Internet Archives

Tech Optimizer

November 8, 2024

New malware SteelFox targets Windows users through fake software activators

A new malware named "SteelFox" is targeting Windows users by using counterfeit software activators to infiltrate systems, leading to cryptocurrency mining and data theft. Since February 2023, it has spread rapidly, primarily through torrent sites and online forums, masquerading as legitimate software cracks for programs like AutoCAD and Foxit PDF Editor. Upon installation, it deploys a risky driver called WinRingO.sys, exploiting vulnerabilities CVE-2021-41285 and CVE-2020-14979, which allows attackers to gain full access to the infected computer. The malware uses XMRig for crypto mining, causing performance issues and increased utility bills, while also stealing sensitive data from over 13 web browsers. Countries with high infection rates include Mexico, Brazil, Russia, China, and India. Kaspersky has blocked over 11,000 attempted attacks, but the actual number of infections may be much higher. To protect against SteelFox, users are advised to download software only from verified sources, maintain updated antivirus software, avoid pirated software, and keep systems current with security patches.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Godfather Is A Risk To Android Users Worldwide As 500 Apps Targeted

A new variant of the Godfather banking trojan is targeting over 500 Android banking and cryptocurrency applications globally. Initially focused in the U.S., U.K., and Europe, its reach has expanded to countries including Azerbaijan, Greece, Japan, and Singapore. The malware has transitioned from Java to native code, enhancing its ability to exploit Android’s accessibility services and mimic user actions through gesture automation commands. It employs social engineering tactics, such as a fraudulent website posing as the official MyGov site of the Australian Government, to distribute malicious files. Once installed, the malware communicates with a control server, collects device information, and replaces legitimate banking applications with phishing pages to steal credentials. The Godfather malware has become more difficult to analyze and poses a significant threat to users worldwide.

Winsage

November 8, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 bug list grows again: 10 reasons to avoid this update for now

Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 update on October 1, 2023, which includes enhancements like an upgraded Copilot AI and a refreshed File Explorer. However, the update has several bugs, leading Microsoft to temporarily halt its rollout for certain problematic PCs. Key issues include: 1. The System File Checker (SFC) is caught in a loop of false positives, misidentifying WebView2-related files as corrupted. 2. An 8.63GB update cache cannot be deleted through standard methods, but can be removed using "Windows Update Cleanup." 3. The update conflicts with Easy Anti-Cheat software, causing blue screens for users with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors. 4. Blue screens can also occur due to driver incompatibilities with Intel Smart Sound Technology, certain Western Digital SSDs, and MSI Z890 motherboards. 5. The mouse pointer may disappear in Chromium-based applications when interacting with text input fields. 6. Users have reported erratic internet connectivity, with some unable to receive a valid IP address. 7. Fingerprint sensors may become unresponsive on some devices. 8. The clipboard history feature may malfunction, showing as empty despite copied items. 9. Devices may fail to appear in the network list, affecting file and printer sharing. 10. Users of Copilot+ PCs face difficulties with printer setup and usage, particularly with HP, Canon, and Brother printers. Due to these issues, users are advised to delay installation of the update until fixes are implemented.

Tech Optimizer

November 7, 2024

TotalAV vs PCProtect: Which Is the Best Antivirus?

TotalAV offers superior protection and user experience compared to PCProtect, with affordability enhancing its appeal. TotalAV blocked all prepared malware samples and nine out of ten wild samples in tests, while PCProtect missed two prepared and three wild samples, achieving a 75% effectiveness score. TotalAV features an intuitive interface, effective password manager, and superior VPN, while PCProtect's interface could benefit from redesign. TotalAV provides three pricing options, with the basic version covering four devices, making it more cost-effective than PCProtect, which is available for three devices. Both antivirus programs support Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. TotalAV has received high ratings from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, while PCProtect has not been evaluated by leading cybersecurity firms.

Winsage

November 7, 2024

How to make Windows search use Google instead of Bing

The Windows search function allows users to quickly access installed programs and perform internet searches using Bing as the default search engine. Many users prefer Google over Bing due to better search results. The MS Edge Redirect tool enables users to redirect searches from Bing to Google or other search engines. To use the tool, users must install it and select the Active Mode option during installation, which leads to a configuration page where they can choose to replace Bing with Google or select from ten other search engines. The tool also allows customization of shortcuts linked to Edge and Microsoft services, enabling users to substitute services like MSN Weather and MSN News with alternatives of their choice.

