data protection Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 22, 2025

Protect your devices with Norton: Get 58% off your first year now

The internet poses challenges such as cyber scams and data breaches, making data protection essential. Norton offers various cybersecurity solutions, including: - Norton AntiVirus Plus: Protects 1 device with real-time threat protection, 2GB cloud backup, password manager, and 24/7 support. Annual subscription is .99 (50% off). - Norton 360 Standard: Protects 3 devices, includes a secure VPN and Dark Web Monitoring. Annual subscription is .99 (57% off). - Norton 360 Deluxe: Protects 5 devices, adds parental controls and enhanced privacy features. Annual subscription is .99 (58% off). - Norton 360 with LifeLock Select Plus: Protects 10 devices, includes identity theft protection and credit monitoring. Annual subscription is .99 (47% off). Prices may change over time.

Winsage

February 21, 2025

Microsoft trims File Explorer’s Recent, Favorites, and Recommended content in Europe

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 24H2 Preview Build 26120.3281 in the Dev and Beta channels. This update removes several features from File Explorer, including the Recent, Favorites, and Recommended content sections, as well as the Details Pane, to comply with the EU's GDPR. The change primarily affects Entra ID users in the European Economic Area. The update also addresses the Location API, previously used by Cortana, which is now deemed unnecessary following Cortana's discontinuation. Microsoft has not clarified whether location data will still be stored online. These updates are currently in Preview and may not be included in the final version. Past updates have caused issues, such as disrupting sound output and making File Explorer unusable.

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.

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.

Tech Optimizer

February 15, 2025

Simplify database authentication management with the Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL pg_ad_mapping extension

Authentication is essential for security in enterprise environments, protecting sensitive data and resources from unauthorized access. Kerberos authentication is utilized for Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition with AWS Directory Service for Microsoft Active Directory, particularly through the pg_ad_mapping extension, which enhances access control management. Aurora PostgreSQL supports multiple authentication methods, including password authentication, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) database authentication, and Kerberos authentication. By default, password authentication is enabled, while IAM and Kerberos can be used independently. Users are assigned specific roles based on the authentication method: rds_iam for IAM, rds_ad for Kerberos, and no specific roles for password authentication. Kerberos authentication integrates with Microsoft Active Directory, allowing centralized authentication and single sign-on (SSO) capabilities. With versions 14.10 and 15.5, Aurora PostgreSQL introduced the pg_ad_mapping extension, which allows administrators to manage access through Active Directory (AD) security groups instead of provisioning individual users. This extension checks AD group memberships upon user login and assigns corresponding database roles, prioritizing roles based on assigned weights. The pg_ad_mapping extension includes functions such as pgadmap_set_mapping to add mappings between AD security groups and database roles, pgadmap_read_mapping to list existing mappings, and pgadmap_reset_mapping to delete or reset mappings. To deploy the solution, a CloudFormation stack is used to create necessary resources, including an AWS Managed Microsoft AD server, an Aurora PostgreSQL database cluster, and a Windows EC2 instance. Users can be added to AD groups, and roles can be mapped to facilitate access management. Security best practices for Aurora PostgreSQL include using IAM policies for resource management, implementing security groups for database access control, utilizing encryption for data protection, and employing Transport Layer Security (TLS) for secure connections. For auditing, the pg_stat_gssapi view can be used to identify authenticated users, and enabling the log_connections parameter will log session establishments, including AD user identities.

Tech Optimizer

February 14, 2025

New PostgreSQL Zero-Day Potentially Leveraged in BeyondTrust Attacks

Tulsi Gabbard, the newly appointed U.S. Director of National Intelligence, is involved in a debate over digital privacy and national security due to the UK's reported directive to Apple to create a backdoor for accessing encrypted iCloud data. U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Andy Biggs, have expressed concerns that such a backdoor could compromise data security and expose sensitive information to unauthorized access and cyber threats. They argue that this policy could have global implications for data protection standards. Gabbard's response to the issue may impact the U.S. stance on encryption and privacy.

Winsage

February 14, 2025

Nearly half of Steam’s users are still using Windows 10, with end of life fast approaching

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, meaning users will no longer receive free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes. Over 40% of users are still on Windows 10, according to Steam’s January 2025 Hardware & Software Survey. The hardware requirements for Windows 11 have deterred many users from upgrading, particularly those with older processors. Operating on an unsupported OS increases risks from malware and viruses due to the lack of security updates. Discussions among gamers suggest a potential interest in alternatives like SteamOS, which Valve plans to expand to more devices, although challenges remain for desktop users.

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.

AppWizard

February 5, 2025

Ukrainian competitor to Telegram: Bridge messenger with «panic button» and encryption

Discussions about potentially blocking Telegram in Ukraine led to the development of a domestic alternative called Bridge messenger, created by a team of four IT specialists from Lviv. Bridge is designed to compete with messaging apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal, featuring efficient data compression for low Internet conditions, a recommendation feed, and a user-friendly interface tailored for Ukrainians. Notable features include a panic button for data deletion, end-to-end encryption, temporary accounts for anonymity, and advanced automation for business processes. The project has consumed over 2,000 hours and nearly 0,000 in personal funding. Bridge's concept originated in summer 2024 due to power outages and communication issues, with its beta version launched on October 29, attracting over 5,000 testers. The full release is expected in the second quarter of 2025.