compliance Archives

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Indian Govt Wants Over 100 Apps From China Blocked On Android App Store: All Details

The Indian government has ordered the blocking of approximately 119 Chinese apps, following previous bans on platforms like TikTok and ShareIt since 2020. The focus is primarily on video and voice chat applications from China and Hong Kong. Despite the order, only 15 apps have been effectively removed, with over 100 still accessible on the Play Store. Developers are confused about their inclusion on the list and seek clarity on the perceived risks. The government cites national security concerns as the reason for the bans, and Google is required to comply with legal requests to remove these apps from the app store.

Tech Optimizer

February 20, 2025

EDB Postgres® AI Significantly Outperforms Oracle, SQL Server, MongoDB, and MySQL in New Benchmark Study

EnterpriseDB (EDB) has released findings from a benchmark study by McKnight Consulting Group, showing that EDB Postgres AI outperforms Oracle, SQL Server, MongoDB, and MySQL in various workloads, including transactional, analytical, and AI tasks. Key performance metrics include being 150 times faster than MongoDB in processing JSON data, 4 times faster than MySQL in handling insert operations, and outperforming Oracle by 17% and SQL Server by 30% in processing New Orders Per Minute (NOPM). EDB Postgres AI also offers 7 times better price performance than Oracle and 6 times better than SQL Server. The study highlights the challenges enterprises face with legacy systems consuming 55% of IT budgets, which hampers modernization efforts. EDB Postgres AI aims to address these challenges by streamlining data infrastructure, reducing total cost of ownership, and facilitating AI capabilities in a secure environment.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

The latest Windows 11 update did not end support for older Intel chips. Here’s the source of the confusion.

Windows 11 has stringent minimum requirements, leaving many PCs unable to upgrade. A Microsoft support document caused confusion by excluding several Intel 8th, 9th, and 10th Gen processors, leading to speculation about their support status. However, there are no new devices being produced with processors older than Intel's 11th Generation, so the changes are unlikely to affect many users. Even if a PC has an unsupported processor, it may still upgrade to Windows 11 if it meets other minimum requirements. The document is intended for OEMs to determine which processors can be used in new devices and does not impact existing Windows support for consumers. The list of Intel 8th, 9th, and 10th Gen chips eligible for upgrading remains unchanged, and devices must comply with all minimum requirements, including TPM 2.0. Recent updates were misreported, primarily affecting OEMs without requiring significant changes to their strategies.

Winsage

February 19, 2025

Microsoft declutters Windows 11 File Explorer for GDPR

Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 preview build, 26120.3281, in the Dev and Beta channels, marking the end of the Location History API and addressing European privacy regulations. The Location History feature, which allowed Cortana to access location data for up to 24 hours, has been removed, meaning location data will no longer be saved locally. Microsoft has also disabled account-based content in File Explorer for Entra IDs within the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with privacy laws, affecting sections like Recent, Favorites, and Recommended content. Additionally, a new feature will allow users to resume OneDrive files from mobile devices to PCs with one click, but an upcoming change will delete all existing snapshots in Recall. There is no timeline for when these updates will be available to the general public.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 10 Approaches Its End of Life: What You Need to Know

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, meaning it will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. Users will be left vulnerable to malware and other cyber threats, and existing system issues will remain unresolved. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11, which offers new features, improved performance, and enhanced security. Users can upgrade to Windows 11 through Windows Update if their devices meet the system requirements. If not, they may need to consider new hardware. While Windows 10 will still receive security updates until the end of support date, it will not receive new features, prompting users to plan their migration to avoid security risks. It is advised to back up important data before transitioning to ensure a smooth upgrade process.

