API Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 24, 2026

Fake Microsoft security scans trick victims into uninstalling their antivirus

A surge of fraudulent websites claiming to verify antivirus software functionality has emerged, using the name SysScan and misleadingly asserting that Windows no longer supports third-party antivirus solutions. These sites conduct fake security scans, gather personal information, and set up a refund scam. Eleven such websites were found hosted on a single server, executing similar deceptive tactics. They can access basic browser data but cannot conduct genuine security scans. Microsoft continues to support third-party antivirus software, and legitimate refund processes do not require uninstalling security tools. The scams instruct users to remove their antivirus software to facilitate further manipulation and to collect information about the antivirus in use. The customer information forms collect extensive personal data and are designed to send this information to a Telegram bot API. Victims are promised a refund call after submitting their information, which is part of the scam's manipulation. Signs of such scams include claims of deep problems with the computer, consistently negative diagnostic results, requests to uninstall antivirus software, and demands for banking information. If affected, victims should disconnect from the internet, remove remote-access tools, and contact their bank. The hosting IP address for these sites is 157.230.180.90, with multiple associated domains listed.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

“Sort of a feature,” Microsoft on why Ctrl+C fails on Windows 11 due to a design choice

Microsoft's clipboard history service operates asynchronously, which can cause issues when executing multiple copy commands quickly. This design choice can lead to scenarios where the clipboard is locked by another program, preventing new content from being copied. Common culprits include the Remote Desktop clipboard redirector and various background utilities like Intel Arc Control and HP Smart. The clipboard may fail to register rapid Ctrl+C presses, often only storing the last copied item due to the way the Clipboard history service notifies programs of changes. Developers can manage clipboard changes more effectively by using the Clipboard.HistoryChanged event from the WinRT clipboard API. Additionally, some applications may experience delayed rendering, leading to outdated or empty clipboard history. These clipboard issues have been present in earlier versions of Windows as well.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Missing Link: 30 Years of Windows NT 4

Windows NT 4.0 was released in August 1996, marking a significant shift in the PC industry from 16-bit DOS to 32-bit operating systems. It combined the stability of the NT architecture with the user-friendly interface of Windows 95, featuring a familiar Start menu and a robust 32-bit kernel. NT 4.0 was available in both workstation and server variants, allowing Microsoft to compete with UNIX workstations and Novell NetWare in the network operating system market. It laid the groundwork for future operating systems, including Windows 2000 and Windows XP, by enabling a unified management interface for servers and workstations. At the time, PCs typically had at least 8 MB of memory, and installation required booting from a floppy disk with files sourced from a CD.

AppWizard

August 22, 2026

Heatwarped Is a New Open-World Arcade Racer Inspired by NFS Underground

Sealime has announced an open-world arcade racing game called Heatwarped, inspired by NFS Underground, with a demo available for PC download. The game features fast-paced driving, deep car customization, detailed environments, and a nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of early 2000s racing games. PC System Requirements: Minimum: - 64-bit processor and OS - OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) - Processor: AMD FX 8320, Intel Core i5-3570K - Memory: 4 GB RAM - Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 960, AMD Radeon HD 7970 - DirectX: Version 11 - Storage: 1 GB available space - Additional Notes: 1080p 30 fps, “Authentic” graphics mode, heavily processor-dependent. Recommended: - 64-bit processor and OS - OS: Windows 11 (64-bit) - Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5500, Intel Core i5-12400F - Memory: 8 GB RAM - Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070, AMD RX 5600 XT - DirectX: Version 11 - Storage: 1 GB available space - Additional Notes: 1080p 60 fps, “Enhanced” graphics mode, heavily processor-dependent.

AppWizard

August 21, 2026

New Steam Deck plugin makes it easier to install PC mods for games like Cyberpunk 2077, Skyrim, and more

PC Guide operates on a reader-supported model, earning affiliate commissions from purchases made through links on their platform. The Decky-Nexus plugin, developed by RedRanger14, allows Steam Deck users to browse, download, install, and manage Nexus Mods for supported games directly from Gaming Mode. Currently, it supports nine titles: Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Fallout 4, Fallout: New Vegas, Resident Evil 4, Skyrim Special Edition, Slay the Spire 2, Stardew Valley, and The Witcher 3. Future updates aim to add Fallout 3, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, and Palworld. Decky-Nexus manages mod installations, including mod folders, Proton prefixes, and mod loader profiles, and allows users to install mod collections and navigate FOMOD installers. It includes a Health section for reviewing game logs and monitoring installed mods and downloads. Users need Decky Loader and a Nexus Mods Premium account, and the supported game must be installed via Steam. Installation of Decky-Nexus requires switching to Desktop Mode, as automatic installation is not yet available. The plugin is labeled as an unofficial beta and has been tested on real hardware, though users are advised to back up save files due to potential issues. Future features will include manual load-order editing and compatibility with additional mod tools.

