More
Home Blog Page 217

Security Experts Discovered Malware Intended For Windows Subsystem For Linux

By
Bhasker Das
-
Microsoft's Windows Subsystem For Linux

Lumen’s Black Lotus Labs, which specialize in network security, report on their blog about malware that was written in Python and created as a Linux ELF binary. What makes it special is that this malware is apparently intended for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and targets Windows APIs.

According to Black Lotus Labs, there are several malicious Python files compiled in the Executable and Linkable Format (EFL) binary for Debian Linux. These files acted as loaders, launching a “payload” that was either embedded in the instance itself or came from a remote server and then injected into a running process using Windows API calls.

In 2017, Check Point researchers demonstrated an experimental attack called Bashware that enables malicious attacks to be performed from ELF and EXE executables in a WSL environment. But WSL is disabled by default, and Windows 10 comes with no embedded Linux distributions, so the threat from Bashware didn’t seem real.

The recently discovered malicious code samples however have a minimum rating on the VirusTotal service, which means that most antivirus programs will miss them.

Experts from Black Lotus Labs discovered two variants of the malware. The first one is written in pure Python, and the second additionally uses a library to connect to the Windows API and run a PowerShell script. Although, in the second case, the module is still under development, as it does not work on its own.

Chrome Sharing Hub: How To Activate The New Chrome Share Menu In The Omnibox For Desktop

By
Vishak
-
Chrome Sharing Hub

Google Chrome has been testing its new sharing menu in the Canary version of the browser. And with Chrome 94, Google has deployed the new sharing feature, Chrome Sharing Hub, in the omnibox for desktop.

Although Chrome Sharing Hub is not enabled by default because Google thinks it further requires some improvements but there is no risk to activate it from the hidden settings in the latest stable release.

Chrome Sharing Hub is located in the Chrome omnibox (address bar), which allows you to perform some of the most typical actions when it comes to “sharing” a web page — such as copying the link, sending to other devices, sharing a QR code, send to Chromecast, save the page, along with share link with Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Chrome Sharing Hub in omnibox

As its one of the beta fetures, you can activate Chrome Sharing Hub by using this Chrome “flags” URL:

chrome://flags/#sharing-hub-desktop-omnibox

Chrome Sharing Hub in omnibox enable

Their choose “Enable” to activate “Desktop Sharing Hub in Omnibox” and “Relaunch” the Chrome browser. If you encounter any problem, simply reverse the change — set the option to “Default” or “Disable” to deactivate the Chrome sharing feature.

iPhones Are Supposed To Recognize Depression And Dementia

By
Avinash A
-
iPhone X worth buying

Apple wants to use its iPhones to detect diseases such as depression or the early stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple is currently testing together with the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) and the pharmaceutical manufacturer Biogen to what extent the sensors and other features of a smartphone are suitable for diagnosis. The Apple Watch is also used in some of the studies.

UCLA researchers began evaluating data from 150 iPhone and Watch users in autumn 2020. Another study with 3,000 participants is scheduled to start in 2021. Data from the video camera, keyboard and audio sensors are evaluated. The Apple Watch also includes movement data, as well as body value measurements and sleep records.

Facial movements, the language of the user, the steps, the sleep rhythm as well as the heart and breathing rates are to be analyzed. The way in which users type quickly and without errors could also provide information about certain clinical pictures. Biogen’s study structure should not differ much from that of UCLA.

As people familiar with the projects emphasize, it is not yet clear at the moment whether the research will lead to a result. The aim is to use the studies to develop an algorithm that recognizes signs of illnesses such as depression and the onset of dementia and recommends that users seek medical help accordingly. It is still unclear whether this will be possible in the end.

The privacy of the users is to be guaranteed by only evaluating the data on the iPhones themselves. There should be no transmission to Apple’s server. 

Microsoft Found That ZLoader Malware Now Uses Google Ads To Reach Its Victims

By
Bhasker Das
-
Malware attack news and stories

ZLoader, originally a banking Trojan that has evolved into ransomware malware, has expanded its capabilities even further and may hide in malicious Google ads.

