execution Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 1, 2025

Supercharging vector search performance and relevance with pgvector 0.8.0 on Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL

The Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition has integrated support for pgvector 0.8.0, enhancing vector search capabilities significantly. This version achieves up to 9x faster query processing and delivers 100x more relevant search results compared to previous iterations. Key improvements in pgvector 0.8.0 include: - Up to 5.7x improvement in query performance for specific patterns. - Introduction of the iterative_scan feature, enhancing recall for filter queries requiring approximate nearest neighbor (ANN) index searches. - Improved cost estimation for more efficient query planning, allowing the selection of traditional indexes for complex filtered searches. - Flexible performance tuning with two modes for iterative_scan: relaxed_order and strict_order. Previous versions faced challenges with overfiltering, where combining vector similarity search with traditional SQL filters resulted in fewer results than expected. The HNSW indexing algorithm accelerates vector similarity searches by creating a multi-layered graph structure for efficient navigation. Iterative index scans in pgvector 0.8.0 improve query reliability and performance by applying filters during the scanning process, reducing false negatives and enhancing performance. The configuration options for iterative scanning include off, strict_order, and relaxed_order, with relaxed_order providing the best balance between performance and accuracy. In performance tests, pgvector 0.8.0 demonstrated substantial improvements across various query patterns, with significant enhancements in result completeness and recall. The database can now efficiently handle enterprise-scale applications, such as e-commerce and recommendation systems, with high performance and result quality even as product catalogs expand. Best practices for deploying pgvector 0.8.0 include using HNSW with recommended parameters, creating additional indexes on commonly filtered metadata columns, and tuning query parameters based on specific use cases. Operational best practices involve using Graviton4-based instances for optimal performance, monitoring and tuning slow vector queries, and considering partitioning for very large tables.

TrendTechie

May 30, 2025

Релиз Elden Ring Nightreign: высокий онлайн, много критики и появление на торрентах

FromSoftware has released Elden Ring Nightreign, a game featuring roguelike elements and cooperative action set in the universe of Elden Ring. Players explore the lands of Limvelda, engaging in battles against bosses and navigating procedurally generated environments. The game offers a solo mode and allows players to choose from eight unique characters. At launch, it achieved a peak of 313,593 concurrent players on Steam, but only 68% of players recommend it. Critics noted the absence of a two-player mode, excessive pace for solo players, lack of gameplay variety, and insufficient support for ultra-wide monitors. The game received a score of 80 on OpenCritic and a 78% recommendation rate. FromSoftware released patch 1.01 to address player concerns and Bandai Namco promoted the game with a trailer featuring a new character and a music video for Evanescence's "Bring Me to Life."

Tech Optimizer

May 28, 2025

PostgreSQL 18 Delivers Significant Performance Gains for OLTP and Analytics

PostgreSQL 18, set to debut in September, is currently in its Beta 1 phase and introduces new features aimed at enhancing analytics and transactional capabilities. Key improvements include asynchronous inputs for handling multiple read requests simultaneously, advancements in query optimization such as better handling of OR clauses and skip scans, and accelerated creation of Generalized Inverted Indexes (GINs) through parallel processing. The release also simplifies the integration of non-natively supported indices, allowing organizations to develop and adopt new indexes as extensions. Overall, PostgreSQL 18 is designed to improve performance for high-volume environments, particularly in cloud settings.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

Microsoft surprises with emergency patch KB5061977 for Windows 11 24H2

On May 27, Microsoft released an out-of-band update, KB5061977, for Windows 11 version 24H2, elevating the operating system build to 26100.4066. This emergency patch addresses a security vulnerability currently being exploited, likely related to remote code execution or privilege escalation. The update is available through Windows Update, Windows Update for Business, WSUS, and the Microsoft Update Catalog. Organizations are urged to prioritize its installation, especially on publicly accessible or critical systems. The update focuses on security and reliability improvements, with no new features introduced. The issuance of this update outside regular maintenance windows presents challenges for IT administrators, emphasizing the need for proactive patch management strategies.

Winsage

May 25, 2025

Windows Passwords Are Under Attack — Do These 7 Things Now

Microsoft Windows is a target for cybercriminals, particularly regarding password theft. Trend Micro has reported an increase in fraudulent Captcha attacks that trick users into executing malicious commands through the Windows Run dialog, leading to data theft and malware infections. These attacks utilize PowerShell and can deploy various malware types, including Lumma Stealer and AsyncRAT. Despite efforts to disrupt the Lumma Stealer network, threats persist, exploiting legitimate platforms. Microsoft recommends users adopt safer online practices and outlines seven mitigations for organizations: disable access to the Run dialog, apply least privilege, restrict access to unapproved tools, monitor unusual behavior, harden browser configurations, enable memory protection, and invest in user education.

