Author: Richard

Italy’s Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA) reports that Meta has sent out warnings to around 200 users who were deceived into downloading a counterfeit version of WhatsApp. Here are the specifics.

As per the report, Meta alerted about 200 iPhone and Android users, the majority of whom are Italians, who fell victim to a social engineering scheme that led them to install a harmful fake version of WhatsApp.

WhatsApp stated to ANSA:

“Our security team detected approximately 200 users, mainly located in Italy, who we suspect might have downloaded this unofficial and malicious client. We have logged them out and cautioned them regarding the privacy and security hazards. […] We believe this was an attempt at social engineering aimed at a select group of users, intended to persuade them to install harmful software that imitated WhatsApp, likely to obtain access to their devices.”

WhatsApp further confirmed it has taken action against the Italian spyware company Asigint, which is governed by Sio Spa and is thought to be responsible for the attack.

Currently, there are no details regarding the identities of the victims or any data (if any) that might have been compromised. WhatsApp reported that users were logged out of their accounts once the malicious application was identified, and they were also notified.

It remains uncertain how the users were deceived into installing the fraudulent version of WhatsApp. According to la Repubblica, the app’s distribution occurred “not via official sources such as the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store, but through less regulated third-party channels.”

La Repubblica does not detail what those “third-party channels” were, making it impossible to ascertain whether this utilized older methods such as certificate-based installations or newer sideloading options introduced due to the DMA.

In conclusion, WhatsApp stressed that this was not linked to a vulnerability within its platform, but rather involved the utilization of an unofficial WhatsApp client.

Apple has included the standard M5 MacBook Pro in its refurbished store at a reduced price. Nevertheless, the adjustment in base storage from last month signifies that the value against new discounted devices may not be as attractive as typical.

## Apple’s 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro refurb features a 512GB SSD

When Apple launched the M5 MacBook Pro in October, the 14-inch device was initially offered with 512GB of storage priced at $1599. Last month, Apple updated the hardware and increased the base price. The base storage was modified to 1TB, with the starting price rising to $1699. Although the starting price for the M5 MacBook Pro went up, the pricing for the 1TB version was lower than before when set as an upgrade.

Apple’s refurbished M5 MacBook Pro comes with 512GB of storage and is discounted from the original selling price of $1599 by $240, reducing the price to $1359. The new 1TB variant of the same device, sold brand new on Amazon, is currently listed for $1549. That price is still above the refurb price, but it offers significant savings compared to Apple’s new price, especially for having double the storage of the refurb model.

## A16 iPad refurbished pricing

Apple has similarly added the iPad (A16) to its refurbished store, applying a $50 discount to the base model, aligning it with the pricing of a brand new model on Amazon. Additionally, Apple’s refurbished iPad models come with options for storage and cellular upgrades.

Apple is intensifying its promotion of the charming mini-Finder character developed for the MacBook Neo campaign. Catch the ads here.

## Apple intensifies focus on Little Finder Guy, internet celebrates

Observing Apple’s campaign for the latest MacBook Neo has been quite fascinating. Targeted primarily at younger audiences with limited exposure to Mac, it also stands out as one of Apple’s most entertaining campaigns in recent memory.

Among the amusingly distracting TikTok clips from the initial round of ads, Apple held a livestream showcasing a delightful character that quickly earned the nickname Little Finder Guy from online users.

In the ensuing days, a plethora of 3D models, 3D-printed versions (available for home printing), wallpapers, and other creative works featuring Little Finder Guy emerged.

Now, Apple has unveiled a fresh batch of videos on TikTok where Little Finder Guy either takes center stage or makes brief appearances, communicating to Gen Z audiences that its tools are, like, totally useful or something.

View them below:

### Get Festive!

### DND

### Garageband

### Talking to Yourself Has Never Been Better

### Glamour

### Stacks

Apple also appears to be curating a profile collage with new videos featuring Little Finder Guy, indicating that additional videos may be on the way.

What are your thoughts on Little Finder Guy? Share your opinions in the comments.

### Worth Checking Out on Amazon