Galaxy S21, A53 5G and more get Samsung’s May 2023 update

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Galaxy S21, A53 5G and more get Samsung’s May 2023 update
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Samsung has been rolling out the May 2023 Android security patch to a few new Galaxy devices every day over the past few days. The latest models to join the party include the Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy A53 5G, and Galaxy A13. More Samsung smartphones should receive this month’s security update in the coming days. The May SMR (Security Maintenance Release) patches more than 70 security flaws in Galaxy devices.

The latest update for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra is initially rolling out in Europe. Samsung has released the new SMR in Bulgaria, Hungary, and Switzerland with the firmware build number G99*BXXU7EWE1. It should soon cover the rest of Europe and other global markets as well, including the US. According to the official changelog, the 2021 Galaxy flagships are getting some stability and reliability improvements along with the latest security patch. There aren’t any new features here, though.

The May SMR for the Galaxy A53 5G, meanwhile, is initially available in Latin America. The new update has already reached several countries in the region, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Paraguay, Guatemala, and Bolivia. A global rollout should be just around the corner. The new SMR for this premium mid-range phone bears the build number A536EXXS5CWE1 in Latin America (via). Unlike the Galaxy S21 flagships, it isn’t getting anything apart from the latest security fixes.

The Galaxy A13 also recently started picking up the May SMR. Samsung is pushing the latest security update to this phone in Latin America and the US. More precisely, users in Colombia, Paraguay, and Puerto Rico are getting this update. The new firmware version for the former two markets is A135MUBS3BWD2, while that for the latter is A135U1UES3BWD2. Note that the May SMR is currently only available for the unlocked variant of the Galaxy A13 in the US region. Carrier-locked units may receive it later.

Galaxy devices are getting plenty of security fixes with the May 2023 update

As said earlier, Samsung’s May security update patches more than 70 vulnerabilities. The company itself patches about 20 issues exclusive to its smartphones and tablets. The remaining 50-odd patches are for Android OS issues and come from Google and other partner vendors. At least six vulnerabilities patched this month were critical. They could cause extensive damage to the victim if a threat actor exploited them before being patched. If you’re using any of the aforementioned Galaxy devices, these security patches should be available to you soon.


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Google shrunk its Project Starline device so it fits more rooms

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Google shrunk its Project Starline device so it fits more rooms
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Back in 2021 Google unveiled Project Starline, and this year at Google I/O 2023, the company showed off its new prototype which has a “simpler design.”

Google refers to Project Starline as a “magic window where you can talk, gesture and make eye contact with another person, life-size and in three dimensions.” In simpler terms, think of it like a more advanced video chat display. Though it’s certainly more than just a display to use for video chat. While it does only serve the single purpose, it’s definitely not just any old display.

It uses AI and some snazzy cameras to build a photorealistic model of the person you’re talking to. The end result is some pretty insane 3D rendering of the person on the other end, making it feel like you’re actually talking to them from across the table. The drawback with Project Starline when it was initially unveiled two years ago, is that it was really quite big. Google says it took up entire rooms which sort of limited who could use it. Google hopes its new prototype design will change that.

The new Project Starline prototype is smaller so it fits more spaces

Project Starline is still kind of a big device, as you won’t be fitting it on top of your desk. But in comparison to its first iteration that began testing, it’s much smaller. Now it seems really no bigger than a 55-inch TV screen.

Its first prototype was about the size of a restaurant booth. The new version also uses new AI techniques that only require a few cameras to perform its function. But it also produces a higher-quality lifelike image. So not only has Google shrunk the technology down, but it’s also made it so it performs better.

Google is currently working with partners T-Mobile, Salesforce, and WeWork to test the new prototypes. With “promising results” being given in the feedback.


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Malwarebytes achieves perfect score in latest AVLab assessment

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Malwarebytes achieves perfect score in latest AVLab assessment
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We blocked 100% of malware for the sixth consecutive quarter in a row.

Malwarebytes has once again earned a perfect score in AVLabs March 2023 real-world malware detection tests, marking the sixth consecutive quarter achieving this feat.

Let’s delve into the details of the test and how both consumer and business products outperformed competitors in exhaustive testing.