Microsoft found that the ZLoader malware no longer relies on emails as the primary method of reaching its victims. Now attackers are buying Google ads, allowing them to reach an even wider audience.

Microsoft Security Intelligence tweeted a warning about a change in the approach of the ZLoader malware. Microsoft researchers called the change “a notable shift in delivery method.” ZLoader has moved from malicious emails to ad platform abuse.

This is undoubtedly a very serious threat, which has now found a way to reach millions of people more easily. From the Microsoft Security Intelligence account, they explained that the method attackers use to distribute the ZLoader malware is complex but obviously effective.

What the malware distributors do is buy ads related to certain keywords in Google Ads. With them, they direct victims to websites where they pass the malware off as a legal program, which favors its download. The peculiar fact is that malicious installers are cryptographically signed to appear to be genuine. This even requires the registration of a fraudulent company, according to Redmond security specialists.

Once victims click on bad ads and malware infiltrates their systems, campaign operators can sell access to infected devices to interested third parties.

Microsoft reported this exploitative behaviour to Google, and the use of ZLoader in Google’s malicious ads has dropped significantly.

Microsoft noted that ZLoader was also used to distribute the infamous Ryuk ransomware in its latest evolution in a recent campaign that used Google ads. ZLoader can also execute Windows PowerShell commands to disable protections on an infected system.

The modern mobile app market: what has the pandemic changed?

By
Jenna Jose
-
Mobile market

To say that the pandemic has changed a lot is to say nothing. The mobile app industry has also changed, turning modern processes into a defining factor for its development.

Basically, the balance of mobile applications shifted: while some categories stagnated, others experienced rapid growth. At the same time, new trends have appeared on the market, allowing the latter to push the boundaries, and the former to get new chances in the struggle.

Voice control, machine learning, and AI

During the pandemic, users tried to touch their smartphones less. This is why developments in the field of voice control have become popular.

Moreover, AI and machine learning have become more entrenched in the mobile app industry. Recognition of speech, text, pictures, emotions, biometrics, chatbots, and much more – all these trends are already being actively implemented by companies offering IT services. And then we will see even more breakthrough solutions based on smart algorithms.

Remote work applications

Another imprint left by the coronavirus is the closure of the offices and the transition to a remote work format. While working from home is becoming the new standard, people are looking for solutions to communicate online and keep working remotely.

There was also a real boom in the education category. Distance learning has forced students and teachers to massively download apps for flexibility and continuity of the educational process.

Health and fitness apps

Today people are especially worried about their health. This means they need apps for health care, mental health control, stress relief, mindfulness, meditation education, various fitness apps, and physical activity trackers. Apps that offer home workout programs, online fitness programs with personal trainers and more are trending as well.

Super-apps

Applications that combine several applications at once that the user may need are already the minimum in the field of application development. A social network where you can immediately order a taxi, food, or find a job is a reality that is very much in demand.

Entertainment, social media, photo, and video applications

In addition to mobile games, entertainment apps have seen unprecedented growth, helping people feel part of society and relieving the boredom of being confined in apartments.

M-commerce

During the coronavirus pandemic, when shopping malls shut down, people increasingly began to use smartphones to shop. The number of app installs for grocery shopping, food delivery, or ordering clothes or home decor has skyrocketed. This trend will continue for a long time.

Financial apps

First, applications that help make the right investment decisions have gained great popularity. For people, investment has become something like a basic need and they began to look for solutions that can help them.

Moreover, the number of downloads of wallets, online banking, or trading applications has increased. All in all, financial applications are in high demand and have become an important part of the decision-making process for consumers.

What development trends should you focus on in 2021?

#1. Chatbots

#2. AR augmented reality

#3. Simplification of interfaces and design

#4. Artificial intelligence

#5. Machine learning

Wrapping up 

The prospects for the development of the mobile market are huge, as it shows a global upward trend year after year. The business is quietly but surely adjusting and restructuring to the mobile format.