Tech Optimizer

May 24, 2025

Connect Amazon Bedrock Agents with Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL using Amazon RDS Data API

Generative AI applications are being integrated with relational databases, allowing organizations to utilize structured data for training AI models. This integration involves using the RDS Data API with Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition and Amazon Bedrock for AI model access and automation. The solution enables natural language queries to be converted into SQL statements, executed against the database, and returns results in a user-friendly format. The architecture includes several steps: invoking the Amazon Bedrock agent with natural language input, generating SQL queries using large language models (LLMs), executing those queries via the Data API, and returning formatted results. Security measures are in place to restrict operations to read-only, preventing modifications that could compromise data integrity. To implement this solution, prerequisites include deploying an Aurora PostgreSQL cluster using AWS CDK and setting up the necessary Lambda functions and IAM roles. The agent is designed to convert natural language prompts into SQL queries and execute them securely. Testing can be conducted through the Amazon Bedrock console or the InvokeAgent API, with options for tracing the agent's steps. Key considerations for this integration include limiting it to read-only workloads, implementing parameter validation to prevent SQL injection, and ensuring comprehensive logging and auditing. For multi-tenant applications, appropriate isolation controls should be established. To avoid future charges, all resources created through CDK should be deleted after use.

Tech Optimizer

May 23, 2025

Cloudflare, Microsoft & police disrupt global malware service

Cloudflare, in collaboration with Microsoft and international law enforcement, has dismantled the infrastructure of LummaC2, an information-stealing malware service. This initiative led to the seizure and blocking of malicious domains and disrupted digital marketplaces used by criminals. Lumma Stealer operates as a subscription service providing threat actors access to a central panel for customized malware builds and stolen data retrieval. The stolen information includes credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and sensitive data, posing risks of identity theft and financial fraud. Lumma Stealer was first identified on Russian-language crime forums in early 2023 and has since migrated to Telegram for distribution. Its proliferation is facilitated by social engineering campaigns, including deceptive pop-ups and bundled malware in cracked software. Cloudflare implemented measures to block access to Lumma's command and control servers and collaborated with various authorities to prevent the criminals from regaining control. Mitigation strategies for users include restricting unknown scripts, limiting password storage in browsers, and using reputable endpoint protection tools. The operation has significantly hindered Lumma's operations and aims to undermine the infostealer-as-a-service model contributing to cybercrime.

Winsage

May 22, 2025

Signal signals discontent with Microsoft Recall

Signal has activated Digital Rights Management (DRM) features within Windows to prevent Microsoft Recall from capturing screenshots of its chat windows. Recall has been criticized for its imprecise screenshot capturing, which affects sensitive communications. Signal's DRM solution ensures that Recall and other screenshot tools do not capture its content. The "Screen security" setting in Signal Desktop for Windows 11 is enabled by default, requiring users to confirm if they wish to disable it. Recall was initially criticized during its launch at Microsoft's 2024 Build event and has since been revised, remaining an opt-in feature with a "Preview" label. Microsoft claims users control what apps and websites are saved in snapshots.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2025

Lumma Stealer: Breaking down the delivery techniques and capabilities of a prolific infostealer

Microsoft has monitored Lumma Stealer, an infostealer malware used by financially motivated threat actors. Lumma Stealer, also known as LummaC2, functions as a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) solution that extracts data from browsers and applications, including cryptocurrency wallets. The entity behind Lumma is identified as Storm-2477, which maintains the malware and its command-and-control (C2) infrastructure. Affiliates can create malware binaries and manage C2 communications through a panel provided by Storm-2477. Ransomware groups have integrated Lumma Stealer into their operations. Lumma Stealer employs various delivery techniques, including phishing emails, malvertising, drive-by downloads, Trojanized applications, and abuse of legitimate services. Specific campaigns have been identified, such as one in April 2025 that used EtherHiding and ClickFix techniques to deliver Lumma Stealer via compromised websites. Another campaign on April 7, 2025, targeted Canadian organizations with emails containing invoice lures that led to malicious downloads. The malware is developed using C++ and ASM, employing advanced obfuscation techniques to evade detection. It can extract a wide range of user data, including browser credentials, cryptocurrency wallet information, and user documents. Lumma Stealer maintains a robust C2 infrastructure with multiple hardcoded and fallback C2 servers, utilizing encryption methods to secure communications. Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit has disrupted Lumma Stealer's infrastructure by blocking approximately 2,300 malicious domains. Recommendations to mitigate the impact of Lumma Stealer include strengthening Microsoft Defender configurations, implementing multifactor authentication, and utilizing phishing-resistant authentication methods. Microsoft Defender products can detect and block activities associated with Lumma Stealer, providing alerts and insights for incident response.

Winsage

May 21, 2025

Windows 10’s latest update packs a nasty bug, and while your system might be safe, it’s vital you check now

Windows 10 users are experiencing issues with the May update, which has a bug affecting business laptops with Intel vPro processors. This bug can cause update installation failures and repeated automatic repair attempts. Microsoft has released an emergency fix, KB5061768, which users should apply before installing the May update. The problem stems from the termination of the lsass.exe service, leading to automatic repair failures and potential lockouts for users with Device Encryption or BitLocker. To recover, users may need to disable Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) and Intel VT for Direct I/O in BIOS settings, which typically requires the BitLocker recovery key. A workaround allows users to disable Intel TXT without changing Intel VT settings. Users can access BIOS by pressing keys like F2, F10, or F12 during startup, navigate to the Intel TXT setting, disable it, and then restart their PC to install the emergency patch. It is recommended to install the emergency fix before downloading the May update. Similar bugs have occurred in previous updates for Windows 10 and 11. Windows 11 users should note that a clean install of version 24H2 automatically applies Device Encryption, which requires careful management of Microsoft account credentials for recovery keys.