A new spyware ‘masquerades’ could take control of your Android device
Spyware is a type of unethical software, which is mostly used by cybercriminals. It is a set of programs that can steal or take control of data including images, video, documents, and much more. Moreover, it usually attacks your smartphone, laptop, smartwatches, or any other smart gadget.
Recently, security researchers found that a new malware ‘Masquerades’ can be installed on your Android device as a software update. It is reported that this threat was found in an app called ” System Update” that could be installed outside of the Google Play Store.
Therefore, if the user launches the app, then by hiding from the system, it breaches the user’s data and sent it to the operator server without requesting permission.
However, this malware is discovered at mobile security firm Zimperium. Meanwhile, the company claims that this spyware can remotely operate the user device and can steal or manipulate messages, contacts, device details, browser bookmarks including the location of the user.
Regarding this, Zimperium CEO points out that it is a great piece of software which have never seen before, and if you want to stay protected from this, then don’t sideload this app on your Android phone.
“It’s easily the most sophisticated we’ve seen,” said Zimperium CEO Shridhar Mittal. “I think a lot of time and effort was spent on creating this app. We believe that there are other apps out there like this, and we are trying our very best to find them as soon as possible.”
Lastly, tricking the user data with spyware is not a new thing in the era of digitalization. But the thing which matters a lot is that users should be aware of these cybercrimes. Alongside, it is recommended from various cybersecurity firms that one should definitely install a good antivirus if they are involved in working online.
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Google is working to make Circle to Search functional with messaging bubbles in Android 15. Currently, the unique way to search doesn’t function when a messaging bubble is active, but that will change in a future Android 15 release.
MishaalRahman spotted code in the Android 15 source code that enables Circle to Search to be run when messaging bubbles have been expanded. This development indicates that Google is aware of the limitations and working to address them soon.
Circle to Search won’t activate if you have a messaging bubble active on the screen. It renders the user opt for an alternate way to search like opening Chrome. It becomes frustrating if you have to search for something right from the chat bubble.
It’s worth noting that the required code debuted in Android 15 Beta 4. The company has not used it in Android 15 nor the latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 release. Mishaal activated the feature manually by making some changes in the code.
Android currently doesn’t allow the home button or navigation handle to be long-pressed if a messaging bubble is active. Google would simply make improvements in this aspect so the handle/home button to be long-pressed.
Messaging bubbles
Google introduced the messaging bubbles feature in Android 11. This feature allows Android smartphone users to have active conversations floating as bubbles on top of other apps, making it easier to multitask while chatting.
Circle to Search is reportedly coming to more Android devices next month. In an exciting development, Tecno announced that the Circle to Search will be available on its new foldable, the Phantom V Fold 2, starting October 2024.
Samsung debuted Circle to Search with the Galaxy S24 series. It’s developed by Google in close partnership with the Galaxy maker. Google also expanded the feature to all of its Tensor-powered Pixel smartphones with Feature Drop.
We knew Circle to Search wouldn’t be available on non-Galaxy and Pixel phones till this October. Samsung already announced the availability of this feature will remain limited to certain phones made by either Samsung or Google.
It seems Samsung may have reached an agreement with Google. In order to showcase Galaxies supreme in the Android ecosystem, both firms may have restricted the expansion of the Circle to Search for at least 10 months.
Google has been regularly working to optimize Circle to Search for all Android phones. As it’s coming to Tecno phone next month, we expect other leading vendors including Xiaomi, Vivo, OnePlus, and OPPO will also be joined.
Well, Google hasn’t officially announced the expansion of Circle to Search. As Tecno is also a Google partner, this spirited claim couldn’t be untrue. Pay attention, Google has an ambitious plan to fuel 200 million Androids with Circle to Search.
One UI could add an iOS-like Stolen Device Protection feature through Android. Google is developing an Identity Check feature, forcing you to use your biometrics to unlock apps. This addition will significantly reduce the privacy breach concerns.
Samsung brings all Android security and privacy features to One UI. The iOS-inspired Stolen Device Protection is highly likely to come to your Galaxy. As the feature is under development, few details about its functioning have appeared.
Findings suggest that Android could soon implement an Identity Check feature. It will force you to use your biometrics to unlock apps. However, biometrics will only be mandatory if the device is outside of a trusted location.
MishaalRahman discovered a new string within the Settings app. The addition suggests “Identity Check is on.” The Settings app has code to show this “Identity Check is on” string when it invokes Android’s biometric prompt dialog.
It is assumed that the Pixel maker is setting up Android to ignore when apps invoke the biometric prompt dialog with a PIN/password/pattern fallback. The feature is expected to be triggered when you are out of trusted locations such as your home.
It could be added through the Trusted Places feature upgrade. This Android tool keeps your phone unlocked when it’s at a trusted location. Using it, the trusted locations will determine when to trigger biometric authentication of apps.
Google is currently running Android 15’s QPR Beta Program. The company will test various new features and improvements across the OS. The changes will likely be distributed through Feature Drop updates in the future.