The AVLab Assessment

AVLabs evaluation process is extensive and comprehensive, putting cybersecurity products through a rigorous series of real-world scenarios. The tests involve:

  1. Malware Collection: AVLab amasses a broad spectrum of malware samples from various sources, such as public feeds and custom honeypots. This ensures the test includes the most current and diverse set of threats.
  2. System Log Analysis: The collected malware samples undergo thorough scrutiny to confirm their malicious characteristics and their ability to successfully infect a Windows 10 system.
  3. Real-life Cyber Attack Simulations: All products are tested under the same conditions. AVLab recreates cyber attack scenarios akin to what’s seen in the real world, using techniques that actual attackers employ.

Products that block all malware samples and achieve a maximum score of 100% protection are awarded an “Excellent” award badge.

The Results

Malwarebytes consistently excels in the tests, and March 2023 was no different. Both the consumer solution, Malwarebytes Premium and the business solution, Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection, earned “Excellent” badges for detecting and blocking 100% of malware.

The standout performance is largely due to our Multi-Vector Protection (MVP) technology, a unique approach that combines rules-based techniques with behavioral and AI-based methods to stop threats at every stage of an attack. MVP’s proactive approach, which involves identifying threats even before they execute, played a crucial role in obtaining a perfect AVLab score. 

In addition, our web protection technologies, MWAC and BrowserGuard, blocked 89% of all threats, surpassing the average web protection blocking rate of 72% across all tested products.

For receiving the “Excellent award logo in every test during 2022 (testing is done 6x /year), Malwarebytes Premium received the following additional logo:

The Competition

Other vendors struggled to match Malwarebytes’ results. BitDefender, for instance, missed five samples, while F-Secure and Microsoft Defender each missed four. BitDefender and Microsoft also missed samples in the January 2023 test, meaning both products failed to get 100% in back-to-back tests.

The foundation for superior Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection (EP) is not merely a standalone product; it’s the bedrock of our advanced Malwarebytes Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution.

Leveraging the robust detection and prevention capabilities validated by AVLab’s tests, Malwarebytes EDR delivers comprehensive visibility and granular control over network endpoints. Learn more about our endpoint security solutions.

For a deeper dive into our performance, view the full AVLab report here.


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Google Pixel 7a vs Google Pixel 7

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Google Pixel 7a vs Google Pixel 7
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Google announced its brand new mid-ranger during Google I/O 2023, the Pixel 7a. That device is quite similar to the Pixel 7, one of Google’s flagship phones. It not only resembles it when the design is concerned, but in many other ways. The A series device has also never been so closer to the price tag of one of Google’s flagship offerings. So, what gives? Well, they are similar, but there are some notable differences that need highlighting. Therefore, we’ll compare the Google Pixel 7a vs Google Pixel 7 to give you a better idea of what to purchase.

There are a number of subtle differences between the two phones, and a couple of more notable ones. There’s a reason the Pixel 7a is a mid-range offering, and not a flagship. We’ll first list their specs, and then check out their designs, displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and ultimately… audio performance. Let’s get started, shall we?

Specs

Google Pixel 7a Google Pixel 7
Screen size 6.1-inch fullHD+ flat OLED display (90Hz refresh rate) 6.3-inch fullHD+ flat AMOLED display (90Hz refresh rate, 1,400 nits peak brightness)
Screen resolution 2400 x 1080 2400 x 1080
SoC Google Tensor G2 Google Tensor G2
RAM 8GB (LPDDR5) 8GB (LPDDR5)
Storage 128GB (UFS 3.1), non-expandable 128GB/256GB (UFS 3.1), non-expandable
Rear cameras 64MP (f/1.9 aperture, 26mm lens, 0.8um pixel size, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF)
13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 120-degree FoV, 1.12um pixel size)		 50MP (Samsung ISOCELL GN1 sensor, 1.2um pixel size, f/1.85 aperture, 82-degree FoV, Super Res Zoom up to 8x)
12MP (ultrawide, 1.25um pixel size, f/2.2 aperture, 114-degree FoV, lens correction)
Front cameras 13MP (f/2.2 aperture, 20mm lens, 1.12um pixel size) 10.8MP (1.22um pixel size, f/2.2 aperture, 92.8-degree FoV, Fixed Focus)
Battery 4,385mAh, non-removable, 20W wired charging, 18W wireless charging
Charger not included		 4,355mAh, non-removable, 21W wired charging, 23W wireless charging, reverse wireless charging
Charger not included
Dimensions 152 x 72.9 x 9mm 155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7mm
Weight 193.5 grams 197 grams
Connectivity 5G, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C 5G, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C
Security In-display fingerprint scanner (optical) Face Unlock
In-display fingerprint scanner (optical)
OS Android 13 Android 13
Price $499 $599/$699
Buy Amazon Amazon

Google Pixel 7a vs Google Pixel 7: Design

At first glance, these two phones look awfully similar. They have the same design language, they’re similar in size, and both have a camera visor on the back with two cameras in it. There are differences here, though, that’s for sure. First of all, the Pixel 7 includes thinner bezels than its sibling. It has a larger display, and they’re almost the same size, those bezels are the main reason why.

