Category: Software

  • Airtel denies data breach claims affecting 375 million users

    Airtel denies data breach claims affecting 375 million users

    Bharti Airtel, a major player in the Indian telecommunications sector, is currently embroiled in accusations of a data breach affecting an astounding 375 million users. The company has categorically refuted these allegations, labeling them a “desperate attempt to tarnish Airtel’s reputation by vested interests.”

    Reports from the Dark Web

    Dark Web Informer on X.com disclosed that an unidentified vendor named “xenZen” has put the data of 375 million Airtel subscribers up for sale on a hacker forum called BreachForums. The purported data includes sensitive information such as names, family details, contact information, and even Aadhaar numbers, the unique 12-digit identification number assigned to Indian citizens.

    Airtel’s Official Response

    Airtel quickly issued a statement through a spokesperson, stating, “There has been an ongoing report alleging that Airtel customer data has been compromised. This is nothing short of a desperate attempt to tarnish Airtel’s reputation by vested interests. We have done a thorough investigation and can confirm that there has been no breach whatsoever from Airtel systems.”

    Previous Breach Claims

    Alarmingly, xenZen also took credit for another recent data leak involving the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This breach, discovered in late June, reportedly compromised data from approximately 200,000 users registered on the MEA’s eMigrate portal. Nevertheless, the authenticity of both claims remains unconfirmed.

    Safeguarding Personal Information

    While the veracity of these claims is still uncertain, the situation underscores the perpetual risk of cyberattacks. Here are some measures to protect your personal data:

    • Be cautious about the information you share online. Limit the amount of personal data you share on public platforms and websites.
    • Use strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
    • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification code in addition to your password when logging in.
    • Be wary of phishing attempts. Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments in emails or text messages, even if they appear to be from legitimate sources.

    By adhering to these basic security practices, you can help protect your personal information and reduce the potential damage from a data breach.

    Tags: , ,
  • OnePlus 12R Boosts Gaming & Animations with New OxygenOS Update

    OnePlus 12R Boosts Gaming & Animations with New OxygenOS Update

    The OnePlus 12R has begun receiving a significant update to OxygenOS 14.0.0.810 in India. This update will soon be available in other regions as well.

    The firmware version for this new release is IN: CPH2585_14.0.0.810(EX01), initially rolled out in small batches with a wider release anticipated soon. Users are encouraged to report any problems through the OnePlus Community Thread.

    OnePlus 12R OxygenOS 14.0.0.810 Update Changelog

    Animations:

    • Smoother Animations: Enhanced animations for launching and closing apps. New transition animation for Quick Settings and dragging app icons on the Home screen.
    • Blur Effects: Gaussian blur effects added for app icons when opening and closing. New transition animations for Home screen and clock widgets.

    Gaming:

    • Stability: Improved stability during gaming sessions.
    • Bug Fix: Resolved an issue where the screen could turn black during gameplay.

    System Enhancements:

    • Music Controls: Music controls can now be shown in Fluid Cloud.
    • Storage Management: Fixed the issue where system data consumed excessive storage space.
    • Security: Integrated the June 2024 Android security patch.
    • NFC Payments: Resolved an issue preventing NFC-enabled payments.
    • Volume Control: Fixed the problem with volume sliders appearing at the same time.
    • Icon Overlap: Corrected overlapping icons on the Home screen and Recent tasks screen.

    Touch Control:

    • Faster Response: Improved response time for app icons on the Home screen.
    • Enhanced Responsiveness: Better touch control responsiveness when launching and closing apps.

    The update is being released in small batches to ensure stability. Users can manually check for the update by navigating to the settings page, selecting “About This Phone,” and clicking the blue ribbon at the top. To report bugs, users can dial *#800# and select the bug submission option.

    Tags: , ,
  • Chinese Scientists Find Super-Survivor Moss for Extreme Environments

    Chinese Scientists Find Super-Survivor Moss for Extreme Environments

    Chinese scientists have discovered a potential candidate for life on Mars – Syntrichia caninervis, a moss that can withstand extreme conditions. This desert moss thrives in some of Earth’s harshest environments, such as the cold regions of Tibet and Antarctica.

