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Tech Optimizer
May 23, 2025
Cloudflare, in collaboration with Microsoft and international law enforcement, has dismantled the infrastructure of LummaC2, an information-stealing malware service. This initiative led to the seizure and blocking of malicious domains and disrupted digital marketplaces used by criminals. Lumma Stealer operates as a subscription service providing threat actors access to a central panel for customized malware builds and stolen data retrieval. The stolen information includes credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and sensitive data, posing risks of identity theft and financial fraud. Lumma Stealer was first identified on Russian-language crime forums in early 2023 and has since migrated to Telegram for distribution. Its proliferation is facilitated by social engineering campaigns, including deceptive pop-ups and bundled malware in cracked software. Cloudflare implemented measures to block access to Lumma's command and control servers and collaborated with various authorities to prevent the criminals from regaining control. Mitigation strategies for users include restricting unknown scripts, limiting password storage in browsers, and using reputable endpoint protection tools. The operation has significantly hindered Lumma's operations and aims to undermine the infostealer-as-a-service model contributing to cybercrime.
Winsage
May 22, 2025
Signal has updated its Windows application to enhance user privacy by introducing a feature called "screen security," which prevents screenshots on Windows 11. This update responds to privacy concerns raised by Microsoft's Recall functionality, which captures screenshots for user activity tracking. Although Microsoft paused Recall due to public backlash, it resumed testing the feature as opt-in. With screen security enabled, users will see a blank screen when attempting to take a screenshot, but this may affect functionalities like screen readers. Users can disable this feature in Signal Settings, but will receive a warning before confirming the change. Signal hopes that developers will consider privacy implications more thoughtfully in the future.
Winsage
May 22, 2025
Signal has introduced a "screen security" feature in its Windows application to enhance user privacy by preventing Microsoft's AI-driven Recall functionality from capturing content displayed within the app. This feature is active by default on all Windows 11 devices and sets a Digital Rights Management (DRM) flag on Signal's app windows. Recall, launched in May 2024, captures screenshots of active windows and has raised privacy concerns, leading Microsoft to make it optional and implement various security enhancements. Users can disable Signal's screen security but will be warned about potential privacy risks. Signal's developer, Joshua Lund, highlighted ongoing concerns regarding privacy in applications like Signal and called for a balance between privacy and accessibility in AI technologies.
Winsage
May 22, 2025
Signal has activated Digital Rights Management (DRM) features within Windows to prevent Microsoft Recall from capturing screenshots of its chat windows. Recall has been criticized for its imprecise screenshot capturing, which affects sensitive communications. Signal's DRM solution ensures that Recall and other screenshot tools do not capture its content. The "Screen security" setting in Signal Desktop for Windows 11 is enabled by default, requiring users to confirm if they wish to disable it. Recall was initially criticized during its launch at Microsoft's 2024 Build event and has since been revised, remaining an opt-in feature with a "Preview" label. Microsoft claims users control what apps and websites are saved in snapshots.
Tech Optimizer
May 20, 2025
A reader received a fraudulent email that appeared to be from Norton, claiming they had a subscription for a service they never signed up for. The email included a reminder about an automatic renewal for a Norton Ultimate Plus plan and provided a phone number that could lead to scams. EECU, a local credit union, warned its members about this scam and advised them to verify the authenticity of such invoices with their bank to prevent identity theft.
AppWizard
May 20, 2025
Labyrinth of the Demon King is a strong contender for game of the year, alongside Avowed and Oblivion Remastered. The game is a survival horror dungeon crawler developed by a small team, which plans to release enhancements shortly after launch. The first update will include framerate cap options, a fix for the torch equipping issue, a quick equip button for the lantern, corrections for language display errors, a spelling fix in the Kings Court Puzzle, and resolution of status effect display issues. Upcoming features include a new spiked knuckle weapon and a cursed blood katana. PCG Australia editor Shaun Prescott rated the game 81% and described it as "the most potent weird horror we're likely to see in 2025." The game is currently available at a launch discount on Steam until May 27.
Tech Optimizer
May 18, 2025
Windows 11 accounts for nearly 44% of global desktop users as of April 2025, making it a prime target for cybercriminals, with 83% of malware in 2020 aimed at Windows systems. Microsoft Defender, which comes pre-installed with Windows 11, offers commendable malware protection, basic ransomware protection, a SmartScreen feature for anti-phishing, and a firewall that monitors network traffic. While it provides a solid foundation for security, additional third-party antivirus software can enhance protection, offering more comprehensive features such as superior parental controls, integrated VPN services, and identity theft protection.
AppWizard
May 17, 2025
Google I/O is set to begin on May 20th at the Shoreline Amphitheater in California, with live updates from Android Central. Google has revealed advancements including Gemini, Material 3 Expressive, and enhanced safety tools. Gemini will integrate across the Android ecosystem for a hands-free AI experience. Material 3 Expressive will enhance the user interface in Android 16, focusing on five design components. Wear OS 6 will receive a visual refresh. New warning systems in Android's caller and Google Messages will combat fraud, while the Find My Device feature will evolve into Find Hub with improved tracking capabilities. Warner Bros. Discovery will rebrand Max back to HBO Max this summer, marking the second rebranding in three years. Nothing's Phone 3 is set to launch this summer, priced around £800. Samsung introduced a limited-edition Galaxy Ring in South Korea, featuring a new colorway.
Tech Optimizer
May 16, 2025
Antivirus software has been a common tool for PC users over the past two decades, with many opting for third-party solutions for enhanced protection despite Windows 11's built-in features. User behavior significantly impacts computer security, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unknown links and not reusing passwords. Antivirus packages are designed to combat threats like ransomware, spyware, and viruses. The evaluation process for antivirus applications involved testing on a Windows 11 PC with simulated virus attacks and scanning the SSD for performance metrics. The top antivirus apps for 2025 include BitDefender Total Security (£49.99), Avira Free (free), Malwarebytes Plus (£49.99), and Sophos Home Premium (£37.46).
AppWizard
May 14, 2025
Google is unveiling key features ahead of the Google I/O event, including Material 3 Expressive (M3), which focuses on enhancing user experience through color, shape, size, motion, and containment. M3 will introduce a vibrant UI for smartphones and wearables, featuring a new "tear away" notification system and playful animations. The Pixel Watch will have animations that follow the display's curvature, and Wear OS 6 will allow users to customize color schemes and watch faces. Google's Gemini AI will be integrated into more devices, replacing Google Assistant and enhancing interactions on Wear OS, Google TV, Android Auto, and Android XR. Gemini will provide hands-free assistance for Wear OS users and facilitate natural conversations in Android Auto. It will also improve content discovery on Google TV and offer real-time planning assistance in Extended Reality devices. To combat online scams, Google is introducing privacy tools with Android 16, including enhanced warning systems in caller and Google Messages apps, AI-driven detection of fraudulent messages, and a Key Verifier program for secure end-to-end encrypted communication. Google Play Protection will implement live threat detection for malicious app changes.
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