Winsage

November 6, 2024

5 tips for setting up BitLocker on Windows to secure your files

BitLocker drive encryption is a feature in Windows 11 that protects files from unauthorized access by encrypting the drive. It is enabled by default in Windows 11 Pro and higher editions, while a limited version is available in Windows 11 Home. Windows 11 automatically encrypts all fixed drives upon connection, and users should verify that all permanently attached drives are encrypted. Users can set drives to automatically unlock on the current PC or protect them with a password. BitLocker is a Windows-specific feature, making encrypted external drives inaccessible on other operating systems like macOS or Linux. Recovery keys for BitLocker-encrypted drives are automatically backed up for users with a Microsoft account, and it is recommended to create a Microsoft account for easier access to recovery keys. Users should also keep a second backup of the recovery key in case of internet outages, which can be printed or saved as a digital file.

AppWizard

November 6, 2024

Oasis is an interactive AI experience that turns Minecraft into a nightmarish hallucination

Cupertino-based startup Etched has launched Oasis, an AI experiment that offers a low-definition, surreal interpretation of Minecraft, described as a "hallucinated clone" where each frame is generated based on player input. Currently, it operates on Nvidia's H100 GPUs at 360p and 20 frames per second, with plans to enhance graphics to 4K resolution using advanced hardware. The platform can support up to ten users per H100 with the introduction of Sohu, a specialized AI ASIC technology. Oasis was trained on a dataset of recorded Minecraft gameplay and does not rely on traditional game engines or code. Etched is also exploring AI-generated interactive video content, aiming for large, low-latency models for various sectors. Oasis is intended as a demonstration of real-time AI content generation capabilities, operating legally by drawing inspiration from open-source projects like Minetest.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Windows update disrupts logins to Azure Virtual Desktop and Outlook

Windows 10 update version 22H2 has caused login issues for users accessing Azure Virtual Desktop, Teams, and Outlook, resulting in unexpected shutdowns lasting from 10 minutes to half an hour. The problems are linked to the FSLogix tool, especially for users with FSLogix user profile containers in multi-session environments. Microsoft has identified a compatibility issue between the Azure Active Directory broker and the AppX deployment service as a potential cause. Users are currently awaiting a corrective update from Microsoft.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows Server 2025 now generally available, with advanced security, improved performance, and cloud agility – Microsoft Windows Server Blog

Windows Server 2025 is now generally available, featuring enhanced security capabilities such as improvements to Active Directory, SMB hardening with SMB over QUIC, and Delegate Managed Service Accounts for automated password management. It also introduces hybrid cloud capabilities like hotpatching enabled by Azure Arc, easy Azure Arc onboarding, and unified network policy management. The platform supports demanding workloads with built-in GPU partitioning, NVMe storage performance improvements, and significant enhancements in Hyper-V performance and scalability. System Center 2025 has been released alongside Windows Server 2025, offering improved management capabilities. Microsoft Ignite 2024 will showcase these features, and existing Windows Server customers can access Azure management tools at no extra cost.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows Server 2025 released—here are the new features

Microsoft has launched Windows Server 2025, which will be generally available starting November 1, 2024. The new version includes features such as hotpatching, next-gen Active Directory, and SMB over QUIC alternative ports. Windows Server is available through the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) and the Annual Channel (AC). Key enhancements include: - Hotpatching enabled by Azure Arc for automatic updates and backup options. - NVMe storage performance improvements, offering up to 60% more IOPs compared to Windows Server 2022. - Block cloning support using the ReFS file system. - New Active Directory functionalities, including AD object repair and improved security. - Credential Guard for safeguarding against credential theft. - SMB hardening with secure access to file shares over the Internet. - Delegate Managed Service Accounts (dMSA) for automated password management. - Accelerated Networking (AccelNet) for reduced latency and CPU utilization. - DTrace for real-time system performance monitoring. - Virtualization-based security (VBS) enclaves for enhanced security. - Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) for unique password generation and management. Microsoft is investigating known issues, including installation failures and BSOD errors for systems with more than 256 logical processors, boot issues in iSCSI environments, and language display problems during setup. Windows Server 2025 will reach its end of support on October 10, 2029, with extended support ending on October 10, 2034. A free 180-day trial is available through the Microsoft Evaluation Center.