passkeys Archives

Tech Optimizer

August 26, 2026

How to Protect Against Ransomware: 13 Steps [2026]

Global ransomware attacks increased by 0.8% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026. The group Qilin has 279 confirmed victims, maintaining its position as the leading threat actor for four consecutive quarters. The rival group The Gentlemen saw a 62% increase in victims, reaching 269. Checkpoint Research's report indicates a shift in the ransomware landscape, challenging the narrative of declining attacks. IBM's analysis shows breaches within supply chains and third-party vendors have quadrupled over the past five years. Effective ransomware protection requires administrative access to endpoints, firewalls, and backup systems, along with specific software versions and tools. The 3-2-1-1-0 backup strategy is recommended, emphasizing offline, immutable backups. Organizations should implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all access points and actively patch known vulnerabilities. Network segmentation is crucial to limit ransomware spread, and canary files can provide early warnings of attacks. Regular phishing simulations and a well-documented incident response plan are essential for preparedness.

Winsage

August 23, 2026

Microsoft highlights useful Microsoft Account feature Windows 11 users could miss

Many readers and developers express dissatisfaction with the Microsoft Account requirement for Windows 11. Microsoft advises users to unlink or remove devices from their Microsoft Account, especially after upgrading or retiring old machines, as the Microsoft Store limits accounts to 10 devices. Users can manage their devices through the Microsoft Account online portal, and unlinking or removing a device frees up space for new ones. Unlinking does not delete the account, and removing a Windows user account from a PC only clears sign-in information from that device. Microsoft recommends backing up data and resetting a device before removal when selling or donating. Users should periodically review their linked devices and can designate trusted devices to streamline sign-ins, while also implementing additional security measures like two-step verification.

Tech Optimizer

August 16, 2026

4 Outdated Cybersecurity Tips That No Longer Keep You Safe

Creating strong passwords and storing them securely in a password manager is essential. Utilizing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, with passwordless options like passkeys and security keys enhancing convenience and security. Public Wi-Fi networks pose significant risks, as hackers can use Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks to intercept data. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can enhance security by encrypting data. Traditional antivirus software may struggle against adaptive malware, which uses machine learning to evade detection. Companies like Bitdefender have integrated machine learning into their antivirus solutions. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is commonly used but can be bypassed by hackers. Transitioning to passkeys and security keys can improve protection against unauthorized access.

Tech Optimizer

August 15, 2026

4 Outdated Cybersecurity Tips That No Longer Keep You Safe

Creating robust passwords and storing them securely in a password manager is essential. Utilizing multi-factor authentication (MFA) is recommended for added security. Passwordless options like passkeys and security keys enhance convenience and security. Public Wi-Fi networks pose significant security risks, and caution is necessary when connecting. Hackers often use Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks to intercept data on unsecured networks. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can safeguard data by encrypting it before transmission. VPN routers can encrypt data for devices that cannot install a VPN. Traditional antivirus software may struggle against adaptive malware, which uses machine learning to evolve and evade detection. Companies are integrating machine learning into their antivirus solutions. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is commonly used but has diminished effectiveness due to new tactics employed by cybercriminals. Users should consider transitioning to passkeys and security keys for better protection against unauthorized access.

Winsage

August 10, 2026

Windows 11 is pulling picture passwords and pushing people to PINs, passwords, and biometrics

Microsoft has removed the option to set up a new picture password for Windows 11 users as part of the July 2026 security update. Users with an existing picture password can continue to use it, but once removed or disabled, it cannot be re-established. Microsoft recommends using Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition instead.

Winsage

August 8, 2026

Will Windows 11’s new setup let you bypass the Microsoft account? Not on the list, at least for now

Microsoft has announced enhancements to the out-of-box experience (OOBE) for Windows 11, aiming to streamline the setup process before the end of 2026. The current setup requires a Microsoft account and an internet connection, eliminating the option for a local account, which was available in previous Windows versions. Users face delays due to mandatory updates, which can take 20 to 50 minutes, and are subjected to numerous promotional pages during the setup. Microsoft has introduced a “Skip for now” option for updates but has not addressed the forced Microsoft account sign-in requirement. There is no mention of removing this requirement in recent updates, despite ongoing demand from users. Microsoft has relaxed some account requirements in other areas, such as allowing sign-ins with Google or Apple accounts for Bing, but the OOBE still mandates a Microsoft account.

Winsage

August 3, 2026

Meet deGDID: Windscribe’s answer to the Windows tracker that VPNs cannot mask

Windscribe has introduced deGDID, a tool aimed at countering the Global Device Identifier (GDID), a Windows tracking mechanism that can trace user activities despite VPN usage. The GDID is a persistent identifier assigned to individual Windows installations, remaining unchanged through updates but reset during a clean reinstallation. It can link telemetry data and browsing history to a specific device, allowing Microsoft to track users across different sessions. deGDID works by modifying the hosts file and implementing firewall rules to prevent Windows from retrieving the GDID and to erase local identity artifacts. Users can download and execute the degdid.ps1 script from GitHub in PowerShell, which includes options for checking status, blocking the GDID, and reversing changes. The tool is not designed for corporate machines and may disrupt access to services like Xbox and Outlook due to its firewall rules. Windscribe warns that it cannot guarantee the complete eradication of GDID pathways or existing records held by Microsoft.

AppWizard

July 24, 2026

Google’s ‘Selfie Video’ literally turns your face into a key for your account

Google has introduced a new sign-in method called Selfie Video, which uses facial recognition for account access. Users must initially set up a Selfie Video by following guided instructions to capture various angles of their face, which will be used for future verifications. This feature complements existing biometric methods and can work alongside recovery contacts for added security. Additionally, Google promotes passkeys as a secure alternative to traditional passwords, designed to be faster and resistant to phishing attacks.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

Microsoft making a new feature mandatory requirement for Windows KMS activation

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Windows operating system security, including an update to Entra ID authentication with default passkeys and AI-enhanced security updates. A key advancement is the KMS Hardware-Secured initiative, which uses Trusted Platform Module (TPM)-based attestation to ensure KMS hosts operate on trusted hardware for Windows volume activation. This aims to combat risks from counterfeit KMS servers. Under the new model, KMS hosts will confirm their hardware identity using TPM before activating Windows devices. Starting in August 2026, Windows Server 2025 will provide readiness messaging for KMS host compliance with new security requirements. TPM attestation will be mandatory for KMS Hardware-Secured activation with the upcoming Windows Server 2028 LTSC release. Organizations are advised to prepare for this transition.

AppWizard

July 21, 2026

Google Play Store update ensures you don’t forget about widgets from that shiny new app

Google has updated its Play Services to version 26.28, allowing users to display their device's IMEI number on the lock screen, which can aid in device recovery but may pose security risks. This feature is server-side and may not be available on all devices immediately. Other enhancements include audio permission requests in WebViews, Android Credential Manager support for Android TV, and various quality-of-life improvements. The Play Store has been updated to version 52.4, introducing natural language queries for search, expanded search suggestions, limited mobile data usage for app restoration in India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, and the option to add app widgets during installation. Users can update their Google System Services through their device settings.