AppWizard

February 18, 2025

‘Loophole’ in law on messaging apps leaves children vulnerable to sexual abuse, says NSPCC

Nearly 39,000 child sex abuse image crimes were documented in the past year, with approximately 38,685 crimes recorded in England and Wales during the 2023/24 period, averaging over 100 incidents per day. Snapchat was identified as the most frequently mentioned app in these cases, accounting for 50% of incidents, followed by Instagram (11%), Facebook (7%), and WhatsApp (6%). The NSPCC and other organizations are advocating for stronger enforcement of the Online Safety Act, citing concerns about a loophole that allows direct messaging services to remove harmful content only if deemed "technically feasible." The NSPCC expressed the need for proactive measures from platforms to prevent becoming "safe havens" for abusers, particularly highlighting risks associated with end-to-end encryption. A 13-year-old victim shared her distressing experience on Snapchat, where she was threatened after sending nude pictures to a stranger. NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood called for immediate government action, criticizing separate regulations for private messaging services that allow tech companies to evade responsibility. The Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, mandates social media companies to mitigate illegal and harmful content, but protective measures are still being implemented. Ofcom stated that most services should be capable of removing harmful content, while a government spokesperson reiterated the commitment to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse and to implement the Online Safety Act effectively.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows Mobile Pos Terminal Market Size by Application, Type, Geographic Scope, and Forecast 2025-2032

The global Windows Mobile POS Terminal market is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2032, driven by the rise of mobile payment systems, digital transactions, and technological advancements. Key factors include the demand for flexible payment options in retail and hospitality, the increase in e-commerce and contactless payments, and ongoing innovations in security and software. Challenges such as high initial costs, regulatory complexities, supply chain disruptions, and market saturation in developed regions may hinder growth. Emerging trends include the integration of AI, automation, and IoT, a focus on sustainability, and a demand for personalized offerings. The competitive landscape features intense rivalry among key players, with a focus on product innovation and regional expansion, particularly in North America, Europe, and the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region. Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa show potential for growth, despite facing economic and regulatory challenges.

Tech Optimizer

February 18, 2025

Microsoft Defender vs. McAfee: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue from partner links. Microsoft Defender, a free built-in antivirus for Windows, offers minimal configuration and supports Windows 10 and 11, while McAfee, which holds a 12.47% share of the global antivirus market, provides extensive privacy monitoring and data protection across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) with various pricing plans ranging from .99 to 9.99. Microsoft Defender supports a single device and includes features like real-time threat protection, parental controls, and a firewall, but lacks advanced features like VPN and identity theft monitoring. McAfee offers a wider range of features, including a VPN, identity theft monitoring, and data cleanup, making it a more comprehensive solution despite its higher cost. Microsoft Defender has an overall rating of 3.8/5, while McAfee rates 4.4/5, excelling in customer support with multiple channels, including live chat and phone support. Microsoft Defender is suitable for users on a budget, while McAfee is better for those needing robust privacy and identity protection. Alternatives to consider include Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows 11 File Explorer UI drops cluttered content in EU due to privacy reasons

On February 14th, Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 Build 26120.3281 (KB5052086) update for the Dev and Beta Channels. A key change is the removal of organization-related content from the Recent, Recommended feed, and Favorites sections in File Explorer for users with Entra IDs in the European Economic Area (EEA), in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means these users will no longer see account-based content in those sections. The update aims to streamline the user interface of File Explorer, focusing on local content and potentially improving performance. Users with Microsoft accounts will still have access to OneDrive-synced content. Additionally, Microsoft is rolling out a feature called ‘Resume,’ which will initially work with OneDrive and later expand to third-party services.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

Windows 10 end of life: How to prepare for the October deadline

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive security updates. As of December 2024, over 62% of devices globally were still using Windows 10. Many organizations are delaying the upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware compatibility issues, budget constraints, and the time required for employee training. Remaining on Windows 10 poses risks such as increased vulnerability to cyber threats and operational inefficiencies. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Updates program for organizations needing more time, but experts recommend investing in upgrading to Windows 11 for long-term benefits. The transition may require replacing incompatible devices and careful planning to minimize disruptions.