alert Archives

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

Today’s Android app deals and freebies: Monster’s Expedition, Cosmic Express, A Good Snowman, more

Today's highlights for Android app price drops include: - A Monster’s Expedition - Now available for free - Cosmic Express - Special pricing applied - A Good Snowman - Discounted for a limited time - Chicken Police – Paint it RED! - Price drop alert - Bloons TD 6 - Enjoy a reduced price - True Skate - Now at a promotional rate Additionally, the new Google Home Speaker is available at 50% off, and Lenovo's Snapdragon Yoga Slim 7x 2K OLED touchscreen Copilot+ is priced 0 lower than usual.

Winsage

June 25, 2026

Windows 11 Secure Boot update released to all, hours ahead of expiry

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Secure Boot 2023 certificate update to eligible Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs ahead of the expiration of the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 on June 24, 2026. This update enhances device targeting data for automatic Secure Boot certificate updates. Secure Boot is a firmware-level security feature that verifies digital signatures of boot components to prevent rootkits and bootkits. The certificates for Secure Boot were first issued in 2011, with subsequent expirations for related certificates occurring in June and October 2026. Users can check their Secure Boot certificate status through the Windows Security app or System Information. If a PC does not receive the update, it will still boot normally but will lose the ability to receive future boot-level security updates. Multiple restarts after updates are expected due to the Secure Boot certificate process. A new folder, C:WindowsSecureBoot, is not malware but is used for staging cryptographic certificate files. Windows 10 users enrolled in the Extended Security Updates program will also receive the Secure Boot update, while those not enrolled will not. The expiration of the KEK CA 2011 means Microsoft will not be able to sign new Secure Boot revocation payloads using the old key, but existing signed payloads will remain functional.

Tech Optimizer

June 24, 2026

Get 2 Years of Surfshark VPN and Antivirus for $2.79 Per Month This Prime Day

An advertiser has invested in editorial consideration for a deal that offers two years of Surfshark's VPN and antivirus service for less than .49 per month. Customers opting for the two-year Surfshark One plan receive an additional three months at no extra cost, totaling 27 months of coverage for .33, which breaks down to .49 per month. This offer coincides with Amazon Prime Day and is presented as a cost-effective subscription for long-term security solutions. Surfshark is recognized as the best-value VPN, offering three plans: Starter, One, and One Plus, with the One plan being the optimal choice for most users. It includes antivirus protection, data breach notifications, and a private search engine.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows 11 Secure Boot update released to all, hours ahead of expiry

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Secure Boot 2023 certificate update for eligible Windows 11 and Windows 10 PCs ahead of the expiration of the original certificates on June 24, 2026. The update includes additional device targeting data to increase coverage for automatic updates. Devices receive the new certificates after demonstrating successful update signals. The original Secure Boot certificates were issued in 2011, with expiration dates set for June 24, 2026, June 27, 2026, and October 19, 2026. Microsoft has been distributing replacement 2023 certificates since 2024, with the June 2026 update expanding eligible devices significantly. Users can check their Secure Boot status through the Windows Security app or System Information. If a PC did not receive the update, it will still function normally but may not receive future boot-level security updates. Multiple restarts after updates are expected behavior, and the SecureBoot folder in Windows is not malware. Windows 10 users in the Extended Security Updates program are also receiving the Secure Boot update. The expiration of the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 on June 24 means no new Secure Boot revocation payloads can be signed with the old key, but existing signed payloads will continue to function.

Tech Optimizer

June 19, 2026

How Cybersecurity Services Have Evolved Beyond Antivirus and Firewalls

Businesses traditionally relied on antivirus software and firewalls for cybersecurity, which were effective when threats were simpler and data was mostly stored on-site. However, the cybersecurity landscape has evolved, with cybercriminals employing advanced tactics that traditional methods cannot adequately address. Antivirus software is limited to detecting known threats, while modern malware can evade detection by altering its code or executing in memory. Firewalls also struggle when authorized users' credentials are compromised, allowing threats to infiltrate networks. Contemporary security strategies advocate for a multi-layered approach, incorporating tools like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Zero Trust Architecture, Dark Web Monitoring, and Security Awareness Training. Compliance with regulatory standards is increasingly important, and cyber insurance providers now require businesses to demonstrate comprehensive security measures. Managed security providers are becoming essential for small and mid-sized businesses, offering expertise and resources to manage complex security tools and processes effectively. Organizations should assess their current security status and adopt a layered approach to address vulnerabilities, recognizing that traditional solutions alone are insufficient in today's threat landscape.

