Phishing, Smishing And Vishing Difference: Online scams are everywhere, and they are getting smarter by the day. For most people, every online fraud is simply called “phishing.” But the truth is, scammers use different paths to reach their victims. Some hide behind emails, some slip into your phone as text messages, and others speak to you directly through phone calls. These tricks are known as phishing, smishing, and vishing. While the methods may change, the goal never does. Scammers want your personal details, banking information, or login credentials. Knowing how these scams work and how they differ can help you spot danger early and protect yourself from costly mistakes.  What is Phishing? Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Phishing is the most common type of online scam and usually takes place through emails. Fraudsters send messages that look like they are from trusted organisations such as banks, government departments, e-commerce platforms, or social media companies. These emails often warn users about suspicious activity, account suspension, or pending KYC updates. Victims are asked to click on links or download attachments, which lead to fake websites designed to capture usernames, passwords, card details, or other sensitive data. What is Smishing? Smishing is a form of phishing carried out through SMS or messaging platforms like WhatsApp. These messages are typically short, urgent, and designed to trigger quick action. Common examples include alerts about blocked parcels, expired KYC, unpaid toll charges, or offers of free recharge and cashback. The links shared in such messages redirect users to fraudulent websites that closely resemble official pages. Because people often trust text messages more than emails, smishing scams are growing rapidly. What is Vishing? Vishing, or voice phishing, happens through phone calls. Scammers impersonate bank officials, police officers, courier agents, or customer support executives. They create panic by claiming that an illegal transaction has occurred, an account will be frozen, or a payment has failed. Victims are pressured into sharing OTPs, PINs, or card details over the phone. With caller ID spoofing and leaked data, these calls can sound highly credible. Phishing, Smishing or Vishing: Key differences The key difference between phishing, smishing, and vishing is the medium used to target victims. Phishing scams are carried out through emails that contain fake links or attachments. Smishing scams use SMS or messaging apps like WhatsApp, often sending short and urgent messages with malicious links. Vishing scams happen through phone calls, where fraudsters impersonate bank officials or authorities and pressure victims into sharing sensitive details. While the methods differ, the intent remains the same: stealing personal or financial information. How to stay safe from Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing  Pointer 1: Scammers use urgency, fear, and threats to push quick decisions. Always pause and think before responding.  Pointer 2: Do not disclose OTPs, PINs, CVV numbers, passwords, or card details over email, messages, or phone calls. Pointer 3: Do not tap links received through unsolicited emails, SMS, or WhatsApp messages. Access services only via official apps or websites.  Pointer 4: If a message or call claims to be from a bank or company, verify it using official contact details, not the ones shared by the caller. Pointer 5: End calls that ask for personal or financial details. Legitimate organisations never demand such information over the phone.  Pointer 6: In case of suspected fraud, report it to 1930 and inform your bank without delay to limit potential losses. 

EPFO New App Features: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is developing a new mobile application that will allow its 8 crore members to withdraw their EPF balance directly into their bank accounts using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). As per reports, a certain portion of the EPF balance will be frozen, while a large share will be available for withdrawal through the UPI gateway, along with access to other services such as passbook balance details. The move is part of EPFO’s EPFO 3.0 upgrade and aims to make PF access as simple as using a banking app, with an instant, paperless, and fully digital withdrawal process. Currently, salaried employees use either the Universal Account Number (UAN) portal or the UMANG app to access their EPF accounts and related services. EPFO New App: What’s New  Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Ministry of Labour and Employment is currently conducting trial runs using 100 dummy accounts to identify and resolve technical issues ahead of the public rollout in April 2026. The new auto-settlement mode processes claims electronically within three days, without any manual intervention. (Also Read: Airtel’s Evergreen Recharge Plans 2026: Unlimited Calls, 5G data, 100 SMS per Day, and 20+ OTT apps; Check prices and other benefits) Under this system, the claim limit has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The initiative aims to simplify the withdrawal process and reduce the workload of EPFO, which handles over 5 crore claims annually, mostly related to EPF withdrawals. Officials said the government wants to bring EPFO services on par with banks. Meanwhile, while the new EPFO app will serve as the primary platform for UPI-based withdrawals, existing services such as the EPFO Unified Member Portal and the UMANG app will continue to operate for other functions. EPFO New App: Features The new facility allows EPFO members to transfer eligible funds to their linked bank accounts almost instantly using their UPI PIN, bypassing the traditional claim process that can take several days. Through the new app, subscribers will be able to view the eligible EPF balance available for transfer to their seeded bank accounts directly within the mobile application. This enables members to access their EPF money within three days for purposes such as illness, education, marriage, and housing. Initial discussions suggest a withdrawal limit of Rs 25,000 per transaction for UPI-based transfers. (Also Read: boAt Chrome Iris smartwatch launched in India with Bluetooth calling and health feature; Check specs and price) The app will clearly show the eligible balance while keeping 25% of the total balance locked for retirement security. This service will be available through a dedicated EPFO app, integrated with the BHIM app and other UPI platforms. 

