user protection Archives

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

Google launches a mandatory program to verify Android app developers outside its official store

Google is launching a new program to verify the identities of developers distributing apps outside the Google Play store, while still allowing advanced users to install unverified apps. The program is currently in an early access phase for developers outside the Play store, with invitations for developers on the Play store starting on November 25, 2025. Google aims to combat fraud and malware, particularly in emerging markets, by ensuring that a real person or organization is behind each app. The company is also creating a simpler account type for students and hobbyists and a dedicated path for advanced users to install unverified apps with clear warnings. This change is intended to enhance security while maintaining user choice and flexibility in app installation. Developers will need to join the verification program to gain wider exposure, and users will have clearer identities for developers, leading to greater protection against fraud.

AppWizard

October 27, 2025

Meta Launches AI Anti-Scam Tools for WhatsApp and Messenger

Meta Platforms Inc. has launched a suite of anti-scam tools for WhatsApp and Messenger to enhance user security amid increasing online fraud. The company has disrupted over 8 million fake accounts this year. The new features include real-time scam alerts for suspicious messages, advanced AI for identifying scam patterns, and enhanced account security measures like passkey support. User education is also prioritized through in-app resources. These tools integrate across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, with contextual pop-ups for reporting suspicious activity. The initiative coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month and aims to address regulatory pressures and user complaints about scams that cost consumers billions. Meta is also blocking malicious domains and collaborating with law enforcement. Concerns about data privacy exist, as the tools focus on metadata to maintain end-to-end encryption. This upgrade represents a significant evolution of Meta’s platforms toward enhanced security.

Winsage

September 20, 2025

Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10: What you need to know

Microsoft's security support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, potentially exposing millions of computers to cyber threats unless users upgrade to Windows 11 or implement other security measures. Users with qualifying hardware can upgrade to Windows 11 for free using the "PC Health Check" app. For computers that do not meet the upgrade criteria, Microsoft will offer paid security updates for a limited time, and users can also enable cloud backup linked to OneDrive as a free alternative. Cybersecurity expert Ken Colburn advises that investing in a new computer is the best long-term security solution, especially for older machines that may not meet current safety standards. He emphasizes the importance of taking action before the deadline to avoid becoming a target for cyber attacks.

AppWizard

September 2, 2025

Google to add developer verification requirement for Android apps

Google has announced a developer verification initiative to enhance security within the Android ecosystem, aimed at protecting users from scams and malware. This initiative will not affect developers in the United States until 2027 or later. The policy requires that all applications installed on certified Android devices be registered by verified developers, making it harder for malicious actors to distribute harmful applications. The verification process will begin in March 2026, with an initial rollout in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand starting in September 2026. Global implementation is planned for 2027 and beyond.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Android app developers will soon need to verify identity to distribute apps outside Play Store

Google will require app developers to undergo a verification process starting in September 2026 to distribute apps outside the Google Play Store. An early access program for developers will begin in October 2025, with a broader rollout planned for March 2026. Developers will use a new Android Developer Console to verify their identities, enabling Android devices to block apps from unverified developers.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps

Google has announced a new safety feature requiring developers to verify their identities before allowing Android users to sideload applications. This decision is based on an analysis showing that sideloaded apps have over 50 times more malware than those from the Google Play Store. Only apps from verified developers will be permitted for installation on certified Android devices. Google is developing a new Android Developer Console to facilitate this verification process. The rollout of this requirement will begin in late 2026 in Brazil, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, with a global implementation to follow.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

Norton VPN features explained: AI-powered protection, Dark web monitoring, IP Rotation and more

Norton VPN offers a variety of features including: - Integration of artificial intelligence for real-time detection of scams and threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware. - Cloud storage options ranging from 10GB with the Plus plan to 50GB with the Ultimate plan, providing secure online storage for sensitive data. - Dark web monitoring that scans for users' personal information and alerts them if it surfaces. - A Kill Switch feature that halts internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, protecting users' real IP addresses and unencrypted data. - IP masking that conceals users' real IP addresses and encrypts data before it reaches its destination. - IP rotation that changes the assigned IP address every 30 seconds to complicate tracking attempts. - A Double VPN option that routes data through two servers for enhanced privacy. - A no-log policy ensuring that users' IP addresses, browsing histories, and DNS queries are not logged, with independent audits for validation. - A Norton Password Manager included in select plans for creating and storing complex passwords and securely managing online transactions. - Parental controls and location supervision available with the Ultimate plan, allowing parents to monitor web access and track children's locations.

AppWizard

August 19, 2025

Google is loosening its hold on the way Android apps make money in Europe

Google is allowing app developers in Europe to direct users to external websites for payments related to subscriptions and digital purchases, a change from its previous requirement to use Google's in-app payment system. This decision aligns with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which aims to reduce excessive control by major tech companies. Developers will benefit from retaining a larger portion of their revenue, and Google is reducing its first-year acquisition fee from 10% to 3%. The DMA prohibits self-preferencing and mandates that companies like Google open their platforms to competitors, with penalties for violations reaching up to 10% of global revenue. Google has faced over €8 billion in EU antitrust penalties in the past decade.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Emergency Windows Update For PC Users

Microsoft has acknowledged issues with the August security update for Windows 11, which may fail to install for some users, particularly affecting enterprise users. The error code associated with this issue is 0x80240069, and Microsoft has released an emergency update that will be automatically delivered through Windows Update. Administrators can also manually download the 'KB5063878 250814_00551 Known Issue Rollback' policy. Microsoft is testing another patch to address the installation failure and is committed to providing a resolution in a future update.

AppWizard

August 5, 2025

Google Gemini Android App to Add Audio Uploads for AI Insights

Google's Gemini app for Android is set to enhance its functionality by supporting audio file uploads, as indicated by an APK teardown revealing code strings and user interface elements for this feature. This development will allow users to summarize podcasts, transcribe meetings, and extract insights from voice memos. The introduction of audio capabilities follows earlier features like Audio Overviews, which enable podcast-style discussions from written documents. However, there are significant privacy concerns regarding the handling of sensitive audio data, with fears that Google may access personal information without explicit user consent. Critics warn that audio uploads could lead to unauthorized data scraping and complicate compliance with data protection regulations. Google has mentioned configurable privacy settings to address these risks, but skepticism remains about their adequacy. The anticipated rollout of this feature is expected in the coming months.