cybersecurity risks Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Best Antivirus Software (2025): ESET Recognized as Top Cybersecurity Solution by Software Experts

ESET is recognized as a leading antivirus provider in 2025, known for its robust security solutions that effectively combat rising cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and zero-day exploits. The company's offerings include heuristic and behavioral detection, ransomware and phishing protection, exploit blocker technology, and low resource usage, ensuring minimal impact on system performance. ESET provides various products for home users, including ESET HOME Security Essential, Premium, and Ultimate, as well as a Small Business Security package for up to 25 devices and scalable solutions for larger organizations. Pricing for home products starts at .99/year, with multi-device and multi-year discounts available. ESET operates in over 200 countries, utilizing a global network for real-time threat intelligence and maintaining a commitment to effective digital security since its establishment in 1992.

Winsage

May 11, 2025

Microsoft Confirms New Free Update Deadline For Windows Users

Microsoft has extended support for Microsoft 365 applications on Windows 10 until October 10, 2028, providing an additional three years of security updates. This change comes after the company had previously announced that support would end on October 14, 2025. The extension aims to assist the 240 million Windows 10 users who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations, allowing them to transition without immediate pressure to purchase new hardware. Microsoft has stated that while they will provide troubleshooting assistance for issues with Microsoft 365 apps on Windows 10, users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 for optimal performance and reliability.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

No, it’s not OK to delete that new inetpub folder

Microsoft has introduced a new inetpub folder located at %systemdrive%inetpub on user devices as part of the April Patch Tuesday updates to enhance system protection. This folder is associated with Internet Information Services (IIS), which is not installed by default. Microsoft advises that this folder should not be deleted, regardless of whether IIS is active. The vulnerability CVE-2025-21204 allows an authenticated attacker to elevate privileges locally, enabling them to perform file management operations on the victim machine. The "link following flaw" refers to inadequate prevention of filename linking to unintended resources, and mitigating this risk involves denying access to specific files and setting appropriate folder permissions. The inetpub folder serves as a protective measure against potential exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Why the death of Windows 10 is a hacker’s wet dream

Microsoft is considering halting security updates for Windows 10, which could lead to increased cybersecurity risks and environmental issues due to the potential disposal of millions of functional computers. Security updates will remain available for an additional year at a cost, similar to extended support options previously offered to businesses. There is a call for Microsoft to provide free security updates for Windows 10 as long as it remains widely used, to promote sustainability and reduce the throwaway culture associated with technology.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows Recall Is Finally Rolling Out To Customers

Microsoft is rolling out its Windows Recall feature, which captures near-constant screenshots of user activity to allow natural language searches for content. Concerns have been raised by cybersecurity expert Kevin Beaumont, who warns that it could reverse cybersecurity progress by a decade. Users must opt-in and use Windows Hello for authentication to access their stored images, which can be paused at any time. Recall captures snapshots during various tasks and allows users to reopen applications or documents and perform actions directly from these snapshots. The rollout will occur gradually, and the tech community is monitoring its impact on cybersecurity.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Signal is ‘as safe as messaging apps get’, but not for national security

End-to-end encrypted messaging app Signal is recognized for its security features but is advised against for use by government officials discussing national security. A breach occurred when members of former President Donald Trump's national security team mistakenly included a journalist in a group chat sharing sensitive military information. Cybersecurity experts express concerns about the potential legal implications of using apps like Signal for classified communications, as it could violate the Espionage Act. High-ranking officials were involved in this incident, which exposed sensitive details, including air-strike targets and the identity of a CIA officer. Typically, government officials use Secure Compartmentalized Information Facilities (SCIFs) for classified information, and there are specific government-approved systems for transmitting such information that do not include Signal.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Microsoft is now sending emails to get you moving on from Windows 10

Microsoft is notifying Windows 10 users via email about the end of support for the operating system, which will officially cease on October 14, 2025. The email encourages users to check upgrade eligibility for Windows 11 and explore new computers. It includes a FAQ section addressing the implications of the end of support, noting that while devices will not stop functioning immediately, they will become vulnerable to malware without security updates. The option for paid extended support for an additional year is not mentioned. Users are advised to consider alternatives like 0Patch for updates, invest in antivirus software and VPN services, and back up files to OneDrive.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Hitachi Energy’s upgrade to Windows 11 on 89% of desktops

Hitachi Energy has migrated over 40,000 desktops to Windows 11 across 12 countries, starting with a pilot of 500 devices in November 2023 and full rollout beginning in March 2024, expected to complete by October 2024. The company assessed 45,335 devices, with 43,568 suitable for upgrade, and found 2,330 out of 3,034 applications compatible with Windows 11, achieving a 76% compatibility rate. Approximately 40,600 devices, nearly 90%, successfully transitioned to Windows 11, while the rest were upgraded to Windows 10. The migration utilized ManagementStudio integrated with various platforms for efficiency, with nearly 10,000 devices upgraded in May 2024. A pilot program tested the new OS with selected users to identify issues before broader deployment. Transitioning is crucial as Windows 10 approaches end-of-support, with Microsoft addressing numerous vulnerabilities in its updates.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Microsoft Upgrade Deadline—Millions Of Windows Users Suddenly Switch

Microsoft faces a significant challenge as millions of users remain on software that will soon lack essential security updates, increasing cybersecurity risks. The free upgrade to Windows 11 is still available but requires appropriate hardware specifications. Recent data shows that Windows 10's market share has declined to 58.7% by the end of February 2025, while Windows 11's market share has increased to 38.13%. A previous trend saw many users reverting to Windows 10, resulting in a nearly 30% disparity between the two operating systems. Microsoft offered a one-time, 12-month security extension for Windows 10 users for a fee, but this option has lost appeal due to discussions about security and features. The free upgrade offer is available for licensed Windows 10 machines that meet hardware requirements, but there are concerns about users without compatible hardware. Microsoft is tightening upgrade workarounds and needs to clarify hardware requirements as the October 14th deadline approaches.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

NHS cyber security concerns raised about move to Windows 11

Concerns are rising about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the NHS as it transitions to Windows 11, especially since Microsoft will stop security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Many NHS institutions are facing hardware limitations that may hinder this upgrade. The NHS's device configuration has shifted from approximately 70% desktop PCs and 30% laptops to an estimated 80% laptops, many of which are now five years old due to the pandemic-related distribution surge. This aging technology poses significant risks, as the NHS capital budget has not increased to address the need for updates. A spokesperson for NHS England confirmed a five-year deal with Microsoft for security solutions, urging organizations to transition to Windows 11 before the end of Windows 10 support. Additionally, a 2022 British Medical Association report indicated that over 13.5 million hours of doctors' time were lost annually due to inadequate IT systems, with 80% of doctors believing that improved IT infrastructure would help address backlogs.