cryptography Archives

Winsage

March 12, 2026

Microsoft Introduces Phishing-Resistant Windows Sign-Ins With Entra Passkeys

Microsoft will introduce phishing-resistant passwordless authentication through passkeys for Windows devices, integrated with Microsoft Entra. This feature is expected to enter public preview between mid-March and late April 2026 for global tenants, while government cloud environments will receive the update from mid-April to mid-May. Users can access Entra-protected resources using device-bound passkeys stored securely within Windows Hello, allowing authentication through biometric or local verification methods. This update expands passwordless authentication to unmanaged or personal Windows devices. Passkeys utilize public-key cryptography, enhancing security by storing a private key on the device and registering a matching public key with the service. Each passkey is uniquely associated with a specific device and cannot be exported or synchronized. Organizations must enable the Passkeys (FIDO2) authentication method in Entra for the preview. This initiative is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to eliminate passwords, responding to rising cybersecurity concerns related to password-based authentication.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Quantum Computing Isn’t Just Coming for Bitcoin—It Threatens Messaging Apps Too

IBM researchers are collaborating with Signal and Threema to develop messaging systems resilient to quantum computing threats, prompted by concerns that quantum technology could compromise current encryption methods. IBM's report stresses the need to redesign messaging protocols in anticipation of potential quantum capabilities that could break existing encryption. Cryptography expert Ethan Heilman highlighted that encrypted messaging platforms face immediate risks from quantum threats, specifically through "store-and-forward attacks." Both Signal and Threema are enhancing their security measures; Signal is implementing upgrades like PQXDH and SPQR for post-quantum protection, while Threema is integrating the ML-KEM algorithm for quantum-safe encryption. Research indicated that adapting the Signal protocol for quantum safety may increase bandwidth requirements, necessitating a complete redesign for efficiency.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Messenger can warn you about sketchy links without knowing what you clicked

Meta has introduced Advanced Browsing Protection (ABP) in its Messenger application to enhance user safety by identifying harmful websites during chats. ABP utilizes a constantly updated watchlist of potentially harmful websites, improving upon the existing Safe Browsing feature. Due to end-to-end encryption, Messenger cannot access message content or links, so ABP uses cryptography and secure computing techniques for link verification without exposing them. When a user clicks a link, Messenger checks it against a blocklist using a privacy-preserving query system. Users can enable or disable ABP in the Messenger app under Settings, Privacy & safety, and Safe browsing. If the option is not visible, users may need to update the app.

Winsage

January 30, 2026

Microsoft to disable NTLM by default in future Windows releases

Microsoft will disable the NTLM authentication protocol by default in the next major Windows Server release and associated Windows client versions. NTLM, introduced in 1993, has been vulnerable to various cyberattacks, including NTLM relay and pass-the-hash attacks. The transition plan includes three phases: enhanced auditing tools in Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025, new features like IAKerb and a Local Key Distribution Center in late 2026, and eventually disabling network NTLM by default in future releases. NTLM will remain in the operating system but will not be used automatically. Microsoft deprecated NTLM authentication in July 2024 and has encouraged developers to transition to Kerberos or Negotiation authentication.

Tech Optimizer

January 28, 2026

Top Android Antivirus Apps for 2026: Reviews and Key Features

Android users face increasing cyber threats as we approach 2026, with AI-driven malware and ransomware becoming more prevalent. The antivirus market has evolved to include advanced features like real-time threat intelligence and integrated privacy tools. Norton Mobile Security is noted for its machine learning-powered malware detection, VPN, app advisor, and dark web monitoring, achieving a 99.9% detection rate. TotalAV offers user-friendly antivirus scanning and system optimization, with features like real-time phishing protection and cloud-based scanning. Aura Antivirus combines antivirus with identity theft protection and family safety features, excelling in AI-driven behavioral analysis. Bitdefender Mobile Security is recognized for its lightweight design, anti-theft features, and effective web protection. McAfee Mobile Security provides secure Wi-Fi scanning and IoT integration, with high user satisfaction reported. Norton leads in predictive analytics, while TotalAV includes a VPN for remote workers. Aura offers family-oriented tools and compliance-friendly features, incorporating blockchain technology for secure identity verification. Bitdefender is efficient in battery usage and has a high detection rate. McAfee supports multi-device protection and has strong customer support. Norton’s dark web monitoring helps prevent identity theft, and TotalAV blocks trackers and ads. Aura links antivirus protection to financial security with credit monitoring. Bitdefender automates threat responses and has a strong anti-ransomware module. McAfee scans for vulnerabilities in smart devices and provides threat intelligence feeds. Future developments may include quantum-resistant encryption. TotalAV is praised for its user interface, while Aura encourages user feedback for improvements. Bitdefender uses machine learning to reduce false positives, and McAfee employs predictive modeling for personalized security. Organizations must evaluate antivirus solutions based on integration with existing security frameworks, cost, and performance impact. Emerging trends include biometric authentication and deeper hardware-level security protections.

