protection Archives

Winsage

July 22, 2026

Redmond’s reaper cometh: October 2026 set to bury a graveyard of Microsoft products

October 2026 will see the end of support for several Microsoft products, including Office LTSC 2021, which requires organizations to transition to LTSC 2024 or Microsoft 365 for continued support. Windows Server 2022 will exit mainstream support on October 13, 2026, while Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will also reach their end of life on the same date. The enterprise and education versions of Windows 11 23H2 will be supported until November 10, 2026. Publisher 2021 will be discontinued without a successor. Additionally, Entra ID Sign-In risk policies will be phased out on October 1, 2026, necessitating a transition to Conditional Access to maintain user and sign-in risk protection. SQL Server 2017 is scheduled for retirement in October 2027.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Messenger Interoperability: Well-Intended, but Bad for Data Privacy

WhatsApp began supporting third-party messaging services in late 2025 in compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major tech companies to enable interoperability with alternative chat platforms. Threema has chosen not to implement interoperability with WhatsApp, citing concerns over user privacy and security, as differences in user identification methods could lead to compromises that weaken privacy protections. Threema believes that interoperability could reinforce WhatsApp's market dominance, reducing the incentive for users to adopt the Threema app. Additionally, Threema's business model relies on app sales for revenue, and a drop in downloads due to interoperability could threaten this model. Consequently, Threema has decided against pursuing interoperability with WhatsApp to maintain its commitment to privacy and security.

Tech Optimizer

July 22, 2026

Advanced SystemCare 19 Cleaned 3GB Hidden Junk From My PC

The user experienced a slow computer with prolonged startup times and storage shortages despite manual cleanup efforts, including emptying the Recycle Bin and using Windows Disk Cleanup. A deeper system scan revealed hidden junk files such as temporary files, browser cache, and outdated logs. The user then utilized Advanced SystemCare 19 Free, which effectively identified and removed 3GB of junk files, resulting in improved startup speed, program launch times, and overall performance. Advanced SystemCare also includes features like a registry cleaner, large file finder, disk cleaner, and app/extension cleaner, and it serves as a comprehensive system optimization suite with tools for enhancing boot time and protecting privacy. The software does not delete files automatically and should be used alongside antivirus software for complete protection.

Tech Optimizer

July 21, 2026

Advanced Threat Protection: How AI Transforms Enterprise Security

An attacker is testing stolen passwords against a company with inadequate firewall protection, highlighting the flaws in traditional security measures. Modern attacks, including ransomware and phishing, have evolved, necessitating advanced threat protection (ATP) that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) for improved threat detection and response. AI-driven ATP identifies attacks that conventional tools miss, such as fileless malware and targeted phishing, by learning normal operating patterns and flagging deviations. Traditional security relies on known malware signatures, which are ineffective against zero-day attacks and polymorphic malware that changes its identity. Cloud misconfigurations and hybrid security gaps further complicate security. AI enhances detection by focusing on malicious behaviors rather than just file signatures, allowing for rapid identification of threats. Automated incident response can isolate affected endpoints and terminate malicious processes quickly. Behavioral analytics and threat intelligence integration improve ATP effectiveness by understanding user behavior and recognizing attack patterns. AI-powered ATP significantly reduces breach containment time and false positives, shifting the focus from reactive cleanup to proactive prevention. Best practices for maximizing ATP include integrating it into existing security operations, keeping machine learning models updated, and regularly testing defenses against real-world threats.

Tech Optimizer

July 21, 2026

Advanced Threat Protection: How AI Transforms Enterprise Security

An attacker is testing stolen passwords against a company that incorrectly believes its firewall is sufficient protection. Traditional defenses have become inadequate due to the speed and sophistication of modern attacks, including ransomware groups renting tools and phishing kits being easily accessible. Advanced threat protection (ATP) was designed to address these challenges, especially with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered ATP identifies attacks that conventional tools overlook, such as fileless malware and targeted phishing attempts, by learning the normal behavior of an organization’s environment and flagging anomalies. Traditional security relies on identifying known malware through established fingerprints, which fails against novel threats like zero-day attacks and polymorphic malware. The rise of remote work and cloud services has introduced new risks due to misconfigurations and inconsistent security rules. AI enhances threat detection by focusing on malicious behavior rather than matching files against known threats, allowing for rapid detection and automated incident response. Behavioral analytics establishes a baseline for users and devices, flagging deviations that may indicate insider threats or credential theft. Integrating threat intelligence provides insights into emerging threats and helps prioritize alerts. AI-driven ATP can contain breaches faster, significantly reducing the financial impact and dwell time of attackers. Best practices for maximizing ATP include integrating with security operations, ensuring comprehensive coverage, updating models regularly, conducting real-world testing, securing AI systems, and maintaining human oversight.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

