software - Softonic English

1 in 3 Android apps have serious API leakage issues, according to a recent study

A recent investigation has revealed that one third of applications on Android and more than half of applications on iOS have serious API leakage issues. These failures can compromise user security and alarmingly expose sensitive data. In a context where the protection of personal information is paramount, these findings raise questions about the responsibility of developers in safeguarding user privacy. The ecosystem is anything but secure The study has highlighted that many of these applications contain encoded secrets of […]

A recent investigation has revealed that one third of applications on Android and more than half of applications on iOS have serious API leakage issues. These flaws can compromise user security and alarmingly expose sensitive data. In a context where the protection of personal information is paramount, these findings raise questions about the responsibility of developers in safeguarding user privacy.

The ecosystem is anything but safe

The study has highlighted that many of these applications contain inadequately encoded secrets, potentially allowing unauthorized access to critical information. This problem not only affects consumers who use these applications to handle sensitive data, but also poses a considerable risk to the developers themselves, who could face legal and reputational repercussions if data breaches occur due to these vulnerabilities.

The leakage of APIs and sensitive information poses a serious risk in an environment where cybersecurity is becoming increasingly crucial. Application platforms must implement stricter regulations to ensure that developers follow best practices in handling sensitive information and coding secrets. Meanwhile, users must be aware of the risks associated with the applications they use and consider the validity of the security measures offered.

Technology companies are under pressure to quickly address these vulnerabilities to protect both their consumers and their own integrity. This growing security issue in mobile applications is an urgent reminder that cybersecurity must be a priority in software development and maintenance. As always, users are advised to keep their devices and applications updated and to stay informed about best security practices.

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The new trend that is revolutionizing the user experience

In the world of software development, a new trend called vibe coding emerges, which prioritizes the evolution of user experience and emotional connection in digital interactions. This technique, proposed by technology expert Murali Sastry, aims to enhance creativity and innovation in the creation of applications and platforms, turning the development process into a more intuitive and emotionally resonant experience. The new frontier of software Sastry has stated that vibe coding is not only a valuable alternative but will become an essential element in the evolution of development of […]

In the world of software development, a new trend called vibe coding is emerging, which prioritizes the evolution of user experience and emotional connection in digital interactions. This technique, proposed by technology expert Murali Sastry, aims to enhance creativity and innovation in the creation of applications and platforms, turning the development process into a more intuitive and emotionally resonant experience.

The new frontier of software

Sastry has stated that vibe coding is not only a valuable alternative, but it will become an essential element in the evolution of software development, especially for those who are willing to embrace this philosophy. However, the enthusiasm for this new technique is not without challenges. The implementation of vibe coding faces the need to manage security risks that may be associated with greater flexibility and creativity in the development process.

Security thus becomes a critical issue. Developers will need to balance artistic innovation and data protection, which can pose a significant challenge. Sastry warns that those who adopt vibe coding need to be prepared to take on this additional responsibility, as creativity without adequate security controls could jeopardize both users and companies.

In this context, technology companies will need to invest in training and resources to equip their developers with the necessary tools to implement vibe coding safely. Thus, it is expected that the trend will gain ground, as long as a balanced focus on security and creativity is maintained.

Microsoft fixes 111 vulnerabilities that exposed your computer to all kinds of threats

Microsoft has released updates to address a total of 111 vulnerabilities in its software portfolio, of which 16 have been classified as critical. Among these are significant flaws such as CVE-2025-53786, which affects hybrid implementations of Microsoft Exchange Server, and CVE-2025-53779, a privilege escalation vulnerability in Windows Kerberos that was publicly disclosed during the announcement. A solution so you don’t have to suffer from unforeseen issues The recently identified BadSuccessor vulnerability allows an attacker who already has access to certain attributes of Active Directory to compromise a domain, although it only affects 0.7% of […]

Microsoft has released updates to address a total of 111 vulnerabilities in its software portfolio, of which 16 have been classified as critical. Among these are significant flaws such as CVE-2025-53786, which affects hybrid implementations of Microsoft Exchange Server, and CVE-2025-53779, a privilege escalation vulnerability in Windows Kerberos that was publicly disclosed during the announcement.

