certification Archives

BetaBeacon

April 4, 2025

Google will require new Android 16 devices to support this game-changing graphics feature

Most Android devices now support Vulkan, with the latest version, Vulkan 1.4, introducing a feature called Host Image Copy that can greatly improve game performance on upcoming Android 16 devices. Host Image Copy allows for faster app loads, reduces stutter, and lowers GPU memory usage by enabling the CPU to copy image data directly between host memory and GPU image memory.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

Steel Seed has been delayed to April 22nd, gets PC requirements

Steel Seed, a stealth-action adventure game developed by ESDigital Games and Storm in a Teacup, has been postponed from April 10th to April 22nd to allow for additional game optimization. Ilia Svanidze, Head of Marketing at ESDigital Games, stated that the delay is necessary to ensure a polished experience across all platforms due to technical hurdles encountered during platform certification tests. The game will utilize Unreal Engine 5, and the minimum PC requirements are as follows: - OS: Windows 10 - Processor: Intel i7-3770K 3.50GHz or AMD equivalent - Memory: 16 GB RAM - Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1070 / Intel ARC 580 / AMD equivalent - DirectX: Version 12 - Storage: 50 GB available space - VR Support: No Recommended requirements include: - OS: Windows 10 - Processor: Intel Core i7 6700K, 4.00 GHz or AMD equivalent - Memory: 16 GB RAM - Graphics: Nvidia RTX 2070 / Intel ARC 770 / AMD RX 5700XT - DirectX: Version 12 - Storage: 50 GB available space - VR Support: No Details on targeted resolution, framerate, and graphical settings have not yet been disclosed.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Windows 11 setup bypass blocked, smaller Surface Pro confirmed, and Amazon raises concerns over Xbox & Surface returns

Microsoft is expected to unveil a smaller Surface Pro powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform, aimed at competing with the iPad Pro, featuring a premium metal chassis and high-quality display, with pricing projected to start between 0 and 0. Additionally, Microsoft plans to introduce a smaller Surface Laptop. The company has blocked a bypass that allowed users to set up Windows 11 PCs without a Microsoft account, which has led to the emergence of a new method involving the command prompt during setup. Certain configurations of the Surface Laptop 7 and the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 have been flagged by Amazon as frequently returned items. Bill Gates has stated that AI will replace humans "for most things," while identifying coders, energy specialists, and biologists as professions likely to remain safe from automation.

Winsage

March 24, 2025

New Browser-Based RDP for Secure Remote Windows Server Access

Cloudflare has launched a clientless, browser-based Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) solution that enhances its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) capabilities for secure access to Windows servers. This solution eliminates the need for traditional RDP clients and utilizes IronRDP, a high-performance RDP client developed in Rust, which operates within the browser. The implementation secures RDP sessions using TLS-based WebSocket connections and integrates with Cloudflare Access for authentication through JSON Web Tokens (JWT). The system supports modern security standards, including Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and device posture checks. Cloudflare plans to add session monitoring, data loss prevention features, and pursue FedRAMP High certification for compliance with government standards.

Tech Optimizer

March 17, 2025

F-Secure Internet Security

F-Secure Internet Security provides coverage for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS platforms, but its features are more limited compared to competitors like Bitdefender Total Security and Norton 360 Deluxe. The pricing starts at .99 per year for a single license, with options for up to 25 licenses, making it competitive in the market. F-Secure has received a perfect score of 18 points from AV-Test Institute for malware protection, performance impact, and usability. In testing, F-Secure achieved a malware detection rate of 97% and a phishing detection rate of 94%. The software includes features like banking protection, scam protection, and parental controls, though the latter lacks the depth found in some competitors. The installation process is user-friendly across all platforms, but the macOS, Android, and iOS versions have fewer advanced features compared to other security suites.

