backups Archives

Winsage

August 27, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Windows Backup for Organizations

Microsoft has introduced Windows Backup for Organizations, a tool aimed at IT administrators to manage device resets and migrations from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This tool focuses on preserving Windows settings and a list of installed Microsoft Store apps, rather than serving as a comprehensive backup solution. Backups can be initiated from supported versions of Windows 10 (22H2) or Windows 11 (22H2 and later), with restoration limited to Windows 11 (22H2 and beyond). Only fully Entra-joined devices can restore settings and apps directly to the Start Menu. The backup policy can be enabled through mobile device management (MDM) or Group Policy and is opt-in by default. A scheduled task runs every eight days for backups. The Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE) will be used for system restoration, but alternative restoration methods are not supported. The tool does not back up user files, and backup data is stored within the enterprise's tenant without support for cross-tenant migration or Cloud PCs.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

Norton VPN features explained: AI-powered protection, Dark web monitoring, IP Rotation and more

Norton VPN offers a variety of features including: - Integration of artificial intelligence for real-time detection of scams and threats such as phishing, malware, and ransomware. - Cloud storage options ranging from 10GB with the Plus plan to 50GB with the Ultimate plan, providing secure online storage for sensitive data. - Dark web monitoring that scans for users' personal information and alerts them if it surfaces. - A Kill Switch feature that halts internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, protecting users' real IP addresses and unencrypted data. - IP masking that conceals users' real IP addresses and encrypts data before it reaches its destination. - IP rotation that changes the assigned IP address every 30 seconds to complicate tracking attempts. - A Double VPN option that routes data through two servers for enhanced privacy. - A no-log policy ensuring that users' IP addresses, browsing histories, and DNS queries are not logged, with independent audits for validation. - A Norton Password Manager included in select plans for creating and storing complex passwords and securely managing online transactions. - Parental controls and location supervision available with the Ultimate plan, allowing parents to monitor web access and track children's locations.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Hackers Can Exfiltrate Windows Secrets and Credentials Silently by Evading EDR Detection

A new method allows attackers to extract Windows secrets and credentials without being detected by most Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions. This technique enables individuals with access to a Windows machine to gather credentials for lateral movement within a network. The Local Security Authority (LSA) manages sensitive information through two in-memory databases: the SAM database, which stores user credentials, and the Security database, which holds LSA secrets. Access to these databases requires interaction with the SAM and SECURITY registry hives, protected by Discretionary Access Control Lists (DACLs) that limit access to SYSTEM privileges. Attackers typically face detection when accessing the lsass.exe process memory, as EDR solutions monitor high-risk activities. Researcher Sud0Ru has introduced a method that bypasses these defenses by using the undocumented API NtOpenKeyEx with the REGOPTIONBACKUPRESTORE flag, allowing attackers to read the SAM and SECURITY hives without SYSTEM-level privileges. To avoid detection, attackers use the RegQueryMultipleValuesW API, which is less monitored by EDRs, to extract encrypted secrets from the hives. This approach allows the operation to occur entirely in memory, leaving no on-disk artifacts and evading typical security alerts.

Winsage

August 23, 2025

Legacy OneNote for Windows 10 app is retiring on October 14, 2025

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end support for "OneNote for Windows 10 (legacy)," which will then transition to read-only mode, preventing users from editing or synchronizing notes. Users are encouraged to migrate to the newer OneNote app for Windows 11 to maintain editing capabilities. To transition, users must sync their notebooks to a OneDrive account and can use an in-app migration feature. Microsoft is notifying users about this change through an in-app banner. The legacy app currently has a user rating of 4.6 in the Microsoft Store.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Ditching Windows 10 is the only route for people who want privacy

Users of Windows 10 face a decision as the end-of-support date approaches, with options to continue using Windows 10, upgrade to Windows 11, or switch to alternative operating systems. Remaining on Windows 10 without support is not viable due to security risks, especially for online devices. Opting for extended support may compromise privacy, as it often requires a Microsoft account. The Windows 10 LTSC edition offers longer support but may lead to compatibility issues with third-party applications. Transitioning to alternative operating systems, like Fedora KDE, may provide smoother experiences for users.

