Month: December 2023

After taking a break for the holidays, Android Apps Weekly is back with its 515th edition. Let’s start by jumping right into the news:

• This week Google has finally settled its Chromebook incognito mode class-action lawsuit. For those that don’t know, a class action lawsuit was previously filed against Google in 2020 for the way it handles its incognito mode, with the plaintiffs alleging Google isn’t clear enough about what its incognito mode does and doesn’t track. While we don’t know the terms of the agreement, Google will not have to admit fault or make any major changes that will affect users. 
• An APK teardown hints that Driving Mode may be getting the ax, and it’s very possible Google wants people to use Google Assistant voice commands instead for calls, messages, and playing media while driving.
• A new version of Google Play Services suggests Nearby Share may soon be rebranded to Quick Share. This is interesting as currently Nearby Share and Quick Share largely do the same thing, but one is available on all Android devices, while the other is a Samsung exclusive.
• Beeper Mini is back again, though it’s been further reduced in functionality in the process. After weeks of attempting to patch Apple’s block on its Beeper Mini app, Beeper has rolled out a new update that requires access to a Mac or an older jailbroken iPhone to work. The company says this is the last fix it will attempt. In other words, if Apple manages to break the app again, the company is throwing in the towel on this particular project.
• The Samsung Health app is rolling out a new medication tracking feature in the US. Not only will it track meds, but it will also give you tips and relevant information about the drugs you are taking. The feature is expected to roll out this week, though it’s unclear when it will reach other countries.
• Whatsapp is working on a feature that will let users share music audio during video calls and it’s rolling out now to the company’s latest beta app for iOS and Android users.
• TikTok’s latest update finally improves the experience for foldable and tablet owners, with layouts designed to make better use of the extra screen real estate. Some of the changes include a refined video feed, streamlined nav bar, and support for both landscape and portrait modes.
• Google’s Podcast app is getting closer and closer to retirement and so as promised, Google has finally released a tool that will allow you to export subscriptions to YouTube Music and other platforms. For now, this method is only available for those in the US. 

Android Apps Weekly: New apps and games, and so you might have missed

Looking for some new Android apps and Android games to keep you occupied? The last two weeks were a bit slow on that front, so we’re doing things a bit differently. There are only three new apps worth showcasing in this edition, two games and one AI tool. I’ve also included one other game and one other app, both of which were released earlier this year but worth showcasing again in case you missed them. The point of these additions isn’t to showcase some big app or game you already likely know, but instead, I want to shine a light on well-rated and useful ones that flew a little bit more under the radar. 

Apple fans interested in a desktop computer over a laptop are only going to look at one product: the Apple iMac. Also a favorite of graphic designers and anyone without the space for a PC tower, the iMac is a high-end machine with a high price tag to match. The cheapest of the latest M3 processor models starts at $1,299 in the USA before sales tax, which can lead to thoughts about whether you could get a cut-price version while you’re abroad. But is this possible? We’ve looked at the cheapest places to buy an iMac in an attempt to answer that question.

We’re looking at this from the point of view of a US tourist, which is a key distinction here. Residents of some countries, including America, have to pay a sales tax on high-end goods like the iMac in their home countries, whereas visitors to those shores can often avoid the sales tax or claim it back. We’re discussing whether a US resident can travel internationally to both get a better price on the machine and swerve the sales tax that they’d pay in the States.

Anker is your go-to brand if you want effective and affordable charging. The new Anker Nano 10,000mAh power bank is ideal for anyone with a USB-C device, and it’s at an all-time low price right now on Amazon. It’s on sale for $39.99 from the manufacturer via the retail giant.

Anker Nano Power Bank for $39.99 ($10 off)

If you have a New Year’s resolution to tighten the purse strings, you’ll struggle to find a better value carrier offer than this Boost Mobile SIM kit. Via Best Buy, you can pay just $44.99 for a three-month plan that includes unlimited talk and text plus 5GB of monthly data, all running on the expansive T-Mobile network.

Boost Mobile 3-Month 5GB Plan SIM Card Kit for $44.99

In an increasingly digital world, the threat of identity theft looms large, making it imperative for individuals to be proactive in detecting potential breaches and implementing effective mitigation measures. This article delves into key strategies for identifying identity theft and offers practical steps to mitigate the risks associated with this pervasive and damaging crime.

1. Monitor Financial Statements: Regularly scrutinizing your financial statements is a fundamental yet crucial step in detecting identity theft. Review bank statements, credit card bills, and other financial records for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. Early detection allows for swift intervention.

2. Check Credit Reports Regularly: Obtaining and reviewing your credit reports from major credit bureaus is a proactive measure against identity theft. Look for unfamiliar accounts, credit inquiries, or discrepancies. Federal law allows you to obtain a free credit report annually from each of the major credit reporting agencies.

3. Set up Fraud Alerts: Consider placing fraud alerts on your credit reports. This adds an extra layer of protection by notifying creditors that they should verify your identity before opening any new accounts. Fraud alerts are typically free and can be set up with one of the major credit bureaus.

4. Utilize Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider subscribing to identity theft protection services, which can provide real-time monitoring of your personal information across various platforms. These services often include alerts for suspicious activity, dark web monitoring, and assistance in case of a security breach.

