ongoing investigations Archives

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Satya Nadella claims Google “makes more money on Windows than all of Microsoft”

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Google reportedly profits more from the Windows operating system than Microsoft itself. He highlighted the advantages of Windows' open architecture and its compatibility with various AI tools, including Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Anthropic’s Claude. Google’s Chrome browser accounts for 66% of desktop browser sessions, while Safari holds 9%. Google’s search engine captures approximately 85% of all search queries, compared to Microsoft’s Bing, which has a 3% market share. Cloudflare's report suggests Google's search share may be as high as 88%. Microsoft is under investigation for potential anticompetitive behavior, while Google has been attempting to undermine Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI. In 2021, Google paid Apple a billion dollars to remain the default search engine for Safari.

AppWizard

December 7, 2024

FBI warns users to encrypt text messages for cybersecurity. Here’s how to do it

The FBI has advised smartphone users to encrypt text messages, especially when communicating between Apple and Android devices, due to a cyber espionage campaign linked to hackers from the People's Republic of China. These hackers have targeted telecommunications infrastructure and stolen sensitive customer call records. Standard text messages between Apple and Android devices lack encryption, while messages between two devices of the same platform are secure. Users are encouraged to use secure messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal, which provide end-to-end encryption. To use WhatsApp, users must download the app, accept terms, verify their phone number, and set up their profile. For Signal, users follow a similar process of downloading the app, verifying their phone number, creating a PIN, and setting up their profile. Both apps require Wi-Fi or cellular data for operation.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Microsoft confirms game audio issues on Windows 11 24H2 PCs

Microsoft has acknowledged a challenge affecting Windows 24H2 users, particularly gamers using USB DAC sound systems, where audio volume unexpectedly surges to full intensity when using devices like the Creative Sound BlasterX G6. This issue occurs when users connect and disconnect their external sound systems or wake their systems from sleep mode, and adjusting the volume before detaching the device may also trigger the surge. Microsoft stated that users will not receive error messages; the only symptom is the sudden spike in audio output. The problem is linked to a timing issue within the AudioEndpointBuilder system service, and Microsoft is investigating it and plans to develop a fix. Additionally, Microsoft has identified another bug preventing users from changing time zones without administrative privileges, with a temporary workaround available. The company is committed to providing a resolution in an upcoming Windows update.

Winsage

November 13, 2024

Microsoft fixes bugs causing Windows Server 2025 blue screens, install issues

Microsoft has addressed bugs in Windows Server 2025 affecting installation, upgrade, and functionality, particularly on devices with high core counts. Users experienced installation failures, long upgrade processes, excessive boot times, and the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Not all devices are consistently affected; users can check for over 256 logical processors using the Task Manager. The issues were resolved by updates released on November 12, 2024 (KB5046617). A temporary workaround involves limiting logical processors to fewer than 256 by adjusting settings in the UEFI Setup. Microsoft is also investigating boot problems in iSCSI environments that cause "boot device inaccessible" errors. Windows Server 2025 is the latest Long-Term Servicing Channel release, offering enhanced stability and performance.

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.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Going digital

The Webster County Sheriff’s Office will launch an interactive app in early December to improve communication and provide residents with information. Features will include accident notifications, the ability to submit tips, permit to carry applications, sex offender mapping, information on civil processes, and links to meet the deputies. The app is being developed with the Sheriff App company and aims to empower citizens to report criminal activity and stay updated on county news. It is expected to enhance operational efficiency within the department and will make Webster County one of ten sheriff’s offices in Iowa using mobile app technology.

AppWizard

October 11, 2024

Discord: Why the messaging app is under scrutiny

Russia's telecoms regulator, Roskomnadzor, banned Discord due to its failure to prevent illicit activities such as terrorism and drug trafficking, particularly after not complying with a directive to remove nearly a thousand pieces of inappropriate content. This ban is part of a trend targeting Western social media platforms since the Ukraine invasion in February 2022. Following Russia, Turkey's BTK communications authority also banned Discord, citing the need to protect children from online threats and ongoing investigations into blackmailing minors. In the U.S., Discord is under FBI scrutiny for grooming minors and distributing child sexual abuse material, with 35 prosecutions linked to the platform in the past six years. Additionally, regulators in Germany and France have raised concerns about Discord's data collection methods, leading to an €800,000 fine in France for failing to comply with EU data protection regulations. Launched in May 2015, Discord has over 150 million active users and is popular for its voice and text communication features, but has also faced criticism for facilitating extremist content and political discourse.

AppWizard

August 27, 2024

Telegram CEO arrest: What you need to know

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, was detained at Le Bourget airport in France amid allegations related to fraud, drug trafficking, organized crime, promotion of terrorism, and cyber-bullying, with no formal charges disclosed. Telegram claims Durov has "nothing to hide" and asserts compliance with EU regulations. The Russian embassy in Paris is seeking clarification on his arrest. Support for Durov has surfaced from public figures, including Elon Musk and Vitalik Buterin. Following the news, the value of toncoin, Telegram's cryptocurrency, dropped by approximately 13%.

Winsage

July 29, 2024

Windows 11 Insider Beta Channel Build 22635.4000 (KB5040546) adds a new taskbar feature

Microsoft has released a second build of Windows 11, numbered 22635.4000 (KB5040546), for the Windows Insider Program in the Beta Channel. Key enhancements include: - A new feature on the taskbar that displays jump lists when hovering over inactive apps. - Improvements to voice access, allowing faster dictation and better editing commands. - Updates to the Widgets Board for enhanced security and improved APIs, with some existing widgets being removed or modified temporarily. Fixes include: - Resolution of an unresponsive Notification Center and issues with the Add a Device dialog for Bluetooth. - Fixes in File Explorer related to Narrator functionality and context menu positioning for Arabic or Hebrew languages. Known issues include: - Ongoing investigations into explorer.exe crashes. - Files shared with users may not appear without prior interaction. - Keyboard focus issues with unselected tab items. - An issue with the emoji panel closing unexpectedly during certain actions.

Winsage

June 24, 2024

Warning: New Adware Threat Poses as Meta Quest App for Windows

- The adware AdsDeception targets users interacting with the fraudulent Meta Quest app - Users can protect themselves by being vigilant and taking proactive security measures - Ongoing investigations are being conducted into the operators behind AdsDeception and their motives - The ever-evolving tactics of adware creators pose challenges for cybersecurity professionals - Increased awareness among users can help defend against deceptive schemes - AdsDeception's advanced capabilities in concealing actions present a significant disadvantage for users