You will notice a display camera hole on both phones, which is centered. They both also include flat displays. Now, the camera visor is included on both phones, but on the Pixel 7 it connects to the frame, while on the Pixel 7a, it does not. It may look like it does, but there is a separation between them. Also, there is glass on the back of the Pixel 7, while the Pixel 7a has a plastic backplate. Both phones do include an aluminum frame, however.

The Pixel 7a is slightly shorter, narrower, and thicker than its sibling. The difference really is minimal, though. It is also slightly lighter, by around 3.5 grams. The Pixel 7a offers IP67 certification, while the Pixel 7 comes with IP68 certification. So it has the upper hand in that regard as well. The in-hand feel is… well, they feel similar in the hand. They both also feel like well-built machines. The Pixel 7 definitely offers a more premium design, though.

Google Pixel 7a vs Google Pixel 7: Display

There is a 6.1-inch fullHD+ (2400 x 1080) OLED display included on the Pixel 7a. That display is flat, and it supports a 90Hz refresh rate. We’re looking at a 20:9 display aspect ratio here. That display is protected by the Gorilla Glass 3. The Pixel 7, on the other hand, also has a 90Hz OLED display, but this one measures 6.3 inches. It supports HDR10+ content, and gets up to 1,400 nits of peak brightness. It also offers a 20:9 aspect ratio, though it’s protected by the Gorilla Glass Victus.

Google Pixel 7a Review AM AH 22

Both of these displays are very good, but the Pixel 7’s has a couple of advantages. First and foremost, it comes with better protection. The Gorilla Glass Victus is a number of generations ahead of Gorilla Glass 3. In fact, Gorilla Glass 3 is rather prone to microscratches, compared to the Victus. On top of that, the Pixel 7’s display also gets slightly brighter outdoors, even though both are perfectly usable in such conditions, even in direct sunlight.

Do note that our Pixel 7a review unit came with a display refresh rate set to 60Hz. So, it’s possible you’ll have to change that before you start using the device. Presuming the same will happen with retail models, that is. Both displays do offer vivid colors, and deep blacks. The viewing angles are also very good on both panels, as is the touch response, Quite frankly, the vast majority of users would be more than happy with either of these panels.

Google Pixel 7a vs Google Pixel 7: Performance

When it comes to performance, these two phones feel pretty much the same during usage, to be quite honest. That is not surprising at all considering that their performance-related internals are the same, and the same goes for the software builds. The Google Tensor G2 fuels both of these smartphones, while both devices include 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM. UFS 3.1 flash storage is also included on both phones.

They do feel really snappy, though not to the level of many Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phones. The Tensor G2 is a really good chip, but it’s not the most powerful on the market. Google relies heavily on machine learning, though, and chances are that both of these two phones will offer good performance for quite some time. Don’t get me wrong, the performance is great, but it’s not as snappy as on some other phones. That is nitpicking, but there you have it.

When it comes to gaming, however… well, these two phones are not made for gaming. They can handle the vast majority of games on the Google Play Store without a problem, but if you load some of the most demanding games out there (like Genshin Impact), the performance won’t be perfect. Once again, this is nitpicking, but we’re only trying to provide you with a full picture. In regular, day-to-day performance, they’re great and completely lag-free.

Google Pixel 7a vs Google Pixel 7: Battery

The Pixel 7a includes a 4,385mAh battery, while the Pixel 7 comes with a 4,355mAh battery. The difference here is not big at all. That goes for both the battery capacity, when it comes to battery life, we did note considerable differences. The Pixel 7 did offer better results for us, but we’ve seen Pixel phones get better when it comes to battery life as time goes by, so… it’s possible something similar will happen with the Pixel 7a.

