News

New Android malware called xHelper is not removable

Here’s why you should take security updates seriously

Published

April 9, 2020

Shivam Vahia

A new Android malware package has been discovered and researchers claim it’s impossible to kill it. More than 55,000 Android devices worldwide have been infected and Igor Golovin from Kasperksy Labs says it just won’t die.

Known as xHelper, the malware has been spreading mainly in Russia, Europe, and Southwest Asia. So far, it has infected devices running on Android v6 or v7. Even though your first thought would be that they’re years old and outdated when the world has reached Android 10, it’s worth noting that nearly 15 percent of devices worldwide still run on that system.

The malware called xHelper downloads a few more companion files after an intrusion, including one known as Triada. Triada provides xHelper with root access of the device, basically making it impossible to remove.

“The main feature of xHelper is entrenchment,” Igor explained. “Once it gets into the phone, it somehow remains there even after the user deletes it and restores the factory settings.”

From Kaspersky Labs

The malware has been spreading via unofficial app stores. This is the exact reason why Google has always stressed that you don’t install external packages and rely on its secure Play Store. It even has a service called “Play Protect” that ensures all apps listed on the marketplace are safe.

The malware disguises itself as a legit device “cleaning” app. That’s why these are also called Trojan Horse — a misleading app that hides its real motive behind a curtain of legitimacy.

Further, Igor said, “Malicious files are stored sequentially in the app’s data folder, which other programs do not have access to.” This conceals its presence and the malware can continue using tools that are already known to cybersecurity experts but are still not able to remove it.

This is also the primary reason why Google regularly pushes out monthly security updates to all Android phones. They contain patches for discovered vulnerabilities. This also explains why continuous software updates are crucial for online safety.

Related Topics:Android cybersecurity Kaspersky Malware Security Upates Spyware xHelper

Gaming

Kingdom Come devs are working on a Lord of the Rings RPG

This is alongside a new adventure in the Kingdom Come universe.

Published

May 21, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Proven by both entries in the duology, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is the quintessential medieval life simulator, bolstered by an engaging story to go along with its impressive gameplay. Despite having the series as the only items in its resume, Warhorse Studios has emerged as a developer you’d want to believe in, no matter what. And now, the studio is asking fans to stick with it in an entirely new world: Middle-earth.

Through now-viral posts on social media, Warhorse Studios announced two upcoming projects after Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Firstly, the studio will return to the Holy Roman Empire in “a new Kingdom Come adventure.”

View this post on Instagram

A return to the series that made them famous is notable enough. After all, the two games were worthy candidates for their respective Game of the Year awards. However, the bigger news is the announcement of an upcoming open-world Middle-earth RPG.

Yes, that’s the same Middle-earth as The Lord of the Rings. Beyond that single description, Warhorse Studios has not announced anything else about the upcoming title, but there’s naturally a lot of excitement for the game.

Tolkien’s world has had a rough history littered with lackluster titles and outright flops like Return to Moria and Gollum. The last Middle-earth games that truly made heads turn in a good way were Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War, which were both open-world RPGs.

There’s a lot of pressure riding on yet another Middle-earth game. Then again, Warhorse Studios has the chops to make it work.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a more rigorous RPG that has players learning to do everything including how to read. Will the Middle-earth RPG follow the same style?

Computers

AMD expands Ryzen PRO 9000 series processor lineup

AMD brings 3D V-Cache technology to commercial segment

Published

May 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

AMD has announced an expansion of its enterprise desktop lineup with new Ryzen PRO 9000 Series processors. These are built on the Zen 5 architecture and set to debut in the second half of 2026.

This is the first time AMD is bringing its high-bandwidth 3D V-Cache technology into the commercial workstation segment.

This way, the company unlocks massive performance leaps for data-heavy professional industries.

The introduction of 3D V-Cache directly targets power users handling complex, intensive digital pipelines.

By vertically stacking additional last-level cache directly onto the processor die, the hardware drastically cuts down memory latency and accelerates data access.

Primary beneficiaries of this architecture are creative and technical professionals, including:

video editors and animators
3D artists and VFX creators
engineers and architects
developers and data scientists

The expanded hardware lineup spans configurations from six to 16 performance cores. Power limits break past traditional limits, or up to a sustained 170 watts to maintain peak clock speeds during overnight renders.

The range also makes the lineup scalable from compact desktop systems to full-scale tower workstation systems.

The AMD Ryzen PRO 9000 series also supports up to 256GB of memory to prevent system crashes. Enterprise system rollouts are expected to begin later this year.

Accessories

UGREEN unveils pocket-sized Nexode and MagFlow Air Editions

Compact charger, magnetic power banks

Published

May 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

UGREEN has introduced its new Nexode and MagFlow Air Editions, a lineup of ultra-portable charging accessories designed primarily for Apple users.

The new collection focuses on combining compact form factors with fast charging performance for devices like the MacBook Air, iPhone, iPad, and AirPods.

Leading the lineup is the Nexode Air 65W Charger, a compact charger capable of delivering up to 65W fast charging for the MacBook Air. UGREEN says the charger is designed to remain portable despite its power output, making it suitable for travel and daily carry.

For users who prefer an even slimmer design, the company is also offering the Nexode Air 45W Charger Slim.

Both chargers feature UGREEN’s Thermal Guard temperature control technology and broad compatibility across Apple devices.

On the wireless charging side, the MagFlow Air Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh 15W offers Qi2-certified 15W magnetic charging in a slim portable form factor.

The power bank also includes a built-in USB-C cable alongside an additional USB-C port for more flexible charging options. UGREEN says it uses premium ATL battery cells for improved safety and reliability.

The wider Air Edition lineup likewise includes: