ongoing investigations Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 10, 2026

Popular Monitor Utilities, CPU-Z And HWMonitor, Have Been Infected With Malware

Recent reports indicate that the hardware monitoring tools HWMonitor and CPU-Z have been compromised, leading to users downloading malware instead of the legitimate software. Users reported receiving suspicious executable files and antivirus alerts when attempting to download the latest versions. A specific incident involved a user who downloaded HWMonitor from the official CPUID website, only to find the file was labeled incorrectly and flagged as a virus by Windows Defender. Cybersecurity experts confirmed that this is a serious issue involving a multi-stage trojanized attack from a compromised domain. The developer of CPU-Z and HWMonitor acknowledged that a secondary feature linked to the website was compromised for about six hours, causing the main website to display incorrect files. Users are advised to refrain from downloading or updating these utilities until the issue is resolved.

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

Russian hackers hijack thousands of ‘high intelligence’ messaging app accounts, FBI warns

Hackers linked to Russian intelligence are targeting high-profile users of popular messaging applications, according to a warning from the FBI and CISA. The primary targets include U.S. government officials, military personnel, political figures, and journalists. The attackers compromise accounts to access messages and contact lists, allowing for further phishing attempts. Signal users are particularly at risk, though techniques can extend to WhatsApp and Telegram. The hackers use social engineering tactics, impersonating official support accounts to trick users into revealing sensitive information. The FBI and CISA advise users to be cautious of unexpected messages and suspicious links. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

AppWizard

September 26, 2025

Borderlands 4’s latest patch triggers a flurry of performance complaints, but Gearbox says new stuttering problems ‘should resolve over time as the shaders continue to compile’

A new patch for Borderlands 4 has been released, focusing on fixes and gameplay enhancements to improve performance and stability. The game has received a "mixed" rating on Steam, largely due to performance issues. Players have reported that their gaming experience has worsened after the update, with concerns over reduced frame rates and increased stuttering. The patch includes improvements to stability and performance, addressing hitching, low FPS, and crashes, as well as updates to character animations and loading times. Weekly activities have been adjusted, including a new variant of a boss and a revamped mission that guarantees a Legendary drop. Various issues related to rewards, character skills, gameplay missions, gear, UI, visuals, and audio have been fixed. However, some players are still experiencing stability issues, and it is recommended to clear the shader cache if problems persist.

Winsage

September 22, 2025

Microsoft confirms DRM issues in Windows 11 September 2025 Update

The Windows 11 September 2025 Update (KB5065426) has faced installation errors and Digital Rights Management (DRM) issues affecting video playback, although Netflix remains unaffected. Microsoft traced these problems to the previous optional update, KB5064081 from August 2025, impacting users of digital TV and DVD applications that use the Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement. Additionally, some Electronic Arts (EA) games have malfunctioned after the August and September updates, particularly those using the Javelin anti-cheat engine. Users have reported rendering issues in DirectX 9 games, disrupted Microsoft Ink services, and ongoing PowerShell functionality problems. The update has also been linked to issues with Server Message Block (SMB) v1, affecting file sharing and connectivity. Microsoft is working on solutions for these issues.

Tech Optimizer

May 20, 2025

Shuswap resident scammed out of $9,000 by fake antivirus software representative

A resident of Blind Bay lost ,000 in a computer fraud scheme after being persuaded by a caller claiming to represent Norton antivirus. The victim, whose identity is confidential, was convinced to withdraw money from her bank account and deposit it into a Bitcoin account. Local police are investigating the case and have highlighted the importance of public awareness regarding such scams. Resources for recognizing and avoiding fraud include the BC RCMP Frauds and Scams, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Canadian Telecoms Association, and Competition Bureau of Canada.

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4151 (KB5058486) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This marks the transition from Build 22635.5305, the last update for version 23H2. All Beta Channel Insiders will be automatically upgraded to the latest version. New features include AI actions in File Explorer, allowing users to perform tasks like editing images or summarizing documents directly from the context menu. Currently supported image actions are Bing Visual Search, Blur Background, Erase Objects, and Remove Background, with support for .jpg, .jpeg, and .png file types. New AI actions for Microsoft 365 files, such as Summarize and Create an FAQ, will be introduced soon, requiring a Microsoft 365 subscription and enrollment in the Microsoft 365 Insider Program. Advanced settings have been redesigned and are now accessible via Settings > System > Advanced, including options for enabling long paths, managing virtual workspaces, and displaying Git information in File Explorer. Changes and improvements include added text descriptions for assistive technologies in the Accessibility flyout, notifications for incomplete search results in the Windows search box, and a new visual experience for the widgets board. User Interaction-Aware CPU Power Management has been introduced to reduce power consumption during inactivity. Fixes include resolving issues with core Windows surfaces in safe mode, maximizing File Explorer, and loading Bluetooth information in Settings. Known issues involve incorrect build version display post-PC reset, bugcheck issues with Xbox Controllers, and ongoing investigations into various features. Updates for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will be based on Windows 11, version 24H2, and features may not be widely released as they are subject to testing and feedback.

Winsage

March 7, 2025

Windows 11 Canary build 27808 is out with better CPU monitoring in Task Manager and more

Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel can download build 27808, which includes enhancements to CPU monitoring in Task Manager and various fixes for gaming, printing, search, graphics, BitLocker, and more. Notable updates include a change in how Task Manager calculates CPU utilization, aligning it with industry standards, and the introduction of an optional CPU Utility column on the Details tab. Fixes include: - Resolved a bug causing games like Roblox to crash upon launch. - Corrected a printing issue that triggered crashes in certain applications. - Fixed a glitch resulting in a blank search window in the taskbar. - Addressed a crash issue in Settings when adding a color profile. - Rectified inaccurate color displays in the battery icon. - Improved performance for loading BitLocker UI elements and fixed a looping issue with BitLocker. - Resolved an error with the Get-BitLockerVolume command. Known bugs include issues with Windows Hello PIN and biometrics for users transitioning from other channels, and ongoing investigations into a d3d9.dll crash affecting application launches.

AppWizard

March 6, 2025

Malicious Android App on Google Play Compromises 220,000+ Devices

Security researchers at ThreatLabz have identified a malware campaign operating through the Google Play Store that disseminated the Anatsa banking trojan, also known as TeaBot. The malicious app, disguised as a file manager and document reader, was downloaded over 220,000 times before its removal. The app initiated a multi-stage payload retrieval process after users granted accessibility permissions, allowing it to download the Anatsa payload and turn infected devices into tools for financial fraud. Anatsa uses overlay attacks and credential harvesting techniques, displaying fake login screens for banking applications to capture user credentials. It targets financial institutions across North America, Europe, and Asia, particularly mobile banking platforms. The malware employs evasion techniques, including delayed activation and encrypted communication, and maintains persistence by checking for accessibility service permissions. Initial data indicates concentrated infections in regions with high mobile banking usage, and the app's multilingual interface suggests a global targeting strategy. Google removed the app within 48 hours of the disclosure but it had been present for approximately eight weeks before detection. Google has initiated a mass uninstallation campaign for affected devices, while users are advised to perform factory resets, monitor financial accounts, enable Google Play Protect, and avoid granting permissions to unfamiliar apps. Investigations are ongoing to identify the threat actors, with links to Eastern European cybercrime syndicates suggested.

AppWizard

February 27, 2025

Slack Down: Workplace Messaging App Hit by Outage

Slack is experiencing connectivity issues today, with outages reported by users starting around 7 a.m. PT. Downdetector has noted a significant increase in complaints, indicating that approximately 60% of users are facing problems with the app, while 17% are encountering issues on the website. Slack's status page confirmed the issues at 7:27 a.m. PT, affecting functionalities such as messaging, logins, workflows, and integrations. Updates from Slack at 11:05 a.m. and 11:35 a.m. PT indicated ongoing investigations into the cause of the outage, but no cause has been disclosed yet.

Winsage

February 25, 2025

Windows 10 KB5052077 update fixes broken SSH connections

Microsoft has released the optional KB5052077 preview cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2, which includes nine bug fixes and enhancements, notably addressing an SSH connection issue acknowledged in November. This issue affects a limited number of devices on Windows enterprise, IoT, and education editions, with ongoing investigations into potential impacts on Windows Home or Pro editions. The update elevates Windows 10 22H2 systems to Build 19045.5555 and includes fixes for the Desktop Window Manager, Chinese IME responsiveness, and color contrast issues. Two known issues are associated with KB5052077: one involving Citrix components that may obstruct the installation of the January 2025 Windows security update, and another related to a System Guard Runtime Monitor Broker services issue generating 'Event 7023' errors. Over 60% of Windows systems globally still run on Windows 10, despite its approaching end of support, while certain Long-Term Servicing Channel and Long-Term Servicing Branch releases will continue to receive updates beyond October 2025.