Latest news with #Unicode
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
Do Not Click These Notifications On Your Phone
More links you cannot click. A surprise warning for Android users heading into the weekend. It turns out on-screen notification links for even the most popular apps on your phone can be hijacked by attackers and used to redirect you to malicious websites or even to malware. Android Authority picked up the security warning from security researcher Gabriele Digregorio, and warns 'until Google issues a fix, it's safest to avoid using the 'Open link' button' within on-screen notifications, 'and open links manually in the app.' In his blog post, Digregorio explains that 'Android notifications do not properly handle some Unicode characters, leading to inconsistencies between what is displayed and what is used by the automatic 'Open Link' suggestions. This may trick users into opening a different link from the one shown in the notification.' FBI Confirms iPhone And Android Warning—Delete All These Texts That's dangerous, because the flaw 'can be exploited for phishing or to trigger app links and deep links.' Per Android Authority, even though 'Google was notified about the bug in March, [it] hasn't patched it yet.' The disclosure confirms that 'the issue still affects phones running Android 14, 15, and 16, including the Pixel 9 Pro.' 'If you regularly use an Android device,' Digregorio says, 'you may have noticed that notifications often include suggestions based on their content. This is particularly common — and useful — when the notifications come from messaging apps, where the system automatically suggests actions such as quick replies or opening a link.' Apple Warns Protesters With Stolen iPhones — You Are Being Tracked The blog post demonstrates that while 'developers do not explicitly implement this feature,' which is 'provided automatically by Android's notification system,' it affected apps including 'WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Discord and Slack.' The notification itself is fine, it's the embedded link that's open to exploitation. As Android Authority explains, 'the system might show you a link to but when you tap 'Open link', it subtly takes you to instead.' This is because 'an invisible character was used to split the word into two.' Even though 'Android displayed the full address,' only was used 'as the actual link.' It's tricky to avoid tapping notification links, but if it's an unexpected link, I would agree with Android Authority and recommend opening the app itself and going directly to the source. This will vey likely be fixed now that it's in the public domain and open to exploitation. I have reached out to Google to confirm.
Android Authority
13-06-2025
- Android Authority
This Android notification exploit could trick you into opening some very unfriendly links
Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR A bug in Android notifications can cause the 'Open link' button to open a different link than the one displayed. Hidden characters in the messages can confuse the system, causing it to open a link that only makes up a part of the one in the displayed notification. Until Google issues a fix, it's safest to avoid using the 'Open link' button and open links manually in the app. You might want to think twice before tapping that link in your Android notifications, even if it looks safe. A newly discovered bug means that the link you see in the notification might not be the one you're actually opening, and the potentially dangerous consequences are apparent. In a clear and detailed blog post, Security researcher Gabriele Digregorio lays out how Android's 'Open link' button — the one that shows up in notifications from apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, or Slack — can be manipulated to send users to a completely different website than the one shown. The trick involves inserting hidden Unicode characters into a message, which can fool Android into reading the text differently when deciding which part of the notification text is the link. For example, the system might show you a link to but when you tap 'Open link,' it subtly takes you to instead. That's exactly what happened in one test, where an invisible character was used to split the word into two. Android displayed the full address in the notification as if it were legit, but treated only the second part ( as the actual link. Digregorio demonstrates this example in the YouTube video below. It's easy to see how this could be used to trick people into visiting phishing sites, or even to trigger actions inside apps via deep links. One example in Digregorio's report shows a WhatsApp link that opens a chat with a preset message. This is a legitimate WhatsApp feature, but it's potentially risky if used deceptively. In theory, apps should always ask for confirmation before carrying out any action triggered by a link. However, some don't, which means tapping the wrong link could launch something instantly. Google was notified about the bug in March but hasn't patched it yet. In correspondence with the researcher, Google assessed the issue as moderate severity, which appears to mean it will be addressed in a future update, but doesn't warrant a separate and immediate security patch. At the time of the blog's publication on Wednesday, the issue still affected phones running Android 14, 15, and 16, including the Pixel 9 Pro. iPhones behave differently, highlighting suspicious links more clearly, but similar tricks are technically possible. Until a fix arrives, the safest option is to avoid tapping these notification-generated links altogether. If something looks important, open the app directly instead, and double-check any links before you visit them. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Time Out Dubai
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
6 must-know facts about the new UAE dirham currency symbol
