Dark mode is rolling out to free Snapchat users on Android

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Dark mode is rolling out to free Snapchat users on Android
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Unlike Twitter, Snapchat allows free users to have useful features despite having a  subscription service. However, free Snapchat users on Android don’t have access to dark mode; they have to be Snapchat+ users. Thankfully, according to Android Police, that’s about to change.

Snapchat+ is the service’s paid subscription service, and it’s picked up a bunch of steam. The service lets you try out new and experimental features on the platform before they hit the public. There are also some exclusive features like custom app icons, custom chat backgrounds, and the ability to designate a user as your #1 BFF. You can learn more here.

Dark mode is coming to free Snapchat users on Android

Snapchat announced this back in April, and it was listed as an early access feature. Since it’s an early access feature, it was meant to eventually trickle down to free users. So, it wasn’t an exclusive feature for Snapchat+ users, it was just in testing.

While the Snapchat support page still marks it as a Snapchat+ feature, some people report that they got it without a subscription. It might still be rolling out, so there’s a chance that you won’t see the feature just yet. If you want to see if you have it, make sure that your app is updated.

As for the mode itself, if you have it, go to your settings and scroll down to the App Appearance button. It’s right at the bottom of the My Account section. There, you’ll see the option to set it to dark mode. Switching between the modes is as simple as that. There’s no mode that lets it match your system theme, unfortunately.

One thing to note about this feature is that it only gives you the classic dark mode, the mode that turns your interface dark gray. There’s no option to turn the background completely black. That’s unfortunate because other platforms give you that option.


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Enhance your online privacy and security with VPN

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Enhance your online privacy and security with VPN
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As much as how widely used it is, many users don’t understand what VPN stands for. It is the abbreviation of Virtual Private Network, allowing individuals to create secure network connections while accessing public networks.

VPNs encrypt internet traffic and mask users’ online identities, making it challenging for third parties to monitor online activities or steal sensitive data. The encryption process occurs in real-time, enhancing the privacy and security of the user’s online experience. The VPN connection effectively encrypts your data, ensuring your location and IP address concealment.

By utilizing a VPN, your IP address is concealed as the network redirects it through a specifically configured remote server managed by the VPN host. Consequently, when you browse the internet with a VPN, the VPN server acts as the origin of your data.

The arrangement ensures that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and other external entities are unable to discern the websites you visit or the data you transmit and receive online.

A VPN effectively acts as a filter, transforming all your data into indecipherable “gibberish.” In the unlikely event that someone gains access to your data, it would be rendered useless and incomprehensible due to the encryption provided by the VPN.

If you’re an Android user, consider aspects such as server locations, connection speeds, security features, and customer support when selecting a VPN. Make sure the VPN app is compatible with your Android version.

Choose the right VPN for your Android

You can access geo-restricted content effortlessly with a VPN on your phone. While a virtual private network won’t completely eliminate all privacy concerns on your mobile device, VPN can provide comprehensive protection.

With whole-device encryption, your internet service provider won’t have access to your app usage or browsing activity, Google won’t track your geolocation, and other app owners won’t monitor your activities outside their app. This level of protection is sufficient to avoid being an easy target in a time of pervasive surveillance and ever-growing data breaches.

However, failing to choose a VPN that is compatible with your Android version can lead to several issues. Fake VPN apps might contain concealed malware or adware, posing a threat to your device’s security and subjecting you to intrusive advertisements.

Downloading a VPN from a third-party source can be risky and potentially dangerous. It is recommended to download VPN apps from official sources like Google Play Store or the VPN provider’s official website. Third-party sources may offer modified or fake VPN apps that could compromise your online security and privacy. Stick to trusted and verified sources to ensure you get a legitimate and secure VPN app.

Additionally, opting for the wrong VPN can lead to reduced performance, causing slow connection speeds, buffering while streaming, and delays in online gaming. Moreover, outdated VPN apps may lack regular updates and support, leaving you vulnerable to emerging threats and software problems. That is why it’s essential to choose a reputable and up-to-date VPN provider.

If you’re concerned about your phone or apps constantly revealing your geolocation information, using a VPN like Surfshark is a wise choice.

Surfshark VPN offers top-notch geolocation privacy protection with features like camouflage mode, split-tunnelling, and NoBorders mode. Its upcoming Nexus network further enhances security with Dynamic MultiHop, IP Randomizer, and IP Rotator features, making it an excellent choice for users with high privacy requirements.

Always take cautions

A reliable VPN will always refrain from gathering, disclosing, or trading user data without valid legal grounds. When evaluating a VPN’s trustworthiness, take into account its business model, location, technical security, and privacy policy. The VPN must offer clear and satisfactory answers to these crucial aspects to make it a worthwhile choice.