A solution so you don’t have to suffer from unforeseen events

The BadSuccessor vulnerability, recently identified, allows an attacker who already has access to certain attributes of Active Directory to compromise a domain, although it only affects 0.7% of the domains in circulation. Experts point out that this flaw can enable an attacker, starting from limited administrative rights, to gain full control of the domain, using techniques such as Kerberoasting or Silver Ticket.

In addition, Microsoft has fixed four remote code execution vulnerabilities that allowed attackers to execute arbitrary commands and compromise systems without client intervention. The firm Check Point has revealed a flaw related to a Rust-based component of the Windows kernel that can cause system crashes and has warned that it could pose a significant risk for companies with large or remote templates.

A relevant aspect is the vulnerability CVE-2025-50154, which allows an attacker to extract NTLM hashes without user interaction, even on fully updated systems. This facilitates relay attacks and unauthorized access, raising concerns about security in corporate environments.

The updates not only address existing vulnerabilities, but also strengthen security measures in applications like Azure OpenAI and Microsoft 365 Copilot BizChat, which have already been mitigated without any action required from users.

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NVIDIA card updates continue to cause serious problems for its users

NVIDIA, a company that has historically earned a solid reputation for its user support and the stability of its drivers, is going through one of its most critical phases following the launch of the RTX 5000 series. Since January, users have reported severe issues, including black screens and unexpected crashes, which have caused discontent in the gaming community. A launch that has not stopped failing Despite the company releasing multiple patches to address these issues, such as version 576.15, many users continue to experience failures. The situation has forced some of them […]

A launch that has not stopped failing

Despite the company releasing multiple patches to address these issues, such as version 576.15, many users continue to experience failures. The situation has forced some of them to revert to earlier driver versions, specifically 566.36, which are not compatible with the new RTX 5000 GPUs. This leaves owners of these cards with no viable options to improve the stability of their hardware.

Recently, NVIDIA introduced the RTX 5060 Ti, generating expectations about a possible improvement in performance and stability. However, some gamers are skeptical, arguing that this rapid release of new products could compromise the quality NVIDIA was once known for. With more than four patches released in recent months, the company’s reputation is under fire, especially when compared to competitors like AMD and Intel, who have shown more consistent performance regarding their drivers.

The community hopes that the situation will stabilize with the upcoming arrival of the RTX 5060, scheduled to launch in May, featuring 8 GB of GDDR7 VRAM at a starting price of 330 euros. Meanwhile, many are wondering if NVIDIA will be able to regain its status in the realm of GPU drivers or if this crisis will mark a permanent change in its relationship with users.

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SteamOS can now be used on devices that are not from Valve

Valve recently announced during CES in Las Vegas its intention to expand SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, starting with the Lenovo Legion Go S handheld console. Version 3.7.0 of SteamOS marks a significant milestone, as it initiates support for handheld devices that are not Steam Deck, although not all current machines are eligible for this update. A huge advancement for Valve’s operating system This development is part of Valve’s strategy to compete in the growing market of handheld consoles, where industry giants like Sony and Nintendo also feature

Valve recently announced during CES in Las Vegas its intention to expand SteamOS beyond the Steam Deck, starting with the Lenovo Legion Go S handheld console. Version 3.7.0 of SteamOS marks a significant milestone, as it initiates support for handheld devices that are not Steam Deck, although not all current machines are eligible for this update.

A huge breakthrough for Valve’s operating system

This development is part of Valve’s strategy to compete in the growing market of portable consoles, where industry giants like Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft also feature. Gabe Newell’s company has acknowledged that other manufacturers have shown a clear interest in this hardware segment, leading to the need to expand its ecosystem. In this regard, Lenovo and Asus have emerged as the main collaborators in the evolution of these devices, being the two brands that have most promoted the handheld PCs category in the last two years.

