organizations

Winsage
June 27, 2025
Lyon, the third-largest city in France, is transitioning from Microsoft’s Windows and Office suite to open-source alternatives such as Linux, OnlyOffice, NextCloud, and PostgreSQL. This move is part of a broader strategy among European governments to enhance digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on American technology firms due to concerns over data security and autonomy. The city is developing a collaborative suite called Territoire Numérique Ouvert in partnership with regional digital organizations, which will be hosted in local data centers. The migration process is already underway, with municipal workstations moving from Windows to Linux and Microsoft Office being replaced by OnlyOffice. Lyon expects direct cost savings from this migration, including extending the lifespan of municipal hardware and reducing electronic waste. Over 50% of public contracts related to this project have been awarded to firms within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, all to French companies. Training for approximately 10,000 civil servants began in June 2025 as part of the transition to Linux.
Winsage
June 27, 2025
Microsoft is set to introduce a new version of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) for Windows 11, changing its color from blue to black as part of an update aimed at enhancing user experience. The redesigned BSOD will feature a dark interface, display an error code, and identify the driver or file responsible for crashes. This update will roll out later this summer following testing with Windows 11 Insiders. The 24H2 release has improved crash dump collection, reducing downtime during restarts to about two seconds. The new BSOD will eliminate the QR code and frowning face, which are currently included. Additionally, a new feature called Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) will be introduced to address PC crashes and boot-up issues by automatically repairing malfunctioning devices through the Windows Recovery Environment. When a critical boot-up error occurs, the PC will connect to the network and send diagnostic data to Microsoft, which will then dispatch a specific fix via Windows Update. Both the new BSOD and QMR will launch later this summer for all Windows 11 24H2 devices, with QMR enabled by default for Windows 11 Home users and customizable options for IT administrators in Pro and Enterprise systems.
Tech Optimizer
June 27, 2025
Over 7,000 of the more than 15,000 Model Context Protocol servers are currently accessible via the internet, and many are affected by the "NeighborJack" vulnerability, which allows unauthorized access to anyone on the same local network. This raises concerns about potential data breaches and security risks as AI technologies become more integrated into various sectors.
Winsage
June 26, 2025
Resilience is now a strategic necessity for organizations, prompting Microsoft to launch the Windows Resiliency Initiative (WRI) to integrate resilience and security into the Windows platform. In September 2024, Microsoft held the Windows Endpoint Security Ecosystem Summit (WESES) with endpoint security vendors and government representatives to discuss enhancing resilience. Following the summit, collaboration with Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI) partners has increased, focusing on improving Windows security and reliability through rigorous testing and safe deployment practices. Next month, Microsoft will begin a private preview of a new Windows endpoint security platform for select MVI partners, allowing security solutions to operate outside the Windows kernel for better reliability. Microsoft has released the Windows Resiliency Initiative e-book to guide organizations in building resilience. Innovative products introduced under the WRI include: - Quick machine recovery (QMR) for faster recovery from unexpected restarts, reducing downtime to approximately two seconds. - Microsoft Connected Cache to enhance bandwidth efficiency during updates by caching content locally. - Universal Print anywhere for secure printing from any location. - Hotpatch updates for critical security updates without requiring a restart. - Windows 365 Reserve for secure access to a temporary Cloud PC during device disruptions.
Winsage
June 26, 2025
Organizations must transition to Windows 11 Pro by October 14, 2025, as Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. The upgrade is complimentary for eligible Windows 10 devices, but compatible hardware is necessary to utilize enhanced security and performance features. Windows 11 Pro PCs include built-in security tools like Windows Hello, BitLocker encryption, and TPM 2.0. Windows AI PCs feature intelligent tools like Windows Copilot for improved efficiency, while Copilot+ PCs, launching in mid-2024, will have dedicated AI processors for advanced capabilities. Security features such as Secure Boot, Virtualization-Based Security, and BitLocker encryption are integral to Windows 11 Pro devices, mitigating risks of malware and unauthorized access. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro enhances device stability and aligns with sustainability goals through energy-efficient designs.
Winsage
June 26, 2025
As of June 2025, 50% of enterprise Windows endpoints have migrated to Windows 11, an improvement from 82% still on Windows 10 the previous year. The Education and Technology sectors lead in migration rates at 77% and 73%, while Healthcare and Finance lag at 41% and 45%. In the Americas, only 43% of endpoints are upgraded, compared to 70% in Europe and 66% in other regions. Larger organizations with over 10,000 devices are the least prepared, with only 42% of migrations completed. ControlUp's analysis is based on over one million enterprise endpoints.
Winsage
June 25, 2025
A newly identified exploit called "FileFix" manipulates Windows File Explorer to execute harmful commands while remaining within a web browser. Developed by security researcher mr.d0x, it builds on the ClickFix social engineering attack. FileFix uses the file upload feature on websites, prompting users to copy a malicious PowerShell command disguised as a file path. When users paste this path into the File Explorer address bar, it executes the command without their knowledge. The attack exploits familiar workflows, bypassing user skepticism and does not require elevated privileges or complex malware. Security experts warn that FileFix could enable the delivery of infostealers, ransomware, or other malware, posing a significant risk to individuals and organizations. Users are advised to be cautious of instructions to copy and paste file paths from unfamiliar sources, monitor for suspicious processes initiated by browsers, and keep security software updated.
Winsage
June 25, 2025
The threat operation TAG-140, linked to Pakistani hacking groups Transparent Tribe and SideCopy, is targeting Indian defense organizations using advanced social engineering tactics, specifically ClickFix methods. They have deployed the enhanced DRAT V2 remote access trojan, which allows for more effective infiltration and control over targeted networks. Experts recommend that organizations, particularly in critical sectors like defense, improve their cybersecurity measures in response to these evolving threats.
Tech Optimizer
June 24, 2025
Zero Trust addresses the issue of misplaced trust in cybersecurity, particularly the assumption that files from known senders are safe. This assumption can lead to security breaches, as malware can be hidden in documents from internal employees, vendors, or customers. Familiar interactions often bypass essential security checks, creating vulnerabilities. Security tools may fail to detect modern threats, which can evade traditional defenses. Compromised accounts and infected devices can introduce risks regardless of the sender's identity. To mitigate these risks, Votiro's solution cleanses every file using Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR) technology, removing harmful elements while maintaining functionality. Votiro's approach ensures that file security does not disrupt business operations, providing a seamless and efficient solution for organizations.
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