Keep in mind that not all VPN apps are trustworthy. Act quickly if you think your data might be at risk from a free VPN. Stop using it and remove it from your phone. Update your passwords for all devices and accounts. Report the issue to authorities or seek help to assess the damage and prevent further breaches.

Prioritizing caution is essential, and it’s crucial to take necessary measures to safeguard the privacy and security of your personal data.

In conclusion, while free VPN apps may appear simple and budget-friendly to protect your data, they often carry significant security risks that should not be overlooked. To ensure the utmost safety of your data, explore higher-quality VPNs or consider investing in a paid subscription for added protection.


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WhatsApp now lets you share your screen during video calls

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WhatsApp now lets you share your screen during video calls
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In the past few months, WhatsApp has introduced several new features, including instant video messages and the ability to use a single account across multiple phones. Now, it appears there’s yet another new feature.

Mark Zuckerberg revealed on Facebook that you will now have the capability to share your screen during a video call on WhatsApp. The goal of the screen-sharing feature is to enhance your experience on the Meta-owned messaging app, allowing you to share documents, photos, or whatever you need during a video call.

Image Credit–Meta - WhatsApp now lets you share your screen during video calls

Image Credit–Meta

More conventional video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams have long had this feature, and it has proven to be essential, especially for business calls. Similar to those platforms, screen sharing on WhatsApp can be accessed by tapping or clicking the “Share” icon. Users can opt to share a specific app or their entire screen.

According to TechCrunch, the screen-sharing feature has begun to roll out on Android, iOS, and Windows Desktop. Since the rollout will occur gradually, you might not yet have it on your phone, but it will be available soon.

In addition to screen sharing, WhatsApp has introduced video calling support in Landscape mode, which undoubtedly will be more convenient for screen sharing than the existing Portrait mode.

Meta acquired WhatsApp almost 10 years ago and transformed it into the leading global messaging app, with WhatsApp currently boasting 2.78 billion active users. Video communication is becoming increasingly popular, and messaging apps must keep up with trends to remain competitive, so even more video-related updates might come soon.

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Threat Actors English-Speaking Countries Using Yashma Ransomware

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Threat Actors English-Speaking Countries Using Yashma Ransomware
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An unidentified threat actor has deployed the Yashma ransomware variant since June 4, 2023, actively targeting English-speaking countries like:-

While this new variant of Yashma ransomware has reemerged after being fixed last year since the release of a decryptor.

This operation was recently identified by the cybersecurity researchers at Cisco Talos, who linked this operation, with moderate confidence, to a probably Vietnamese-origin threat actor.

Threat Actor’s origin 

Talos highly believes the threat actor targets English-speaking countries due to ransomware notes on the ‘nguyenvietphat’ GitHub account. 

Besides this, the English version suggests the actual intent of the threat actor to target various geographic regions.

GitHub account name and email contact in ransom notes mimic Vietnamese organizations, implying the threat actor’s origin. The ransom note specifies 7-11 p.m. UTC+7 contact time, aligning with the time zone of Vietnam.

Ransom Note Mimics WannaCry Style

The ransom note of the attacker mimics WannaCry’s style, and the ransom gets doubled after three days. While for communication, the threat actor provides a Gmail address and lack of ransom amount, and Bitcoin in the note suggests that the operation is in the early stage.

Ransom notes samples (Source – Cisco Talos)

Once systems are encrypted, the victim’s wallpaper changes to a note of encryption. Yashma ransomware is a rebrand of Chaos ransomware from May 2022, and this new variant mostly retains the features of the original ransomware.

WannaCry style ransom encryption screen (Source – Cisco Talos)

The ransom note mimics the style of WannaCry ransomware, potentially aimed at confusing the targets and hiding the identity of the threat actor.

WannaCry style screen (Source – Cisco Talos)

However, the new variant downloads the ransom note from a threat actor’s GitHub repo instead of storing it within the ransomware.

This transformation evades the endpoint detection and AV tools that typically spot embedded ransom note strings.

In this variant, the threat actor retains Yashma’s anti-recovery ability. After encryption, files are wiped, a single character ‘?’ is written, and then the file is deleted, which complicates the recovery.

Moreover, it’s been observed by researchers a significant surge in the emergence of various ransomware strains.

Keep informed about the latest Cyber Security News by following us on GoogleNews, Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook.


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Instagram finally gets tablet layout, but there’s a catch

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Instagram finally gets tablet layout, but there’s a catch
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Ah… Instagram. Consumers have been asking for a tablet layout for Instagram since, well, ever, as the app looks simply horrible on large displays. You’ll be glad to know it’s here, but there’s a catch, unfortunately.

Instagram finally has a tablet layout, but there’s a catch, unfortunately

This layout is now available on the Galaxy Z Fold series only. Needless to say, that’s quite disappointing, as there are plenty of tablets and foldables out there that would love to take advantage of it.