Although the full implementation of support for non-Steam Deck devices is expected in May, coinciding with the launch of the Lenovo Legion Go S, the groundwork has already begun with the recent SteamOS update. This new version suggests that compatibility adjustments have been made for various models, although users of devices like the Asus ROG Ally will not be able to use this version to install the operating system yet. However, Valve has already started to integrate support for functionalities of these devices, as previously mentioned with the extra buttons of the ROG Ally.

In addition, until this support is finalized, players have an alternative in Bazzite, a solution that offers a similar experience to the Steam Deck without the need for Windows 11. With this expansion, Valve aims not only to diversify its hardware but also to emulate the success of the Steam Deck in the competitive world of portable consoles. And perhaps, reach desktop computers.

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Microsoft will not clarify whether it has suffered spyware attacks

Microsoft has recently released patches to fix vulnerabilities in two popular open-source libraries used in many of its products, such as Skype, Teams, and the Edge internet browser. These vulnerabilities could have been exploited by zero-day spyware to steal data from infected users. Although Microsoft has attempted to promptly cover any security loopholes, the company has not made any official statements or explanations regarding whether these vulnerabilities have been exploited. There has been no indication whether the company is aware of any instances where spyware might have entered any of the applications. Similarly, Sony has also refrained from making statements in this regard.

Incredibly dangerous vulnerabilities

Both vulnerabilities were discovered about a month ago and were exploited through spyware programs, as explained by researchers from Google and Citizen Lab. These vulnerabilities exist in the webp and libvpx libraries, both integrated into browsers, applications, and smartphones to process various multimedia files. Due to their widespread use, these vulnerabilities compromised the security of multiple applications almost entirely. A warning was quickly issued, urging all potential targets to update their products and enhance security measures.

In a brief statement on October 2nd, Microsoft publicly announced that the zero-day vulnerabilities had been fixed and that a security layer had been integrated into all their products. Microsoft acknowledged that these vulnerabilities were indeed present in both libraries. However, when asked if these vulnerabilities had been exploited and if any systems had been attacked, the Microsoft representative declined to answer the question. To some extent, this decision makes sense, as alarming users at this point might not be helpful. However, on the other hand, it is crucial for the affected individuals (if any) to know the extent to which their security or sensitive information has been compromised.

IObit Does It Again: Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 14 Wraps Your PC in a Super-Strong Shield

As more of us work, shop, communicate, and consume content online, it’s become more important than ever to protect our PCs with adequate safeguards against a dizzying array of threats. Our machines are vulnerable to viruses, spyware and ransomware; our personal data is at risk from phishing schemes and endless online tracking; and even the embedded software that we use can hide dangerous code that hackers can use as backdoors to enter our digital lives.

Unfortunately, getting adequate protection on our PCs as well as shields to guard our data online can be almost as complicated as understanding the different kinds of threats we face. That’s why we’re big fans of Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 14 from IObit, a major force in providing safe and secure PC system utilities.

Protect your PC against malware attacks

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Updates Specifically for 2021

Coming just about one year after the last SystemCare Ultimate update, IObit has packed this release with up-to-the-minute protections that shield you from threats anywhere they might leak in – and we mean anywhere.

“Cyber attacks have increased dramatically along with the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 and people are facing more varied types of cybersecurity risks,” said Bing Wang, IObit Product Director. “IObit attaches great importance to developing easy-to-use tools to strengthen PC’s defense against cyber threats, especially those that have recently emerged. Now at the very beginning of 2021, we are proud to present Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 14, a system tool that not only makes your PC clean and fast, but, more importantly, safe.”

For starters, IObit’s continued partnership with Bitdefender – a leading producer of antivirus software – has led to a supercharged database of malware threats. Now, not only will SystemCare Ultimate 14 protect you against the usual threats from Trojans, spyware and ransomware, but it will also guard against the unique viruses that are emerging faster than ever as we enter 2021. IObit’s algorithm and defense engine works tirelessly in the background of all your activity to spot these threats and eliminate them in real time.

Beefed-Up Browser

Browser-level security has also been significantly improved with this release. SystemCare Ultimate 14 now offers surfing protection that is more comprehensive than ever, thanks to a newly updated database that blocks dangerous websites – some of which have merged to make them even more difficult to find. On top of that, you’ll get enhanced email protection, ad removal, and anti-tracking functionality to keep you safe from annoyances like targeted ads, as well as more serious threats like phishing scams.

