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OEMs reveal Windows 11 Secure Boot fix after deadline passes, here's how to update your PC
Winsage
June 29, 2026

OEMs reveal Windows 11 Secure Boot fix after deadline passes, here’s how to update your PC

Major PC manufacturers, including HP, Dell, ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, Acer, Samsung, LG, and Microsoft’s Surface division, have provided guidance on transitioning to new Secure Boot certificates as the expiration of Microsoft’s 2011 certificates approaches. The expiration will occur in three phases: Microsoft Corporation KEK CA 2011 expired on June 24, 2026; Microsoft UEFI CA 2011 expired on June 27, 2026; and Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011 is set to expire on October 19, 2026. Microsoft has begun rolling out replacement certificates through Windows Update, contingent on OEMs providing compatible BIOS updates. ASUS offers detailed documentation for both consumer and commercial devices, confirming that most users will receive updates automatically. Lenovo provides direct download links for BIOS updates organized by product family and specifies which products will not receive updates. Dell's support article covers its entire product lineup, noting that devices with an End of Service Life before January 1, 2026, will not receive updates. HP outlines a dual-track approach for updates, with specific timelines for commercial PCs. Microsoft's Surface devices receive updates directly from Microsoft, while MSI categorizes guidance based on processor generation for its laptops. Acer emphasizes backing up the BitLocker recovery key and provides a model table for confirmed BIOS release dates. Samsung confirms that all PCs running Windows 10 or 11 will function normally post-expiration, but security updates will cease. LG has released a guide for checking BIOS updates for its PCs. To verify if a PC has the 2023 certificates, users can check the Secure Boot section in Windows Security. A green checkmark indicates successful application, while yellow or red icons indicate pending updates or incompatibility. Microsoft has pushed the certificates to all eligible devices as of June 2026.
The database that refused to die: How Postgres survived its own creators
Tech Optimizer
June 22, 2026

The database that refused to die: How Postgres survived its own creators

Postgres, originally developed by Michael Stonebraker in the early 1980s, is an open-source database system that evolved from Ingres. It was designed to handle complex data types and introduced user-defined data types, operators, and functions, leading to the support for abstract data types (ADTs). The initial commercialization of Postgres occurred through a startup named Illustra, later acquired by Informix. In 1995, graduate students Andrew Yu and Jolly Chen revived Postgres, transitioning it from QUEL to SQL, resulting in Postgre95, which evolved into PostgreSQL. Today, Postgres is one of the most popular database systems globally, known for its extensibility and high code quality. However, it currently lacks features like file-level encryption (TDE), which are standard in commercial systems, relying instead on the operating system for encryption. Efforts to implement TDE have faced challenges due to the complexity of required code changes.
Windows SprySOCKS Malware: Advanced Kernel-Level Rootkit Targets Government Organizations via Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Winsage
June 17, 2026

Windows SprySOCKS Malware: Advanced Kernel-Level Rootkit Targets Government Organizations via Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

The Windows variant of SprySOCKS malware, developed by the Chinese threat group Earth Lusca, targets government entities globally and features advanced capabilities such as rootkit-level stealth and extensive command-and-control (C2) functionalities. It operates on Windows systems, utilizing two main variants: WINDRV, which includes kernel drivers for stealth operations, and WINPLUS, a streamlined backdoor. The malware can communicate over TCP, UDP, and WebSocket, offering over 30 C2 commands for various operations, including system information gathering and keystroke logging. WINDRV loads a driver named ‘RawWNPF’ into memory using another signed kernel driver, allowing it to conceal processes and achieve persistence. The malware's design incorporates open-source elements and exploits vulnerabilities in the software supply chain, notably using a leaked certificate for driver signing. To combat SprySOCKS, organizations are advised to implement advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, maintain regular patching, and manage supply chain risks vigilantly. The malware's adaptability and reliance on legitimate certificates complicate detection efforts, necessitating continuous refinement of security practices.
Both Final Fantasy 7 remakes are dirt cheap right now in a franchise sale—but I think you should play FF12 and enjoy the series' best combat system at a discount, too
AppWizard
June 15, 2026

Both Final Fantasy 7 remakes are dirt cheap right now in a franchise sale—but I think you should play FF12 and enjoy the series’ best combat system at a discount, too

The first installment of the Final Fantasy 7 remake is priced around £12, and its sequel, Rebirth, is approximately £16 during a sale on Steam. Final Fantasy 12 is available for £11 and features a unique combat system known as the Gambit system, which allows players to set conditional commands for party members. The Zodiac Age version includes enhancements such as accelerated gameplay. FF12 is characterized by its grand adventure, political intrigue, and the partnership between characters Balthier and Fran.
Your inbox might finally get quieter now that Google is taking down a major AI scam ring
AppWizard
June 15, 2026

Your inbox might finally get quieter now that Google is taking down a major AI scam ring

Google has filed a lawsuit against the alleged China-based "Outsider Enterprise" network for using Gemini AI to conduct extensive phishing scams. The company is working with the FBI and major telecommunications carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, to intercept scam messages. Investigators have linked the operation to over 9,000 counterfeit websites and more than one million malicious URLs, primarily targeting Android users. The "Outsider" phishing platform offered over 290 website templates for mimicking banks and other entities, utilizing AI-generated code. Google is also supporting seven bipartisan bills aimed at combating AI-driven fraud and has implemented AI-driven defenses that block over 10 billion malicious messages each month.
Windows Server is getting new network safety capabilities with DNS over HTTPS
Winsage
June 13, 2026

Windows Server is getting new network safety capabilities with DNS over HTTPS

Microsoft has introduced DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on Windows Server 2025, enhancing network security by encrypting DNS traffic for client-to-server communications. This feature, previously available only in Windows client editions, is now part of Microsoft's Zero Trust architecture. DoH routes DNS traffic through HTTPS secured with TLS certificates, preventing eavesdropping and safeguarding DNS data from tampering. It adheres to the IETF DNS over HTTPS standard (RFC 8484) and can integrate with existing infrastructure, allowing organizations to maintain unencrypted DNS traffic if needed. DoH is available for Windows Server 2025 systems updated to the latest Patch Tuesday release, and Microsoft has provided guidance on enabling this feature. However, DNS traffic exchanged between two DNS servers will not be encrypted by DoH.
I'm sad, I'm angry, I'm interested: Destiny's final cutscenes are a painful end to a new saga cut short
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

I’m sad, I’m angry, I’m interested: Destiny’s final cutscenes are a painful end to a new saga cut short

Destiny 2's latest update, Monuments of Triumph, concludes the decade-long Light and Darkness saga with The Final Shape and introduces a new narrative arc called the Fate saga, starting with The Edge of Fate. This update features hidden cutscenes that provide insights into the characters' journeys and the future of the game. One cutscene highlights Zavala reflecting on his journey and entrusting the future to Ikora, while the second cutscene presents Lodi in the Dark Forest, hinting at a confrontation between Dark and Light and introducing the Winnower, an extradimensional god. The update showcases improved cinematic quality and leaves players with a mix of intrigue and sadness, suggesting potential for future storytelling in the Destiny universe.
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