We’ve been able to pull out around 6 hours of screen-on-time on the Pixel 7a (though the battery life varies wildly from day to day), while the Pixel 7 was usually able to cross the 8-hour screen-on-time mark. Your experience may differ wildly, though, of course. Your usage will be entirely different, not to mention the apps you have installed, and your signal strength. Perhaps you will see better results than we did. Also, we do believe the Pixel 7a battery life will become way more reliable after a couple of software updates. It wouldn’t be the first time.

When it comes to charging, you’re getting 20W wired charging on both devices. That charging will take you up to 50% in about 30 minutes, on both devices due to similar battery sizes. A full charge will take quite some time, over an hour and a half for sure. The Pixel 7a also offers 18W wireless charging, while the Pixel 7 supports both 20W wireless, and 5W reverse wireless charging. Neither phone comes with a charger, though.

Google Pixel 7a vs Google Pixel 7: Cameras

The Google Pixel 7a features a 64-megapixel main camera, and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera (120-degree FoV) on the back. The Pixel 7, on the other hand, comes with a 50-megapixel main camera, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera (114-degree FoV). Some people may think that the Pixel 7a has a better main camera sensor, but it doesn’t. Also, the difference is noticeable in the end results, despite Google’s image processing magic.

Google Pixel 7a Review AM AH 17

That’s not to say that the images from the Pixel 7a are bad, not at all. They’re actually great, but the Pixel 7 does a better job overall. In good lighting, the Pixel 7a is not as good as the Pixel 7 when it comes to white balancing. The images tend to look a bit greener for some reason. The dynamic range is also worse on the Pixel 7a when we directly compare the two. That is especially noticeable in HDR situations.

What’s interesting is that the ultrawide camera shots during the day provided basically the same results. The differences were very small, though the Pixel 7a does offer a wider FoV. So, it kind of has an advantage in that regard. Images from the main camera during nighttime are better on the Pixel 7, but the difference is not that easily noticeable. If you do zoom in, you’ll see that the Pixel 7 images are sharper. Also, another thing to note is that the video stabilization is noticeably better on the Pixel 7. Google could fix some of these issues with software updates, of course, but the Pixel 7 is definitely the superior camera smartphone here.

Audio

Both the Pixel 7a and Pixel 7 have a set of stereo speakers included. Those speakers are good on both phones. They are loud enough, and are detailed enough. They’re nothing to write home about, though, but most people will be happy with the performance.

What you do not get here is a 3.5mm headphone jack. If you want to connect your headphones via a wire, you’ll need to utilize the Type-C USB port at the bottom. As far as wireless connections go, the Pixel 7a is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, while the Pixel 7 comes with Bluetooth 5.2.


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Google unveils new PaLM 2 AI language model to take on GPT-4

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Google unveils new PaLM 2 AI language model to take on GPT-4
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It’s no secret that ever since Microsoft integrated ChatGPT into its various services, the company and OpenAI have been hard at work trying to develop the next step in conversational AI, i.e. GPT-4. Now, in an effort to compete with OpenAI and Microsoft on the next frontier, Google has announced a new state-of-the-art language model called PaLM 2, which is capable of doing various tasks, including math, coding, reasoning, multilingual translation, and natural language generation.

Google’s senior research director, Slav Petrov, stated that they trained PaLM 2 on multilingual texts from over 100 languages, which not only gives it an edge in understanding idioms and phrases in different languages but also makes it better at reasoning and common sense. This is an important development since these AI models often generate fake information that sounds like the truth.

Moreover, to make PaLM 2 more suitable for its enterprise customers, Google has also created different versions of the system to cater to specific needs. These versions include the Med-PaLM 2, which was trained on health data to answer questions similar to those found in the US Medical Licensing Examination to an “expert” level, and Sec-PaLM 2, a version which can help detect threats in code and explain the behaviour of potential malicious scripts.

Google says it is already using PaLM 2 to power 25 features and products, including its experimental chatbot, Bard, as well as Google Workspace apps like Docs, Slides, and Sheets. Additionally, to make it easier for phones to run the AI system, Google has also developed a light version of PaLM 2 called Gecko, which processes 20 tokens per second.

PaLM 2’s successor is already in the works

Although Google’s new PaLM 2 language model is already one of the most sophisticated AI systems, the company is already working on a successor to PaLM 2, called Gemini, which will be even more efficient and multimodal.

However, this race to build the most advanced AI system has sparked debates about the potential threats of these systems, including abuse, manipulative language, and lies. As a result, companies like Google and OpenAI will need to put stringent measures in place to ensure that this rapid development does not come at the cost of these AI systems going off the rails.