This change is rolling out to Galaxy Z Fold users, and has been doing so for a while, it seems. This new layout leaves Stories at the top of the display, while it expands the feed itself.

It does, however, make sure that Reels stick to a fixed aspect ratio, which is welcomed. You will also find a side-mounted navigation rail, containing home, search, create, and all the other navbar options you’d expect.

9to5Google says that the rollout is quite slow, which is why many Galaxy Z Fold series users may not yet have access to the UI. The source does note that the layout feels much better on the Fold than the regular does. That’s not hard to believe, as the regular Instagram layout works horribly on large-screen devices.

Let’s hope other devices will start getting this layout soon

The bad news is that basically every other non-Galaxy Z Fold device is left out of the equation. This does give us hope, however. This is probably just a test for the new layout, and chances are that the availability will expand at some point.

It would be great if Meta would speed things up, though. Instagram is an app that is mentioned quite frequently in a negative context when it comes to large-screen devices. It’s about time Meta changes things around.


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What to look for in a quality Android app for businesses

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What to look for in a quality Android app for businesses
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Hybrid workplaces have become extremely commonplace and some experts even feel that remote employment could represent the next major paradigm shift within the business community. Organisations should be able to adapt to this changing ecosystem so that they can continue to embrace a competitive edge.

One of the ways in which this can be accomplished involves the use of dedicated business applications for Android devices. As there are many brands to choose from, what are some hallmarks of a worthwhile service? Let us quickly look at four key takeaway points.

Support for Virtual Private Servers

Virtual private servers offer many benefits within the workplace. They provide quick access for authorised personnel, they represent excellent solutions to store and send information, VPS platforms are more private when compared to shared networks, and they can be upgraded when required. This is why committing to an app that provides inclusive VPS hosting as a service is a practical way to ensure streamlined communications; particularly when dealing with remote employees.

Note-Taking Capabilities

Although this next suggestion might harken back to the days of Windows Notepad, it is just as relevant in these fast-paced times. It is important for business owners to have the ability to record notes, to create to-do lists and simply to jot down an idea that could be used as inspiration in the future. This is also why some of the best smartphone apps for businesses include notes as a standard feature. Others such as Evernote specialise solely in these capabilities. Thankfully, many note-oriented applications are free to download and they will not require a great deal of memory.

Integration Options

Some of the most useful business-related applications can work in tandem with other third-party software packages. In fact, this is one of the points highlighted by the team at Microsoft. It makes little sense to install an Android app that can only be used as a standalone platform. You might otherwise be forced to download additional software in order bridge the proverbial “gap”. Be sure to check whether or not the bundle can be used with other related applications; especially if it will be shared amongst other team members.

Simplicity

Any Android business app is only as useful as how easy it is to operate. We are referring to the user interface (UI) in this sense. As Forbes rightfully notes, simple interfaces tend to be those which are valued the most within hectic operational environments. This is even more relevant if you do not wish to spend lengthy periods of time performing in-house orientation sessions. Even those with little prior technical experience should be able to grasp the basics without encountering much confusion. Additionally, try to find an Android application that offers comprehensive levels of customer support if a question happens to arise.

There is little doubt that businesses will continue to rely heavily upon smartphone applications in the future. Making an informed decision at the right time is therefore an important step towards the path to long-term success.


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YouTube launches new viewer experience based on Watch History settings

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YouTube launches new viewer experience based on Watch History settings
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YouTube experiments with new features all the time, and while some of them are never greenlit, a fair number are eventually rolled out to the general public. The new changes to the viewer experience are part of the latter category, so everyone will benefit its perks sooner or later.

The new viewer experience based on Watch History setting is meant to provide YouTube users with accurate video recommendations that fit their watching habits.

YouTube announced that starting today, YouTube users who have watch history turned off and no significant prior watch history will have all features that require watch history to provide video recommendations disabled, including the YouTube home feed.

So, if that’s you, don’t fret if your YouTube home feed will suddenly be empty after this update. But what exactly does it mean for those who have watch history turned off? First off, home feed will certainly look a lot different without having any recommended videos listed.

However, this will allow you to search more easily, browse subscribed channels and explore Topic tabs by using the search bar and the left-hand guide menu. If you don’t have watch history turned off or you have enough prior watch history, then these changes won’t really affect you.

YouTube says that these changes will be rolled out slowly over the next few months. The new viewer experience is expected to make it clearer which YouTube features rely on watch history to provide video recommendations and make it more streamlined for users who prefer to search for their content rather than be served recommendations.

Keep in mind that you can always change your YouTube watch history settings based on whether you prefer the app to provide video recommendations or not.


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Android will make scanning QR codes less of a hassle

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Android will make scanning QR codes less of a hassle
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There are tons of ways to transfer data from the real world to your phone, and QR codes are one of them. This nearly 30-year-old technology comes in clutch today, and it’s pretty simple to use. However, according to techradar, Android will make scanning QR codes even easier.

