Several mental health mobile apps with millions of downloads on Google Play contain security vulnerabilities that could expose users’ sensitive medical information.

In one of the apps, security researchers discovered more than 85 medium- and high-severity vulnerabilities that could be exploited to compromise users’ therapy data and privacy.

Some of the products are AI companions designed to help people suffering from clinical depression, multiple forms of anxiety, panic attacks, stress, and bipolar disorder.

At least six of the ten analyzed apps state that user conversations or chats remain private, or are encrypted securely on the vendor’s servers.

“Mental health data carries unique risks. On the dark web, therapy records sell for $1,000 or more per record, far more than credit card numbers,” says Sergey Toshin, founder of mobile security company Oversecured.

Over 1,500 security issues found

Oversecured scanned ten mobile apps advertised as tools that can help with various mental health problems, and uncovered a total of 1,575 security vulnerabilities (54 rated high-severity, 538 medium-severity, and 983 low-severity).

Although none of the discovered issues are critical, many can be leveraged to intercept login credentials, spoof notifications, HTML injection, or to locate the user.

The researchers used the Oversecured scanner to check the APK files of the ten mental health applications for known vulnerability patterns in dozens of categories.

In a report shared with BleepingComputer, the researchers say that some of the verified apps “parse user-supplied URIs without adequate validation.”

One therapy app with more than one million downloads uses Intent.parseUri() on an externally controlled string and launches the resulting messaging object (intent) without validating the target component.

This allows an attacker to force the app to open any internal activity, even if it is not intended for external access.

“Since these internal activities often handle authentication tokens and session data, exploitation could give an attacker access to a user’s therapy records,” Oversecured explains.

Another issue is storing data locally in a way that gives read access to any app on the device. Depending on the saved information, this could expose therapy details, such as therapy entries, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) session notes, and various scores.

Oversecured states that they also discovered plaintext configuration data, including backend API endpoints and a hardcoded Firebase database URL, within the APK resources.

Furthermore, some of the vulnerable apps use the cryptographically insecure java.util.Random class for generating session tokens or encryption keys.

According to the researchers, “most of the 10 apps lack any form of root detection.” On a rooted (jailbroken) device, any app with root privileges has access to all health data stored locally.

Oversecured says that six of the ten analyzed apps “had zero high-severity findings, but still carried medium-severity issues that weaken their overall security posture.”

“These apps collect and store some of the most sensitive personal data in mobile: therapy session transcripts, mood logs, medication schedules, self-harm indicators, and in some cases, information protected under HIPAA,” the researchers note.

From BleepingComputer’s observations the collective download count for the apps scanned by Oversecured is more than 14.7 million, and only four received an update as recently as this month. For the rest, the date of the latest update was as recent as November 2025 or even September 2024.

Oversecured’s scans occurred between January 22 and 23 and targeted the latest app versions available at the time. The researchers cannot confirm if any of the uncovered vulnerabilities have been addressed. 

BleepingComputer has refrained from the sharing the names of the impacted apps as the vulnerabilities are still being disclosed by Oversecured.

Modern IT infrastructure moves faster than manual workflows can handle.

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Microsoft is investigating a known issue that causes the mouse pointer to disappear in the classic Outlook desktop email client for some users.

This bug has been acknowledged almost two months after the first reports started surfacing online, with users saying that Outlook became unusable after the mouse pointer vanished while using the app.

“My mouse just stopped being visible while I am using Outlook, and this is very, very, frustrating because my permission wasn’t given to make these changes, and now I can’t find anything, can’t open emails, can’t copy and paste, and the list goes on and on,” one customer noted.

Microsoft explained in a recent support document that the mouse pointer (and in some cases the cursor) will suddenly vanish as users move it across Outlook’s interface, and noted that this bug also affects some users of other Microsoft 365 apps.

“When using classic Outlook, you may find that the mouse pointer or mouse cursor disappears as you move the pointer over the Outlook interface,” it said. “Although the mouse pointer is not there, the email in the message list will change color as you hover over it. This issue has also been reported with OneNote and other Microsoft 365 apps to a lesser degree.”

Microsoft added that the Outlook team is investigating the issues and will provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, Microsoft is asking affected users to have their Microsoft 365 administrator open a support case with the Outlook Support Team and submit diagnostic log files to assist with analysis.

While a timeline for a permanent fix is not yet available, Microsoft has offered three temporary workarounds that require affected users to click an email in the message list when the cursor disappears, which may cause it to reappear.

Alternatively, switching to PowerPoint, clicking into an editable area, and then returning to Outlook may also restore the mouse pointer. If neither of them works, Microsoft said that restarting the computer should resolve the issue temporarily.

Last month, Microsoft fixed another classic Outlook issue that prevented Microsoft 365 customers from opening encrypted emails after installing the December 2025 updates.