However, coronavirus triggered changes that will stay with us for a long time. It is important for developers and startups to understand new trends and immediately apply them in their developments to provide users with something that meets their requests and needs.

5 Tips To Increase Your Views On TikTok

By
Prabhul Kurup
-
India bans 59 Chinese apps including TikTok and UC Browser

With an increase in competition, Tik Tok is no longer just a fad for Gen Z as it’s becoming quite a saturated platform each passing day. However hard it may get to increase views and gain more views on TikTok videos, it’s not an impossible task. So, if you are ready to put in some effort and shine on this platform, here are 5 tips to spiral your views on TikTok. 

1. Post A Variety Of High-quality Videos Consistently

If you want your TikTok views to touch the stars, you need to ensure high quality in all aspects of your videos. For a high competition rate, make sure that your content is interesting enough to capture, retain people’s attention and increase engagement. In order to stand out and be outstanding, you need to be creative and think out of the box. To hook viewers, make sure to make your initial seconds of the video interesting.

Optimize your videos to make users watch the complete video. If you want to hook your viewers, try to compose your captions in a way that invokes curiosity due to suspense. Even though it’s safe to stick to a niche and gain a loyal audience, it’s important to keep trying out different things to surprise your audience and get your content viral. Tutorials, dance, and choreography, lip syncs, challenges, pranks, DIYs, inspiration videos, comedy and mimicry, makeup, fashion, etc., are just a few ideas, to begin with. When you have no interesting content ideas to post, you can always go for some behind-the-scenes edit for fun. Make sure that your videos are of high quality not only in terms of content but also video quality, sound, lighting, editing, etc. 

2. Use Hashtags F0r Higher Completion Rate

If you want to increase engagement, you should work on your completion rate. This means that your current viewers should watch your videos until the very end or even better, view them multiple times. This helps in informing the TikTok algorithm that your content is worthy and it will automatically get more views. A high completion rate is only possible if you have targeted the right audience who are actually interested in your niche. Hashtags are a great way to categorize videos as per a niche, so make sure to use relevant hashtags to increase TikTok views. You can also get more views on Tik Tok by jumping on trending topics through the use of trending hashtags. This is better than using generic hashtags just for the sake of spamming your captions and making it a waste of space. 

3. Keep Up With Trends

Whether it comes to music, visual filters, or the content of your video; staying up to date with trends isn’t just an option anymore if one wants to shoot up their TikTok views. Simply look for the most trending videos and hop on that trend. To go insanely viral and increase TikTok views to a huge extent, you can start your own trends like hashtags challenges. It’s not always necessary to be on the lookout for trending videos and ideas in the discovery section. You can also have a look at the content that has gone viral in the past and take ideas from that. If you have many best-performing videos, you can get a clear idea regarding what type of content is fondly enjoyed by your audience to increase engagement. Do not make the exact replica of old or other trending videos. Simply evaluate themes and integrate them into your videos in a new and more fun way. 

4. Consistency And Engagement

One should not underestimate the importance of remaining consistent on TikTok as not everyone gets lucky overnight. So, if you want to gain more views on TikTok videos, consistency literally is the key. Consistency shouldn’t just be limited to your posting frequency and timings, but also when it comes to interacting with your audience. Kudos to everyone who can make and post 3-4 videos per day, but if you really want your TikTok views to take a hit, try to engage as actively as possible. If you can get out of your way to connect to your audience on a more personal level on platforms like Instagram, more power to you. Others should make it a point to maintain interaction by commenting back, commenting on other videos replying to DM’s, and going live are some easy ways to stay connected and increase TikTok views. 

5. Collaborations

Fun, easy and worthy; collaborations go a long way in popularizing your name and gaining more views on TikTok videos. So, if you haven’t ready- reach out to people with relatable content and create something fun. If you are lucky enough to get a chance to collaborate with someone famous, you can redirect a lot of their traffic to your page, further shooting up your views. Making use of duets is another way to buzz on without having to physically meet people. Make sure to turn on your duet settings so others can also make duets with you.