Tech Optimizer

March 7, 2025

Webroot Premium

PCMag editors independently select and review products. Webroot Premium combines device-level protection with identity theft tracking and remediation, but its antivirus protection is limited compared to competitors. Webroot Premium costs .99 per year for five devices and one identity, with a family edition available for .99 covering ten devices and identities. Other competitors like Bitdefender Ultimate Security and Norton 360 With LifeLock offer more comprehensive features at similar price points. Webroot AntiVirus has been rebranded as Webroot Essentials, and older versions have been phased out. The installation process for Webroot Premium is straightforward, and it includes a firewall that monitors network activity. Webroot's antivirus effectively identifies malware, achieving a 100% detection rate in tests. It also offers a secure deletion tool and basic identity protection features, including credit monitoring, transaction monitoring, and dark web monitoring, though these features are less comprehensive than those of competitors. Webroot provides 24/7 support for identity restoration, with a monetary guarantee for remediation services up to million for ten family members. Overall, while Webroot Premium offers solid antivirus protection, its identity protection capabilities are limited compared to other security suites.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

BadBox Malware from Google Play Hacked 50,000+ Android Devices Using 24 Apps

HUMAN Security’s Satori Threat Intelligence team has identified a malware operation called “BADBOX 2.0,” which has compromised over 50,000 Android devices through 24 deceptive applications. This operation is an escalation from the original BADBOX campaign detected in 2023. The malware primarily targets low-cost, off-brand Android Open Source Project devices, including TV boxes, tablets, digital projectors, and vehicle infotainment systems. A backdoor named “BB2DOOR” provides threat actors with persistent access to the compromised systems. Four groups of threat actors—SalesTracker Group, MoYu Group, Lemon Group, and LongTV—are involved, using shared infrastructure for various fraud schemes. The malicious applications mimic legitimate apps in the Google Play Store, generating up to 5 billion fraudulent ad requests weekly. In response, Google has enhanced its protections, including blocking BADBOX behavior during app installation and terminating associated publisher accounts. Infected devices were found to be uncertified Android Open Source Project devices from China. Users are advised to verify certification and avoid unofficial app sources.

Winsage

March 2, 2025

Learn Windows PowerShell and automation scripting with this $20 bundle

Automation is increasingly important for businesses, and mastering Windows PowerShell can enhance productivity. A certification training bundle for PowerShell is available for .99, originally priced higher, led by IT professional Vijay Saini. The bundle includes six courses totaling 18 hours of content, providing lifelong access. Courses cover basic scripting, advanced scripting techniques, and GUI automation using Python, along with system management tools. Participants receive certificates upon completion, which can be added to LinkedIn profiles or resumes. The offer is time-sensitive and subject to price changes.

Tech Optimizer

February 28, 2025

Mac security researchers expose two new exploits

Researchers have identified two significant exploits affecting Mac security. The first vulnerability, reported to Parallels seven months ago, will be addressed in upcoming fixes for Parallels Desktop versions 20.2.2 and 19.4.2, which are expected to be released within the week. Apple silicon Macs are not affected by this flaw. The second exploit involves a new malware strain called FrigidStealer, which uses deceptive emails to trick users into downloading an installer that bypasses macOS’s Gatekeeper security, allowing it to capture sensitive information like passwords and browser cookies. Users are advised to avoid downloading software from unverified sources, exercise caution with email links, use Control-click to inspect URLs, and regularly install security updates.

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2025

EDB Expands Partner Program to Drive Global Postgres & AI Growth

EnterpriseDB (EDB) has expanded its Partner Program to support businesses and solution providers in utilizing an enterprise-grade Postgres data management platform for AI-driven data innovation. Over 35% of organizations are seeking enterprise-grade Postgres capabilities, with more than 67% of data workloads being hybrid. A McKinsey survey indicates that 65% of organizations are using generative AI in at least one business function. The enhanced EDB Partner Program offers on-demand support throughout the sales lifecycle, exclusive training and certification, increased go-to-market commitments, a personalized digital experience through the EDB Partner Portal, and showcases customer success stories. EDB aims to empower partners to help customers innovate and scale effectively in an AI-driven environment.