If you use Android, and you don’t know how to scan QR codes, there are a couple of ways to do so. Depending on who made your phone, you might be able to scan codes using your pre-installed camera app. If not, you can use Google Lens; tap on the camera icon on the Google Search bar.

Phones running stock or near-stock Android 13 or newer will have a dedicated QR code reader in their quick settings. If you don’t see it, you will need to edit your quick settings.

Android will make scanning QR codes easier

The act of scanning QR codes isn’t all that hard; you just point and shoot. The reader will display the address for you to follow. Just tap on it and you’ll be taken to the page or app.

However, there are times when the QR code you’re reading just isn’t as accessible as you’d like. Maybe it’s across a store or in some hard-to-reach location. Lining up your camera to scan the code can be a hassle. This is where Google comes in. The company is working on a new API that will allow the QR reader to automatically identify a code and zoom in to read it.

So, if you’re trying to scan a QR code from across the room, the QR scanner will lock onto the code and automatically zoom in. We’re not sure if the camera will use some sort of image sharpening or enhancement to make the zoomed-in image easier to read, but that would be nice.

It’s not available to the public. It’s an API that Google is distributing to developers. So, chances are that you’ll see it pop up for third-party QR code scanners. Also, the feature could be available natively on Android 14 when it launches. Speaking of Android 14, it should be making it to the public in a few weeks.


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US becomes the primary target for all ransomware attacks

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US becomes the primary target for all ransomware attacks
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It’s no secret that ransomware attacks have become a common phenomenon over the past few years, with several companies and organisations falling for it. However, a new report from cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes now highlights the true scale of this pandemic, indicating a staggering 75% increase in ransomware attacks compared to the previous year, with the US accounting for more than 43% of the reported incidents.

While countries like Germany, France, and the UK also experienced a rise in ransomware attacks, they pale in comparison to the numbers faced by the US. This is because, within the observed period, the US suffered a total of 1462 ransomware attacks from 48 different ransomware groups, targeting companies, government entities, and regular consumers. And more recently, the attackers targeted the US healthcare system, rendering several hospitals and medical facilities inoperative on Thursday.

When talking about other countries on the list, the United Kingdom emerged as the second-most targeted country, experiencing nearly 200 ransomware attacks, and Germany remained the fourth most attacked country globally and the most targeted nation outside English-speaking territories. However, France faced the highest number of attacks on its government sector.

New CLOP group

Although LockBit had been the dominant “Ransomware-as-a-Service” (RaaS) provider in the US for over a year, a new CLOP group with ties to Russia has recently emerged. Over the past year, this group has exploited two separate zero-day vulnerabilities in GoAnywhere MFT and MOVEit Transfer to breach servers of numerous companies, including the largest US pension fund.

“The use of zero-day vulnerabilities by ransomware groups like CL0P may trigger a significant shift in ransomware strategies, mirroring the adoption of the “double extortion” tactic in 2019,” reads the report.

However, this report once again highlights the importance of implementing stringent security measures for organizations. This includes conducting comprehensive security assessments, prioritizing regular software updates, and investing in reliable cybersecurity solutions.

ransomware attacks list


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Google Messages adds end-to-end encryption for all RCS conversations

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Google Messages adds end-to-end encryption for all RCS conversations
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Google Messages is finally getting a long-overdue security feature this week. If you didn’t know, Messages allows users to turn on RCS, the messaging standard that Google is trying to turn into a universal messaging solution, to encrypt one-on-one conversations.

Starting today, RCS will be enabled by default for new existing users of the Messages by Google app. Of course, if you’ve previously turned off RCS in Settings, your conversations will not be end-to-end encrypted.

Google announced that the new change is meant to provide Messages users with added security. On top of that, all RCS conversations in Messages by Google will now be end-to-end encrypted, including group chats, in order to keep them private between you and those you’re messaging.

After the update, you might be asked to agree to Terms of Service provided by your carrier network. Make sure to accept them in order to be able to benefit from this added security feature.

While RCS (Rich Communication Services) is spreading quite fast among Android users, Apple still doesn’t support it, which makes it harder for Google to turn this into a universally accepted messaging standard.

For those who don’t know what RCS really is and why is better than tradition messaging standards, here is a quick rundown of is features:

  • Share high-resolution photos and videos.
  • Know when someone is typing.
  • Get read receipts, which show when someone has read or received your message. Read receipts also show your contact when you read their message.
  • Send messages over mobile data and Wi-Fi.
  • Rename, edit, and remove yourself from group chats.
  • Keep your conversations secure with end-to-end encryption.

The problem is that RCS chats are only available for certain devices, service providers and carriers. Also, in order to benefit from these features, everyone in the Messages conversation must have RCS chats enabled.

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