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Tech Optimizer
August 15, 2025
The Crypto24 ransomware group, identified in September 2024, employs advanced tactics to disable antivirus protections before launching attacks. They use a custom variant of the open-source tool RealBlindingEDR.malware to neutralize AV defenses, sometimes uninstalling antivirus programs entirely. After gaining access to a target system, they deploy a keylogger and an encryptor, exfiltrating data to Google Drive with a specialized tool. The group has targeted large organizations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, focusing on sectors like finance, manufacturing, technology, and entertainment. Cybersecurity experts recommend a layered defense strategy, including reputable antivirus solutions with tamper protection, real-time monitoring, firewalls, and additional anti-malware tools to mitigate risks.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
Steel City has established a new studio in Leamington Spa, UK, to enhance its creative capabilities and talent pool. The leadership team includes Nathan Fisher (Head of Art), Alison Beasley (Head of Marketing and Communications), Sylvain Cornillon (Head of Technology), Todd Matherne (Head of Quality Assurance), and Anna Lapworth (Head of People and Culture). This studio will collaborate with the existing team in Sheffield. Tim Coupe, Vice President of Studio, stated that the expansion aims to attract senior talent and strengthen the studio network. Clive Moody, Vice President of Product Development, emphasized Leamington Spa's importance in the UK gaming industry.
AppWizard
August 13, 2025
4J Studios has established a new studio in Edinburgh to develop a competitive alternative to Minecraft called Reforj. Founded in 2005 in Dundee, Scotland, 4J Studios is known for creating official Minecraft versions for various platforms. The Edinburgh location will focus on software and design roles, and the company is currently recruiting skilled developers. The studio has launched a 'Pioneer Program' that gives expert Minecraft players early access to Reforj for feedback during its development. 4J Studios employs approximately 50 individuals and aims to leverage talent from the Edinburgh area to enhance their development process.
Winsage
August 13, 2025
Microsoft is introducing three lightweight companion applications—People, File Search, and Calendar—designed to enhance the user experience for Microsoft 365 customers by transforming the Windows taskbar into a command center. These apps will be automatically launched upon startup and provide immediate access to Microsoft 365 functionalities. The People app allows users to initiate Teams calls and manage contacts, the File Search app simplifies file location across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and the Calendar app offers visibility into upcoming commitments and integrates with other tools. The rollout is scheduled for this month through standard update channels. This initiative reflects Microsoft's strategy to deepen integration of its services within the Windows experience, aiming to enhance user productivity and strengthen its competitive position. However, it has faced scrutiny from regulators, particularly the European Commission, regarding its bundling strategies, leading to commitments to unbundle Teams from its offerings and enhance interoperability with competing platforms.
Winsage
August 13, 2025
The Backup and Restore (Windows 7) feature is located in the Control Panel under System and Security and can be accessed more conveniently through a desktop shortcut. It uses Microsoft’s VHDX files for imaging, allowing users to mount and browse images in Windows Explorer. The backup configuration defaults to user folders and full system images of internal drives, with options to customize selections. Backups can be saved to an internal hard drive or a network location, but not to directly attached external media like USB drives. Users can include non-user folders by transforming them into user libraries. The tool creates VHDX images, but the restoration process requires a physical disc (CD or DVD) and lacks an option to create an ISO file. Users have reported mixed results with Windows Recovery Drive, with some experiencing failures. Backup and Restore (Windows 7) does not support incremental or differential backups and is limited to a single job configuration. It cannot restore to a smaller capacity drive than the original, and the Recovery Drive is tied to the specific PC it was created on. Due to these limitations, it is recommended to consider alternatives like EaseUS Todo Backup 2025 or Macrium Reflect 8 Free for disaster recovery. However, Backup and Restore (Windows 7) remains suitable for creating VHDX images for browsing and manual recovery within the Windows ecosystem.
AppWizard
August 12, 2025
LunaSpy is an Android spyware that has been circulating since February 2025, primarily infiltrating devices through messaging platforms like Telegram. It disguises itself as a legitimate antivirus or banking protection app, tricking users into granting extensive permissions by initiating a fake virus scan and presenting false notifications of threats. Once installed, LunaSpy can steal passwords from browsers and messaging apps, record audio and video, access text messages, track geographical location, and execute commands on the device. The spyware also contains dormant code that may allow it to steal photos in future updates. Data collected by LunaSpy is sent to attackers via around 150 servers. Users are advised against downloading APKs from links shared through messaging apps and should uninstall any unfamiliar antivirus applications that request extensive access to their devices.
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