endpoints Archives

Winsage

July 13, 2026

Microsoft demystifies how Windows updates work

Microsoft has released a guide on the Windows servicing model, detailing monthly security updates, optional preview releases, hotpatch updates, and feature rollout mechanisms. Patch Tuesday occurs every second Tuesday of the month, delivering cumulative security updates to supported Windows versions. For consumers and small businesses, updates are managed through Windows Update, while enterprises can use various tools like Windows Autopatch and WSUS. Hotpatch updates, which focus on security fixes, can be installed without a restart, unlike quarterly baseline updates that require one. Optional non-security preview updates are released in the fourth week of each month for testing upcoming fixes and new features, available only for the latest supported Windows versions. Unmanaged devices can access these updates through Windows Update settings, while IT-managed devices depend on organizational policies. Microsoft also issues out-of-band updates to address urgent issues, which can be deployed through enterprise management tools. New features for Windows 11 are rolled out throughout the year via various channels, with a gradual rollout strategy to monitor quality and compatibility, using the Controlled Feature Rollout approach.

Winsage

July 11, 2026

AI Threat Forces Microsoft To Update Windows Patch Guidance

Microsoft is advocating for a reevaluation of Windows patch management practices due to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) impacting cybersecurity. The company emphasizes that traditional timelines for patch deployment, typically spanning several weeks after the monthly Patch Tuesday, are inadequate against modern cyber threats. Microsoft recommends organizations shorten deployment windows to under three days for quality updates, with immediate installation deadlines and minimal user grace periods. To support these changes, Microsoft is enhancing Windows Autopatch with a new reporting dashboard for patch compliance and security insights. The company is promoting cloud-managed deployment through Microsoft Intune and Windows Autopatch while continuing to support legacy tools. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing Windows Hotpatch technology, allowing security updates to be installed without immediate reboots, and advocating for the use of identity-based access controls to isolate unpatched devices. The guidance reflects a shift from scheduled patching to continuous risk management, encouraging organizations to prioritize high-risk assets and automate update deployments. Microsoft is also investing in AI-assisted vulnerability discovery and automated code analysis to improve defensive capabilities. The overarching message is that enterprises must adapt their update strategies to address the accelerated pace of AI-driven exploitation.

Tech Optimizer

July 10, 2026

Gen Digital stock holds steady as cybersecurity demand supports long term growth

Gen Digital is a publicly traded company focused on cybersecurity and digital privacy solutions, primarily targeting consumers and small businesses. The company generates revenue through recurring subscriptions for its security and identity protection services, which include antivirus software, VPN services, and identity monitoring. Gen Digital's business model relies on bundling multiple security features into comprehensive offerings, providing predictable revenue and stability in cash flows. The company emphasizes continuous updates to its services to protect against evolving cybersecurity threats. Its growth prospects are linked to trends in cybersecurity spending and the increasing adoption of subscription-based solutions. Gen Digital differentiates itself from competitors by focusing on individual devices and home networks rather than large enterprises. The company also benefits from distribution partnerships that help expand its customer base. Long-term demand for its products is driven by digitalization, cyber risks, and growing consumer awareness of privacy issues. Gen Digital's stock performance is influenced by both company-specific factors and broader market trends in technology and cybersecurity.

Winsage

July 9, 2026

Evolving Windows vulnerability management to meet the speed of AI-powered discovery

Microsoft is enhancing its security measures for Windows by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the discovery and analysis of vulnerabilities across its codebase. This includes the use of a multi-model agentic scanning harness (MDASH) that employs various AI models to identify and validate potential vulnerabilities efficiently. A dedicated cloud infrastructure supports this scanning process, which aims to minimize false positives and reduce the time from discovery to customer protection. The company collaborates across divisions to promote AI-powered tools and practices, refining its internal systems to integrate vulnerability discovery into development processes. This includes updating Secure Development Lifecycle (SDL) practices to address AI-enabled attack techniques. Customers can expect an increase in security updates as AI enhances vulnerability discovery capabilities. Windows updates undergo rigorous validation through programs like the Security Update Validation Program (SUVP) to ensure quality and compatibility. Microsoft also offers tools like Known Issue Rollback (KIR) for quick reversion of changes if issues arise during updates. Customers are encouraged to stay current with security updates and utilize resources like the Security Update Guide for prioritizing protections. To facilitate smoother update processes, Microsoft provides optional non-security preview releases for compatibility testing and employs modern management capabilities like Windows Autopatch to automate security updates. Azure Arc enables rebootless updates for Windows Servers, while Microsoft Defender and Intune help manage vulnerabilities and compliance across endpoints. Overall, Microsoft is committed to continuous improvement in its security practices to adapt to the evolving threat landscape and ensure customer protection through timely updates.

Winsage

July 9, 2026

GDID Windows – Cut the tracker that follows you even through a VPN

In April 2026, the FBI apprehended an individual associated with the Scattered Spider group, who had concealed his online activities using a VPN. His efforts were thwarted by the GDID, a 64-bit Persistent Unique Identifier assigned by Microsoft upon logging into Windows. The GDID is stored in plain text in the registry and is linked to Microsoft’s servers, remaining unaffected by changes to IP addresses or attempts to delete it. Disabling Windows telemetry does not prevent the GDID from being accessed, as it operates through other services. To mitigate its transmission, users can disable certain services and modify the hosts file, although the GDID itself remains stored on Microsoft’s servers. Scripts are available on GitHub to audit and implement changes regarding the GDID. Transitioning to a local account does not guarantee anonymity, and for sensitive activities, using a live Linux system is recommended for better data control.