Bharat Taxi App Features: To ease travel for Delhi Metro commuters, India’s ride-hailing market may soon welcome a new player, Bharat Taxi. The platform is being positioned as a driver-first alternative to private aggregators such as Ola, Uber and Rapido, with a strong focus on transparent fares and better earnings for cab drivers. Bharat Taxi is a government-backed cab service and is expected to launch on January 1, 2026.  The app is supported by the Ministry of Cooperation and will be operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited. Notably, the Bharat Taxi app is available on both Android and iOS. Bharat Taxi services have been made available at 10 Metro stations across the NCR. It has been designed to promote cooperative based economic models while ensuring fair and transparent service delivery.  Bharat Taxi app: Features and fare structure  Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Bharat Taxi is positioning itself as a transparent platform for both drivers and passengers. The app is expected to offer features such as real-time vehicle tracking, ride-sharing with friends and family, and round-the-clock customer support. Driver onboarding will include proper verification, and the service will be linked with local law enforcement agencies to handle emergencies. Drivers will also receive insurance coverage and will be able to earn extra income through advertisements displayed on their vehicles. Fare rates on Bharat Taxi are likely to be competitive with Ola and Uber, but with more predictable pricing. For drivers, the biggest difference is the zero-commission model, which allows them to keep the full fare without paying any platform fees. Notably, the Bharat Taxi’s prices to be up to 30% cheaper than private competitors. Like other ride-hailing apps, Bharat Taxi will integrate with public transport services such as the Metro, enabling users to plan multi-modal journeys through a single app. The platform also plans to introduce dedicated pickup and drop zones at airports, with expansion to other transport hubs in the future. Safety features include emergency contact alerts, access to a safety team, and an in-app siren. Currently, around three lakh drivers have joined Bharat Taxi, over one lakh users are registered on the platform, and more than 10,000 rides are completed daily across Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. Meanwhile, all the drivers undergo a verification process to enhance security for passengers using the service. Bharat Taxi: Available at 10 Delhi Metro stations  The government-backed Bharat Taxi will be available at 10 Delhi Metro stations, including New Delhi, Kashmere Gate, Millennium City Centre Gurugram, Botanical Garden, Lajpat Nagar, Vaishali, Hauz Khas, Sikandarpur, Rajiv Chowk and Noida Sector 62. Bharat Taxi App: How to book  Step 1: Download the official Bharat Taxi mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Step 2: Open the app and sign up using your mobile number, followed by OTP verification. Step 3: Complete your profile by entering basic personal details. Step 4: During registration, users can mention any disability to ensure better accessibility and comfort. Step 5: Once registered, access the home screen to choose the type of ride you need. Step 6: Book instant city rides, intercity travel, or Metro-linked rides directly through the app. 

Google Warns Android: A new warning has been issued for Android smartphone users. Google recently alerted millions of Android users about a dangerous malware called Arsink Malware. Cybersecurity researchers say this is not a typical virus but a highly dangerous Remote Access Trojan (RAT) that can steal personal information and take complete control of a device once it infects a phone. According to a report by mobile security company Zimperium, Arsink malware is spreading in multiple variants, making it difficult to detect and stop. It often infiltrates phones through apps that appear legitimate and trustworthy, tricking users into installing them. What is Arsink Malware and how it spreads Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Arsink is not a regular virus. It is designed to quietly run in the background and give attackers deep access to an infected phone. Cybersecurity researchers warn that it can read messages, access call logs, steal contacts, record audio using the microphone, and even access files stored on the device. (Also Read: Google Aluminium OS Explained: Launch timeline, features, and what it means for Chromebook existing users) The malware usually spreads outside the Google Play Store. It is commonly shared through Telegram channels, Discord posts, third‑party websites, and suspicious download links. The malware often disguises itself as “Mod” or “Premium” versions of popular apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, and TikTok. Users install these apps thinking they are upgrades, unknowingly infecting their phones.  Google response  Google has clarified that no versions of Arsink malware are available on the Play Store. Android devices with Google Play Protect enabled are automatically protected from such harmful apps. Adding further, Google has partnered with researchers to shut down servers and cloud infrastructure linked to this malware, further reducing the threat. (Also Read: AI Impact Summit 2026: 100 Countries, 15 Heads of State, 100+ CEOs to attend; Top global leaders, Check Delhi hotel rates) Arsink Malware: How to stay safe  Pointer 1: Download apps only from the official Google Play Store to avoid malicious software from unknown sources.  Pointer 2: Avoid using ‘Mod’ or ‘Premium’ versions of popular apps, as these are often disguised malware. Pointer 3: Do not click on suspicious links from emails, messages, Telegram channels, or third-party websites. Pointer 4: Check app permissions carefully and avoid apps that ask for unnecessary access to messages, contacts, microphone, or files.  Pointer 5: Keep Google Play Protect enabled to automatically detect and block harmful apps on your device. Pointer 6: Regularly update your Android device to ensure the latest security patches protect you from new threats.