    The moss even managed to regenerate under strict conditions

    Researchers subjected the moss to a series of rigorous tests to evaluate its tolerance limits, and the results were astonishing. Syntrichia caninervis endured dehydration of over 98% of its cellular water, flash-freezing at incredibly low temperatures (-196°C), and intense gamma radiation (over 5000 Gy).

    But the moss’s resilience extends further. Under simulated Martian conditions – which include low atmospheric pressure, freezing temperatures, a dense CO2 atmosphere, and strong UV radiation – Syntrichia caninervis not only survived but also managed to regenerate. This discovery redefines the boundaries of life’s endurance on our planet and paves the way for future space exploration possibilities.

    Future Research and Challenges

    The research, published in the journal “The Innovation”, suggests that this moss could be instrumental in developing habitable environments beyond Earth. However, there are still challenges to address. Martian soil contains chlorates, a toxic and corrosive chemical not yet considered in this study. Additionally, the constant Martian environment, unlike Earth’s cyclical changes, could impose long-term stress on the moss.

    Tags: ,
  • OnePlus 12 & OnePlus Open Get Android 15 Beta 2 Update with Fixes

    OnePlus 12 & OnePlus Open Get Android 15 Beta 2 Update with Fixes

    OnePlus has started distributing the second beta update for Android 15 to the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open smartphones.

    This update is still in its early development stages, and the company advises that it’s “best suited for developers and other advanced users.” They caution against using it if you lack experience in software development or if you intend to use the device as your primary phone. Therefore, it’s recommended to download the update only if you’re comfortable with navigating potentially unstable software.

    Focus on System Stability and Performance

    According to the official announcement on the OnePlus forum, Android 15 Beta 2 aims to enhance system stability and performance. Additionally, it includes a fix for the Auto Pixelate function that wasn’t working during screenshot previews. OnePlus Open devices, in particular, will also benefit from a fix for issues encountered in split-screen mode.

    Known Issues

    However, keep in mind that this is still a beta update and comes with some issues. OnePlus has identified several problems in the latest build.

    For OnePlus 12 users, there may be issues when playing music, using Air Gestures, switching camera modes, and selecting icon styles in the Wallpapers & Style settings. There are also reports of probabilistic stability issues.

    OnePlus Open users will face similar issues with music playback, Air Gestures, and icon styles. Additionally, recent task cards might not disappear after splitting the screen, photos may lack the ProXDR button, the booting animation might be incomplete, and the taskbar may display abnormally when using floating windows. You can review the full changelog and issues at this link.

    Participation in the Beta Program

    Those interested in joining the beta program can find instructions on the OnePlus forum. If you choose to update, ensure that you back up your data beforehand, as the installation process will wipe the phone clean.

    OnePlus 12 & OnePlus Open Get Android 15 Beta 2 Update with Fixes

    Tags: , ,
  • Xiaomi Launches HyperOS 1.5 Update

    Xiaomi Launches HyperOS 1.5 Update

    Xiaomi is introducing a significant update, referred to as HyperOS 1.5, for its flagship smartphones. This update brings new features and enhancements to several devices, marking the completion of HyperOS 1.0 and paving the way for HyperOS 2.0.

    Xiaomi Bids Farewell to Old Changelogs

    Xiaomi has declared its departure from “old boring changelogs” and is enhancing HyperOS updates with innovative testing methods. The Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 14 Pro, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and Redmi K60 Ultra have all received this new HyperOS update, which features a detailed changelog. This aligns with Xiaomi’s previous announcement and indicates the initial steps towards HyperOS 2.0.

    The update, which we refer to as HyperOS 1.5, includes a very detailed changelog for the four flagship smartphones. Given Xiaomi’s typical update release policy, this update is essentially HyperOS 1.5, even though Xiaomi hasn’t officially labeled it as such.