Winsage

July 1, 2026

Do you still need third-party antivirus on your Windows PC?

In April, a statement on the Windows Learning Center claimed that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is sufficient for many Windows 11 users, leading to brief attention before the article was removed a month later without explanation. The link now redirects to the homepage, but the content is still accessible via the Internet Archive. Microsoft has not clarified the removal, and speculation suggests backlash from the third-party security industry may have influenced this decision. Research indicates that the infection rate for consumer PCs in 2023-2024 was 3.07%, lower than the 2.39% for business PCs, suggesting that risks may not be as widespread as often claimed. The 2025 Cybersecurity Threat Report noted that 56% of consumer endpoints that faced an infection in 2024 experienced subsequent infections, with user behavior playing a significant role. A survey found that 54% of Americans rely on default device protection, while 46% use third-party antivirus solutions. Modern antivirus solutions, including Microsoft Defender, achieve protection rates of 99% or higher, with Defender specifically reaching a 99.0% protection rate without false positives. This performance indicates that Defender is adequate for most consumers. Default security measures on platforms are generally effective, with modern antivirus applications blocking 99.2% of threats that bypass other protections. Consequently, 97% of PCs remain free from malware infections, suggesting that improving user training may be more beneficial than investing in superior software. In contrast, businesses face different challenges, as attacks are often executed by sophisticated criminal organizations targeting vulnerabilities in third-party software. Enterprise administrators typically use specialized endpoint security products for centralized management and continuous monitoring, which are essential for protecting business environments.

Winsage

June 27, 2026

New Millenium RAT version infects 62,000 Windows systems worldwide

A significant evolution of the Millenium remote access trojan (RAT) has impacted over 62,000 Windows devices across more than 160 countries. The latest version, 4.*, marks a departure from previous .NET-based versions and is attributed to a threat cluster known as Y2K Operators, with the creator identified as “ShinyEnigma.” There are 62,289 infected endpoints, with 39,730 infections occurring in the first quarter of 2026. The RAT is marketed as malware-as-a-service (MaaS) and promoted through underground forums and platforms like GitHub, with accessible pricing. Millenium RAT 4 is developed in native C++ and uses the Telegram Bot API for command-and-control communications. Its capabilities include stealing browser data, collecting system information, logging keystrokes, capturing screenshots and audio, accessing Telegram and Discord data, downloading additional payloads, and executing Windows or PowerShell commands. The malware ensures persistence by replicating itself in the %APPDATA% directory and creating an autorun registry entry. The malware is distributed through social engineering tactics such as cracked software, cryptocurrency utilities, hacking toolkits, OSINT tools, exploit builders, and Roblox-related cheats. Some campaigns have trojanized malware builders, infecting cybercriminals. One campaign used PDF-themed lures with a malicious Windows shortcut to download the RAT while displaying a legitimate document. Payloads often use filenames associated with Windows components or security software to blend into infected systems. Group-IB recommends avoiding untrusted executables, applying security updates, enabling multi-factor authentication, and monitoring for unusual autorun registry entries.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows RAT Uses Encrypted HTTP C2 and Registry Persistence After npm Infection

A malware campaign targets Windows systems through a malicious npm package named postcss-minify-selector-parser, which mimics the legitimate postcss-selector-parser. This counterfeit package installs a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) on developer machines, beginning with a multi-stage attack triggered by the installation of the package. The RAT can steal credentials, execute shell commands, and communicate with a remote attacker. Security researchers at JFrog identified this threat and reported it on June 22, 2026, noting that two additional related packages, postcss-minify-selector and aes-decode-runner-pro, are linked to the same publisher and remain live on the npm registry. The RAT employs encrypted HTTP communication with a command-and-control (C2) server and ensures persistence by creating a registry key under the Windows Run key. It has capabilities for remote shell execution, file uploads and downloads, and can steal saved login data from Google Chrome using Windows decryption APIs. The malware is designed for organized batch exfiltration of stolen data. Indicators of compromise include specific IP addresses, domains, file paths, and SHA-256 hashes associated with the malware components. JFrog advises users to remove the malicious packages, inspect their dependency trees, and treat any stored credentials as compromised.

Winsage

June 24, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 EOL: Resolve Version Drift with TruRisk Eliminate

Windows 11 version 24H2 will reach the end of servicing on October 13, 2026. Enterprises often face version drift, requiring different upgrade strategies for various Windows 11 builds across endpoints. Upgrade methods include enablement packages, ISO-based feature updates, or direct upgrades from Windows 10. Enablement packages are the quickest and least disruptive option for compatible Windows 11 systems. Qualys TruRisk Eliminate can standardize upgrades and minimize version drift on a large scale. Endpoints should be assessed for readiness, categorized by eligibility and current OS status. Enablement packages are recommended for recent Windows 11 builds due to their minimal download size, faster installation, and reduced operational impact. If enablement packages are unavailable, ISO-based feature updates may be necessary. Direct upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11 25H2 can be executed without intermediate transitions. Qualys TruRisk Eliminate provides tools for managing these upgrade processes effectively.