festive season

TrendTechie
February 19, 2025
A campaign known as StaryDobry, identified by Kaspersky Lab, began on the last day of 2024, targeting users of popular torrent trackers during the holiday season. The attack affected users globally, particularly in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Germany, and Brazil. Cybercriminals distributed trojanized versions of popular games like BeamNG.drive and Garry’s Mod, which contained hidden cryptocurrency mining software. The malware used in this campaign included XMRig, designed for mining Monero (XMR) without user consent. The installation process involved multiple layers of evasion, including checking for debugging tools and system parameters. The malware extracted files using RAR libraries, sent system fingerprints to a command server, and launched a loader that disguised itself as system files. XMRig operated in the background, utilizing the victim's CPU for mining while avoiding detection by terminating itself if analysis tools were present. The attack poses risks not only to individual users but also to corporate systems through compromised devices. No information is available about the attackers behind this campaign.
Winsage
December 27, 2024
Users who installed Windows 11 24H2 via removable media may not receive security updates if the installation media contains the October or November 2024 security updates. Microsoft advises using installation media that includes the December 2024 monthly security update or later to avoid this issue. Devices receiving updates through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog are not affected. Microsoft is working on a resolution for the installation media problem, which is one of several known issues with the Windows 11 update.
Winsage
December 27, 2024
Godeal24 is hosting a Christmas sale with significant discounts on Microsoft licenses. Office 2021 Pro is priced at €32.25 for a five-PC version, and the Office 2021 Pro Plus key is available for €35.24, reflecting a 90% discount. Office 2016 Pro Plus is offered at €15.29, while Windows 11 Pro is available for €13.25, and Windows 10 Pro for €8.25. Volume discounts for bulk purchases are also provided. Customers can use the discount code "CWALLETCO" during checkout for additional savings. Godeal24 offers digital delivery, 24/7 technical support, and a 98% Excellent rating on TrustPilot. Customers can contact service@godeal24.com for inquiries.
AppWizard
December 20, 2024
Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue opened to the public on October 18 in Plano and will close on January 20. It will begin a global tour in 2025, with future locations yet to be announced. During the holiday season, the experience will extend its hours for families. The interactive experience lasts approximately one hour, featuring a collaborative rescue mission through various Minecraft biomes, where participants will build structures and interact with both friendly and hostile mobs. The exhibit is created by Supply & Demand, led by executive producer Olivier Goulet, with production primarily based in Montreal and in development for about two years.
Winsage
December 20, 2024
Microsoft is pausing the Windows 11 Insider program for the holiday season, with no new Insider updates or scheduled Windows updates until January 2025. The last build for 2024, Windows 11 26100.2705, was released earlier this week. There will also be no scheduled updates for Windows 10 or 11 during this period, as the planned December 2024 non-security updates have been skipped. The next preview builds and optional non-security updates are expected in January 2025.
AppWizard
December 19, 2024
Your gaming backlog includes 50 titles. Fanatical, a UK-based gaming retailer, is hosting its Winter Sale, featuring a Winter Mystery Bundle that offers up to 20 random Steam keys at a reduced price. Notable titles in the bundle include Silent Hill 2 Digital Deluxe Edition, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Space Marine 2. Fanatical has 200 keys for Indiana Jones available. Other titles in the bundle are Dragon’s Dogma 2 Deluxe Edition, Last Epoch, and Helldivers 2 Super Citizen Edition. Helldivers 2 is discounted by 30% to £24.99, Silent Hill 2 is reduced by 40% to £35.99, and Indiana Jones is priced at £50.39.
AppWizard
December 18, 2024
CDKeys is hosting a Christmas Sale featuring discounted games for PC gamers. Three highlighted titles are: 1. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - A game that combines classic Indiana Jones elements with puzzles and action, allowing players to embark on a globe-trotting adventure. 2. Overcooked 2 - A multiplayer co-op game set in chaotic kitchen environments where players must work together to serve dishes before time runs out. 3. Farming Simulator 25 - A simulation game that offers a relaxing experience of cultivating farms and completing tasks. The list of games and discounts is updated daily, and many offers are time-sensitive.
AppWizard
December 17, 2024
Steam is offering four complimentary games for users during the festive season: 1. Tank Frenzy Survivor - A rogue-like survival game where players control a tank to defeat waves of alien invaders. 2. Gnomich - A clicker game focused on mining resources and upgrading a gnome to increase resource collection. 3. South Pole Bebop - A multiplayer turn-based strategy game where players protect bases and eliminate opponents on a 9x9 board while facing a zombie horde. 4. Chroma - A solo third-person narrative platformer where players explore creativity by restoring color to the environment. All titles are available for free.
AppWizard
December 17, 2024
The Christmas event in the survival shooter game Rust has begun and will run until January 2. Players can enjoy seasonal features such as festive hats, presents, and the "lickable candy cane club." They can hang stockings in their bases and will receive gifts from Santa regardless of their in-game behavior. Players can hear jingle bells signaling the arrival of Santa's sleigh, which drops presents within a 40-meter radius. Upon finding a present, players can open it for resources, weapons, and festive treats, and they can trade smaller gifts for larger ones. The event includes "Rustmas" Twitch drops and a base decorating contest with exclusive rewards. Ice sculptures have been delayed but are expected to be released before Christmas. Full details of the event and a celebratory video marking the game's 11-year anniversary are available.
AppWizard
December 13, 2024
Epic Games is offering The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria for free until December 19, with a total of 16 holiday giveaways planned. A new mystery game will be revealed daily for the next 15 days. Epic's Holiday Sale runs until January 9. GOG is giving away The Whispered World: Special Edition for free until December 15, requiring users to opt in for marketing emails. GOG's Winter Sale lasts until January 3, featuring over 6,500 offers with discounts up to 90%. GOG has also launched a Preservation Program to keep classic games accessible on modern systems.
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