web-based Archives

Tech Optimizer

September 1, 2026

Fake Microsoft Security Scan Tells You to Remove Antivirus—Then Scammers Ask for Remote Access

A new web-based scam is using counterfeit Microsoft-branded security scans to deceive users into uninstalling their antivirus software. The scam websites conduct fake inspections, reporting false security failures and claiming third-party antivirus products are unsupported by Windows. They gather browser information to create customized-looking scan reports and aim to mislead victims into a fraudulent refund process. Investigators have identified 11 related scam sites under the name SysScan, which present themselves as legitimate Microsoft security checks. The scam does not involve file downloads but relies on convincing websites, fabricated security scores, and personal information forms. The scan results are hard-coded, and the security score is limited to a range between 13 and 30 out of 100. The scams instruct users to uninstall antivirus software, which is misleading since Windows does not cease support for third-party antivirus solutions. The scam sites request extensive personal information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and banking details, and redirect victims to a page claiming a refund manager will call shortly. This process allows scammers to gain remote access to victims' computers. Indicators of compromise include specific IP addresses and domains associated with the scam.

AppWizard

August 26, 2026

Multilogin releases open-source agent so AI can run social accounts on real Android cloud phones

Multilogin has launched an open-source AI agent for social media management on authentic Android devices in the cloud. This tool enables automation of workflows on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. The AI agent connects to a Multilogin Android cloud phone, allowing it to view screens, execute taps, type commands, and save results. It integrates with multiple AI agents capable of running shell commands and interpreting visual inputs. Each cloud phone functions as an independent Android device with unique parameters and persistent app data, connected via ADB. The tool monitors the cloud phone's readiness, activates ADB, interprets screenshots, and executes tasks while logging activities. It is designed for marketers, agencies, creators, and teams, providing setup instructions and compatibility with AI tools like ChatGPT/Codex and Claude Code. The project is available on GitHub, and Multilogin offers a free plan with paid options starting at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Multilogin has unveiled an innovative open-source AI agent designed to empower social media management on authentic Android devices hosted in the cloud. This groundbreaking tool bridges the gap between AI capabilities and mobile app functionalities, allowing users to automate workflows across popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X. How the Tool Functions The newly developed AI agent connects seamlessly to a Multilogin Android cloud phone, providing it with the ability to view screens, execute taps, type commands, and complete various tasks while saving the results. This integration works harmoniously with multiple AI agents, including Claude Code, Cursor, and OpenClaw, all of which can run shell commands and interpret visual inputs from screenshots. As many social media operations increasingly shift to mobile applications, the limitations of browser-based tools become apparent. While browser profiles serve their purpose for web-based tasks, they fall short when it comes to executing native Android applications. Multilogin's cloud phones offer a distinct advantage by providing an authentic Android environment, facilitating direct interaction with mobile apps. Each cloud phone operates as an independent Android device in the cloud, complete with unique device parameters, installed applications, and persistent app data. The AI agent connects to the cloud phone via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a standard interface used by developers for device management. Operational Efficiency and Flexibility The process begins with the selection of an Android cloud phone, which the tool monitors until it is fully operational. Once ready, the AI agent activates ADB, allowing it to interpret screenshots, determine subsequent actions, and execute tasks such as tapping or typing. Upon completion of a task or in the event of an error, the tool halts the cloud phone and logs the activity, ensuring that resources are not wasted during the development and testing of AI-assisted mobile workflows. This project is compatible with any AI agent capable of executing shell commands and processing visual inputs, making it versatile for various applications. Gleb K., the UI team lead at Multilogin, emphasizes the importance of this development: “AI agents are becoming useful for real operational work, but many important workflows still happen inside mobile apps. We built this open-source project to give everyone a simple and controlled way to connect AI agents to Android cloud phones.” Target Audience and Accessibility The cloud phone agent is tailored for marketers, agencies, creators, and teams seeking an AI assistant to streamline routine tasks within Android applications. Users need not start from scratch; the project provides clear setup instructions and is compatible with widely-used AI tools such as ChatGPT/Codex, Claude Code, OpenClaw, and Cursor. Once connected, the AI agent can efficiently manage tasks on the cloud phone, with the Multilogin Support team readily available for assistance. As with any automation tool, users are encouraged to adhere to the guidelines set by the applications they utilize. The Multilogin cloud phone agent is accessible on GitHub: GitHub Repository. For further information about Android cloud phones from Multilogin, visit Multilogin's Website. The Need for Android Cloud Phones in Social Media Workflows As marketing teams increasingly adopt AI-driven workflows, the necessity for reliable and scalable environments becomes paramount. Real Android devices provide AI agents with the authentic conditions that mimic human usage, allowing accounts to behave naturally and accumulate history over time—an aspect that emulators and browser profiles simply cannot replicate. About Multilogin Multilogin is a comprehensive platform offering cloud phones and browser profiles tailored for marketers, agencies, creators, and AI workflow builders. It enables teams to manage distinct browser and mobile workflows from a unified dashboard. Multilogin offers a Free plan with no credit card requirement, while paid plans commence at .08 per month when billed annually, inclusive of monthly proxy traffic and mobile minutes based on the selected plan. Established in 2015, Multilogin operates from the UAE and adheres to GDPR compliance. Media Contact: Teona B. Media Specialist Multilogin Email: marketing@multilogin.com For additional visuals accompanying this announcement, please visit the following links: Visual 1 Visual 2" max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].08 per month.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