As if the significant online protections offered by SystemCare Ultimate 14 weren’t enough, this Swiss-army-like software also offers system enhancements that will keep your PC running safely and smoothly. It has greatly expanded and diversified its software database, which lets users access the latest updates to the programs on their machines with one click.

This not only keeps computers running better, but it also takes advantage of the latest security patches from software makers that prevent hackers finding their way onto your machine through vulnerabilities. Additionally, SystemCare Ultimate 14 also provides a registry cleaner to eliminate bloatware or unnecessary files, as well as the ability to manage your startup items to improve boot times.

Rarely do so many powerful functions converge in one software, but IObit continues to impress with its offerings. And the best part? You can download a copy completely free! Just follow the link below and a cleaner, safer, glitch-free PC is just a few clicks away.

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How to Clean Up Your Mac: Manual vs Automatic Optimization

The intuitive simplicity of Mac computers is often a key factor for Windows switchers. And it’s mostly the more experienced Mac owners who know the truth: Macs simply slow down over time. Just like every other machine – without proper maintenance, they gradually lose the gloss and speed of the day you bought it.

Symptoms often include browser slowdown (when opening 10+ Safari tabs feels like wading through a swamp), overheating (your Mac charging area turns into a hot plate), or even acting up like a teenager (apps won’t open without showing you a spinning beach ball).

Hard drive cleanup is one of the easiest ways to fix a sluggish Mac. Have you checked recently how many files are stored on your Mac? And do you really need all of them, in the current era of cloud storage? Does it make sense to keep thousands of vacation pics “just in case” – ones you haven’t even looked at in the last 5 years?

If the answer is no to any of these questions, you’re not alone. To fix this (in the simplest way), you can download MacKeeper now – it does the cleanup routine for you, while optimizing your Mac performance speed at the same time. But let’s review those cleanup tips now.

Full speed and PC protected: MacKeeper does it all for you

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Manual Cleanup: A Not-so-fun Game

If you’ve been using a Mac for at least 6 months, you’ll find there will be lots of useless stuff to clean up. It’s usually lurking in the Trash and Downloads folders, along with apps you never use; they can waste up to 10GBs of disk space, or even more.

To explore where the rest of your junk files might be hiding, try this trick. Go to Finder > Go and hold down the Option/Alt key to see the hidden Library folder. Here you’ll see folders named Caches, Logs, and Mail – the latter being probably the biggest space-gobbler of all, eating up 2-3GBs by storing unnecessary mail attachments.

Removing duplicates is a smart move too. Annoyingly, there’s no system folder that contains all duplicates. To spot similar photos on your Mac, you’ll need to check all your photos manually. The easiest way to do this would be to use special duplicate removal software. You can download MacKeeper for free if you want to smash any duplicates in just a few clicks.
The entire cleanup process can take hours and can get quite exhausting and tedious at times.

Automatic Cleanup: MacKeeper Is The Ultimate Timesaver

If you think you’ve got more fun things to do than spending cosy evenings checking system folders, you’re right. Software does it better. One of the trusted and proven apps to do the cleaning job is MacKeeper. It comes with probably the widest functionality we’ve seen, and here’s your free download link.

We found MacKeeper pretty intuitive and easy to use. It combines 12 Mac tools in one, but there is no need for you to go painstakingly through each one. Their Find & Fix is a single dashboard that does all that cleanup for you in just one click, removing junk files, duplicates in your Downloads folder, and any app leftovers swiftly and easily. What’s more, it will also clean up any adware threats, and optimize your Mac’s performance as an added bonus.

So, what does MacKeeper actually clean up? Check out their Safe Cleanup tool to purge system junk, including caches, logs, useless Mail attachments, and Trash (everything you’d spend precious time rummaging through system folders to find). Next, get rid of numerous photo duplicates with Duplicates Finder. And Smart Uninstaller will free up the most disk space – using one-click app removal, you can also uninstall pesky app leftovers and preference panes. But don’t stop there: Smart Uninstaller can also remove useless widgets, plugins, and browser extensions.