Conclusion

Now that you know the perfect blend, you can increase engagement and gain more views on TikTok videos. Remember that it may not always be an overnight process but staying consistent with your creativity will be worth it. So, keep believing, keep creating, keep posting and keep engaging.

Epic Games Blames Apple: Return Of Fortnite To App Store Can Take Up To Five Years

By
Adwaith
-
Fortnite via Nvidia getforce Now

Fortnite is not expected to return to Apple’s App Store until the litigation with Epic Games is over. The iPhone company declined a request for the resumption, according to a letter from Apple that Epic CEO Tim Sweeney posted on Twitter. However, it can take up to five years for the court proceedings to be completed.

Sweeney assures that Apple “has lied”, because according to him, “Apple spent a whole year telling the world, the court and the press that they would welcome the return of Epic to the App Store if they agree to play with the same rules as the rest of the world.” Something that Epic would have done, according to Sweeney, and that has not been enough to return everything to how it was before.

In a thread, Sweeney not only detailed the emails that would serve as proof that Epic decided to follow Apple’s ‘rules of the game’, but Apple responded with an email informing him that Fortnite would be blacklisted from the Apple ecosystem until “the exhaustion of all court appeals.” Sweeney laments, explaining that this is a process that could take up to 5 years.

The letter reads as follows: “Apple has exercised its discretion not to reinstate the Epic’s developer program account at this time. Furthermore, Apple will not consider any further request for reinstatement until the district court’s judgement becomes final and nonappealable.” It refers to Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, responsible for the trial between the two companies.

Interestingly, Fortnite could have returned to the App Store shortly after September 10, the date the court issued a ruling that affected the two companies to a lesser or greater extent. However, Epic Games did not agree that Apple should be freed from the monopoly charges, so they appealed the ruling three days later. Its only achievement is that now Apple cannot prohibit developers from directing users to their own payment systems. So, don’t expect Fortnite to return to the App Store anytime soon.

iOS Privacy Measures Start To Affect Facebook’s Advertising Business

By
Avinash A
-
apple vs facebook

The new privacy protection function “App Tracking Transparency” implemented with iOS 14.5 is apparently causing Facebook more than expected. Graham Mudd, Facebook’s vice president of product marketing, highlighted in a blog entry that App Tracking Transparency is significantly affecting the company’s advertising business.

Facebook highlights that Apple’s new tools have made it more difficult to measure campaigns on the platform, and that has caused many advertisers to increase their advertising investment to meet their objectives. “We’ve heard from many of you that the impact on your advertising investment has been greater than you expected. The cost of achieving your business outcome may have increased, and it’s also gotten harder to measure your campaigns on our platform.”

The company also assures that it has not been correctly reporting on web conversions, something that has also considerably affected advertisers. “We believe that real-world conversions, like sales and app installs, are higher than what is being reported for many advertisers.” Mudd details. This has made the performance measure, on average, 15% worse than it could have been.

At the same time, those responsible are trying to spread optimism that the efforts to develop new technologies to improve data protection will soon bear fruit. The aim is to minimize the amount of personal data processed and still create the possibility of showing personalized advertising and measuring its effectiveness. The company also stated that the poorer results are partly due to fewer reports on the social network.

On its blog, Facebook offers some details to improve the reach of the ads. It also confirms that it is working on “new technologies” that will allow the display of personalized advertising while respecting privacy.

In order not to suffer any losses, Facebook, as well as, Instagram developed a certain “strategy” — when the program started, the company gave the impression that Facebook would run the risk without consent, no longer in the future to be free. This procedure is allowed by Apple, but Facebook went a step further and linked the use of both apps to the approval for tracking. At the same time, the company threatened an antitrust lawsuit against Apple.

1...216217218...328Page 217 of 328

© 2025 Copyright - TechLog360