enterprises Archives

Winsage

May 11, 2025

Microsoft Build 2025: What to expect from Copilot, Windows 11 and AI agents

Microsoft's commitment to artificial intelligence and its Copilot initiative is ongoing, with a focus on AI at the upcoming Microsoft Build developer conference from May 19 to 22. The conference will highlight AI, which has become a central theme in recent years. CEO Satya Nadella and CTO Kevin Scott will host the opening keynote, available for viewing on the Build website, with real-time updates provided by Engadget. This year, discussions are expected to include the integration of AI agents into the Windows 11 Settings app, enhancements to File Explorer for easier file management, and upgrades to the start menu for app discovery. A notable feature for Copilot, called Copilot Vision, will allow the AI assistant to observe user activities and engage in relevant dialogue, with an expanded version teased for desktop environments. In March 2025, Microsoft introduced a "Researcher" tool within Copilot for Microsoft 365 subscribers, enabling research aggregation from various sources. There has been no announcement regarding its availability for free users, but potential plans may be revealed at Build 2025. Additionally, updates on Azure, .NET, and GitHub will be part of the conference agenda.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 may now automatically install itself, whether you want it or not

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 has officially entered the final phase of its gradual rollout, making it available to all users. This automatic installation applies to individual users of Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2, excluding managed organizations or enterprises. Devices blocked due to known bugs are exempt from the update. Users can choose when to restart their devices or postpone the update, and they can also pause updates for one to five weeks. Users can manually check for the update by navigating to Settings and selecting Windows Update. Since its release, Windows 11 24H2 has faced various bugs and compatibility issues, leading to some updates being blocked and creating a cycle of fixes and new problems. As Windows 10 approaches its end of support in October, the need for stability in Windows 11 is becoming increasingly important.

Tech Optimizer

May 6, 2025

Crunchy Data Validates Postgres for Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Workloads

Validation for Crunchy Postgres on Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization has been officially announced. Crunchy Data has expanded its collaboration with Red Hat to enhance support for Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization, enabling customers to deploy production-ready Postgres infrastructure. The validation allows Red Hat customers to implement Postgres for various applications within Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization-based virtual machines. Key features of Crunchy Postgres include automated deployment, comprehensive backups, disaster recovery capabilities, high availability, connection scaling, performance optimizations, and robust monitoring tools. This announcement continues the collaboration between Crunchy Data and Red Hat, which includes previous certifications and a shared commitment to open source software.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

One Small Upgrade Can Have the Biggest Impact on Your Cybersecurity

Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro enhances digital security and streamlines operations for business owners. Key features include Trusted Platform Module 2.0 support, Smart App Control, BitLocker encryption, Windows Sandbox, Azure AD integration, and Hyper-V virtualization. Additionally, it includes a built-in AI Copilot for productivity. Currently, Windows 11 Pro is available for .97, a significant discount from its regular price of 9, valid until June 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with no coupon required. Prices are subject to change.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2025

Chimera Malware: Outsmarting Antivirus, Firewalls, and Human Defenses

X Business, an e-commerce store specializing in handmade home décor, experienced a cybersecurity incident involving a malware strain called Chimera. The attack began during a routine update to their inventory management system and escalated within 12 hours, resulting in halted customer orders, locked employee accounts, and a crashed website. The attackers demanded a ransom of 0,000 in cryptocurrency, threatening to expose sensitive customer data. Chimera is an AI-driven malware that adapts its code to evade detection, targeting both Windows and macOS systems. It exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Windows' Print Spooler service and bypassed macOS security measures by forging code signatures. The malware used social engineering tactics to deceive employees into activating malicious payloads, leading to compromised systems and encrypted customer data. The recovery process took 48 hours, utilizing cybersecurity tools like CrowdStrike Falcon and SentinelOne Singularity to identify and isolate the malware. Data restoration was achieved through Acronis Cyber Protect and macOS Time Machine, while vulnerabilities were addressed with Qualys and emergency patch deployment via WSUS. The network security framework was improved using Cisco Umbrella and Zscaler Private Access to implement a Zero Trust architecture. The incident highlights the need for small enterprises to adopt proactive cybersecurity strategies, including a 3-2-1 backup approach, Zero Trust models, investment in AI-driven defense tools, and employee training to recognize social engineering attempts.

Tech Optimizer

May 2, 2025

The Pillars of AI-Driven Security

The cybersecurity landscape has shifted from traditional methods like firewalls and antivirus software to more sophisticated, AI-driven strategies. The 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report identifies ransomware as a leading attack type, with a median time to compromise now measured in hours. The attack surface is expanding due to remote work, cloud adoption, and IoT devices, while traditional security measures struggle to keep up. AI enhances security across three domains: prevention, detection, and response. 1. Prevention: AI distinguishes between legitimate and suspicious activities, improving predictive accuracy and enabling proactive defenses against attacks. AI models can identify zero-day malware and fileless attacks by focusing on behavior. 2. Detection: AI-powered tools like SIEM systems analyze vast amounts of data to identify risks and suspicious patterns in near real-time, reducing false positives and highlighting low-and-slow attacks and insider threats. 3. Response: AI automates rapid containment and remediation actions, allowing human analysts to focus on more complex tasks. Generative AI can assist in drafting incident reports and suggesting remediation measures. AI-driven security offers scale and efficiency, reducing breach costs significantly for organizations that utilize it. AI models adapt to evolving threats, and AI tools help bridge the cybersecurity skills gap. However, challenges include potential biases in AI models, the need for talent and change management, and privacy concerns. Organizations are encouraged to adopt AI-driven security as a core component of their digital defense strategy to improve risk posture and threat response.

