vulnerabilities Archives

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store

Google is enhancing security measures for Android app distribution by verifying developer identities, starting next year. This initiative will affect all certified Android devices globally, with a phased rollout. Developers can still distribute apps through alternative app stores or sideloading, but anonymity will be reduced to combat malware and fraud. Google reported that sideloaded apps encounter over 50 times more malware than those on the Google Play Store, where developer verification has been required since 2023. Developers can sign up for early access in October 2025, with full verification expected by March 2026. By September 2026, apps installed in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand must comply, with a global rollout in 2027. Developers will need to provide their legal name, address, email, and phone number, which may lead some to register as businesses for privacy. Google will also offer a tailored Android Developer Console account for student and hobbyist developers.

AppWizard

August 25, 2025

Google Android Developer Identity Verification Policy 2026 – News and Statistics

Google will require all developers distributing Android applications outside of the Play Store to undergo identity verification starting globally in 2026. This policy aims to reduce malware threats and enhance user data protection. The verification process will begin with an early access program in October 2025, followed by mandatory verification in March 2026, initially enforced in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a wider rollout expected in 2027. Developers must provide their legal name, address, email, and phone number. Google will also create a separate account type for student and hobbyist developers. The Play Store has required developer verification since 2023.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

Python Dev Survey: PostgreSQL, AI Agents, Rust Drive Trends

- PostgreSQL is the preferred database for Python projects, with 45% of surveyed developers choosing it, up from 38% the previous year. - MySQL usage has declined to 30% among developers. - Over 80% of developers regularly use AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. - 65% of AI tool users report productivity gains of at least 20%. - Concerns exist regarding over-reliance on AI tools, particularly in generating nuanced logic. - Rust's usage for Python package development has surged by 22% year-over-year. - Rust is favored for its memory safety and performance in creating secure extensions. - 86.7% of Stack Overflow users expressed a desire to continue using Rust. - Projections suggest AI agents could manage up to 40% of routine coding tasks by 2026. - Rust's integration is expected to reduce bugs in critical Python packages by 30%.

Winsage

August 25, 2025

I tried a “kinder” Windows 11 experience with AtlasOS, and this is how it should be

Windows 11 has faced criticism for its telemetry features, mandatory Microsoft Edge inclusion, and resource-consuming background processes that can hinder performance. AtlasOS offers a structured setup process requiring a clean installation of Windows 11 with a local account. Users download the AME Wizard and Atlas Playbook from the AtlasOS website to apply modifications, including disabling Windows Security features and replacing Microsoft Edge with alternative browsers like Brave or Firefox. After installation, AtlasOS modifies the desktop experience, aligning the taskbar to the left and introducing a new wallpaper. It disables animations for faster application opening times and optimizes power plans for performance. Bing search is removed from the search bar, enhancing search efficiency. Privacy is prioritized by disabling telemetry services and location permissions. Performance tests show that AtlasOS stabilizes CPU usage and slightly reduces memory consumption compared to standard Windows. Benchmark results indicate minor performance improvements, with AtlasOS scoring slightly higher in Geekbench 6 but comparable in Cinebench 2024. Users should manage expectations regarding performance gains, as the primary advantage lies in an improved user experience rather than significant speed increases.

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

Goodbye to the Amazon store—it is liquidating its Appstore for Android and will refund money spent on apps and subscriptions—this is how you get your refund

Amazon will close its Appstore for Android on August 20, 2025, and discontinue its Amazon Coins program. Users with remaining Amazon Coins will be reimbursed. The closure raises concerns about the functionality of downloaded apps, which may cease to work and pose security risks. Users are advised to transition to Google Play and uninstall Amazon apps. Active subscriptions on Fire devices will continue without interruption, but users can cancel them for a proportional refund. After the closure, users are responsible for any data loss related to Amazon apps.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Microsoft confirms latest Windows 11 update is tanking streaming app performance

Microsoft's August 2025 Patch has introduced over 100 vulnerabilities, including a zero-day exploit affecting Windows Kerberos. Users have reported significant performance declines in streaming applications, particularly OBS and NDI Tools, characterized by severe lag and stuttering during streaming sessions when using the NDI protocol. Microsoft acknowledged that these issues arise after installing the update, specifically noting that severe stuttering, lag, and choppy audio/video may occur when using NDI for streaming or transferring audio/video feeds between PCs. The NDI team confirmed a drop in traffic linked to the Reliable User Datagram Protocol (RUDP), which is the default communication method for NDI, with performance degradation observed exclusively with RUDP connections. Microsoft has suggested potential workarounds, but a definitive fix may take time to implement.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

