learning Archives

Winsage

August 28, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC Will Lose Security Updates Soon — Here’s What to Do Before It’s Too Late

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving users of older computers without security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Update (ESU) program to extend protection until October 2026 by installing the free update KB5063709. The ESU program offers two payment methods: 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points for local accounts or a payment option for up to ten PCs under a single Microsoft account. This program does not include new features, bug fixes, or technical support. For alternatives, various Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Zorin OS are available for older machines, as well as ChromeOS Flex for a browser-based experience. Users can also access Windows 11 through cloud services like Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop, which requires a reliable internet connection and subscription costs. Microsoft 365 applications will continue to receive security updates on Windows 10 devices for three more years. The approaching end of Windows 10 support may prompt users with aging devices to consider upgrading to new computers that come with Windows 11 pre-installed, offering better performance, security features, and longer battery life.

Tech Optimizer

August 27, 2025

AI Boosts Ransomware Attacks 70%, Fueling Cybersecurity Arms Race

Ransomware is being enhanced by artificial intelligence, with cybercriminals using generative AI tools to create sophisticated malware. A notable example is PromptLock, identified as the first fully AI-driven ransomware, discovered on August 27, 2025. It utilizes OpenAI’s gpt-oss-20b model to dynamically generate malicious code, complicating detection efforts. ESET's analysis indicates that PromptLock processes operations locally on the victim's device, minimizing external communications and reducing its digital footprint. The first half of 2025 saw a 70% increase in ransomware victims, largely due to AI-enhanced phishing campaigns. Akamai Technologies reported a 37% increase in ransomware incidents in 2024, fueled by generative AI. Governments are beginning to respond with regulations for quicker breach disclosures, and cybersecurity experts emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive defenses.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

PlayStation’s Hulst: We want studios to “fail early and cheapy”

Sony Interactive Entertainment is enhancing its project development processes by implementing rigorous testing protocols following the costly failure of its live-service game, Concord, which incurred 0 million in development costs before being withdrawn shortly after launch. The company has canceled several ongoing projects deemed unfit for release and is focusing on learning from past failures to ensure early and cost-effective adjustments. Herman Hulst, head of studios, emphasized the importance of diverse player experiences and vibrant gaming communities over the quantity of live-service releases. The company is now adopting a more robust testing regimen to improve future projects.

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2025

Instacart Consolidates Search Infrastructure on Postgresql, Phasing Out Elasticsearch

Instacart has replaced Elasticsearch with PostgreSQL for its search infrastructure, integrating keyword and embedding-based retrieval into a single system. This change aims to streamline operations, reduce synchronization issues, and improve search result precision and recall. The new design enhances result retrieval by combining traditional keyword searches with semantic retrieval, allowing for both specific and broader queries. The migration has increased development speed, improved inventory management, and enabled real-time updates for users. Ankit Mittal, an engineer at Instacart, reported a 10x reduction in write workload and nearly 80% savings on storage and indexing costs due to a normalized data model. The previous dual-database setup caused synchronization issues and higher operational costs. The new architecture uses sharded PostgreSQL instances with a normalized data model, allowing for horizontal scaling and efficient text matching through GIN indexes and a modified ts_rank function. PostgreSQL extensions like pg_trgm and pgvector facilitate both keyword and semantic search, ensuring efficient query routing and rapid result retrieval.

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google to Mandate Developer Identity Verification for All Android App Distribution by 2026

Businesses are increasingly using technology to improve operational efficiency and customer engagement, integrating advanced tools like artificial intelligence and data analytics for personalized marketing and service delivery. The rise of remote work has led to the adoption of collaborative platforms, enhancing communication and productivity. Companies are also focusing on customer feedback and engagement, anticipating needs, and delivering tailored solutions. Additionally, many are implementing sustainable practices to align with customer values, enhancing brand image and contributing to environmental efforts.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

Python Dev Survey: PostgreSQL, AI Agents, Rust Drive Trends

- PostgreSQL is the preferred database for Python projects, with 45% of surveyed developers choosing it, up from 38% the previous year. - MySQL usage has declined to 30% among developers. - Over 80% of developers regularly use AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. - 65% of AI tool users report productivity gains of at least 20%. - Concerns exist regarding over-reliance on AI tools, particularly in generating nuanced logic. - Rust's usage for Python package development has surged by 22% year-over-year. - Rust is favored for its memory safety and performance in creating secure extensions. - 86.7% of Stack Overflow users expressed a desire to continue using Rust. - Projections suggest AI agents could manage up to 40% of routine coding tasks by 2026. - Rust's integration is expected to reduce bugs in critical Python packages by 30%.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

