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StarCraft 2 development ended 6 years ago, but Blizzard still won't stop messing with it
AppWizard
May 29, 2026

StarCraft 2 development ended 6 years ago, but Blizzard still won’t stop messing with it

Blizzard has released a new update for StarCraft 2, focusing on enhancing the early and mid-game experience. The update introduces changes to allow players to maintain competitiveness on one to three bases longer and makes non-warped Gateway play a more viable strategy. Key economic adjustments include reducing starting workers from 12 to 8 and modifying mineral and gas resource counts. Specific changes for Zerg, Terran, and Protoss include adjustments to unit supplies, costs, and abilities. Bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements have also been implemented, addressing various gameplay issues.
‘Restart Multiple Times’—Microsoft Changes Windows Next Week
Winsage
May 26, 2026

‘Restart Multiple Times’—Microsoft Changes Windows Next Week

Microsoft will begin the expiration of Secure Boot certificates on most PCs in June, marking the end of a 15-year period of stability. This affects all PCs manufactured before 2023. Users will likely need to perform multiple restarts during the update process, which includes pushing data into firmware and loading a new bootloader. Ignoring the Secure Boot deadline in June 2026 may lead to significant security risks, as Microsoft will stop providing essential boot updates and malware blacklists. The Windows Security App has been updated to help users monitor these changes, and users should check for warnings indicating the status of Secure Boot. It is important for Windows 10 users to ensure they are enrolled in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to avoid vulnerabilities.
Thousands of Windows machines are being replaced in schools with MacBook Neo and iPads
Winsage
May 25, 2026

Thousands of Windows machines are being replaced in schools with MacBook Neo and iPads

The Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) has acquired over 4,500 MacBook Neo units for students in 8th grade and above, planning to phase out more than 30,000 existing devices. The initiative aims to create a unified Apple-centric ecosystem to enhance collaboration and efficiency in classrooms. The rollout will initially focus on older students, with iPads and existing MacBook Airs serving other grade levels. This move positions Apple to compete against Chromebooks and budget Windows laptops in the educational market. Intel is also working on Project Firefly to keep Windows competitive by offering sub-0 Windows laptops. KCPS's initiative provides Apple an opportunity to showcase its devices in real-world classroom settings, focusing on practical aspects like battery performance and support costs. The success of this transition will depend on managing repair, training, and management expenses as older machines are phased out, potentially influencing other educational institutions to consider the MacBook Neo.
Microsoft Dismantles Fox Tempest: Ransomware Groups Paid Up to $9,500 to Fake Windows Software Signatures
Winsage
May 22, 2026

Microsoft Dismantles Fox Tempest: Ransomware Groups Paid Up to $9,500 to Fake Windows Software Signatures

Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit has filed a lawsuit against Fox Tempest, a criminal enterprise selling fraudulently signed malware to ransomware groups, affecting hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure in ten countries. The lawsuit was filed on May 19 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Fox Tempest created a portal at signspace[.]cloud, offering a user-friendly interface for uploading malicious files and generating over 580 fraudulent Microsoft accounts to bypass identity verification. The group provided pre-configured virtual machines for customers to upload malicious payloads in exchange for signed binaries. Fox Tempest's operations were linked to a ransomware attack chain involving a counterfeit Microsoft Teams installer that deployed the Rhysida ransomware. This ransomware strain has caused significant breaches, including an October 2023 attack on the British Library, which resulted in a data exfiltration of about 600GB and recovery costs of £6 to £7 million, and a September 2024 attack on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with a ransom demand of .8 million. Microsoft's civil litigation approach allowed for a quicker legal process, leading to the seizure of the signspace[.]cloud domain and the suspension of around 1,000 Fox Tempest accounts. Despite these actions, Fox Tempest has begun shifting to alternative code-signing services, highlighting the evolving nature of cybercrime and the need for users to verify software through independent channels. The confirmed targets of Fox Tempest included organizations in the United States, France, India, China, Brazil, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.
The 13 biggest Windows 11 changes from early May — and why these updates matter for how the OS evolves through the rest of 2026
Winsage
May 21, 2026

The 13 biggest Windows 11 changes from early May — and why these updates matter for how the OS evolves through the rest of 2026

