ProSpy and ToSpy: the latest spyware threats disguised as messaging applications

ESET researchers have recently discovered two families of spyware, identified as ProSpy and ToSpy, that pose as popular messaging applications, Signal and ToTok, apparently targeting residents of the United Arab Emirates. Experts revealed that these malware campaigns were detected in June, although they are believed to date back to early last year. Be very careful with what you install on your mobile ToTok, which had been widely criticized for being a government espionage tool of the UAE, was discontinued in 2020 following an investigation by the New York Times. However, the spyware […]

Researchers from ESET have recently discovered two families of spyware, identified as ProSpy and ToSpy, that impersonate popular messaging applications, Signal and ToTok, apparently targeting residents of the United Arab Emirates. Experts revealed that these malware campaigns were detected in June, although they are believed to date back to early last year.

Be very careful with what you install on your mobile

ToTok, which had been widely criticized for being a spying tool of the UAE government, was discontinued in 2020 following an investigation by the New York Times. However, the spyware is presented as an improved version of that application, called ToTok Pro. When downloading this malware, permissions are requested to access contacts, text messages, and stored files, allowing the leakage of sensitive information, including device data and multimedia content.

It is important to note that the infected applications were not available in the official app stores. Instead, manual installation from third-party sites that mimicked legitimate services was required. For example, one of these malicious sites imitated Samsung’s Galaxy Store, leading users to install fraudulent versions of the ToTok application.

The confirmed detections of this spyware in the UAE, along with the use of phishing techniques and fake app stores, suggest that attackers are carrying out strategic operations focused on this region. This is not the first time a similar phenomenon has been observed, as in the past, ESET has documented the cover-up of malware in fake app updates such as WhatsApp and on sites that pretend to offer Telegram.

According to ESET’s research, since the popularity of the ToTok app was concentrated in the UAE and considering the impersonation tactics used, it is reasonable to think that users in this region are the primary target of spyware campaigns.

Personalized ads are coming to Facebook and Instagram thanks to conversations with AI

Meta has announced that it will begin to consider user interactions with its generative artificial intelligence tools to personalize the content and ads displayed on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. With over a billion people using Meta AI monthly, the company aims to enhance its recommendation engine based on these interactions, turning conversations with AI into data signals. Be careful what you say to the AI This new strategy will allow ad and content recommendations to be fed by conversations, both written and spoken, offering more targeted segmentation

Meta has announced that it will begin to consider user interactions with its tools of generative artificial intelligence to personalize the content and ads displayed on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. With over a billionpeople using Meta AI monthly, the company aims to enrich its recommendation engine based on these interactions, turning conversations with AI into data signals.

Be Careful with What You Talk About with AI

This new strategy will allow advertisement and content recommendations to be fed by conversations, both written and spoken, offering more effective targeting. According to Meta, by integrating this data in real-time, brands will be able to reach their audiences with more relevant content precisely at the moment their interests arise.

The launch of this initial update is taking place in two phases. Users will begin receiving notifications and emails starting October 7, anticipating its official release scheduled for December 16. During this phase, interactions with Meta AI will directly influence feed recommendations, similar to how likes or following accounts do.

For example, if a user asks Meta AI about hiking, this could trigger recommendations for hiking groups, content about friends’ trails, or ads for hiking boots. Additionally, users will have control over the personalization of their ads through ad preferences settings and sensitive topics, which will remain excluded from ad targeting.

The incorporation of AI-driven signals also poses new challenges in terms of transparency and privacy, which makes it essential for Meta to implement appropriate controls and opt-out options to gain user trust. This move promises not only to enhance the relevance of ads but also to spark a debate about data management and privacy in the digital age.

These are the new releases coming to Crunchyroll this fall

The last quarter of 2025 promises to be an exciting period for anime fans, with a series of anticipated premieres that have captured the community’s attention. Since the start of the autumn season, Crunchyroll has been the streaming service that has accumulated the most content, establishing itself as the leading platform for streaming anime series. A very anime-filled season Among the most anticipated titles is the third season of ‘One-Punch Man’, which has been praised for its animation and humor, as well as the final season of ‘Boku no Hero Academia’, which closes a crucial chapter in […]

The last quarter of 2025 promises to be an exciting period for anime fans, with a series of anticipated premieres that have captured the community’s attention. Since the beginning of the autumn season, Crunchyroll has been the streaming service that has accumulated the most content, establishing itself as the leading platform for streaming anime series.

