user protection Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 30, 2025

Malwarebytes Launches Global Strategic Partner Program Offering Organizations a One-stop Shop for Personal Security, Privacy, and Identity Solutions

Malwarebytes has launched a partnership initiative aimed at providing financial institutions, HR benefit providers, and internet service providers with personal security, privacy, and identity solutions in response to rising online fraud, which has led to financial losses of .5 billion over the past year for one in three individuals. The program offers AI-powered consumer security solutions to protect devices from various threats and allows partners to choose from a range of options or create custom solutions. Key features include a comprehensive cybersecurity platform, advanced mobile security, and flexible integration options. Eero is one of the first partners to integrate Malwarebytes Premium Security into its eero Plus subscription service, enhancing online security for its subscribers.

Winsage

April 27, 2025

New Security Warning After 1 Billion Windows Users Told Do Not Delete

Microsoft's recent security update for Windows has raised concerns among users due to the introduction of a new vulnerability. The update, intended to address the CVE-2025-21204 vulnerability, inadvertently created a folder named inetpub, which Microsoft claims is essential for user protection. Security researcher Kevin Beaumont has warned that this update has introduced a denial of service vulnerability that allows non-admin users to halt future Windows security updates. Microsoft has classified the issue as moderate in severity and suggested that deleting the inetpub symlink and retrying the update may resolve the problem. The report has been forwarded to the Windows security team for potential further action.

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.