applications Archives

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Windows 11’s Snipping Tool now creates DIY animated GIFs

Microsoft has enhanced the Snipping Tool in Windows 11, allowing users to create animated GIFs directly from the application. This feature can be accessed using the Win + Shift + R shortcut and is currently available for Windows Insiders in the Dev and Canary channels. The Snipping Tool now includes a "Create GIF" option, enabling users to record a selected screen area and save the animation as a GIF or share it directly. Users can export GIFs in "low" or "high quality," with a maximum length of 30 seconds, after which they can export as MP4. The feature supports multi-monitor setups and is exclusive to Insider versions of Windows 11 from build 11.2405.24.0, with a broader rollout anticipated in the summer.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

New Android 16 update could impact Dexcom G6 mobile app usage, Dexcom warns

Dexcom has warned that users of its G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) app should avoid downloading the Android 16 operating system update, as it may disrupt app functionality. Users of the Dexcom G7 will not be affected by this update. The Android 16 update is currently available for select Android smartphones, and ignoring the warning could lead to issues with app performance critical for diabetes management.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Russia prepares to get rid of WhatsApp and possibly Telegram

On June 10, the Russian Parliament passed legislation to establish a new messenger application called Max, developed by VK, aimed at integrating state services. Minister of Digital Development Maksut Shadayev announced that VK has created a "fully Russian messenger" that matches or exceeds foreign counterparts. The app will enable users to utilize electronic signatures for document signing, verify identity, age, and eligibility for benefits, and will be required for educational services and communication in schools. It may shift user behavior away from popular Western apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app is compared to China's WeChat, offering messaging, social networking, search, and payment systems. Concerns exist that it may mirror WeChat's issues with censorship and surveillance, especially given VK's past collaborations with Russian authorities.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

GodFather Android Malware Uses On-Device Virtualization to Hijack Legitimate Banking Apps

Zimperium zLabs has identified a new version of the GodFather Android banking malware that uses on-device virtualization to infiltrate legitimate banking and cryptocurrency applications. This malware creates an isolated virtual environment on the victim's device, allowing attackers to observe and manipulate user interactions in real time. It employs a malicious host application with a virtualization framework that downloads and executes a copy of the targeted app, capturing credentials and sensitive information. GodFather targets nearly 500 applications globally, particularly focusing on Turkish financial institutions. It utilizes evasive tactics, including ZIP manipulation and obfuscation, to evade detection and installs its payload through a session-based dropper technique. The malware retains traditional overlay attacks and has extensive remote control capabilities, posing a significant threat to mobile security and user trust.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft 365 brings the shutters down on legacy protocols

Microsoft will block legacy authentication methods by default in Microsoft 365 starting mid-July 2025 through August as part of its Secure Future Initiative. The notification, MC1097272, emphasizes the need for organizations to adapt their systems due to the vulnerabilities of legacy protocols, such as the Remote PowerShell (RPS) protocol for SharePoint and OneDrive, and the FrontPage Remote Procedure Call (RPC) protocol. Additionally, Microsoft will require administrator consent for third-party applications accessing organizational files and sites, shifting the responsibility from users to administrators to enhance security. These changes will apply universally across all Microsoft 365 tenants.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft readies new Windows 11 feature drop for next month — here’s what’s coming, and when

Microsoft is set to release a new update for Windows 11 on July 8, coinciding with Patch Tuesday updates. Key enhancements include: - Taskbar improvements with dynamically resizing icons and a wider indicator pill for open applications. - A visual preview feature for sharing links and web content, along with adjustable image compression levels. - A new PC-to-PC migration experience for transferring files and settings during new device setup. - Performance enhancements in File Explorer for extracting archive files. - The Screen Curtain feature in Narrator for enhanced privacy by blacking out the screen while content is read aloud. - An improved Narrator experience with guided prompts for discovering features. - Voice access now supports navigation and dictation in Simplified and Traditional Chinese and allows adding custom words to the dictionary. - Tailored enterprise-focused settings for IT-managed PCs. - Region settings will display the selected country or region during device setup. These features are currently in testing through the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, with general availability expected on July 8. Users who opt for early updates may experience some features as a non-security preview update in late June.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft 365 brings the shutters down on legacy protocols

Microsoft will implement default settings in Microsoft 365 starting mid-July 2025 that block legacy authentication protocols as part of its Secure Future Initiative. Legacy authentication methods, including the Remote PowerShell (RPS) protocol for SharePoint and OneDrive, and the FrontPage Remote Procedure Call (RPC) protocol, will be phased out due to their vulnerability to attacks. Additionally, administrator consent will be required for third-party applications seeking access to organizational files and sites, which may disrupt existing workflows. All changes will be applied by default across all Microsoft 365 tenants.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Old tech is getting the boot inside Windows and Microsoft 365

Microsoft is removing obsolete drivers from Windows Update, starting with those that have modern replacements. Older drivers will be allowed to expire, and partners can republish them only with justification. After a six-month grace period for feedback, outdated drivers will be permanently removed if no issues are raised. This cleanup is part of a recurring process to enhance security and streamline drivers for users. In Microsoft 365, outdated authentication protocols will be blocked by default starting in July 2025, requiring administrator approval for third-party app access. The first protocols to be discontinued include outdated browser authentication methods for SharePoint and OneDrive accessed via Remote PowerShell, as well as the FrontPage Remote Procedure Call protocol. Third-party applications will need explicit administrator permission to access files and sites, which may disrupt existing workflows.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Godfather Android malware takes over banking apps

A new version of the Android malware Godfather creates isolated virtual environments on mobile devices to steal account details and transactions from banking apps. It targets over 500 banking, cryptocurrency, and e-commerce applications globally, utilizing a fully virtual file system, virtual process IDs, intent spoofing, and a component called StubActivity. Godfather manifests as an APK app with a virtualization framework, scanning for targeted applications and encapsulating them within its virtual environment. It intercepts permissions for accessibility services, redirecting them to a StubActivity that launches the virtual version of the banking app, allowing it to capture sensitive information. The malware can record account details, passwords, and PIN codes using Xposed for API hooking. It employs a fake lock screen overlay to trick users into entering their credentials and can manipulate user interfaces and execute transactions within the legitimate banking app. Godfather first emerged in March 2021 and has evolved significantly since then, with the latest iteration demonstrating advancements from previous versions.

Winsage

June 20, 2025

Microsoft announces Windows 365 Reserve: Backup cloud PCs for the enterprise

The service allows administrators to pre-stage a cloud PC with company policies, applications, and security controls for quick delivery to users experiencing device failures. It enables users to access a familiar desktop rapidly, even in challenging situations like a malfunctioning laptop at a client site. Intune manages these virtual devices, simplifying the process for IT teams. The Reserve service offers organizations a low-risk way to explore virtual desktops, aiming to provide faster recovery options for lost, stolen, or damaged devices. However, practical implementation concerns remain, including user support access, the decision between physical replacements or temporary solutions, and the selection of applications and policies for the Reserve image. IT departments need a comprehensive operational playbook to effectively utilize this service.