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10 Windows features you aren't using, but should
Winsage
April 2, 2025

10 Windows features you aren’t using, but should

Recent updates in popular software applications have introduced several features aimed at enhancing user experience and productivity. 1. Phone Link has added a one-click-copy button for messaging notifications, simplifying the sharing of codes and reducing errors. 2. Windows 11's Snipping Tool now includes a “Text actions” button, allowing users to extract and manipulate text from screenshots. 3. PowerToys enables users to paste text as plain text, helping maintain consistency by eliminating unwanted formatting in documents and communications.
For the Price of a Good Burger, You Can Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro and Unlock Microsoft's Copilot AI
Winsage
April 1, 2025

For the Price of a Good Burger, You Can Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro and Unlock Microsoft’s Copilot AI

Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, a 92% discount from the standard price of approximately 9. It features a refreshed user interface for multitasking, enhanced security, a Universal Search tool on the taskbar, the ability to create multiple custom desktops, and integration with OneDrive for file synchronization across devices. It also includes productivity shortcuts like Win + V for clipboard history and the Copilot AI tool to streamline tasks.
Android users ALERT! Google has an update but you need to stop installing THESE apps?
AppWizard
March 31, 2025

Android users ALERT! Google has an update but you need to stop installing THESE apps?

Google's AI-driven threat detection and security measures blocked approximately 2.36 million policy-violating applications from being released on the Play Store last year. In February, Google removed hundreds of malicious applications that were infecting devices with adware and malware. Over 50 times more Android malware originates from internet-sideloaded sources compared to those found on the Play Store. Google is expanding its Play Protect feature across all applications and the upcoming Android 15 will introduce live threat detection. Sophos warned about PJobRAT malware, which can steal SMS messages, contacts, and files from infected Android devices. Experts advise against sideloading apps unless their legitimacy and security are certain.
Hackers target Taiwan with malware delivered via fake messaging apps
AppWizard
March 28, 2025

Hackers target Taiwan with malware delivered via fake messaging apps

Recent research from cybersecurity firm Sophos has identified the use of PJobRAT malware targeting users in Taiwan through instant messaging applications SangaalLite and CChat, which mimic legitimate platforms. These malicious apps were available for download on various WordPress sites, now taken offline. PJobRAT, an Android remote access trojan first identified in 2019, has been used to steal SMS messages, contacts, device information, documents, and media files. The recent cyber-espionage initiative lasted nearly two years, affecting a limited number of users, indicating a targeted approach by the attackers. The latest version of PJobRAT lacks the ability to steal WhatsApp messages but allows attackers greater control over infected devices. The distribution method for these apps remains unclear, but previous campaigns involved third-party app stores and phishing pages. Upon installation, the apps request extensive permissions and provide basic chat functionalities. Sophos researchers note that threat actors often refine their strategies after campaigns, suggesting ongoing risks.
Office is too slow, so Microsoft is making it load at Windows startup
Winsage
March 28, 2025

Office is too slow, so Microsoft is making it load at Windows startup

Microsoft is introducing a feature called "Startup Boost" for its Office suite, allowing applications like Word and Excel to launch automatically upon booting Windows. This feature will only be enabled on devices with a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 5GB of available disk space. The rollout will begin in mid-May, starting with Microsoft Word, and users can disable the feature in Word’s settings or through the Task Scheduler.
PJobRAT makes a comeback, takes another crack at chat apps
AppWizard
March 28, 2025

PJobRAT makes a comeback, takes another crack at chat apps

In 2021, PJobRAT, an Android Remote Access Trojan (RAT), targeted Indian military personnel through deceptive apps. A new campaign was discovered in 2023, focusing on users in Taiwan, with malicious apps like ‘SangaalLite’ and CChat disguised as instant messaging applications. These apps were available for download from WordPress sites, which have since been taken down. The campaign began in January 2023, with domains registered as early as April 2022, and the latest sample detected in October 2024. The number of infections was low, indicating a targeted approach rather than a broad attack. The distribution methods remain unclear, but may involve SEO poisoning, malvertising, or phishing. Once installed, the apps request extensive permissions and feature basic chat functionality. Recent versions of PJobRAT have shifted from stealing WhatsApp messages to executing shell commands, allowing greater control over compromised devices. PJobRAT communicates with its command-and-control (C2) servers using Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) and HTTP, enabling the upload of various data types, including SMS, contacts, and files. The now inactive C2 server was located in Germany.
Microsoft: New Windows scheduled task will launch Office apps faster
Winsage
March 27, 2025

Microsoft: New Windows scheduled task will launch Office apps faster

Microsoft is launching a feature called "Startup Boost" for its Office applications, scheduled for rollout in mid-May. This feature aims to improve loading times by introducing a background task that activates upon user logon, integrated into the Windows Task Scheduler. Users will see new tasks labeled Office Startup Boost and Office Startup Boost Logon in their task scheduler. The feature requires a minimum of 8 GB of RAM and 5 GB of free disk space and will deactivate when Energy Saver mode is activated. Users can disable Startup Boost through the Office app settings, but it will reactivate with each new Office update. Additionally, Microsoft is testing ad-supported versions of its Office desktop applications.
Windows 11 KB5053656 update released with 38 changes and fixes
Winsage
March 27, 2025

Windows 11 KB5053656 update released with 38 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the KB5053656 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, featuring 38 enhancements, including real-time translation capabilities for Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel processors. This update addresses authentication issues and blue-screen errors, and is classified as an "optional non-security preview update." It introduces live captions and real-time translation support for over 44 languages, enhances Windows Search with improved capabilities, and fixes issues related to the MsiCloseHandle API and boot menu entries. The update also phases out the Location History feature and acknowledges known issues affecting Citrix components and Roblox on Windows Arm devices. Users can install the update via Windows Update or manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The update upgrades systems to build 26100.3624. Windows 11 24H2 is broadly deployed and accessible to all users.
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