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AppWizard
March 3, 2026
Two upcoming PC titles, Slay the Spire 2 and Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, have received Steam Deck Verified status. Slay the Spire 2 will launch on March 5 via Steam Early Access, and developer MegaCrit aims for it to maintain this status at launch, although it is already functional on the Steam Deck. The original Slay the Spire sold millions of copies and has an 89 Metacritic score and a 97% approval rating on Steam. Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is set to release on March 12 and has confirmed its Steam Deck Verified status. The first Monster Hunter Stories has a Metacritic score of 79, while its sequel scored 82.
Winsage
March 2, 2026
Recent data from Statcounter indicates that Windows 11 has a market share of 72.57 percent, while Windows 10 holds 26.45 percent. Microsoft claims that Windows 11 has surpassed one billion users. Statcounter's data is collected from over 1.5 million websites and may be subject to revision. Microsoft will discontinue support for many versions of Windows 10 in October 2025, leading some organizations to consider Extended Security Updates (ESU), which can incur additional costs. Windows Server 2016 has a 20.3 percent share among monitored servers, and Windows 10 2016 LTSB accounts for 0.5 percent of Windows devices, making up 19.8 percent within the LTSC/LTSB category. The higher usage of LTSC/LTSB is attributed to special-purpose devices in consumer and retail sectors, which face stricter upgrade protocols.
Winsage
March 2, 2026
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, reduced from its regular price of 9, until March 8 at 11:59 P.M. Pacific. Windows 11 Pro includes enhanced security features such as TPM 2.0 support, BitLocker device encryption, Smart App Control, and Windows Sandbox. It also offers productivity tools like Hyper-V, Azure AD support, Snap layouts, and AI-assisted Copilot integration. Minimum system requirements for the upgrade include a 1 GHz or faster 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and DirectX 12 compatible graphics.
Winsage
March 2, 2026
Cybersecurity experts at Microsoft Threat Intelligence have identified a trend where attackers distribute counterfeit gaming tools that install a remote access trojan (RAT) on users' systems. These trojanized executables, such as Xeno.exe or RobloxPlayerBeta.exe, are shared through browsers and chat platforms. The initial executable acts as a downloader, installing a portable Java runtime environment and launching a harmful Java archive, jd-gui.jar. Attackers use built-in Windows tools to execute commands via PowerShell and exploit trusted system binaries, minimizing detection risk. The embedded PowerShell script connects to remote locations, downloads an executable as update.exe, and executes it. The malware erases evidence of the downloader and modifies Microsoft Defender settings to allow RAT components to function undetected. It establishes persistence through scheduled tasks and a startup script named world.vbs, enabling prolonged access to the compromised device. Microsoft Defender can detect the malware and its behaviors, and organizations are advised to monitor outbound traffic and block identified domains and IP addresses. Users are encouraged to scrutinize Microsoft Defender exclusions and scheduled tasks for irregularities and remain cautious about downloading tools from unofficial sources.
Tech Optimizer
March 1, 2026
Users are increasingly focused on the effectiveness of their security software alongside the number of streaming services they use. Leading VPN providers are responding by offering comprehensive packages that combine VPN capabilities with antivirus features. Surfshark has introduced Surfshark One, which integrates its VPN service with proprietary antivirus software. This solution is designed to provide a comprehensive cybersecurity experience within a single application. To access the antivirus feature, users must subscribe to the Surfshark One plan, which offers quick and full scans, customizable scanning options, and scheduled scans. Detected threats are quarantined and deleted after 60 days. The antivirus includes Cloud Protect for continuous defense against malware, updating its database every three hours, and provides 24/7 malware protection. Surfshark One also includes additional tools such as Alternative ID for safeguarding user information, Surfshark Alert for notifications about compromised sensitive information, and Surfshark Search for ad-free browsing. Surfshark's VPN offers access to over 4,500 servers and supports unlimited devices. Surfshark One differs from other VPN packages by providing essential tools for post-compromise care and customizable security settings. Competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer tiered pricing structures with advanced security features in higher-tier plans. To acquire Surfshark One, users can visit the Surfshark website and choose from various subscription plans. The cost difference between the Surfshark Starter plan and Surfshark One is minimal, with Surfshark One starting at .49 per month. Surfshark One+ includes additional features like personal data removal and identity theft coverage. Only a few providers currently offer both VPN and antivirus capabilities, including Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost.
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