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has approved the design for a brand new symbol for the dirham. First announced in March of 2025, the new currency symbol will eventually be rolled out for wider use by businesses and residents alike. Previously, the dirham did not have a standard abbreviated name, with it commonly shortened to AED, Dhs and Dh in media, banking and by the wider public. But now the CBUAE has established a shortened version of dirham – similar to how the US has the $, the UK uses the £ and Europe has the €. The new symbol has yet to be approved by Unicode, the universal system that allows us to type emojis en masse in the group chat, and could take some time to be formally introduced. And the CBUAE has outlined the do's and don'ts of the symbol and how it will affect daily payments. The UAE dirham symbol design explained On the face of it, the dirham symbol looks like a capital D with two stylised lines through it, but there's been a lot more thought put into it than that. Inspired by the UAE's national identity, the lines reimagine the stripes on the flag and integrate them into the letter D, in reference to the English name for the currency. The pointed curves are inspired by classical Arabic calligraphy, where scripts such as Thuluth and Diwani often appear sharp. The sweeping endings are intended to express grace and authority. Dos and don'ts of the new UAE dirham symbol Dos and don'ts of the new UAE dirham currency symbol (Credit: CBUAE) The CBUAE has outlined several dos and don'ts for how the symbol should be written and presented. When writing out the price of something, the symbol should appear to the left of the numbers rather than to the right. Similar to how dollar and pound values are written. The symbol should also never be used alongside the AED currency code or any other shortened term for the dirham. For example, you can't write the symbol AED500, it's an either or situation. The CBUAE also outlined that the correct proportions should be maintained, the symbol should be the same height as the numbers, and space should be put between the symbol and the numerals. It will primarily appear in black or white to ensure clarity and consistency but brand colour variations are allowed in marketing contexts as long as they maintain clear visibility. Gradients, effects and decorative alterations are not permitted. Where the new UAE dirham symbol will appear on keyboards UAE Dirham symbol will appear above the 6 on keyboards (Credit: CBUAE) The currency symbol has been designated to appear on the number 6 key across all keyboard layouts, replacing the standard secondary symbol on the keyboard. The CBUAE has advised that it should be centred horizontally and vertically within the top half of the key on single-language keycaps. On dual-language keycaps, it should be placed in the top left corner to accommodate the secondary script, which typically appears in the lower portion of the key. How to write the new UAE dirham symbol (Credit: CanvaPro) The new UAE dirham symbol is written out similarly to a capital D and has two wavy strokes through the middle of it. Lines curve upwards from the left and invert downwards on the other side of the D. Once introduced in Unicode, the currency symbol may be adapted to match different font styles as long as the core structure maintains its recognisable form. The CBUA say that minor adjustments may be required to match up with a specific typeface as long as any modifications don't compromise the legibility or distort the symbol's identity. What the new UAE dirham symbol means for paying with cheques How the UAE dirham symbol will appear on cheques (Credit: CBUAE) Next time you order a chequebook to pay for your rent, it's possible that the new symbol will be printed on the paper. When printed on cheques, the symbol must appear in the 'amount in figures' field placed immediately before the numeric value. The symbol should be the same height and stroke weight as the numerals to maintain baseline alignment and prevent tampering. The symbol should not be used in place of the written phrase 'dirhams' when writing out your cash value in words. Writing out the word in full will maintain legal clarity. Where you'll see the new UAE dirham symbol The UAE dirham symbol can already be seen in online shopping outlets such as noon (Credit: The CBUAE has outlined where we should expect to see the symbol, in addition to a few places where it would be inappropriate to see it. It has been designed to be used in financial and transactional contexts where values are expressed in numerals. You may have already seen the symbol when shopping online, but you can also expect to see it at ATMs, on pricing labels, physical currency notes and coins, and on calculators. Similar to guidelines for the UAE flag, the Dirham symbol should not be used in any logos or branding. The symbol should also not replace the full written form 'Dirhams' when amounts need to be spelt out. It should also not be used on splash screens or as part of identity or promotional design. Dubai nostalgia 8 pictures of what Global Village used to look like from 90s car park to today The history of Dubai's favourite family day out 19 pictures showing what DXB Airport used to look like From 200 passengers a day to Emirates launch 20 pictures that show how much Dubai has changed from the 1950s to today Take a look at these unrecognisable photos of the city
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Delhi University launches course on Sanskrit and Digital Technology to teach coding basics
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Amid ongoing debates about the relevance of Sanskrit in modern computing, Delhi University (DU) has introduced a course linking the classical language with digital technology . The Department of Sanskrit is offering an elective course titled Computer Applications for Sanskrit to students pursuing the subject across DU course, classified as a discipline-specific elective, introduces foundational computing skills tailored to the use of Sanskrit. It is designed to help students engage with tools and methods used in computational linguistics, including web development using HTML, Unicode typing in Devanagari script, optical character recognition (OCR), and text digitisation and Chandra, faculty member and course designer, said the course aims to demonstrate the integration of Sanskrit with technology. "We have developed various tools like grammar checkers, speech-to-text applications, and a Sanskrit research database. Through this course, students will learn the coding