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Meta is pulling the Facebook Messenger app from the Apple Watch

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Meta is pulling the Facebook Messenger app from the Apple Watch
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After this month is over, Meta is pulling the Facebook Messenger app from the Apple Watch. Starting on June 1st, Apple Watch users will no longer be able to send or receive messages using the app. The news got out after some users of the wearable spotted a notification on the Apple Watch Messenger app titled “Changes to Messenger on Apple Watch.” The notification said, “After May 31st, Messenger won’t be available as an Apple Watch app, but you can still get Messenger notifications on your watch.”

A Facebook spokesperson confirmed the news and pointed out that those who want to send and receive messages using Facebook Messenger can still do so via the iPhone app, through their desktop, or by using the website. For some reason, Meta hasn’t shared this decision with many and it has yet to release a public statement. Apple is expected to release watchOS 10 in September with a focus on widgets instead of third-party apps.
As for the reasoning behind the move by Meta, some have been guessing that the decision to pull the Facebook Messenger app from the Apple Watch came about because time spent on the Apple Watch app resulted in less time spent using the iOS Facebook Messenger app. And that is important since it meant fewer Messenger subscribers would be exposed to ads. So if you guessed that Meta’s decision was made over money, you certainly might be right.

As one Redditor (“thinvanilla”) pointed out, “This is it. I also remember back in the day when Facebook had special integration so that you could make posts and upload photos directly without having to open the app. Obviously this meant people didn’t need to open the app as much, and that meant less ads, so they removed it.”

If you use the Facebook Messenger app on your Apple Watch, you have less than three weeks left to enjoy using it unless Meta has a change of heart. Since its decision to eliminate the Apple Watch app might have to do with money, don’t hold your breath hoping for Meta to reverse its decision.


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New Akira Ransomware Attacking Organizations

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New Akira Ransomware Attacking Organizations
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New Akira Ransomware

A new ransomware variant called “Akira” has emerged, targeting multiple organizations and employing a double-extortion technique by exfiltrating and encrypting sensitive data, with the threat of selling or leaking it on the dark web unless the ransom is paid for decryption.

Ransomware, a significant cybersecurity threat, poses severe consequences such as financial and data loss and reputational damage, making it highly profitable for cybercriminals and a significant challenge for organizations.

Ransomware Attacking Organizations

The Akira ransomware, which surfaced in April 2023, has affected more than 15 publicly identified victims that are primarily based in the United States, spanning industries like:-

  • BFSI
  • Construction
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing

Researchers from Cyble uncovered the ransomware operation and their targets.

While apart from this, the homepage of the Akira ransomware leak site offers various options for users, and not only that, even features a retro design that allows visitors to navigate through command inputs.

When executed, ransomware retrieves a list of available logical drives using the API function GetLogicalDriveStrings() and subsequently deposits a ransom note named “akira_readme.txt” in multiple folders.

Following the deposition of the ransom note, it utilizes the following API functions to conduct a search for files and directories to encrypt:-

  • FindFirstFileW()
  • FindNextFileW()

While here below, we have mentioned the files, directories, and extensions that were excluded by the ransomware:-

To encrypt the victim’s system, the ransomware utilizes the “Microsoft Enhanced RSA and AES Cryptographic Provider” libraries, along with multiple CryptoAPI functions like:-

  • CryptAcquireContextW()
  • CryptImportPublicKeyInfo()
  • CryptGenRandom()
  • CryptEncrypt()

Akira ransomware employs RSA and AES encryption algorithms and a static base64 encoded public key, appending the “.akira” extension to encrypted files and employing a PowerShell command to execute a WMI query to restrict system restoration that removes shadow copies.

The ransom note left by the Akira Ransomware Gang provides contact details for negotiating the ransom while also issuing threats of leaking exfiltrated corporate data, selling confidential information on the dark web, and publicly exposing stolen data through their Onion site unless the ransom is paid.

The recently identified Akira ransomware strain primarily targets businesses in the United States and Canada, demanding substantial ransom payments.

The increased security measures prompt new ransomware groups that constantly evolve their tactics and scale their activities for greater financial gain.