    System

    • Optimize the number of preloaded apps to speed up app launching.
    • Improve startup animation to reduce application startup selection.
    • Enhance system resource collection during app switching to improve application flow.
    • Optimize memory usage.
    • Fixed the issue of system reboot caused by cleaning.

    Notes

    • Fix the issue of cloud synchronization failure when attachments exceed 20MB.

    Widgets

    • Introduce a new travel assistant function with intelligent reminders for train and plane trips (requires the intelligent assistant app version 512.2 and above, SMS version 15/0.2.24 and above, and MAI engine version 22 and above).
    • Fix abnormal zoom issue when clicking the music widget.
    • Repair display issues when adding clock widget with low consumption rate.

    Lock Screen

    • Optimize the lock screen trigger section to reduce mis-touches when entering the editor.

    Clock

    • Fixed the issue where the clock couldn’t be closed by pressing the button after ringing.

    Calculator

    • Enhance the sensitivity of calculator keys.

    Albums

    • Optimize video synchronization measurement to improve screen broadcast smoothness.
    • Fix long loading times for album previews when many pictures are generated quickly.
    • Repair issues causing the time of photos to be lost during cloud synchronization, affecting the date display.
    • Fix the problem where deleted photos reappear in cloud synchronization.
    • Repair time card playback issues on some models.
    • Fix album preview issues when taking many photos in quick succession.

    File Manager

    • Optimize File Manager loading speed.

    Status Bar and Notification Bar

    • Fix the issue of notification icons not being fully displayed.
    • Repair blank notifications that only show icons.
    • Fix incomplete display of the 5G phase after changing font size and switching three-way font.

    The extensive changelog justifies why this update is considered “HyperOS 1.5.” It is not clear if the update will be limited to China, but it has been initially released there. Meanwhile, Xiaomi is gearing up for the launch of new foldable smartphones like the MIX Flip and MIX FOLD 4 and is also developing HyperOS 2.0, which will be officially announced in October.

    Tags: , ,
  • US Probes Chinese Telecoms for Data Misuse Concerns

    US Probes Chinese Telecoms for Data Misuse Concerns

    The U.S. Commerce Department has initiated a probe into three significant Chinese telecom firms—China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom—amid concerns about potential misuse of American data. The investigation aims to determine whether these companies are sharing data with Beijing through their cloud and internet services.

    Current Investigation Status

    Risk-based evaluations for China Mobile and China Telecom have been finalized, whereas the inquiry into China Unicom is still underway. These investigations remain undisclosed to the public, with subpoenas issued to the implicated firms.

    Despite prohibitions on providing telephone and retail internet services, these companies operate in the U.S. on a smaller scale, offering services like cloud computing and routing wholesale internet traffic.

    No responses have been received from the Chinese firms or their U.S.-based legal representatives. The Justice Department and the White House have refrained from commenting, while the Chinese Embassy has called on the U.S. to cease actions against Chinese companies. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has voiced serious national security and law enforcement concerns.

    Historical Context

    This investigation is part of a broader regulatory crackdown on Chinese telecom firms. In 2019, the FCC rejected China Mobile’s application for telephone services. This was followed by the revocation of licenses for China Telecom and China Unicom in 2021 and 2022, respectively. In April 2023, the FCC banned these companies from offering broadband services, citing risks such as the misrouting of internet traffic through China and potential data interception, manipulation, or blockage.

    Technical and Security Risks

    The presence of these companies in U.S. internet infrastructure poses considerable technical and security risks. China Telecom’s Points of Presence (PoPs) in the U.S. are particularly susceptible to metadata analysis and deep packet inspection. Additionally, there are concerns that cloud services may grant access to personal information and intellectual property, risking data disruption. Specific attention has been directed towards China Mobile’s partially owned data center in Silicon Valley, where ownership magnifies the potential for data mishandling.

    Experts emphasize China’s sophistication as a global adversary. Doug Madory of Kentik highlighted the risk posed by China’s advanced capabilities, while Dutch cloud computing expert Bert Hubert noted that ownership of data centers allows for more opportunities to install back doors or bypass encryption.