5. Secure Personal Documents: Protect your physical and digital documents containing sensitive information. Store important papers in a secure location, and use secure, unique passwords for online accounts. Consider using a password manager to create and store complex passwords.

6. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Phishing is a common method used by identity thieves to trick individuals into revealing personal information. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or calls requesting sensitive information. Verify the legitimacy of communication by contacting the organization directly using official contact information.

7. Shred Sensitive Documents: Dispose of sensitive documents, such as bank statements, medical records, and credit card offers, by shredding them before discarding. This prevents identity thieves from gaining access to valuable information through dumpster diving.

8. Monitor Social Media Presence: Be mindful of the information you share on social media platforms. Oversharing personal de-tails can provide identity thieves with the necessary information to impersonate you. Adjust privacy settings and limit the visibility of personal information.

9. Report Suspicious Activity Promptly: If you notice any signs of identity theft or suspect fraudulent activity, report it promptly. Con-tact your financial institutions, credit bureaus, and relevant authorities to initiate an investigation and take corrective measures.

10. Consider Identity Theft Insurance: Explore the option of identity theft insurance, which can provide financial protection in the event of identity theft-related expenses, such as legal fees and lost wages.

In conclusion, safeguarding against identity theft involves a combination of vigilance, proactive measures, and staying informed about emerging threats. By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft and mitigate potential damages swiftly. Remember, early detection and decisive action are crucial in minimizing the impact of identity theft on your financial well-being.

The post Unmasking Identity Theft: Detection and Mitigation Strategies appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Over the past year, criminal organizations such as Alphv, LockBit, Akira, Black Basta, and Royal have increasingly engaged in remote encryption attacks. In these cyber assaults, perpetrators target the most vulnerable devices with minimal security, using them as entry points to compromise entire networks.

Due to the remote nature of the encryption process, in-house threat detection solutions find it challenging to identify and counteract such attacks. Recognizing the severity of this issue, cybersecurity firm Sophos has classified it as a significant cyber threat, warranting immediate attention from defenders.

Sophos, a UK-based security company, underscored in its report a notable 62% surge in intentional remote encryption attacks since September 2022, with projections indicating a further escalation in the coming years.

What adds a layer of complexity is the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tactics by cybercriminals. Utilizing AI, these malevolent actors scan billions of devices for vulnerabilities, making their campaigns remarkably effective—up to 73% success rates—and lucratively profitable, yielding millions for the hackers.

In light of the approaching holiday season, Sophos has issued a cautionary alert, pointing out that prominent ransomware groups are expected to target both large and small companies. The firm particularly urges organizations in the technology, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors to maintain heightened vigilance against potential threats. Furthermore, they recommend keeping IT staff on high alert to promptly respond to any unforeseen situations.

It is crucial to note that hackers commonly infiltrate networks through phishing or brute force attacks. Once inside a network, they initially steal information and subsequently encrypt it, demanding a ransom for its release. In the case of remote ransomware encryption, criminal groups actively seek out vulnerable devices as entry points, bypassing traditional security measures and posing an escalating threat to cybersecurity.

The post Remote encryption based ransomware attacks on rise appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Google has finally released Android 14, despite continuing to offer betas that showcase new features. Here’s the Pixel Feature Drop, in case you want to know about everything that’s been added to Pixel devices. If you want to give it a shot, you might be wondering how to install Android 14 on your smartphone. This guide can give you all the info you need!

Should I install Android 14?

Since the stable version of Android 14 is now out, you most likely won’t have to deal with any of the issues that come with a beta. So, if you’re a general user, you don’t have to be afraid to download and install the update. But if you’d like to stay on Android 13 for whatever reason, more power to you, but you’ll be missing out on all the new goodies packed into the latest OS.

If you’ve been lucky enough to land yourself a PS5 in the holiday sales or as a gift, congratulations! Before you launch straight into the latest open-world epic to test out the specs of your new PS5, there are a number of things you should do to ensure you make the most of the experience. We’ve got eight suggested actions to take right out of the box.

Note: The second and third items on this list have an “If” attached to them. If you don’t own an external storage drive or a PS4/PS4 Pro and the PS5 is entirely new to you, you can skip to number three on this list.

Did you unwrap a new phone? It can certainly be exciting, but switching phones can be stressful, too. You have to back everything up and remember all of your account logins. If you’re having a hard time, we’re here to help. Our Android Authority reviewers have become pros at switching between devices every few weeks without much of a headache. Here’s how we do it.

By the way. Are you looking to get even more out of your phone? Don’t forget to check out our roundup of the best phone accessories you can get!

For nearly a year after its release, ChatGPT behaved the same way for everyone. With the exception of the paid ChatGPT Plus tier and the optional GPT-4 language model, there weren’t many ways in which you could customize the chatbot. However, that finally changed when ChatGPT introduced custom instructions, which let you specify the chatbot’s response styles. Now, OpenAI is going one step further with custom GPTs that anyone can build and share with the world.

Imagine a customized ChatGPT that can simulate an interview, teach you a new language, critique your creative work, or just recommend movies to watch on a weekend night. Custom GPTs can do all that, without the monotony of explaining the task to ChatGPT every single time. Sounds useful? We agree! Here’s how you can get started.