Winsage

June 18, 2026

Microsoft fixes Windows Server 2016 security update failures

Microsoft resolved an installation issue affecting the June 2026 security updates (KB5094122) on Windows Server 2016 systems that had not previously installed the KB5087537 update, which was a prerequisite. Users had encountered 0x80070002 or FILENOTFOUND errors. Microsoft acknowledged the problem and confirmed that affected devices should no longer experience installation failures for the June 2026 update. Additionally, Microsoft fixed a similar issue with the May 2026 Windows 11 security update (KB5089549) that resulted in 0x800f0922 errors due to insufficient space on the EFI System Partition. They also warned users about potential installation issues with error codes 0x80073712 or 0x800f0993 on devices upgraded to Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2. Furthermore, Microsoft addressed a boot issue for Windows Server 2025 devices after the April 2026 update and a bug affecting installation failures for updates since May 2025 using the Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA). Lastly, they are investigating a separate issue preventing third-party applications from launching essential Office programs after the June 2026 updates.

BetaBeacon

June 18, 2026

Fake virus alerts are invading mobile games

Cybercriminals sometimes manage to buy advertising space and use it to defraud gamers. The iCloud storage scam is a well-known scam that claims you need to expand your storage or all your files will be deleted. Scammers also use fake warnings to trick users into clicking links or downloading harmful software. Fleeceware apps lure users in with short free trials that quickly convert into hidden subscription fees. The best response to these messages is to ignore them and use an up-to-date anti-malware solution on your devices.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

New Rokarolla Android Trojan Targets 217 Banking and Crypto Apps

Zimperium’s zLabs researchers have analyzed a newly identified Android banking trojan named Rokarolla, which targets 217 distinct banking and cryptocurrency applications. It is distributed through malicious websites that impersonate popular platforms like TikTok and Google Chrome, with one identified distribution point being hxxps://infocontablidades[.]it[.]com/. The malware uses a dropper disguised as Google Play Protect to install a second-stage payload and gain Accessibility Services access, allowing it to simulate user interactions and manipulate on-screen elements. Rokarolla downloads counterfeit HTML login pages for targeted applications and overlays them to capture user credentials, including sensitive card information. It can also deploy a fraudulent PIN entry screen, read and send SMS messages, intercept one-time codes from banks, and block incoming calls. The malware rewrites the clipboard, operates a keylogger and screen content logger, and scrapes WhatsApp contact data. It captures screenshots without alerting users and has a resilient command-and-control infrastructure with multiple fallback domains. No product flaws are exploited, and defenses against it include installing apps only from Google Play and being cautious with Accessibility Services. Zimperium’s Mobile Threat Defense and zDefend products can detect Rokarolla, and a list of indicators of compromise is available on their GitHub repository.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

Minecraft Finds Its Way Onto the PlayStation 2 Thanks to Homebrew Persistence

OptiJuegos has ported a functional version of Minecraft, branded as OptiCraft, to the original PlayStation 2, inspired by Minecraft Pocket Edition version 0.6.1. The adaptation allows gameplay on hardware that predates the mobile version by over a decade, featuring world generation, block manipulation, and survival gameplay. The development focused on optimizing for the PlayStation 2’s limited specifications, achieving a frame rate exceeding 30 frames per second. The gameplay mirrors the Pocket Edition, including the Nether Reactor Core, while the draw distance and world size are reduced due to memory constraints. Controls are adapted for the DualShock 2, and feedback indicates good performance with occasional stutters. Users must configure their console to run the port, with options for modded PS2s and stock Slim variations. World saves are stored on memory cards, and the developer is working on USB storage integration. This project highlights the homebrew community's creativity and technical skill in delivering new experiences on the PlayStation 2.

Winsage

June 15, 2026

Microsoft released the Windows 11 Secure Boot update for all PCs, how to verify yours

Microsoft has expanded the rollout of the Secure Boot 2023 certificate update to more Windows 11 and Windows 10 devices with the June 2026 Patch Tuesday update (KB5094126). This update aims to ensure that most supported consumer PCs are classified as high confidence, meaning necessary certificates are either installed or will be applied automatically. Secure Boot is a firmware security feature that verifies the software attempting to load during the startup process, blocking unauthorized software. The certificates supporting Secure Boot, issued in 2011, are expiring in stages starting June 24, 2026, prompting Microsoft to deploy replacement certificates. Most home users do not need to take manual action as the updates will occur automatically via Windows Update. Users can check their Secure Boot certificate status in the Windows Security app. A yellow warning indicates pending compatibility data, while a red alert suggests a firmware incompatibility requiring a BIOS update. Multiple reboots during the update process are normal, and a new SecureBoot folder in Windows is for staging cryptographic files. Older PCs may experience longer update times, and some may not receive updates due to firmware issues. HP users should check for BIOS updates if encountering BitLocker recovery loops. IT administrators should monitor device classifications and manually initiate updates for devices not in the high confidence category. Devices with Secure Boot disabled cannot receive updates, leaving them vulnerable. The expiration of the Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 certificate on June 24 does not immediately affect device functionality, but it limits Microsoft's ability to sign new bootkit blacklist updates.