Winsage

August 20, 2026

ShieldBreak: The Windows Defender Zero-Day With No Patch — Detect It, Mitigate It, With Qualys

ShieldBreak, identified as CVE-2026-69414, is a zero-day vulnerability in the Microsoft Malware Protection Engine that allows low-privileged local attackers to escalate privileges to SYSTEM. The public proof of concept was released on August 12, 2026, and Microsoft recognized the CVE on August 14, 2026. No patch is currently available. ShieldBreak exploits an elevation-of-privilege vulnerability by manipulating file processing during the cloud-file hydration process in Microsoft Defender, allowing attackers to control processes with elevated privileges. The exploit is functional on Windows 11 25H2 and Windows Server 2025. Qualys VMDR can detect this vulnerability using a specific query, and organizations can use Qualys TruRisk™ Eliminate for mitigation until a patch is released.

Winsage

August 19, 2026

Microsoft removes WMIC tool from Windows 11

Microsoft has removed the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool from Windows 11 builds 24H2 and 25H2, as well as beta releases, as part of a deprecation process that began several years ago. WMIC was first deprecated in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 10 and was later made a Feature on Demand in Windows 11 22H2 before its complete removal. The tool had been exploited by malware, including ransomware, for harmful actions such as deleting Shadow Volume Copies and querying security software. Microsoft recommends IT administrators use alternatives like PowerShell, WMI's COM API, or .NET libraries for management tasks.

AppWizard

August 19, 2026

PixelReel Minecraft mod exposes Plex server API keys

A security vulnerability has been identified in the PixelReel mod for Minecraft, specifically in version pixelreel-1.0.0.jar and the 26.3 snapshots on CurseForge. This flaw exposes media server URLs and API keys to other players on the same multiplayer server. The mod requires users to process streams through VLC, which leads to the extraction and transmission of sensitive authentication details to Minecraft. The developer has admitted that the mod was created without a thorough security review. Users are advised to create a read-only account for use with PixelReel and to remove the mod from multiplayer environments. It is recommended that all exposed API keys be rotated, as no patch has been released to fix the vulnerability.

Tech Optimizer

August 18, 2026

Migrate Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL across major versions with active Debezium CDC connectors using native logical replication

Organizations using Debezium Change Data Capture (CDC) connectors on Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition face challenges during major database version upgrades. In-place upgrades require downtime, while blue/green deployments disrupt CDC event pipelines. A method using PostgreSQL's native logical replication allows migration between a source cluster (current version) and a target cluster (new major version) without a full connector re-snapshot. This approach minimizes risks of data loss and allows existing Debezium connectors to operate on the source during synchronization. The cutover process involves disabling the replication subscription, synchronizing sequences, creating a new Debezium replication slot on the target, and redirecting the connector, resulting in a brief pause for Kafka consumers. Prerequisites for this method include enabling logical replication on the source cluster, ensuring the target cluster is provisioned in the same VPC, and confirming that tables participating in CDC have primary keys. The process involves configuring parameter groups, creating publications, and establishing subscriptions for logical replication. During cutover, application writes are halted, and replication lag must be monitored to ensure it reaches zero before proceeding. After the cutover, ongoing monitoring of replication health and Kafka consumer offsets is necessary. Common failure scenarios include Aurora writer failover, Debezium connector stalls, large messages exceeding Kafka limits, DDL changes during synchronization, and long-running transactions blocking lag drain. Each scenario has specific symptoms, detection methods, and resolutions. Post-migration, organizations should establish monitoring for replication lag growth and Kafka consumer offset divergence. Automation can streamline the migration process for organizations managing multiple clusters, utilizing AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK) constructs for cluster provisioning, schema replication, and cutover orchestration. After verifying stable operation on the target cluster, the old Debezium connector and source cluster can be decommissioned. Limitations include the absence of failover slots on Aurora PostgreSQL 17 and the need to handle TOAST columns appropriately.

AppWizard

August 18, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3: Google brings new customization options and security

Google has released the third beta of Android 17 QPR2, build number CP41.260731.005.A2, for testing on Pixel devices including the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Key features include enhanced theming options with an expanded color selection tool, an app lock feature accessible by long-pressing an app icon, and customization options for quick settings allowing users to rearrange elements. The lock screen has improved blur effects, and security enhancements include new restrictions on programmatic call forwarding and a confirmation dialog for manually entered codes. The beta also addresses several bugs, including display errors and device restarts. The update is available for Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 Pro XL models, and users can enroll in the Android Beta Program for installation. A subsequent update is expected in September.