PostgreSQL to MySQL Migration: Scalability with CDC and Hybrids

Organizations are migrating from PostgreSQL to MySQL to enhance scalability in e-commerce and web applications. Real-time migration, using change data capture (CDC), allows continuous synchronization with minimal downtime, making it suitable for high-traffic platforms. Tools like Debezium enable low-latency replication but face challenges such as network overhead and error handling. Batch migration is effective for large, static datasets, using tools like pg_dump and mysqldump, though it can lead to extended downtime. Hybrid migration strategies are emerging, combining real-time and batch processes, with tools like Estuary Flow and AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) facilitating these transitions. Compatibility challenges exist, such as differing data types, and best practices suggest starting with batch processes followed by real-time updates. Future trends indicate that AI-driven automation may improve migration techniques, and the choice of strategy should align with specific workload requirements.

AppWizard

August 24, 2025

Week in review: Covertly connected and insecure Android VPN apps, Apple fixes exploited zero-day

A study by Arizona State University and Citizen Lab found that three families of Android VPN apps, with over 700 million downloads, have significant security vulnerabilities. Apple has released a fix for a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-43300) that was being exploited in targeted attacks. Researchers from the University of Melbourne and Imperial College London developed a method using lightweight large language models to improve incident response planning. The FBI and Cisco warned about a Russian threat group exploiting an old Cisco vulnerability (CVE-2018-0171) to compromise critical infrastructure. Fog Security researchers discovered a flaw in AWS’s Trusted Advisor tool that could mislead users about the security of their data. AI is now being used in security operations centers to reduce alert noise and assist analysts. U.S. federal prosecutors charged an individual linked to the Rapper Bot DDoS botnet. Nikoloz Kokhreidze discussed the strategic choice between hiring a fractional or full-time Chief Information Security Officer for B2B companies. Commvault patched four vulnerabilities that risked remote code execution. Jacob Ideskog highlighted security risks posed by AI agents. VX Underground released an exploit for two SAP Netweaver vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-31324, CVE-2025-42999). Healthcare organizations are preparing for new password security risks in 2025 that may threaten HIPAA compliance. Researchers identified a spear-phishing campaign using the Noodlophile infostealer. Financial institutions are increasingly using open-source intelligence tools to combat money laundering. Greg Bak discussed security risks for DevOps teams in the cloud. NIST released guidelines for detecting morph attacks. Organizations face six challenges in implementing machine learning and AI security. Recep Ozdag discussed vulnerabilities in airport and airline systems. Google introduced new AI and cloud security capabilities at the Cloud Security Summit 2025. Cybersecurity myths continue to complicate the security landscape. LudusHound is an open-source tool that replicates an Active Directory environment for testing. Buttercup is an AI-powered platform for automated vulnerability management in open-source software. The book "Data Engineering for Cybersecurity" addresses challenges in managing logs and telemetry data. A selection of current cybersecurity job openings has been compiled. A forthcoming webinar will discuss AI and SaaS security risks. The iStorage datAshur PRO+C is a USB-C flash drive with AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption. New infosec products were released by companies such as Doppel, Druva, LastPass, and StackHawk.

Winsage

August 24, 2025

Who should consider Windows PowerToys?

Windows PowerToys is a collection of utilities for the Windows operating system, originally created for power users in the Windows 95 era and revived as an open-source project in 2019 for Windows 10 and 11. It is actively maintained by Microsoft engineers and volunteers. Key features include: - FancyZones: A window manager for creating custom snap layouts. - PowerToys Run: A launcher for quickly opening applications and files. - Keyboard Manager: Allows remapping of keys and creation of new shortcuts. - Text Extractor: Enables copying text from images or on-screen elements. - Mouse Utilities: Includes cursor highlighting and keyboard control of the mouse. PowerToys also offers File Explorer add-ons, a Color Picker, and utilities for batch renaming or resizing files. It is beneficial for users looking to streamline tasks and customize their systems, but may not be necessary for those engaged in basic computer activities. There may be a learning curve and occasional bugs due to its open-source nature.

Winsage

August 22, 2025

Copilot’s new look: bokeh, daisies, and fewer “what do I even do here?” vibes

The Copilot app for Windows 11 has been updated to version 1.25082.132.0 and higher, introducing a new "home experience" with a vibrant layout that integrates seamlessly with the operating system. Key features include enhanced Start Menu access for managing privacy settings related to recent files, the ability to create permanent Pages for ongoing research, and an app-specific quick launcher that utilizes Copilot Vision for contextual assistance. The app also includes a recent conversations window for easy access to previous inquiries. Microsoft is testing a potential return of the 'share' functionality and has introduced Copilot Labs for users to experiment with new features. Additionally, a memory function in the Android app allows Copilot to learn user preferences by asking questions based on prior interactions.