A very animated season

Among the most anticipated titles is the third season of ‘One-Punch Man’, which has been praised for its animation and humor, as well as the final season of ‘Boku no Hero Academia’, which closes a crucial chapter in the story of the multiverse of heroes and villains. Additionally, fans of ‘Spy x Family’ will be able to enjoy its return, continuing with the blend of comedy and action that characterizes this popular series.

Crunchyroll has also added the sixth season of ‘Kingdom’, a series that has resonated deeply among fans of epic war stories, and ‘Digimon Beatbreak’, which will return with a simulcast also available on the AnimeBox platform, allowing fans to choose how to follow the series. Additionally, a spin-off titled ‘Gintama – Mr. Ginpachi’s Zany Class’ has been announced, promising to add a touch of classic humor to this season’s offerings.

Despite the anticipation, so far the Spanish dubbing for these new series has not been confirmed, although they will be available in their original version on a weekly basis. With all these additions, Crunchyroll is in a strong position to attract more users as we close out 2025 and further strengthen its reputation in the industry. This heightens expectations for what is to come in the world of anime in the last quarter of the year.

Elon Musk asks followers to cancel their Netflix subscriptions

Elon Musk, self-proclaimed absolutist of free speech, has used his prominence on the social network X, a platform he controls, to urge his 227 million followers to cancel their subscriptions to Netflix. In a span of three days, Musk has posted and shared at least 26 messages criticizing the popular streaming company, which has sparked a notable debate on social media about the impact of his influence. Will the platform notice this boycott? Musk’s calls to cancel Netflix are framed within his public stance on the regulation of […]

Elon Musk, self-proclaimed absolutist of free speech, has used his prominence on the social network X, a platform he controls, to ask his 227 million followers to cancel their Netflix subscriptions. In a span of three days, Musk has posted and shared at least 26 messages criticizing the popular streaming company, which has sparked a notable debate on social media about the impact of his influence.

Will the platform notice this boycott?

Musk’s calls to cancel Netflix are framed within his public stance on content regulation on digital platforms and his desire to promote what he considers greater freedom of expression. This move has been interpreted by some as a response to the perception that Netflix is moving away from certain values that Musk defends, although no specific details have been provided about which aspects of the platform’s content have bothered him.

Musk’s ability to mobilize a large number of followers instantly demonstrates the power that social media has in shaping opinions and business decisions. His strategy could have significant repercussions on the public perception of Netflix at a time when competition in the streaming sector is fierce. The growing polarization of content and the opinions of opinion leaders like Musk add a layer of complexity to the dynamics of the entertainment market.

As the confrontation between Musk and Netflix continues, questions arise about the future of digital platforms and their role in promoting or restricting freedom of expression. Some analysts point out that this situation may reflect a broader trend in which the powerful of social media become relevant players in the commercial and cultural sphere.

The Russos share an image that could provide clues about the upcoming Avengers movie

Excitement is growing around ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, thanks to the return of Robert Downey Jr. as the villain Dr. Doom, as well as the return of the Russo brothers as directors not only of this film but also of its sequel. This development has sparked speculation about the multiversal nature of the film, as it could establish unexpected connections between different cinematic universes. Connections between multiverses Recently, the directors shared an image from the set of ‘Doomsday’ on Instagram, which fueled enthusiasm among fans. While the image was considered opaque by some, more meticulous followers discovered intriguing clues in […]

Excitement is growing around ‘Avengers: Doomsday’, thanks to the return of Robert Downey Jr. as the villain Dr. Doom, as well as the return of the Russo brothers as directors not only of this film but also of its sequel. This development has sparked speculation about the multiversal nature of the film, as it could establish unexpected connections between different cinematic universes.

Connections between multiverses

Recently, the directors shared an image from the set of ‘Doomsday’ on Instagram, which fueled excitement among fans. While the image was considered dull by some, more meticulous followers discovered intriguing clues in the set decoration. On the left, a letter A could be seen, suggesting the presence of the ‘Avengers’; on the right, scaffolding arranged in an X shape, hinting at the inclusion of the ‘X-Men’.

Several experts point out that this symbolism could allude to the ‘AvX’ event (Avengers vs. X-Men), a notable conflict in the comics where tensions between both groups culminate in a civil war. This context is particularly relevant, given that both teams will be involved in the plot of ‘Doomsday’, although it is also suggested that the movie could draw inspiration from Jonathan Hickman’s acclaimed run with the ‘Avengers’, which led to events like ‘Secret Wars’.

It is expected that ‘Doomsday’ will serve as a preparation for the promised multiversal conflict in ‘Secret Wars’, officially integrating the FOX universe into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Undoubtedly, this film has the potential to intertwine multiple iconic storylines, becoming a milestone in the history of the MCU and further raising fans’ expectations.