I’ve been trying to forget Microsoft’s vision of Windows built around AI — but it’s surfaced again, and I’m worried that it remains a terrifying glimpse of the future

Microsoft's shelved project, codenamed 'Project Aion', aimed to create a lightweight, web-based operating system focused on AI functionalities, particularly integrating Copilot. Leaked materials from 2024 describe Aion as a "Copilot OS," designed to unify various devices under a single intelligent framework, with applications streamed to the desktop instead of installed locally. Despite its cancellation, Microsoft is still committed to developing AI agents within Windows 11, enhancing user experience gradually while optimizing resource usage for devices with 8GB of RAM. The company is also planning to improve voice interaction capabilities across applications. Although Project Aion is no longer active, its vision may influence future developments, including potential monetization strategies for AI features.

Winsage

August 25, 2026

Microsoft’s leaked new OS is one you’ll hope stays buried, and it’s not Windows

Leaked documents reveal that Microsoft developed Project Aion, a Copilot-centric operating system distinct from Windows 11, which was never released. Aion was designed without a Start menu, desktop icons, or a traditional taskbar, placing Copilot at the center of user interaction. The project was conceived as early as 2024 and aimed to redefine user engagement with technology, focusing on education, entertainment, and task completion. It utilized a streamlined Windows codebase called Win3, which was lighter than Windows 11 but lacked support for legacy Win32 apps. Aion featured a personalized dashboard with task cards and app icons for both Microsoft and third-party applications. It was intended to run on various AI-focused devices and aimed to create a versatile operating system adaptable to different hardware configurations. Key features included a conversational user experience, an "Ask me anything" box for queries, and "Spaces" for project organization. Despite its innovative design, Aion was primarily aimed at enterprise use and faced limitations due to the absence of traditional desktop applications. The likelihood of Aion's release is slim as Microsoft has shifted its focus to refining Windows 11 and has begun retracting ambitious AI integrations, prioritizing stability and performance enhancements over new operating systems.

Winsage

August 22, 2026

Hackers abuse FTP server banners to deliver new Windows malware

Threat actors are exploiting FTP banners to conceal commands for deploying two undocumented remote access trojans (RATs), E4del and PINHOLE. This method was first observed by MalwareHunterTeam in July 2026, using shortcut files (.LNK) and FTP server banners as dead-drop resolvers to retrieve malicious commands. SOCRadar confirmed that this technique has been weaponized since early July 2026 and remains active, with new infrastructure identified as recently as August 2026. The attacks typically start with a ZIP archive leading to an LNK-based infection chain, likely initiated through phishing tactics. E4del is a Node.js-based RAT disguised within a digitally signed Electron application mimicking Discord, capable of executing commands, capturing screenshots, streaming desktops, and downloading additional payloads. It also includes a module for privilege escalation. PINHOLE retrieves its command and control configuration from Pinterest and SurveyMonkey, designed to leave a minimal footprint and employing shellcode fluctuation. It supports 14 commands, including file management and credential theft, but had only recorded 11 execution events at the time of analysis. SOCRadar notes that while using FTP banners is a novel approach, it is less stealthy than traditional web-based dead-drop resolvers. They provide indicators of compromise to help identify malicious infrastructure and infected machines.