Winsage

April 28, 2025

Microsoft makes hot patching a paid feature for Windows Server 2025

Hotpatching in Windows Server 2025 allows system administrators to apply security updates without rebooting, enhancing response times to vulnerabilities. Microsoft will introduce a subscription model for this feature starting July 1, 2024, at an initial rate of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Hotpatching emerges as a significant advancement in the realm of Windows Server 2025, allowing system administrators to implement security updates without the need for system reboots. This capability enhances the speed at which organizations can respond to vulnerabilities, aligning with the growing demand for agile IT operations. However, Microsoft has decided to place this feature behind a paywall, introducing a subscription model that will take effect from July 1, 2024, at an initial rate of .50 per core per month. Notably, users operating on Azure will be exempt from this charge, providing a clear incentive for cloud-based deployments. Previously available in Azure Hotpatching is not an entirely new concept; it has been successfully utilized in various environments, including the Linux kernel, VMware products, and the Xen hypervisor. Microsoft has previously offered hot patching capabilities for Windows Server: Azure Edition and version 2022 within the Azure cloud ecosystem. In August 2024, the company unveiled a preview of hot patching for Windows Server 2025 in Azure, followed by an additional preview for deployments managed through the Arc hybrid and multicloud management system in September. This latest preview marks a pivotal moment, as it introduces hot patching for Windows Server 2025 Standard and Datacenter Edition, enabling on-premises applications of this technology for the first time. Microsoft has characterized this feature as a “game changer,” highlighting its potential to redefine patch management for enterprises. Subscription model and patching cycle Under the new subscription model, Microsoft anticipates releasing eight hot patches annually. However, it is important to note that there may be instances where a restart is still required for security purposes. As the transition to the paid version approaches, users currently in the preview phase will be automatically migrated unless they opt out by June 30, 2024. This move has drawn parallels to Microsoft's previous strategies regarding detailed logs, which have sparked concern among security experts. Critics argue that by monetizing essential security features, Microsoft risks compromising the overall security posture for users who may not opt for these additional services. While hotpatching was initially heralded as a cornerstone innovation for Windows Server 2025, its placement behind a paywall raises questions about the balance between enhanced security and cost considerations for organizations. Read also: Windows Server 2025 updates cause problems" max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].50 per core per month, with Azure users exempt from this charge. Hotpatching has been previously available in Azure and is now being introduced for on-premises applications in Windows Server 2025 Standard and Datacenter Edition. Microsoft plans to release eight hot patches annually, although some may still require a restart. Users in the preview phase will be automatically migrated to the paid version unless they opt out by June 30, 2024. Critics express concern that monetizing essential security features may compromise overall security for users who do not subscribe.

AppWizard

April 24, 2025

Manychat taps $140M to boost its business messaging platform with AI

Manychat has secured million in a Series B funding round led by Summit Partners to expand its operations. The company has approximately 1.5 million customers in 170 countries, including brands like Nike and the New York Times. Manychat facilitates the transmission of billions of messages annually across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. Since its inception in 2015, Manychat had raised around million prior to this round, mainly from a million Series A round in 2019. The company operates at a near break-even point and has experienced significant growth, particularly after Facebook opened its Messenger APIs. Manychat's focus on user engagement distinguishes it from many generative AI chatbots. The new funds will be used for research and development to enhance AI capabilities and improve global sales, marketing, and customer support.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

PC Action Games Market Size and Outlook by Application, Type, and Geographic Scope

The global PC Action Games market is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2032, driven by increased demand for interactive entertainment, particularly among younger audiences, and advancements in technology. Key factors contributing to this growth include the popularity of competitive action games, improved gaming equipment, faster internet, and the rise of digital distribution platforms. Challenges include high initial investment costs, regulatory complexities, supply chain disruptions, market saturation in developed regions, and intense competition. Emerging trends involve the integration of advanced digital technologies, a focus on sustainability, and a demand for personalized offerings. The competitive landscape features intense rivalry, with companies prioritizing innovation, strategic partnerships, and regional expansion to enhance their market positions.

Winsage

April 19, 2025

Windows vulnerability with NTLM hash abuse exploited for phishing

A vulnerability in Windows, identified as CVE-2025-24054, is being exploited in phishing campaigns targeting government and private organizations. Initially considered low-risk, it was addressed in Microsoft's March 2025 Patch Tuesday updates. Following the release of these patches, Check Point observed a rise in exploitation attempts, particularly linked to the Russian group APT28. Attackers sent phishing emails with Dropbox links containing .library-ms files, which, when accessed, connected to an external SMB server controlled by the attackers, allowing interception of NTLM hashes. A subsequent wave of attacks involved .library-ms files sent as direct attachments, requiring minimal user interaction to exploit the vulnerability. The malicious ZIP archive also contained files exploiting older NTLM vulnerabilities. Check Point identified the attackers' SMB servers with specific IP addresses. Despite being classified as medium-severity, the vulnerability's potential impact is significant, prompting organizations to apply the March 2025 updates and consider disabling NTLM authentication if not essential.