    The U.S. Commerce Department’s investigation into China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom underscores ongoing efforts to protect national security by scrutinizing foreign access to U.S. data. While these measures may be disruptive, they are considered essential to mitigate risks amid escalating U.S.-China tech tensions. As the investigation progresses, further regulatory actions may be implemented to block transactions and operations in U.S. data centers, emphasizing the importance of addressing national security concerns linked to Chinese firms’ access to American data.

    Tags: , ,
  • LockBit Claims Major US Fed Hack; Experts Question Validity

    LockBit Claims Major US Fed Hack; Experts Question Validity

    The LockBit ransomware group has stirred up controversy by alleging they have stolen a vast database filled with sensitive banking details from the US Federal Reserve. Yet, security researchers are casting serious doubt on this assertion.

    LockBit is known for demanding hefty ransoms

    Earlier this week, LockBit listed the Federal Reserve on their data leak site, claiming to possess an archive containing "33 terabytes of juicy banking information with Americans’ banking secrets." They also mentioned ongoing negotiations and a $50,000 offer on the table, which they consider inadequate. While the exact ransom demand has not been disclosed, LockBit is infamous for their high seven-figure ransom requests.

    Deadline and skepticism

    With a deadline set for June 25th at 8:27 PM UTC (2:27 PM EDT), the US Federal Reserve has remained silent on the matter. Meanwhile, security analysts are dubious about the legitimacy of the attack. Many think that following Operation Cronos—a major international police action that disrupted LockBit’s infrastructure—the group is trying to regain its infamous reputation within the hacking community through this possible hoax.

    Operation Cronos and aftermath

    Operation Cronos led to the seizure of LockBit’s infrastructure, the release of decryption keys and stolen files, and the identification of some operators. Although no arrests were made, LockBit quickly resumed operations within a week. Security researchers now question the technical feasibility of such a large-scale breach by LockBit, casting further doubt on their claim. As the situation evolves, the silence from the Fed continues to fuel speculation. It’s essential to rely on official channels for updates and avoid spreading unverified claims.

    Tags: , ,
  • Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT: Major Text Input Upgrade Explained

    Huawei HarmonyOS NEXT: Major Text Input Upgrade Explained

    Huawei released HarmonyOS NEXT on June 21st, featuring an intuitive and secure text input experience. With the IME (Input Method Editor) Kit, developers have enhanced control over app input methods, allowing for custom controls and seamless switching. Users enjoy a simplified global method switching system, utilizing long presses for selection and short presses for recent input methods. Text previews make sure users can see exactly what they’re typing, regardless of the input method in use. Security is enhanced with authorization prompts for third-party input methods and reminders for the “full experience mode.”

    Adaptability for Better Usability

    The new NEXT system adapts the text input area across various devices to improve usability. By integrating user research, it raises the input area for blind typing and positions function keys at the bottom for easy access. This system is versatile across devices, recommending layouts optimized for different screen sizes and limiting tablet input method panels to 70% of the screen, enhancing overall usability.

    Contextual Text Suggestions

    Additionally, the input method utilizes the user’s clipboard and Huawei account data to suggest text based on context, including past forms, contacts, and account information, with one-click fill options. These enhancements aim to make text input on HarmonyOS NEXT quicker, more convenient, and more secure. What are your thoughts?

    Tags: , ,
  • One UI 7 May Introduce New App-Locking Feature

    One UI 7 May Introduce New App-Locking Feature

    One UI is anticipated to get a new function called App Lock with the release of One UI 7. This information comes from tipster Tarun Vats on X (formerly Twitter). Interestingly, this won't be a completely new feature for One UI, as it existed in earlier versions in some regions. Apple is also working on similar functionality, which might have prompted Samsung to develop this feature for One UI 7.

    One UI 7 might include an App Lock feature

    The App Lock feature is currently absent from One UI 6. A screenshot above shows this feature available in a development version of One UI. It appears under the Advanced Features section in the Settings app. Currently, you won't find the "App Lock" feature below Dual Messenger in the Advanced Features section on devices running One UI 6.1.

