accounts Archives

AppWizard

May 3, 2025

Facebook parent Meta launches AI assistant app, further competing with OpenAI and Google

Meta Platforms launched a dedicated app for its Meta AI assistant, enhancing user experience by providing personalized responses based on user data from Facebook and Instagram. The app is powered by Llama 4, Meta's latest large language model, designed to compete with AI systems from OpenAI and Google. It will integrate with Meta’s AI glasses and the existing companion app. Meta is also hosting its first AI developer event, LlamaCon, on the same day as the app launch and plans to test a paid subscription model for advanced versions of its AI chatbot in the second quarter. Meta AI, launched in September 2023, serves as a virtual assistant capable of reasoning tasks.

Winsage

May 3, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Upgrade Offer Hits New High—Check Your Windows PC Now

Microsoft is alerting Windows users about a significant cyber threat as many PCs will stop receiving essential security updates. A free upgrade to Windows 11 is recommended, which offers enhanced security, but 240 million users remain at risk. Microsoft encourages users with outdated PCs to transition to Windows 11, which requires a TPM 2.0 security module. As of April, Windows 11's adoption has reached 44%, while 53% of users are still on Windows 10, though this percentage is declining. The gap between Windows 11 and Windows 10 usage has narrowed to within 10%. Users unable to upgrade may face security risks and should consider safer alternatives, including transitioning to passkeys instead of passwords for their Microsoft accounts.

Tech Optimizer

May 3, 2025

Use Protection: 6 Tips to Watch Porn Online Safely

Seventeen U.S. states have enacted age verification laws that effectively prohibit adult websites from operating within their jurisdictions. The use of Incognito Mode can help hide browsing history, but it is not completely secure as data may still be retained by Google. Data theft is a risk when engaging with adult content, especially if personal information is shared on pornographic sites. Using a VPN can enhance anonymity, but it does not protect against voluntarily shared information. Privacy services like IronVest can help create disposable email addresses and phone numbers. Ads on adult websites can contain malware, making antivirus software important for protection. Trusted pornographic sites typically prioritize user privacy and security, so caution is advised when choosing platforms.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Pushing passkeys forward: Microsoft’s latest updates for simpler, safer sign-ins

The tech community is celebrating the first "World Passkey Day," moving away from "World Password Day," with Microsoft and other organizations committing to the Passkey Pledge to promote passkey adoption. Microsoft has developed passkeys as a secure authentication method, replacing traditional passwords and allowing access via facial recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. Over 99% of users now prefer Windows Hello for sign-ins, and hundreds of websites support passkeys, which are resistant to phishing. Last year, there were 7,000 password attacks every second, highlighting the urgency of this transition. Microsoft has introduced passkey support for consumer applications, achieving nearly a million registrations daily, with passkey sign-ins being three times more successful and eight times faster than traditional methods. New Microsoft accounts will be created without passwords by default, and the sign-in process will prioritize passwordless methods. Currently, over 15 billion user accounts can use passkeys, with a goal to transition billions more.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft pushes unphishable logins forward with new sign-in options

Microsoft is making passwordless logins the default method for new account sign-ins, promoting passkeys as an alternative to traditional passwords. This initiative is part of a collaboration with Google and Apple under the FIDO Alliance to enhance security and streamline the login process. New users will have passkeys set as their default sign-in method, while existing users will be prompted to switch during their next login. The shift to passkeys aims to address issues related to password management and security vulnerabilities. However, users must install the Microsoft Authenticator app to fully transition to a passwordless experience, as compatibility with other authentication apps is not supported. Without the app, users cannot completely eliminate their login passwords, which may reduce the security benefits of using passkeys.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Windows 11 24H2: BitLocker Encryption Now Default

With the rollout of Windows 11 24H2, BitLocker and Device Encryption are now automatically activated by default for all editions, including Home. Microsoft enabled BitLocker without prior notification, raising concerns about drive performance and potential data loss if users lose access to their Microsoft accounts. Users can back up BitLocker recovery keys and disable encryption during installation using tools like Rufus. To turn off BitLocker in Windows 11, users can go to the Settings app, select Device encryption under Privacy & Security, and manage their encryption settings.

Tech Optimizer

May 2, 2025

The Pillars of AI-Driven Security

The cybersecurity landscape has shifted from traditional methods like firewalls and antivirus software to more sophisticated, AI-driven strategies. The 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report identifies ransomware as a leading attack type, with a median time to compromise now measured in hours. The attack surface is expanding due to remote work, cloud adoption, and IoT devices, while traditional security measures struggle to keep up. AI enhances security across three domains: prevention, detection, and response. 1. Prevention: AI distinguishes between legitimate and suspicious activities, improving predictive accuracy and enabling proactive defenses against attacks. AI models can identify zero-day malware and fileless attacks by focusing on behavior. 2. Detection: AI-powered tools like SIEM systems analyze vast amounts of data to identify risks and suspicious patterns in near real-time, reducing false positives and highlighting low-and-slow attacks and insider threats. 3. Response: AI automates rapid containment and remediation actions, allowing human analysts to focus on more complex tasks. Generative AI can assist in drafting incident reports and suggesting remediation measures. AI-driven security offers scale and efficiency, reducing breach costs significantly for organizations that utilize it. AI models adapt to evolving threats, and AI tools help bridge the cybersecurity skills gap. However, challenges include potential biases in AI models, the need for talent and change management, and privacy concerns. Organizations are encouraged to adopt AI-driven security as a core component of their digital defense strategy to improve risk posture and threat response.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Windows RDP has a major security problem, and Microsoft has refused to do anything about it

A significant vulnerability has been identified in the Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), which allows old credentials to remain functional even after a password reset. Security researcher Daniel Wade revealed that users can still access their systems with previously revoked credentials due to the authentication process relying on locally stored credentials that do not update in real-time. Microsoft's Security Response Center acknowledged this behavior but stated it is an intentional design to ensure at least one user account can log in, regardless of the system's online status. Microsoft has been aware of this issue since at least August 2023 and has chosen not to modify the code, citing potential compatibility issues.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft Warns Windows Users—Delete Your Password

Microsoft aims to eliminate passwords for a billion users, promoting the use of passkeys that enhance account security by linking it to physical devices. The company warns that password-related attacks are increasing and emphasizes that having both a passkey and a password leaves accounts vulnerable to phishing. On World Password Day, Microsoft encourages users to abandon passwords entirely. The FIDO Alliance supports this initiative with a "Passkey Pledge," highlighting that over 35% of individuals have faced account compromises due to password vulnerabilities. Research shows that 54% of those familiar with passkeys find them more convenient, and 53% believe they offer better security. Microsoft will make new accounts passwordless by default and encourages existing users to remove their passwords. Passkeys are described as easy to use, intuitive, and resistant to phishing. For those who continue to use passwords, Microsoft advises making them long and complex and using authentication apps for two-factor authentication.

Winsage

May 1, 2025

Windows RDP has a major security problem, and Microsoft has refused to do anything about it

A security flaw in Windows RDP allows previously revoked credentials to remain functional after a password reset, enabling users to access their PCs with old passwords. Microsoft does not classify this issue as a bug, stating it is an intentional design to ensure at least one user account can always log in. This behavior is not flagged by Microsoft Defender, Azure, or Entra ID, and the company's documentation lacks clarity on the matter. Microsoft has been aware of this issue since at least August 2023 but has chosen not to modify the code, citing potential compatibility issues.