Recommendations

EHA

Here Below we have mentioned all the recommendations:-

  • Ensure you regularly back up your database and keep those backups offsite or in a separate network.
  • Ensure the automatic software updating feature is turned on on your connected devices.
  • Ensure that all your connected devices, including PCs, laptops, and mobile devices, are protected with a reputable anti-virus and Internet security application.
  • Please avoid opening links or attachments in emails that do not appear to belong to the sender or you do not know.
  • To detect suspicious events, always make sure to inspect the system logs.

Struggling to Apply The Security Patch in Your System? – 
Try All-in-One Patch Manager Plus


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How to spot and avoid a tech support scam

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How to spot and avoid a tech support scam
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Tech support scams are an ongoing nuisance. Knowing how they operate helps you to recognize them.

Despite the occasional arrests and FTC fines for tech support scammers (TSS) and their henchmen, there are still plenty of cybercriminals active in this field. Scams range from unsolicited calls offering help with your “infected” computer to fully-fledged websites where you can purchase heavily over-priced versions of legitimate security software.

According to the FBI’s IC3 Report, in 2022 Tech and Customer Support fraudsters made 32,538 victims with total reported damages amassing $806,551,993 in the US alone.

Most people associate tech support scams with technicians sitting in a crowded and buzzing boiler room somewhere offshore, and they are not wrong. The scams primarily emanate from call centers in South Asia, mainly India. In response, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI are collaborating with law enforcement in India to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes and transnational call center fraud.

At the same time, the legal case against tech support scams originating in the US has proven to be difficult over the past few years, and prosecution has been limited. Courts are not tech-savvy enough to understand the latest scam tactics, making it very easy for scammers to get away with certain technical intricacies.

Malwarebytes researchers have been actively engaged in the fight against tech support scammers overseas but also in the US. With a commitment to helping protect consumers from all dangerous cyber threats, they are working hand in hand with the Federal Trade Commission to help provide technical evidence in support of shutting tech support scammers down while simultaneously educating Internet users on how to protect against the latest TSS tactics.

How to deal with tech support scams

As a security provider with a good reputation, we do get a lot of impersonators, like in the example below.

website of a Malwarebytes impersonatorMaybe we should be flattered, but frankly we are annoyed. So here are a few tell-tale signs that you are dealing with an impersonator:

  • The company gives you any name at all other than Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes does not outsource support. We have our own Support team. There are no third parties “authorized” to provide support. Nobody is “licensed” to use our name, logo, or any other intellectual property. 
  • The company can’t or won’t take your credit card the first time you ask. Reputable organizations don’t do this. Period. Malwarebytes has a credit card processor that takes payments for all transactions. Credit card processors do things like vet clients for risk, fraud, and abuse. So any company having trouble doing business with one, probably fits into one of those three categories. Credit cards also have reasonably robust consumer fraud protection, so if you’re being steered away from using one, that is also a red flag that the company is about to do something they probably shouldn’t.
  • The company makes outbound support calls. Malwarebytes does not do this. Tech support companies that make outbound unsolicited calls tend to do so because they bought your personal information from a data broker who classified you as a vulnerable target. How would they know you have a problem with your computer? How would they even know you own a computer? Generally speaking, if someone calls you out of the blue claiming your computer has a problem, hang up.

There are some other methods that tech support scammers use to get access to your system. Here are a few of the basics to get you up to speed:

  • Beware the lock up. If your browser or mobile device “locks up”, meaning you’re no longer able to navigate away from a virus warning, you’re likely part of a tech support scam. If something claims to show the files and folders from inside of your browser, this is another signal that you’re on a fake page. Close the browser if possible, or restart your device if this doesn’t work.
  • Screenlocker issues. These are typically fake Windows Blue Screen of Death error pages, except they come with the tech support scammer’s phone number included. You may need one of our removal self-help guides to resolve this.
  • Beware of someone wanting to connect to your computer remotely. One of the tech support scammer’s biggest weapons is their ability to connect remotely to their victims. If they do this, they essentially have total access to all of your files and folders. 

Unfortunately for some people these warnings may have come too late. So what should you do if you have fallen victim to a tech support scam? Here are a few pointers:

  • Did you already pay? Contact your credit card company or bank and let them know what’s happened. You may also need to file a complaint with the FTC, or contact your local law enforcement agency depending on your region.
  • If you shared your password with a scammer, change it on every account that uses this password. Consider using a password manager and enable 2FA for important accounts.
  • Scan your system. If scammers have had access to your system, they may have planted a backdoor so they can revisit whenever they feel like it. Malwarebytes can remove backdoors and other software left behind by scammers.
  • Keep an eye out for unexpected payments. Be on the lookout for suspicious charges/payments on your credit cards and bank account(s) so you can revert and stop them.
  • Be wary of suspicious emails. You have been marked as a target. By falling for one scam, scammers my try other methods to defraud you.