Full speed and PC protected: MacKeeper does it all for you

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Slow Mac? When yours feels a little bogged down, try running MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner to stop memory-hogging processes. Their Update Tracker will make sure your apps always stay up to date – you can install all the latest versions in a click, be it 2, 18, or even 40 available updates. Finally, if your Mac startup still takes ages, consider running Login Items to manage what should be loading when your Mac starts, and what shouldn’t.

And on top of all this, it’s a robust security app too. There’s built-in antivirus and adware protection that works in real time, keeping your Mac safe, whatever you download. But the thing that singles it out? MacKeeper protects your privacy like no other cleaning app. It monitors your email for data breaches to find password leaks, blocks ads and trackers, and even includes a VPN to secure your connection.

The Bottom Line

Download MacKeeper to make storage cleanup simple and safe. Make sure your disk space doesn’t fill up with unnecessary stuff – all without compromising your security or privacy and without putting a single personal file at risk.

Cyber Monday’s Best Digital Deals From Top Softonic Partners

When you think of getting a deal on Cyber Monday, you most likely think about scoring great prices on electronics, home goods, clothing, or other tangible items. While those bargains will certainly abound on the extremely popular shopping day, you can also snag amazing deals on digital products like software, VPN services, and more. Here we present six of the very best deals our partners are offering during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping season. You can thank us later.

Express VPN

If you don’t already protect your online identity with a virtual private network, or VPN, there’s never been a better time to try one out than with this offer from Express VPN. In case you are unfamiliar, VPNs provide you a secure virtual location that’s off-site from where your computer is physically located. This makes it pretty much impossible for your internet activity to be tracked, or for your personal data to be harvested. Express VPN is one of our top picks for providers in this field as they offer an extremely user-friendly interface, a robust “no logs” privacy protection policy, and the rare “split tunneling” functionality, which lets you use different pathways to access the internet at the same time, choosing what you’d like to have hidden, and what you don’t. With its three-month free Black Friday offer, it’s one of the best ways to try out a VPN without spending a penny.

Get 3 months free with ExpressVPN SAVE UP

Cyberghost

Cyberghost, another top VPN provider, already comes with a 45-day free trial policy, so it’s a great way to dip your virtual toes into the world of VPN privacy. On top of that, for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the company is offering a deep discount plus three free months on its 3-year plan, which works out to the unbelievably low price of just about 2 Euros per month. Cyberghost is an outstanding VPN for those who like to stream content from services like Netflix or the BBC iPlayer, as they have special servers to handle such demand. It also has “No-Spy servers” which are located at the company’s physical location in Romania, where privacy protections are incredibly strong.

Cyberghost VPN: 83% Discount Off 3-year Plan PLUS 3 Extra Months FREE SAVE UP

Adobe Creative Cloud

When it comes to powerhouse software for creatives, Adobe Creative Cloud truly is the gold standard. The software suite includes over 20 apps such as Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, Illustrator, and more. You also get Adobe Spark to help you create graphics, web pages, or video stories, and great mobile solutions as well, including the ability to run Illustrator on the iPad. On top of that, it offers a dizzying array of thousands of fonts, the chance to collaborate with other creatives, an extensive library of over 60,000 royalty-free images, and 100 GB of cloud storage. For all it offers, the usual price of $52.99 a month is already a solid bargain, but during the Black Friday period, you can get all Creative Cloud offers for 25% off and pay just $39.99 per month.

All Adobe Creative Cloud apps 25% OFF SAVE UP

Ashampoo Photo Commander 16

If you’re like most people, you’ve got a huge collection of digital photos on your computer that you never quite have the time to organize. Ashampoo’s Photo Commander 16 makes the task easy – and fun. The software works on all PCs running Windows 7 or later, and lets you organize your photos with ease, and even arrange the shots on a map using the geo-tagged information embedded in each image. It also allows you to easily edit your photos with a robust one-click fix plus gives you the ability to remove elements, straighten horizons, apply effects, and more. On top of that, you can easily create cards, calendars and other creative projects using the software’s easy, step-by-step guidance. Normally $49.99, thanks to a Black Friday deal, you can now get Ashampoo Photo Commander for just $9.99!