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2025

Norton 360 adds Genie AI scam protection to all packages

Norton has launched Genie Scam Protection, integrating artificial intelligence to enhance its security software against AI-driven scams. Genie includes features like a Scam Assistant for on-demand security guidance and the ability to detect scams in SMS messages before they are opened. It scans text messages, emails, and images for signs of fraudulent activity and is included in all Norton 360 packages, starting with the AntiVirus Plus offering. The entry-level Norton AntiVirus Plus package provides antivirus protection, a password manager, and Genie scam protection for a single device. Higher-tier Norton 360 packages offer additional features such as secure cloud backups, a VPN, dark web monitoring, enhanced parental controls, and real-time credit monitoring. Promotional pricing is currently available for Norton 360 packages, with discounts of at least 50% for the first year. All subscriptions include Genie anti-scam protection, reflecting Norton’s commitment to combating evolving AI-driven threats.

Winsage

August 20, 2025

Microsoft confirms when final ever update is coming to your Windows 10 PC — what you need to do next

Microsoft will stop providing security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The final monthly security update will be released on that date, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10, version 22H2. Users will no longer receive security patches, bug fixes, or feature updates after this date. Approximately 42.99% of all PCs currently run Windows 10, which translates to millions of unsupported devices. Users have several options: upgrade to Windows 11 for free if their device meets the requirements, purchase a new PC with Windows 11, pay for an Extended Security Update (ESU) subscription for additional security updates, utilize OneDrive for free additional security updates, or switch to a different operating system like Linux or ChromeOS.

Tech Optimizer

August 19, 2025

PostgreSQL with Patroni: Installation and Configuration

A PostgreSQL Patroni Cluster will be set up for high availability, involving the following steps: 1. **Etcd Cluster Installation**: - Install Etcd binaries on nodes .196, .197, and .198. - Create necessary directories and users for Etcd. - Create a systemd service file for Etcd. - Configure the Etcd configuration file for each node. - Start the Etcd service and verify the cluster status. 2. **PostgreSQL + Patroni Installation**: - Install required packages on PostgreSQL nodes .193, .194, and .195. - Configure Patroni for each PostgreSQL node. 3. **HAProxy + Keepalived Installation**: - Install and configure HAProxy on primary (.191) and secondary (.192) nodes. - Install and configure Keepalived for high availability. 4. **pgBackRest Backup Solution Setup**: - Install and configure pgBackRest on the backup node (.199). - Initialize the pgBackRest stanza and run backups. The server infrastructure consists of the following nodes: - .190 → VIP - .191 → HAProxy Primary Node - .192 → HAProxy Secondary Node - .193 → PostgreSQL Node 1 - .194 → PostgreSQL Node 2 - .195 → PostgreSQL Node 3 - .196 → Etcd Node 1 - .197 → Etcd Node 2 - .198 → Etcd Node 3 - .199 → Backup Node

Winsage

August 19, 2025

10 open-source apps I recommend every Windows user download

Open-source software provides alternatives to proprietary applications for Windows users, enhancing productivity without traditional software licenses. 1. LibreOffice is a free office suite that includes word processing, spreadsheets, and a database component, operates locally, and supports MS Office formats. 2. Flow Launcher is a free file search and application launcher that allows quick access to applications and files through a customizable hotkey. 3. Duplicati is a free backup solution that supports various storage destinations, offers encryption, scheduling, and remote management for data security. 4. Nextcloud is a free, locally hosted file storage and collaboration solution that allows users to control their personal data. 5. Franz is a free application that consolidates multiple messaging platforms into a single interface for easier communication. 6. YAZB (YAZB Reborn) is a free tool that customizes the Windows experience by creating a top bar displaying system information. 7. File Converter is a free application that allows users to convert various file formats through a right-click context menu option. 8. Bitwarden is a free open-source password manager that offers password generation and secure file sharing, with premium features available. 9. AutoHotKey is a free tool for automating tasks through scripting, enabling the creation of hotkeys and macros. 10. Ollama is a free open-source AI application that allows local interaction with AI models, ensuring data privacy.

Winsage

August 18, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 Security Update Causes SSD/HDD Failures and Potential Data Corruption

A significant security update from Microsoft, Windows 11 24H2 (KB5063878), is causing issues for users, making SSDs and HDDs inaccessible and potentially corrupting user data. Users have reported installation failures with error code 0x80240069, and despite a hotfix, the update has led to storage drives disappearing from the Windows environment, particularly during large sequential write operations. Recovery attempts are often unsuccessful, putting user files at risk. Microsoft has not provided an official fix, and users are advised to avoid the update and ensure routine data backups. Unplugging and reconnecting the affected drive may temporarily restore visibility but does not guarantee data safety.