For a very detailed breakdown of tech support scams, how they operate, and more suggestions to keep yourself safe from harm, please check out our dedicated tech support scams page.

We don’t just report on threats—we remove them

Cybersecurity risks should never spread beyond a headline. Keep threats off your devices by downloading Malwarebytes today.


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Here’s the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra and its three beautiful colors

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Here’s the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra and its three beautiful colors
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Samsung isn’t the only company releasing exciting foldable phones this year. Motorola has been in the foldable smartphone game for almost as long as Samsung, and the company has been innovating on its Razr design. Thanks to a new leak from 9To5Google, we have a look at the three beautiful colors that the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra will come in.

Right now, we don’t know too much about this phone’s specs. Rumor has it that it will be using the Snapdragon 8 Gen + 1 SoC. That’s a step behind newer phones launching this year with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. However, that’s not to say it’s a weak processor. The other specs are shrouded in mystery, but we know that this phone is set to launch sometime in June. We will learn more information about it then.

The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra was spotted in three different colors

This phone is already shaping up to be quite the looker. It’s set to have a massive outer display that will cover the majority of the top half of the phone. It will even encompass the external cameras. That will give it a massive amount of real estate to use. Also, it does look rather nice according to the leaked images.

Now, the leaks continue with some new images that show this phone in three different colors. We’re not sure if Motorola is going to give these colors radical names like other companies do. Anyway, we see a Red, Light Blue, and Black colors. The back glass of the phone looks to have a matte texture, and that really adds an elegance to the overall aesthetic.

The metal surrounding the hinge looks like it’s either glossy or brushed metal, and the frame of the phone looks glossy. Overall, this is a very pretty phone.

Price

As for the price and availability, that information is still only speculation. Motorola promised to deliver us the cheapest foldable yet. The ultra variant will definitely not fit that bill. This variant is tipped to launch at $1,300 US dollars which is a few hundred dollars more than the Galaxy Z Flip 4.

However, the company is touting a stripped-down version of the phone that will cost significantly less. We’re not sure how much that’s going to cost, but if it lives up to Motorola’s claims, then Samsung might have some competition in the clamshell foldable Market.


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Google’s Project Tailwind uses AI to help you create notes

andreasc
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Google’s Project Tailwind uses AI to help you create notes
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all the rage right now. No wonder Google had plenty of AI-related announcements to make at its I/O conference on Wednesday. It announced new AI tools for Search and Workspace and opened a public waitlist for its AI music creation tool MusicLM. Alongside these, the company also launched a new experimental AI tool called Project Tailwind.

Google describes Project Tailwind as an “AI-first notebook” that is “grounded in the information you choose and trust”. It is an intelligent notebook that can help you in creating notes by quickly finding out relevant information within the documents you provide to it. You start by uploading or picking documents already saved in Google Drive. Tailwind will analyze the document and instantly create an AI model with expertise in the information contained in those documents.

You can then proceed to create notes and Tailwind will be your research companion. It will provide you with all the relevant information you need to note down for any topic. The AI tool can also create a summary of any topic on its own. Tailwind cites the sources of all information in your documents. So if you need further explanation, you can quickly check out the document. Its other abilities include providing you with new ideas for notes and giving you a Reading Quiz.

Given its capabilities, Tailwind appears a great AI companion for anyone who deals with a lot of text documents every day. For example, students can use it to create study materials based on a specific syllabus or digital books. Since the tool doesn’t source any information from the web when creating notes, you can always find more details in the saved documents or books. Tailwind can also help analysts going through an earnings report or lawyers going through a case.

Project Tailwind is currently in the experimental stage

Google Project Tailwind

During the announcement at Google I/O yesterday, the company described Project Tailwind as a “prototype” that has been “put together over the last few weeks” (via). It’s still in the experimental stage with no ETA for a public release. However, users in the US can join an open waitlist to get early access to this interesting project. You can sign up for the waitlist at Google Labs here. The company will let you know when the new AI tool is available to you. Stay tuned for more information about the public launch of Project Tailwind.


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