Microsoft has released preview builds for Windows 11 in May 2026 as part of the Windows Insider Program, focusing on refining existing functionalities. Key improvements include: 1. The reinstatement of Taskbar position settings, allowing users to place the Taskbar at the top, left, or right edges of the screen. 2. An upgraded Voice Typing experience on the touch keyboard with a new design and animations. 3. Significant changes to the Windows Update system, allowing users to skip updates during the Out-of-box Experience and pause updates indefinitely in 35-day blocks. 4. The introduction of a "Shared Audio" feature enabling two users to share the same audio stream from a single computer using Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast technology.
Demigod review (2009)
AppWizard
May 17, 2026

Demigod review (2009)

Demigod, reviewed in PC Gamer issue #201 (June 2009), features a unique art direction characterized by a "Video Game Beige" color palette. The game allows players to utilize Generals to command minions in chaotic battles, though the visuals can sometimes obscure unit status. It includes four game types, with Conquest and Fortress modes requiring direct assaults on turrets, which can lead to drawn-out matches. Players can upgrade their minions at the Citadel, enhancing their capabilities. The game incorporates RPG elements, allowing players to invest in team benefits or personal enhancements through in-game currency. However, it has minor flaws, including pathfinding issues and inconsistent netcode, affecting online play. Despite these issues, players find enjoyment in the blend of strategy and RPG mechanics.
Microsoft's MDASH AI System Finds 16 Windows Flaws Fixed in Patch Tuesday
Winsage
May 13, 2026

Microsoft’s MDASH AI System Finds 16 Windows Flaws Fixed in Patch Tuesday

Microsoft has introduced a multi-model AI system called MDASH, designed to enhance vulnerability discovery and remediation processes. Currently in limited private preview testing with select customers, MDASH employs over 100 specialized AI agents for various classes of vulnerabilities, enabling autonomous discovery, validation, and demonstration of exploitable defects in complex codebases. The system operates through a structured pipeline that analyzes source code, constructs threat models, and validates findings using auditor and debater agents. MDASH has successfully identified 16 vulnerabilities in its initial tests, including two critical flaws affecting Windows networking and authentication: 1. CVE-2026-33824 (CVSS score: 9.8) - A double-free vulnerability in "ikeext.dll" allowing remote code execution via specially crafted packets. 2. CVE-2026-33827 (CVSS score: 8.1) - A race condition vulnerability in Windows TCP/IP ("tcpip.sys") enabling remote code execution through specially crafted IPv6 packets.
New GhostLock tool abuses Windows API to block file access
Winsage
May 11, 2026

New GhostLock tool abuses Windows API to block file access

A security researcher has developed a proof-of-concept tool called GhostLock, which exploits a vulnerability in the Windows file API, specifically the 'CreateFileW' function. By manipulating the 'dwShareMode' parameter to grant exclusive access to files, GhostLock can prevent other users or applications from opening those files, resulting in a 'STATUSSHARINGVIOLATION' error. The tool automates the process of opening multiple files on SMB shares, causing access disruptions without requiring elevated privileges. This technique is intended as a disruption attack rather than a destructive one, similar to ransomware, and can serve as a diversion during intrusions. Detection of this attack relies on monitoring the open-file count with ShareAccess set to 0 at the file server layer. Dvash has provided resources for IT teams to enhance detection capabilities against this threat.
Microsoft Confirms KB5083769 Breaks Macrium and Acronis Backups
Winsage
May 10, 2026

Microsoft Confirms KB5083769 Breaks Macrium and Acronis Backups

Microsoft's April 2026 Windows security update, KB5083769, may disrupt image-mount operations for backup applications such as Macrium Reflect, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, UrBackup Server, and NinjaOne Backup due to the addition of the psmounterex.sys kernel driver to its Vulnerable Driver Blocklist. This action was taken to address a high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability, CVE-2023-43896. The inclusion of this driver in the blocklist has rendered several backup products inoperable, and Microsoft will not retract the block for security reasons. Administrators can use Event ID 3077 in the Code Integrity log to confirm that the blocklist is causing the failures. Microsoft advises updating backup applications to versions that include necessary driver protections instead of uninstalling or pausing the security patch. Additionally, the April updates have caused other issues, such as failures in Windows Server installations and devices booting into BitLocker recovery mode.
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