable security settings. Additionally, Surfshark's Incogni service helps users remove personal information from data brokers and people search sites through an automated five-step process.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Google’s new app will help warn you about nude images in Messages

Google has started rolling out the Android System SafetyCore app via Google Play, which will enhance user safety by powering the Sensitive Content Warnings feature in the Google Messages app. This feature aims to provide alerts about the risks associated with sending or receiving nude images, blurring potentially explicit images before they are displayed. The Sensitive Content Warnings feature will be available on devices running Android 9 or later, with adults having the option to activate it, while users under 18 will be automatically opted in. The Android System SafetyCore app serves as a system service providing safety features for Android devices and supports the contact verification feature in Google Messages. It is described as an "Android system component that provides privacy-preserving on-device user protection infrastructure for apps" and may eventually be available on Google TV.

Tech Optimizer

November 12, 2024

Norton vs McAfee: Compare Antivirus Software 2025

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue through affiliate links. Norton 360 and McAfee Total Protection are security solutions focused on antivirus capabilities, with Norton offering robust customer support and McAfee excelling in privacy and data monitoring. Norton 360 pricing starts at .99 for a single device, while McAfee Total Protection also starts at .99 for a single device. Norton offers various plans: - Norton Antivirus Plus: .99 (1 device) - Norton 360 Standard: .99 (1 device) - Norton 360 Deluxe: .99 (5 devices) - Norton 360 with LifeLock: .99 (10 devices) McAfee offers: - McAfee Basic: .99 (1 device) - McAfee Essential: .99 (5 devices) - McAfee Premium: .99 (unlimited) - McAfee Advanced: .99 (unlimited) - McAfee Ultimate: .99 (unlimited) Both support Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Norton provides ransomware protection, while McAfee does not. Both include VPN features and identity theft monitoring. Norton has an overall rating of 4.2/5, with a customer support rating of 5/5. Key features include dark web monitoring, parental controls, and a password manager. McAfee has an overall rating of 3.8/5, with a customer support rating of 4.4/5. Key features include a protection score, social privacy manager, and bank transaction monitoring. Norton offers a 7-day free trial, while McAfee offers a 30-day free trial. Norton provides extensive user support resources, while McAfee lacks training videos for new users. Norton is better for ease of use and customer support, while McAfee is better for privacy and data cleanup features. Alternatives to consider include Bitdefender, PC Matic, and Malwarebytes.