    You can still hide your apps, documents, and files in the Secure Folder by setting up the feature for the first time and installing a new instance of the app. However, if you're not interested in the setup process and prefer a straightforward app lock, the upcoming feature could be beneficial.

    Existing Similar Features

    There are a few other useful features in One UI, such as Samsung Pass, Auto Blocker, Secure Folder, and Private Share.

    However, the App Lock feature is still under development, and it remains uncertain whether the company will include it in the forthcoming One UI 7.

    Tags: , ,
  • Huawei Launches HarmonyOS NEXT, Drops Android Apps Completely

    Huawei Launches HarmonyOS NEXT, Drops Android Apps Completely

    Huawei’s annual developer conference, HDC 2024, showcased a major announcement: the official unveiling of HarmonyOS NEXT, the latest version of its proprietary operating system.

    Developed over several years, HarmonyOS, known as Hongmeng in China, has shifted away from using the Linux kernel and Android Open Source Project (AOSP) codebase. Instead, it features an entirely independent architecture built on Huawei’s own Hongmeng kernel and system.

    Huawei asserts that this new system architecture enhances overall machine performance by 30% and reduces power consumption by 20%.

    Currently, HarmonyOS NEXT is in its beta phase and seeks developers and 3,000 pioneer users to participate. Potential testers should note that the beta version might be unstable and could cause data compatibility issues.

    One System for All Devices

    A key feature of HarmonyOS NEXT is its capability to unify different devices. Huawei claims that developers need to create only one version of an app to ensure a consistent user experience across various Huawei devices. This was demonstrated at the conference with popular apps like Taobao, Yiche, and Bilibili running smoothly on different devices.

    Additionally, HarmonyOS NEXT includes an “App Continuation” function, which allows users to start a video call on their tablet and seamlessly transfer it to their phone with a single click. Data sharing between devices is also straightforward, enabling actions like cutting and pasting an image from a phone to a tablet while working on a document.

    Harmony Intelligence: AI Built-in

    HarmonyOS NEXT extends beyond device connectivity by integrating artificial intelligence (AI), termed “Harmony Intelligence.” This integration brings several features, including:

    • AIGC image generation: Create unique images from line drawings, color existing photos, or enlarge them.
    • Industry-first AI sound repair: Aids individuals with speech disorders by enhancing communication.
    • “Xiaoyi Sees the World” for visually impaired users: Uses AI to describe picture content aloud, aiding in object identification.
    • AI-powered controls: Enables third-party apps to use the system’s AI for real-time text reading, smart form filling, and image/text translation.

    Xiaoyi Gets Smarter

    Huawei’s virtual assistant, Xiaoyi, has been upgraded and is now known as the “Xiaoyi Intelligent Agent,” powered by Pangu Big Model 5.0. Xiaoyi no longer needs a wake word and can be activated by dragging and dropping content onto the navigation bar. This makes interactions more intuitive, allowing Xiaoyi to analyze content and offer actions like generating charts from images or summarizing documents.

    Security First with Star Shield

    Security is a high priority for Huawei. HarmonyOS NEXT introduces the Star Shield security architecture to safeguard user data. This architecture includes:

    • Strict app vetting: Codes and apps not meeting security standards are blocked from installation.
    • Multi-device data encryption: End-to-end encryption across devices for enhanced protection.
    • Hardware-level encryption: Individual file encryption with unique keys stored on the device’s hardware.
    • Permission control: Restricts unnecessary app permissions to minimize privacy risks.

    The Road Ahead

    HarmonyOS NEXT is still under development, with a commercial release expected in Q4 2024. The beta testing phase has started, and Huawei is actively seeking developers and early adopters to provide feedback and help improve the system.

    Huawei Launches HarmonyOS NEXT, Drops Android Apps Completely
    Huawei Launches HarmonyOS NEXT, Drops Android Apps Completely
    Tags: , ,