Modern IT infrastructure moves faster than manual workflows can handle.

In this new Tines guide, learn how your team can reduce hidden manual delays, improve reliability through automated response, and build and scale intelligent workflows on top of tools you already use.

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Google has finally released Android 17 Beta 1 after wrapping up its previous testing phase. The release is live as of February 13, 2026. There are several performance improvements, along with updates to foldables and tablets. Additionally, there are a number of visual changes to the Pixel Launcher user interface. With this release, Google is emphasizing long-term development to pave the way for the next Android release.

One of the biggest highlights of Android 17 is Google’s stronger push toward large-screen optimization. Developers are now required to properly adapt their apps for foldables, tablets, and desktop-style modes. Orientation changes and resizable window support are no longer optional. This should lead to a smoother, more consistent experience on larger devices without layout issues.

Furthermore, Android 17 Beta 1 brings a slimmer home screen search bar with a cleaner look. The shortcut now sits inside the bar and can be customized with options like Gemini Live, Translate, or Song Search. Users can also remove the At a Glance widget. Minor tweaks include a refreshed brightness icon and clearer access to the volume panel.

Performance Improvements in Android 17

Google has rolled out various enhancements to the system to make the devices more efficient. The most exciting change includes the introduction of the generational garbage collection system. The update reduces CPU load by optimizing memory cleanup across various stages. This minimizes CPU load.

Moreover, Android 17 improves app memory management to ensure better utilization of system resources. The update also includes notification-related optimizations that lower memory consumption. Although these upgrades run quietly in the background, they improve speed, stability, and overall device performance.

Media and Camera Enhancements

The update introduces advanced tools for media and camera apps. Users will notice smoother transitions between camera modes and generally more solid performance. Google is also working on providing users with a more unified listening experience across different applications and devices.

How to install Android 17 beta 1 on your Google Pixel?

Installing the beta is simple for Pixel users:

1. Visit the Android Beta Program website.
2. Log in with your Google account.
3. Select your eligible Pixel device and tap Opt in.
4. On your phone, go to Settings > System > Software updates.
5. Check for updates and install Android 17 Beta 1.

As with any beta software, users should expect occasional bugs and instability. It’s best suited for developers or enthusiasts comfortable with early builds rather than primary daily drivers.

Walk into any school and you will find teachers using classroom technology in very different ways. One teacher builds interactive lessons with embedded videos and real-time polls. Down the hall, another uses technology more selectively, focusing on core features that support daily instruction. Both are effective educators. Both deserve classroom technology that works for them — and their students.

The challenge isn’t that teachers need to change how they work; it’s that most classroom technology is designed with only one pathway in mind. When tools offer multiple entry points instead, they can meet teachers where they are while supporting a wide range of student needs.

Recently, EdSurge spoke with three educators who use ViewSonic’s interactive display technology in distinctly different ways: Rebecca Ganger, technology coach and Chromebook coordinator, who also teaches high school students to repair devices and sponsors her district’s middle school Technology Club; Elena Clemente, technology trainer with 29 years of teaching experience in early elementary grades; and Brendan Powell, elementary STEM teacher. Their experiences illustrate what becomes possible when technology adapts to people rather than demanding that people adapt to it.

EdSurge: Why is it important that classroom technology offers multiple ways to engage?

Powell: Students need an engaging system to help them improve their understanding, and it makes learning more fun. Interactive technology helps a lot with coding, so my students can work through problems with me and are more engaged when they actually get to do the examples. Giving students choices helps them understand different concepts and piques their interest.

Clemente: Students learn in different ways, and teachers bring different approaches to their classrooms. While some students may prefer the interactive tools already displayed, others might prefer to choose which tool to use to demonstrate how to solve a math problem. The same goes for teachers. Some may prefer to use ready-made slides, while others prefer to create on the canvas. By offering choices, we allow both students and teachers to use technology in ways that make learning engaging.

What makes technology feel approachable rather than intimidating for teachers at different comfort levels?

Clemente: As I have led several professional development sessions for teachers, I know that some want only the basics, such as writing on the canvas or projecting slides. Others have created engaging lessons that bring learning to life. All teachers are able to learn more.

I have found that it is best to demonstrate how to use a tool on the interactive panel, have teachers practice and then discuss how they can use it in their lessons. When teachers take that learning back to their classrooms and apply it in a lesson, the tool feels more approachable.

Ganger: Often, new technology requires you to learn so many things just to be able to use the basics and get started. Being able to use parts of the software and then incorporate more as you become familiar and comfortable is a huge plus. You can start with just a little bit of instruction and then learn more to incorporate additional tools into your lessons as you’re ready. You can use it at your comfort level, and it is also very user-friendly for student participation at the board.

What changes occur when students interact directly with classroom displays?

