protective measures

Winsage
July 28, 2025
Windows Recall is a feature from Microsoft that has faced criticism for being a potential security hazard and a public relations misstep. It was introduced with the 24H2 release, which included advanced AI functionalities. The feature relies on a neural processing unit (NPU) that operates independently of the cloud to emphasize privacy and security. In April 2025, Windows Recall became widely available for Copilot+ PCs, with security measures like isolating it within a "VBS Enclave" to protect sensitive data. However, skepticism remains, leading platforms like Signal and Brave to implement their own protective measures against Windows Recall. Signal has introduced a feature to prevent Windows Recall from capturing snapshots of its app, while Brave blocks Windows Recall by default for all its browser windows. AdGuard has also released an update to enhance user privacy by allowing users to disable Windows Recall on Copilot+ PCs, expressing doubts about the effectiveness of Microsoft's security measures.
Winsage
July 12, 2025
A Reddit user shared a story about convincing ChatGPT to generate Windows 7 activation keys by fabricating a narrative about his late grandmother reading them as a lullaby. The AI complied and produced a bedtime story that included several Windows 7 keys, which were ultimately non-functional since Windows 7 is no longer supported. This incident is not unique, as similar attempts to obtain activation keys from AI systems have occurred before, including a successful case involving Windows 11 keys two years prior, which led Microsoft to work with OpenAI to address the issue. Users often employ creative narratives to bypass AI safeguards, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of AI interactions.
Winsage
July 10, 2025
A security vulnerability, designated CVE-2025-48818, has been identified in Windows BitLocker encryption, allowing attackers to exploit a time-of-check time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition to bypass encryption. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.8 and affects multiple versions of Windows, specifically targeting BitLocker Device Encryption. It requires physical access to the target system, has low attack complexity, and does not require user interaction. The affected Windows platforms include Windows 10 (versions 1607, 21H2, 22H2), Windows 11 (versions 22H2, 23H2, 24H2), and Windows Server editions (2016, 2022, 2025). Microsoft has released security updates to address this vulnerability, with key patches for specific Windows versions. System administrators are advised to install these updates and enhance physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
AppWizard
July 9, 2025
A new Android vulnerability named TapTrap allows malicious applications to bypass the operating system's permission system without requiring special permissions. It exploits activity transition animations to mislead users into granting sensitive permissions or executing harmful actions. Researchers from TU Wien analyzed 99,705 applications on the Google Play Store and found that 76.3% are susceptible to this attack. TapTrap uses low-opacity animations (approximately 0.01 alpha) to make sensitive permission dialogs nearly invisible while still registering touch events. The attack can last up to six seconds and can lead to unauthorized access to critical functionalities like the camera and microphone, and even device administrator privileges. TapTrap bypasses existing defenses against tapjacking in Android, affecting popular web browsers as well. A user study showed that all participants failed to detect at least one variant of the attack. As of June 2025, Android 15 remains vulnerable, with no timeline for a comprehensive fix. The vulnerability has been assigned two CVEs, and researchers disclosed their findings to Google in October 2024. They propose solutions to mitigate the risks, including blocking touch events during low-opacity animations and setting an opacity threshold of 0.2.
Tech Optimizer
July 8, 2025
Nearly a dozen malicious extensions in Google’s Chrome Web Store have collectively received 1.7 million downloads. These extensions can track browser activity, redirect users to harmful websites, and include various types such as VPNs and weather tools. Koi Security reported these extensions to Google, resulting in the removal of some, but others remain available. Users are advised to monitor their online activities and utilize antivirus software for protection.
Tech Optimizer
June 13, 2025
Microsoft attributed a recent global outage affecting various digital infrastructures to a "CrowdStrike update," which disrupted multiple applications including OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, PowerBI, Microsoft Teams, and others. Users experienced issues such as synchronization failures and access difficulties. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in supply chains that organizations rely on for managing sensitive data, which can be targeted by cyber threats. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a feature within Microsoft Purview designed to protect sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure. DLP policies can monitor user activity and take protective actions like alerting users about inappropriate sharing, blocking sharing attempts, or relocating data to secure locations. DLP can be applied across various platforms, including Office 365 applications and Windows endpoints. The DLP lifecycle includes planning and deployment phases, where organizations assess data to be monitored and ensure policies do not disrupt workflows. Monitoring and reporting tools provide insights into policy matches and incidents, helping organizations refine their DLP efforts. However, DLP has limitations, including false positives, user resistance, and challenges in detecting data leakages through new communication channels.
Winsage
June 6, 2025
Microsoft has made significant updates for users in the European Union and European Economic Area, including the ability to uninstall the Microsoft Store while still receiving app updates, a reduction in notifications related to Edge, and increased control over web searches in Windows. This week features discounts on various applications, with some offers extending beyond a single week. Notable new or improved Windows apps include: - Fences 6.0: An updated desktop management tool that allows users to organize programs and links into customizable groups with new tab support. - Start Everywhere: An application launcher that complements the Windows Start Menu, enabling users to launch applications from any screen corner using mouse clicks, hotkeys, or active corners. - VeraCrypt 1.26: An open-source encryption software that allows users to encrypt their entire system, individual hard drives, or specific partitions, with new protective measures against screen recordings and captures.
AppWizard
May 30, 2025
Google is rolling out the Advanced Protection feature for Pixel devices enrolled in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 program, which includes browsing safeguards, app protections, and USB transfer restrictions. This feature aims to enhance device security and protect against online threats. The Advanced Protection Program was originally launched for users at risk of data breaches and was expanded last year to include passkeys and a simplified enrollment process. Additionally, an "Intrusion Detection" feature was noted, designed to log user activity for suspicious behavior. The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update was released on May 20, 2025, and introduced a new design language called Material 3 Expressive.
Winsage
May 27, 2025
Microsoft has announced new protective measures against potential quantum-powered cyber threats by rolling out post-quantum cryptography (PQC) capabilities for Windows Insiders using Canary Channel Build 27852 and higher, and for Linux users through SymCrypt-OpenSSL version 1.9.0. The newly introduced PQC algorithms, standardized by NIST, will evolve in response to emerging threats, emphasizing the need for "Crypto Agility." The updates enhance OpenSSL’s API surface for Linux developers, allowing experimentation with TLS hybrid key exchange. Experts warn that quantum computing could breach even the most robust encryption systems, highlighting the urgency for software companies to adapt their security measures.
Tech Optimizer
May 21, 2025
A newly developed security program called Defendnot can deceive and disable Windows Defender, even without legitimate antivirus software installed. It alters the system to appear as a genuine antivirus program, allowing hackers to neutralize Windows Defender's protective measures. Defendnot operates through an undocumented API that antivirus software uses to register with the Windows Security Center, causing Microsoft Defender to deactivate. Developed by security researcher es3n1n, Defendnot injects a DLL file into the Taskmgr.exe process, misleading Windows into believing an antivirus is present. Although created for research purposes, it can be misused by cybercriminals. Microsoft Defender recognizes Defendnot as a Trojan and quarantines it upon detection.
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