LibreOffice 25.8 Drops Windows 7-8.1 Support, Adds Speed and AES-256 Encryption

LibreOffice 25.8 has been released by The Document Foundation, ending support for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, meaning users on these operating systems will no longer receive updates or security patches. The new version requires a minimum of Windows 10 and includes performance enhancements, such as faster document loading and improved interoperability with Microsoft formats. Security upgrades include AES-256 encryption and PDF 2.0 export capabilities. The decision to discontinue support for older Windows versions reflects a broader industry trend towards modernization and innovation. Future versions will also require macOS 11 or later. Users on outdated systems are encouraged to evaluate alternatives or stick with earlier versions.

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

Week in review: Covertly connected and insecure Android VPN apps, Apple fixes exploited zero-day

A study by Arizona State University and Citizen Lab found that three families of Android VPN apps, with over 700 million downloads, have significant security vulnerabilities. Apple has released a fix for a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-43300) that was being exploited in targeted attacks. Researchers from the University of Melbourne and Imperial College London developed a method using lightweight large language models to improve incident response planning. The FBI and Cisco warned about a Russian threat group exploiting an old Cisco vulnerability (CVE-2018-0171) to compromise critical infrastructure. Fog Security researchers discovered a flaw in AWS’s Trusted Advisor tool that could mislead users about the security of their data. AI is now being used in security operations centers to reduce alert noise and assist analysts. U.S. federal prosecutors charged an individual linked to the Rapper Bot DDoS botnet. Nikoloz Kokhreidze discussed the strategic choice between hiring a fractional or full-time Chief Information Security Officer for B2B companies. Commvault patched four vulnerabilities that risked remote code execution. Jacob Ideskog highlighted security risks posed by AI agents. VX Underground released an exploit for two SAP Netweaver vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-31324, CVE-2025-42999). Healthcare organizations are preparing for new password security risks in 2025 that may threaten HIPAA compliance. Researchers identified a spear-phishing campaign using the Noodlophile infostealer. Financial institutions are increasingly using open-source intelligence tools to combat money laundering. Greg Bak discussed security risks for DevOps teams in the cloud. NIST released guidelines for detecting morph attacks. Organizations face six challenges in implementing machine learning and AI security. Recep Ozdag discussed vulnerabilities in airport and airline systems. Google introduced new AI and cloud security capabilities at the Cloud Security Summit 2025. Cybersecurity myths continue to complicate the security landscape. LudusHound is an open-source tool that replicates an Active Directory environment for testing. Buttercup is an AI-powered platform for automated vulnerability management in open-source software. The book "Data Engineering for Cybersecurity" addresses challenges in managing logs and telemetry data. A selection of current cybersecurity job openings has been compiled. A forthcoming webinar will discuss AI and SaaS security risks. The iStorage datAshur PRO+C is a USB-C flash drive with AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption. New infosec products were released by companies such as Doppel, Druva, LastPass, and StackHawk.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

With critical Windows 10 deadline weeks away, it’s the ideal time for a £250 Chromebook price crash

Microsoft will discontinue security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving users vulnerable to security risks. The Acer Chromebook Plus 514 is available for £249 at Currys and offers a budget-friendly alternative with features such as an Intel Core 3-N355 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. Currys provides a flexible payment plan for the Chromebook, and it operates on ChromeOS, which does not require regular updates. The device supports Wi-Fi 7 and includes a 1080p Full HD webcam, a 14-inch Full HD+ IPS display, and a long battery life of 10-15 hours. Purchasing the Chromebook also includes a complimentary 12-month trial of Gemini Advanced.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Who should consider Windows PowerToys?

Windows PowerToys is a collection of utilities for the Windows operating system, originally created for power users in the Windows 95 era and revived as an open-source project in 2019 for Windows 10 and 11. It is actively maintained by Microsoft engineers and volunteers. Key features include: - FancyZones: A window manager for creating custom snap layouts. - PowerToys Run: A launcher for quickly opening applications and files. - Keyboard Manager: Allows remapping of keys and creation of new shortcuts. - Text Extractor: Enables copying text from images or on-screen elements. - Mouse Utilities: Includes cursor highlighting and keyboard control of the mouse. PowerToys also offers File Explorer add-ons, a Color Picker, and utilities for batch renaming or resizing files. It is beneficial for users looking to streamline tasks and customize their systems, but may not be necessary for those engaged in basic computer activities. There may be a learning curve and occasional bugs due to its open-source nature.