Powell: When students use the display in my classroom, they are more willing to talk to each other about the process and explain their ideas more clearly.

Ganger: They become more focused on the activity and are excited to participate. Students are so accustomed to auditory and visual sources being their primary ways of obtaining information. Having the opportunity to interact with technology fits into their natural way of learning.

Clemente: One of the big changes I have seen, or rather heard, is the amount of conversation that takes place. Students are able to express their thinking out loud while building speaking and listening skills. Students take pride in being able to share and navigate the interactive panel.

How do you keep students actively involved during interactive lessons?

Ganger: I personally enjoy adding a variety of interactive tools. I incorporate sounds, videos and links to other sites all within my presentation. I also enjoy using game boards with subject-specific questions as review activities. Varying the activities keeps things fresh and interesting for students.

Clemente: One way I keep students actively involved is by having them use their [individual] whiteboards to participate while I am projecting. Students know that they are accountable and that I am looking to call on them to share good examples and demonstrate their learning. I also use partner talks so that students can share what they are learning and gain different perspectives. Students love being called up to engage with the interactive panel, so I call them up in groups. They line up and take turns, or sometimes they work as a team and collaboratively solve the problem.

When it works well, how does technology change your teaching?

Clemente: When technology works well, it makes my job as a classroom teacher easier. I am able to easily share material, provide visually appealing interactive slides and engage with my students using hands-on learning activities that build their technical skills. As a technology trainer, I use technology to demonstrate how teaching can come to life, creating engaging lessons that have a positive impact on student learning.

Ganger: It frees up time typically spent lecturing in front of the room, allowing more one-on-one interaction with students. It provides immediate feedback and allows for easy differentiation of material. Being able to reach all types of learning styles with interactive boards and software is a game-changer.

Powell: The technology that works well in my room has changed how my students access information and made learning more flexible for all of them. One thing I like to say in my room is that technology can help us learn new skills and ways of thinking that will benefit us in the long run. Technology is always evolving, so it helps to have my students involved with me as I’m learning as well.

OpenAI is broadening how it helps large organizations put artificial intelligence into real use. The company announced a new initiative, Frontier Alliances, teaming up with four major consulting firms, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), McKinsey & Company, Accenture, and Capgemini, to help enterprises move beyond pilot AI projects and embed intelligent systems deeply into business workflows.

The announcement, published on OpenAI’s own website, lays out the reasoning behind the push: having powerful AI models isn’t the main bottleneck anymore.

Instead, companies need help designing the strategy, integrating the technology across systems and data, redesigning workflows, and managing organizational change so that AI can actually deliver value at scale.

Central to this effort is Frontier, OpenAI’s enterprise platform for building, deploying, and managing AI agents, systems that act like “AI coworkers,” performing tasks across software tools, extracting context from business data, and handling workflows end-to-end.

These agents are meant to go beyond simple chat or isolated automation, helping with customer support, sales processes, software development tasks, and more.

In its official press release, OpenAI described several key points about the Frontier Alliances:

• The program pairs OpenAI’s Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) teams with consultants from BCG, McKinsey, Accenture, and Capgemini to help enterprise customers adopt AI reliably and at scale.

• Each consulting partner will build dedicated practice groups certified on OpenAI technology, combining technical expertise with deep industry and transformation experience.

• The alliances cover both strategy and operational execution; from planning AI adoption to integrating Frontier with core systems and training internal teams.

Leaders from each consulting firm feature prominently in the announcement, stressing that teams need more than just tools, they need governance, change management, and end-to-end support to embed AI into daily operations.

This marks a clear strategic shift for OpenAI. Earlier this year, the company introduced Frontier as a platform designed to give AI agents shared context and capabilities that go beyond isolated demos or narrow use cases.

But real world deployments require more than technology alone. Large enterprises often struggle with data silos, outdated systems, and the internal alignment needed to scale new technology.

The Frontier Alliances are meant to bridge that gap.

Reuters notes that this move brings OpenAI closer to traditional enterprise software players and differentiates its enterprise offering from simple model licensing by leaning into operational support and integration.

The consulting partners bring decades of experience in transformation and change management, helping customers make AI part of the everyday workflow rather than a one-off experiment.

OpenAI’s approach reflects broader industry trends. Enterprises have spent recent years experimenting with generative AI tools, but many have yet to turn early pilots into sustained production use.

By combining Frontier’s agent platform with consultancy know-how, OpenAI hopes to accelerate adoption and deliver measurable business impact more quickly.

Competition in enterprise AI services remains intense.

Companies like Anthropic, Microsoft, and Google are also targeting corporate customers with their own AI platforms and partnerships.

For OpenAI, the Frontier Alliances are a way to leverage trusted business networks and implementation experience, giving its platform a stronger path into large-scale deployment.