Winsage

August 21, 2026

Microsoft quietly hides the new OneDrive app it force-installed on Windows 11, but it’s still on your PC

Microsoft has removed the OneDrive Photos app from the Start menu and Windows Search results as part of efforts to improve user experience and address feedback about its intrusive nature. The app was initially force-installed on Windows 10 and 11 devices but faced backlash due to difficulties in launching and uninstalling it. Microsoft acknowledged that the app's widespread release was unintended and plans to allow users to uninstall it independently from the OneDrive sync client later this year. Although OneDrive Photos is hidden from the Start menu and search results, it remains installed on users' PCs and can still be accessed through the OneDrive installation folder.

Tech Optimizer

August 16, 2026

Best Android Antivirus Apps 2026: Tested and Ranked

Bitdefender Mobile Security is rated as the best antivirus app for Android in 2026, achieving a 100% detection rate, 0.5% battery drain, and unobtrusive operation. The evaluation compared five antivirus applications on a Galaxy S26 Ultra, assessing detection rates, battery drain, scan speed, and permissions. Other notable antivirus apps include Norton 360 for Mobile, which is recognized for its features; Avast Mobile Security, known for its free version; McAfee Mobile Security, which excels in scam call and text filtering; and NordVPN Threat Protection, praised for web and Wi-Fi security. Most users may not need an antivirus app due to built-in protections like Google Play Protect, which automatically scans apps. However, specific scenarios warrant the installation of an antivirus app, such as sideloading apps, receiving scam texts and calls, assisting relatives, conducting banking and shopping on mobile, and using public Wi-Fi. The top five antivirus apps tested are: 1. Bitdefender Mobile Security: 100% detection, 0.5% battery drain, 31-second scan time. 2. Norton 360 for Mobile: 99.9% detection, 0.9% battery drain, 24-second scan time. 3. Avast Mobile Security: 99.9% detection, 0.7% battery drain, 26-second scan time. 4. McAfee Mobile Security: 99.78% detection, 1.0% battery drain, 34-second scan time. 5. NordVPN Threat Protection: 95.60% detection of web threats, 0.2% battery drain. Battery consumption varied, with NordVPN being the lightest and McAfee the heaviest. Permissions requested by each app also varied significantly, with Bitdefender requiring the most extensive permissions. Users are advised to check for legitimate antivirus apps by verifying the developer, installation count, update history, lab participation, and permission requests. Free antivirus apps like Avast and AVG offer effective protection but may lack some features of paid versions. Users should be cautious of fake security apps that mimic legitimate ones. If malware is suspected, users can run scans with Google Play Protect or other anti-malware apps and follow specific steps to remove malware if detected.

Winsage

August 16, 2026

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Bug Breaks IE Mode in Microsoft Edge for Some Users

Microsoft has acknowledged a bug in Windows 11 that disrupts the functionality of Internet Explorer mode within Microsoft Edge for certain users, affecting the loading of legacy websites and applications. This issue primarily impacts organizations that rely on IE mode for older internal web applications. Microsoft is investigating the matter and developing a fix, but no timeline for resolution has been provided. Organizations are advised to identify affected internal websites, monitor the Windows release health dashboard for updates, avoid altering IE mode configurations, and report issues through Microsoft support if they impact critical applications.

Winsage

August 12, 2026

Microsoft isn’t scrapping its unwanted OneDrive Photos app; it’s just giving you a way to get rid of it

Microsoft's OneDrive Photos app was inadvertently distributed to millions of PCs. Jeff Teper, Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Apps and Agents, confirmed the premature rollout but indicated it has led to insights about the app's capabilities and future plans. Microsoft is preparing for a formal release that will include administrative controls allowing organizations to manage user sign-ins with personal Microsoft accounts. Additionally, users will soon have the option to uninstall the OneDrive Photos app independently without affecting the OneDrive app or file sync. The new app raises questions about its necessity, given the existing Photos app for Windows, which already integrates with OneDrive. Further details are expected to be reflected in the Microsoft 365 Roadmap.

AppWizard

August 11, 2026

Notability Brings Fully Native, AI-Assisted Note-taking To Android

Ginger Labs, Inc. has launched its note-taking app Notability on the Android platform via the Google Play Store, allowing millions of new users to access its features. The app was developed with feedback from Android beta testers and includes features such as S pen support, various paper templates, intra-document links to PDFs, and note export capabilities. Notability for Android offers a native experience with unique features like playful pen styles, enhanced handwriting recognition, audio recording with transcription, and real-time syncing across devices. The app also incorporates AI tools for generating quizzes and flashcards, instant live transcription, and access to over 20,000 free note templates. Subscriptions and one-time purchase options are available in the Google Play Store.