AppWizard

January 28, 2026

The best private messaging apps of 2026: Expert tested

Threema is a Swiss messaging service founded in 2012, which now has over 12 million users and approximately 8,000 organizations globally. The platform's ownership has recently changed to Comitis Capital GmbH. Threema uses a unique approach to user identity by assigning a random eight-digit ID instead of requiring personal information like phone numbers or email addresses. Messages are stored locally and deleted from servers after delivery, enhancing privacy. It operates on a paid model with a one-time fee, supports anonymous payments, and employs high-grade cryptography for security. Users can send text and voice messages, share files up to 100 MB, and conduct end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls. Threema targets individuals and organizations prioritizing privacy and data protection, while it may not appeal to those seeking free apps or cloud-based chat history. Key features include end-to-end encryption, QR-based contact verification, and local group management capabilities.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Your Android App Needs Scanning – Best Android App Vulnerability Scanner in 2026

The past year saw a 45% increase in new vulnerabilities targeting Android. By the end of 2024, there are projected to be 2.87 million apps on Google Play, with 66% of American employees using personal smartphones for work. Mobile applications are responsible for 70% of digital interactions, and vulnerabilities in these apps contributed to approximately 40% of data breaches involving personal data in 2023. Effective Android App Vulnerability Scanners analyze app security by identifying insecure local storage, hardcoded credentials, weak cryptography, insecure network configurations, broken authentication flows, and misconfigured components. AI-powered scanners, like AutoSecT, can autonomously generate new scanning protocols quickly, detect zero-day vulnerabilities, automate penetration testing, and operate with near-zero false positives.

Winsage

December 25, 2025

Microsoft’s Hardware-Accelerated BitLocker Brings Massive Performance Gains

Microsoft has introduced a hardware-accelerated BitLocker encryption system for Windows 11, which shifts the encryption workload from software to dedicated accelerator units in future CPU microarchitectures. This new system is available in Windows 11 version 25H2 and Windows Server 2025 following the September update. Initial testing shows that certain workloads can achieve double the storage performance and reduce CPU usage by over 70%. The encryption processing is offloaded to a fixed-function cryptography engine within the system on chip (SoC), and encryption keys are hardware-wrapped for enhanced security. The initial rollout focuses on Intel vPro platforms with Core Ultra Series 3 "Panther Lake" processors, with plans to extend support to other vendors. Performance data indicates that while sequential read and write speeds are similar between software and hardware approaches, random 4K operations show significant improvements, with hardware-accelerated BitLocker being 2.3 times faster in RND4K Q32T1 tests and demonstrating a 40% speed increase for single-queue random reads and a 2.1 times speed increase for single-queue random writes.

Winsage

December 19, 2025

Microsoft Phases Out RC4 Encryption by 2026 to Bolster Windows Security

Microsoft has announced the phased discontinuation of the RC4 encryption cipher, with full implementation expected by mid-2026. RC4, created in 1987, has been increasingly recognized as a vulnerability, exploited in various high-profile cyberattacks. Microsoft plans to disable RC4 by default in Windows Kerberos authentication, encouraging organizations to transition to more secure alternatives like AES-256. This decision follows years of warnings from the cybersecurity community and aims to eliminate long-standing cryptographic weaknesses. The transition will require organizations to audit and upgrade their infrastructures, as many legacy applications still depend on RC4. Disabling RC4 is expected to reduce the success rates of attacks exploiting weak encryption. Microsoft has introduced tools to help administrators identify hidden RC4 usage. The change reflects a commitment to zero-trust architectures and aligns with recommendations from organizations like NIST. Experts recommend a multi-step approach for organizations to navigate this transition effectively.

Winsage

November 30, 2025

Week in review: Fake “Windows Update” fuels malware, Salesforce details Gainsight breach

Colonel Ludovic Monnerat emphasized the need for satellite systems to adopt quantum-safe methods due to looming quantum threats. Graham McMillan noted that past AI failures have not led to industry maturity, predicting significant structural shifts from AI meltdowns. Marina Marceta highlighted the importance of a risk-aware culture in cybersecurity to align security with business objectives. A new wave of ClickFix attacks uses deceptive “Windows Update” screens to distribute malware. Researchers from watchTowr found that code formatting sites are exposing sensitive information like API keys. cnspec is an open-source tool for maintaining security and compliance across cloud environments. The Tor Project plans to implement Counter Galois Onion encryption to enhance user anonymity. An ISC2 survey revealed that supply chain risks are a top concern for cybersecurity professionals. There are various job openings in the cybersecurity field for different skill levels.