behind such tools," he curriculum focuses on web-based tool development, Devanagari input systems, multimedia basics, and e-learning concepts for Sanskrit. While it does not offer advanced programming training, it covers basic coding principles that can be applied to build digital platforms for the to fourth-semester students with working knowledge of Sanskrit, the course incorporates tools created by DU's Computational Linguistics Group and includes references from software theory and logic. A dedicated unit covers OCR for Indian languages, offering insights into available technologies and their applications in preserving ancient course objective, as outlined in the syllabus, is to introduce students to current research in Sanskrit computing and highlight tools developed with government and private funding. The expected outcome is to provide students with an understanding of computational linguistics in Sanskrit and the potential of digital tools to aid language learning and a recent event, Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta echoed support for Sanskrit's use in coding. "Even Nasa scientists have written about Sanskrit being a scientific language. It is the most computer-friendly language," she said during the conclusion of a Sanskrit learning in 2014, DU's Computational Linguistics Research and Development for Sanskrit initiative has been focused on developing digital content, language analysis systems, and searchable databases of Sanskrit literature. The department also organises summer programmes for students from other institutions to explore the intersection of Sanskrit and technology (With TOI inputs)
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
As debate over coding in Sanskrit rages, DU introduces course blending ancient language with web development
New Delhi: Amid the debate around Sanskrit being a suitable language for coding — with some even citing Nasa's supposed use of the ancient language — Delhi University has introduced a course that brings the idea closer to the classroom. Offered by DU's Department of Sanskrit as a discipline-specific elective paper, titled "Computer Applications for Sanskrit", the course aims to equip students with modern computing techniques to develop tools using the Sanskrit language. Discipline-specific electives are optional courses that students can select from a range of available choices. This particular course will be accessible as an elective option to all Sanskrit students enrolled across various colleges in DU. Subhash Chandra, a faculty member at the Sanskrit department who developed the course and teaches computational linguistics, said the aim is to show students how Sanskrit can be integrated with technology. "We also have a website where we display some tools that we have developed using coding in Sanskrit. Some of these include language analysers, grammar checkers, speech tools — similar to those in Hindi that convert speech to text — and a Sanskrit research database. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo In this course, we will teach students coding to develop such tools," he said. The course syllabus will cover web-based tools development, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) and webpage creation, alongside Unicode typing in Devanagari, OCR applications, and text digitisation and preservation. It will introduce students to interactive Sanskrit learning platforms and discuss the need for such tools in Sanskrit education. The module also includes e-learning concepts and multimedia basics. A dedicated section on Unicode will focus on typing in Devanagari script (alphabet used for Sanskrit, Hindi and other Indian languages), introducing students to relevant software and keyboard tools. Another unit is centred on the tools and techniques used for text processing and preservation of Sanskrit texts. The final unit explores Optical Character Recognition (OCR) applications for Sanskrit and other Indian languages, offering insights into the current technologies and developments in the field. While the course does not teach full-fledged programming, it introduces basic coding and digital skills to help students create interactive tools and platforms in Sanskrit — aligning, in part, with the broader narrative of giving ancient Indian languages a technological future. It is open to fourth-semester students with a working knowledge of Sanskrit and draws from tools developed by DU's Computational Linguistics Group and texts on software theory and logic. The objective of the paper, as stated in the syllabus, is to "introduce the current researches and developments in Sanskrit computing. The primary emphasis will be on tools and techniques developed under govt and private funding and on exploring new technologies for Sanskrit". The learning outcomes add: "The students will get an overview of computational works undertaken in the field of Sanskrit and a clear idea about how a range of practical linguistic tasks of Sanskrit can be done by developing CL systems. And, they will also know how CL tools can facilitate the learning and teaching process in the field of Sanskrit." On May 4, chief minister Rekha Gupta, speaking at the closing ceremony of a 10-day Sanskrit learning initiative, voiced support for the potential the language holds in the field of coding. "Even Nasa scientists have written papers on Sanskrit and confirmed that it is a scientific language. Coding can be done in Sanskrit. It is the most computer-friendly language," she said. Such assertions have sparked renewed discussions on the applicability of Sanskrit in contemporary computing, with DU's course now offering a practical academic framework to explore the language's digital possibilities. The Computational Linguistics Research and Development for Sanskrit initiative at DU's Department of Sanskrit was launched in 2014 under the supervision of Chandra. The group focuses on developing e-learning tools, creating digital content for Sanskrit scientific texts, building language analysis tools, and digitising Sanskrit literature for searchable online access. The department also runs a summer school that invites students from other universities to participate in a programme termed the "emerging intersection of Sanskrit and technology".