Instagram vs WhatsApp data usage: Instagram and WhatsApp are two of the most popular apps on smartphones today, but have you ever wondered which app consumes more data? These two apps are used for different purposes and their data usage varies widely. Here is a simple explanation that will help you understand their data consumption: Mobile data limits and costs are still important for many users, especially in countries where data packs are expensive or where people rely on limited data plans. Knowing which apps use more data can help users manage their usage better and avoid unexpected charges. Instagram data usage Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Instagram is primarily a visual content-based app that serves images, video feeds, Stories, Reels, and Live content. Because of its media-heavy nature, Instagram consumes significantly more data than apps focused on text or simple messaging. Browsing photos and feed: About 60 MB per hour on average Watching videos or Reels: Around 300-600 MB per hour, depending on quality and length Live streaming or longer videos: Can go up to 600-900 MB per hour if you watch a lot of video content This shows that video-rich activities like Reels and Stories are major data drainers on Instagram. The more video content you consume, the faster your data will be used up. WhatsApp data usage WhatsApp is designed primarily for messaging and voice or video calls, which generally use much less data than browsing videos. Text messages: Only a few kilobytes per message Voice calls: About 1 MB per minute Video calls: Around 5-6 MB per minute, depending on quality and connectivity WhatsApp also downloads media such as photos and videos shared in chats, which can increase overall data usage. However, regular chatting and calls still use far less data than scrolling through video feeds. (Also Read: Instagram login issues: Forgot your password, ID hacked? Here’s a step-by-step guide to log back into the account) Direct comparison: Instagram vs WhatsApp Because of the type of content each app delivers, Instagram generally consumes more data than WhatsApp. If you spend time watching videos, scrolling the Explore page, or viewing Reels, your data usage on Instagram will rise quickly. In contrast, WhatsApp consumes relatively less data when used mainly for text messaging and occasional voice calls. Tips to save mobile data Switch on data saver mode in both apps Disable video autoplay on Instagram Use Wi-Fi for heavy media viewing or uploading Turn off background data refresh when not needed Understanding data usage habits can help you make smarter choices while using different mobile apps.

Google AirDrop Feature: Google is working on a feature that aims to significantly improve cross-platform connectivity and remove one of the biggest frustrations for Android users. The company is planning to make file sharing much easier in 2026 by enhancing its AirDrop-like feature. This update will allow Android phones to share files more smoothly with Apple devices. However, the upcoming update is particularly important for users who frequently switch between Android and Apple ecosystems.   The move is expected to solve a common problem faced by users when sending photos, videos, or documents between Android and Apple platforms, making file sharing faster and simpler. Google is preparing to simplify file sharing between Android and Apple devices in 2026 by expanding its AirDrop-style feature to a wider range of smartphones.  The Mountain View–based tech giant first announced cross-platform file sharing between Android and iOS devices in November 2025 alongside the launch of the Pixel 10. The feature enables Android and iPhone users to share files securely and wirelessly using Quick Share and AirDrop. For many years, Apple’s AirDrop has offered a seamless way to share photos, videos, and documents within the Apple ecosystem. Android users, however, often had to depend on third-party apps, email, or cloud services to send files to iPhones.  Add Zee News as a Preferred Source That gap is now expected to narrow as Google continues to expand support for its Quick Share system, which already allows wireless file sharing between Android devices. With added AirDrop support in Quick Share, users will be able to transfer files between Android phones and iPhones, as well as iPadOS and macOS devices. On the Android side, the feature is currently limited to the Google Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.  How to transfer files, photos, videos from Android to iPhone Step 1: Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both your Android phone and iPhone, and keep the devices close to each other.   Step 2: Enable Quick Share on Android and make sure AirDrop is switched on on the iPhone.  Step 3: Select the photo, video, or document on your Android phone, tap Share, and choose Quick Share.  Step 4: Tap the iPhone name, approve the request on the iPhone, and the file will transfer wirelessly in seconds.