archive Archives

AppWizard

May 15, 2025

NFL schedule release: Colts delete their ‘Minecraft’-inspired video, after Chargers do exact same thing

The Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Chargers both created "Minecraft" themed videos to roast their upcoming opponents during the NFL schedule release day. The Chargers have a history of using pop culture in their videos, while the Colts' similar approach led them to delete their video shortly after posting it, likely due to the resemblance to the Chargers' content. The Chargers' video included a disclaimer for using "Minecraft," which the Colts' version lacked, raising potential trademark concerns. The Colts later released a backup video featuring players guessing their opponents. Other teams, like the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Jets, also employed various creative strategies for the schedule release.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Windows 11’s May update brings a heap of new features

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11, KB5058411, includes enhancements and security fixes. Key features include AI integration in Windows Search for natural language queries, direct access to Microsoft 365 content in File Explorer (subscription required), improved performance for file opening and ZIP unpacking, and aesthetic updates to the interface. The update also removes the blue background for desktop shortcuts based on user feedback and implements various bug fixes. The update will download and install automatically for Windows 11 24H2 users, with an option for manual installation through Windows Update.

AppWizard

May 13, 2025

Waltz’s Use of Messaging Platform Raises New Security Questions

Michael Waltz, the former national security adviser, mistakenly included a journalist in a sensitive chat on Signal during a cabinet meeting, raising concerns about communication practices among senior officials. A photograph captured him using a different messaging app that promotes archiving for record-keeping, which raises compliance questions with federal regulations. Visible contacts on his screen included Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The use of encrypted messaging apps like Signal complicates the National Archives' role in preserving governmental records, highlighting the tension between secure communication and the need for transparency in government operations.

Tech Optimizer

May 12, 2025

Database performance analysis using pg_profile and pgpro_pwr

pgpro_pwr is a database workload monitoring tool for database administrators (DBAs) to identify resource-demanding operations. It was launched in 2017 as pg_profile by Andrey Zubkov, who moved from being a DBA to an engineer at Postgres Professional. pg_profile is compatible with open-source PostgreSQL and has been integrated into PostgreSQL 17 as of 2024, while pgpro_pwr offers advanced statistical insights and is included in Postgres Pro releases. Both tools monitor database workload metrics through continuously incrementing counters, capturing values at intervals and archiving differences. They do not provide alerting capabilities but are useful for assessing system stability, analyzing load testing outcomes, and identifying system-intensive activities. The tools consist of repository tables, data collection functions, reporting functions, and service tables. To use them, one must install the extension, configure roles, and set up parameters. Reports can be generated for workload statistics over time and comparisons between different time intervals. Examples of report types include wait event statistics and advanced vacuum statistics. Future plans include submitting a patch to introduce vacuum statistics to vanilla PostgreSQL.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Someone Reportedly Hacked the Messaging App Mike Waltz Was Seen Using

A cybersecurity breach involving TeleMessage, an Israeli messaging application company, has raised concerns about customer data safety. The breach allowed unauthorized access to direct messages and personal information on the platform, which lacks full end-to-end encryption like Signal. The hacker reported that accessing the data took only 15-20 minutes and exposed names, phone numbers, and email addresses of Customs and Border Protection officials, along with information from various financial institutions. TeleMessage is used by government agencies, including the State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making the breach more significant. While the hacker did not access all content, they indicated potential for further breaches, and journalists have verified some of the compromised material. TeleMessage's claim of maintaining Signal's security standards is questioned, as archiving messages introduces privacy risks. A spokesperson for Signal warned against using unofficial versions of their app, highlighting security vulnerabilities.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Messaging App Used by Trump Admin Hacked – Attacker May Have Stolen Data From Hundreds of Government Employees: Report

A hacker breached TeleMessage, a messaging app used by members of the Trump administration and US government officials, in a quick attack that reportedly took 15 to 20 minutes. The breached materials included sensitive data related to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase. A screenshot from the control panel showed names, phone numbers, and email addresses of CBP employees, indicating access to data of hundreds of US government personnel. Michael Waltz, the recently dismissed national security adviser, was noted to have used TeleMessage during a cabinet meeting.

AppWizard

May 7, 2025

How to get New Land Beyond in Destiny 2

Acquiring the New Land Beyond exotic sniper rifle in Destiny 2 requires a pre-order of the Year of Prophecy Ultimate Edition, as it is currently not available for free in-game. Players can expect future opportunities to obtain it without cost. Pre-ordering grants immediate access to the weapon. The Ultimate Edition also includes all playable content for the year, such as the Renegades expansion, battle passes, three Star Wars-themed outfits, an exotic sparrow, an emote, and an exotic catalyst and ornament for New Land Beyond. Players must collect the weapon from the Exotic Archive in the Tower after pre-ordering. The weapon has several perks, including increased damage from precision hits, enhanced range, and improved handling speed.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

Mike Waltz’s Cabinet Messaging App Goes Dark After Massive Hack

TeleMessage, an encrypted messaging application, has temporarily suspended its services following a security breach. The platform was used by dismissed national security adviser Mike Waltz during a Cabinet meeting, and a leaked image of his inbox showed conversations with notable figures such as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The breach, reported by 404 Media, did not access messages among Cabinet members but compromised data from Customs and Border Protection, cryptocurrency firm Coinbase, and various financial institutions. The hacker claimed the breach was easy, completing it within 15-20 minutes. Signal, the platform from which TeleMessage archives messages, stated it cannot guarantee the security of unofficial versions. TeleMessage was acquired by U.S. company Smarsh last year for archiving communications. Following controversies, including Waltz's accidental inclusion in a group chat discussing a military operation, he was removed from his position, and President Trump expressed skepticism about using Signal for government communications.

AppWizard

May 6, 2025

TeleMessage suspends services after hackers claim breach

TeleMessage has temporarily suspended all services due to a reported security breach, with the parent company Smarsh investigating the incident. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has discontinued using the app as a precaution. A hacker claimed to have accessed a centralized TeleMessage server and downloaded data, including a screenshot of the contact list for employees at Coinbase, which confirmed the authenticity of the screenshot but stated that customer data remained secure. Multiple U.S. government agencies have contracts with TeleMessage or related entities. Another hacker also claimed to have breached TeleMessage, providing evidence of their claims. The investigation into the breach is ongoing, and it is unclear if sensitive communications from U.S. officials were compromised.

Winsage

May 4, 2025

Do Not Open This PDF On A Microsoft Windows PC

Microsoft has warned about the increasing use of PDF attachments in cyberattacks, particularly during the U.S. tax season. Attackers have been using PDFs with embedded links that redirect users to counterfeit pages, such as a fake DocuSign site. TrustWave SpiderLabs has identified a new campaign involving a fake payment SWIFT copy that leads to a malicious PDF containing obfuscated JavaScript, which downloads a script that conceals the RemcosRAT payload using steganography. This technique involves hiding links within images, making them difficult to detect. The latest attacks begin with phishing emails containing malicious PDFs that direct victims to harmful webpages, facilitating the delivery of RemcosRAT, a trojan that allows remote control of compromised systems. Users are advised to be cautious of emails labeled “SWIFT Copy” and to delete suspicious emails immediately.