Edit like a pro with Ashampoo Photo Commander now at $9.99 only! SAVE UP

Microsoft Surface

Microsoft’s Surface has forever changed our idea of what a laptop can be. Light and sleek, yet incredibly robust, the tablet/computer has become an instant favorite for both professional and home use alike. During the Black Friday period, Microsoft will be offering some great Surface deals on their site, saving you up to ⅕ off the mighty machines and their accessories. For example, you can score the Surface Pro 7 with the Pro Type Cover, (which truly makes the Surface a full-service laptop), for just $599.99, a savings of $359.99 off the usual bundle price of $908.98. You can even get the new foldable Surface Duo along with the Slim Pen and earbuds in a bundle for $1498.67, a savings of up to $276.00. If you’ve been putting off adding these slim, sleek tools to your digital life, there won’t be a better time than during this Black Friday special sale.

Get your Microsoft Surface! Bundle and save up to $330 Get the deal

Udemy

Want to learn how to speed read or improve your mindfulness? Looking to learn how to build a website or leverage social media to improve your brand? Thinking of learning how to code? Then Udemy is the site for you, offering over 130,000 online video courses on a huge array of categories including personal development, IT and software, photography, design, music, and more. The courses are great if you’re looking to pick up a new skill for professional purposes, or if you just want to satisfy personal curiosity and keep your mind active. During its Black Friday sale, Udemy will be offering an amazingly generous 90% off all courses, making many of them as low as $9.99 – a true steal considering the high quality of the courses and the skills you could gain by taking them.

Upgrade your skills now for only $9.99 with Udemy Save up and upgrade

4 Reasons why you should upgrade to Avira Antivirus Pro

Four major reasons why you might want to upgrade to Avira Antivirus Pro 2020. Get your pro version of online security with a 20% discount! For Softonic users only.

As you might already know, one of the strongest free antivirus software packages out there comes from security experts, Avira. Avira Free Antivirus has been offering users protection from hackers for years with a continuously updated database of viruses, malware, ransomware, and spyware.

While that’s a remarkably complete package for a free offering, there are four major reasons why you might want to upgrade to Avira Antivirus Pro 2020, aside from the fact that it is currently on sale for 20% off its normal rate.

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Internet Protection

Stepping up to Avira Antivirus Pro 2020 adds another layer of protection to your devices thanks to its internet-level scanning function. This aspect of the software protects delicate information such as banking details, credit card numbers and other personal data from potential theft on unsecured websites. It also alerts you to suspicious websites that are known to lead to data leaks, and blocks ransomware attacks. The internet protection option is turned on from the antivirus software itself, so it covers you regardless of the browser or app that you are using to get online.

Scanning Function

Avira Antivirus Pro 2020 will also allow you to scan your entire system for files that may have been compromised by malware and keeps scanning in real-time to alert you to potential infiltrations. It can even examine downloaded software to spot hidden applications that you may not want installed on your machine, often known as bloatware. On top of that, it scans removable devices such as thumb drives or microSD cards to ensure that they are free from any malware that could damage your computer, tablet or phone.

Email Protection

The Pro level of the software adds an email scanning feature that will alert you if an attachment contains malware or if there is a link that might be infected or one that will direct you to a shady website. We so often use antivirus programs to protect our surfing activities but forget about the open pipeline that email provides to our devices. Pro 2020 expands your protection to this vital potential vulnerability.

No Adds plus Premium Customer Service

Finally, Avira Antivirus Pro 2020 grants you access to a dedicated customer support team via a toll-free number or email. You can get help with installation, operation or any other product questions you may have quickly, efficiently, and accurately. On top of that, the Pro version of the software is also completely free from ads, which is a nice upgrade from the free version.

Save 20% Off Avira Antivirus Pro (30-day money-back guarantee)

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