Enable BitLocker on Windows 11: 11 Steps, 45 Min [2026]

A stolen laptop can lead to a significant data breach, particularly when taken from public places. Windows 11 has introduced BitLocker, a full-disk encryption feature that became mandatory for Australian businesses in 2026. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reported 766 notifiable data breaches in the latter half of 2024, with unauthorized access to devices being a major cause. Full-disk encryption is crucial for compliance with the Essential Eight framework, which mandates data protection on portable devices. BitLocker ensures that data on an encrypted drive becomes unreadable if the drive is removed and connected to another computer. It aligns with the Essential Eight framework, requiring evidence of encryption rather than just claims of protection. There are three types of encryption on Windows 11: Device Encryption, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and File-Level Encryption. BitLocker is available only on Windows 11 Pro and higher editions. To use BitLocker, certain prerequisites must be met, including having Windows 11 Pro or higher, a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled, and local administrator rights. The process to enable BitLocker involves confirming the edition, checking TPM status, enabling BitLocker through Windows Settings or PowerShell, and backing up the recovery key. Organizations can deploy BitLocker fleet-wide using Microsoft Intune, and additional security measures like TPM+PIN can be implemented for pre-boot authentication. Common pitfalls during BitLocker rollout include skipping recovery key backup and assuming that Home edition machines are covered. Troubleshooting common BitLocker issues involves identifying symptoms and applying appropriate fixes. Advanced tips for enhancing security include suspending BitLocker before maintenance and auditing compliance at the fleet level. BitLocker is integral to protecting data on portable devices, and compliance documentation is essential for proving that every device has an active recovery key.

Tech Optimizer

July 20, 2026

Don’t bog down your PC with extra antivirus protection

A 75-year-old reader experienced slow internet despite upgrading to a 2-gigabit connection and a new router. She suspected that the Zone Alarm antivirus software she installed with her new laptop might be causing the issue. After being advised to uninstall Zone Alarm, she reported improved internet performance. The situation highlighted that third-party security software can hinder performance, and it's important to manage security software properly to avoid conflicts.

Winsage

July 20, 2026

July 2026 Patch Tuesday: KB5101650 Windows 11 Update

On July 14, 2026, Microsoft released cumulative update KB5101650 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, addressing OS Builds 26200.8875 and 26100.8875. This update includes essential security fixes, updates to Secure Boot certificates, and enhanced Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) defenses against phishing attacks. It consolidates July 2026's security content, addressing known vulnerabilities and introducing functional improvements. The update is critical for minimizing exposure to identified threats and is prioritized for systems managing remote access or nearing certificate expiration. The update enhances Remote Desktop security by supporting SHA-2 certificate thumbprints while retaining SHA-1 for legacy compatibility. It includes new Group Policy options to mitigate phishing risks associated with malicious .rdp files. The curl upgrade to version 8.21.0 incorporates security patches for command-line tools in Windows environments. Secure Boot certificates are automatically updated through Windows updates, ensuring boot security across various hardware. KB5101650 installs primarily through the Windows Update interface, requiring a restart to activate changes. Enterprise environments can use the Microsoft Update Catalog for manual distribution. A temporary restriction affects certain Dell devices with Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers, which Microsoft plans to address in a future update. The cumulative update resolves a total of 622 Microsoft CVEs, including 416 affecting Windows components. Users are advised to verify and install the update promptly to secure the full suite of improvements.

Winsage

July 19, 2026

The 200GB catch hiding in Windows 11’s new recovery feature

Microsoft has introduced point-in-time restore for Windows 11 users, enhancing the traditional System Restore. This new recovery tool allows users to recover their PCs from software issues, problematic drivers, or faulty updates, even when Windows won’t boot. It uses the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to automatically generate restore points every 24 hours, which include both system and user files, unlike System Restore. Point-in-time restore manages storage by deleting restore points after 72 hours and integrates seamlessly into Windows Settings, being activated by default for volumes over 200GB. Users with smaller volumes must activate it manually. It also incorporates Reserved Storage to ensure restore points do not consume regular disk space. The feature is available on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions with the installation of the optional Preview Update KB5095093. Users can access point-in-time restore through Windows Settings under System > Recovery, and initiate recovery via the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Windows 10 still powers one in six PCs around today — and that could be a major security issue very soon

Approximately 16.9% of Windows client devices are still using Windows 10, while Windows 11 accounts for 78.8% of installations. Windows 10's market share has significantly declined from nearly 50% in mid-2025. The migration to Windows 11 is slowing, with remaining Windows 10 devices facing more complex and costly upgrade scenarios, including having three times as many active Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) compared to Windows 11. Legacy operating systems like Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows XP are also factors in the migration challenges. Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers protection until October 2027 for consumers and until October 2028 for commercial customers.