protective measures Archives

Winsage

May 4, 2025

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro before this deadline for $15 (Reg. $199)

Windows 11 is available for an upgrade price of .97, as Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support deadline in fall 2025. The upgrade includes features such as Microsoft Copilot, an intuitive user interface, enhanced security measures including biometric login, and built-in parental controls. Microsoft will cease technical support for Windows 10 after the deadline, making the upgrade to Windows 11 essential.

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Microsoft has no plans to fix Windows RDP bug that lets you log in with old passwords

Microsoft has decided not to address a significant security vulnerability in its Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) that allows users to log into machines using outdated cached passwords, even after those passwords have been updated or changed. This situation creates a potential backdoor for unauthorized access, raising security concerns. Microsoft defends this functionality as a design choice to prevent users from being locked out of their machines, prioritizing accessibility over security.

Tech Optimizer

April 27, 2025

Why aren’t there antivirus apps for the iPhone?

In recent years, the belief that iOS devices are "immune" to viruses has been challenged as cybercriminals increasingly target these platforms. Apple’s security measures, including sandboxing, help isolate apps to prevent the spread of malware. The App Store is strictly controlled, with Apple reviewing apps for security compliance, resulting in few harmful applications being reported. Antivirus software available in the App Store, from companies like McAfee and Norton, operates under the same constraints as other apps and cannot directly access the operating system kernel. Users are advised to avoid jailbreaking their devices, enable automatic updates, and take precautions such as avoiding public charging stations and regularly reviewing app permissions. Utilizing a password manager or VPN can enhance security, and those who have experienced data breaches may consider identity theft protection.

TrendTechie

April 24, 2025

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 даже не пришлось взламывать — игра уже на торрентах

The game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been released without protective measures against piracy, making it accessible to the public, as announced by the hacking group RUNE. The game's objective is to reach the Goddess Artist and disrupt a recurring curse that erases individuals whose ages match a specific number on a monolith.

AppWizard

April 19, 2025

Urgent Android Warning: Major Security Flaw Allows Hackers Full Access—Here Are the Apps You Must Delete Now

A vulnerability known as “Dirty Stream” was discovered by Microsoft, allowing malicious applications to hijack trusted apps on high-end Android devices. Although the flaw has been patched, any data accessed before the patch remains vulnerable. The vulnerability exploited the ContentProvider system in Android, enabling harmful apps to send deceptive files that could overwrite critical data in secure storage. Microsoft noted that this could lead to arbitrary code execution, giving attackers full control over applications and access to sensitive user data. Several popular Android apps were found to be vulnerable, with over four billion installations affected. It is crucial to promptly install security updates and maintain app vigilance to protect personal data.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Windows warning: Don’t delete that weird ‘inetpub’ folder. Already did? Here’s your fix

Windows 10 and Windows 11 users who installed the April Patch Tuesday updates may find a new folder named inetpub on their system drive. This folder is associated with Microsoft’s Internet Information Services (IIS) and is important for addressing the CVE-2025-21204 vulnerability, which involves improper handling of symbolic links. Microsoft advises users not to delete the inetpub folder, as it plays a crucial role in system security. If the folder has been deleted, it can be restored by enabling IIS through the Control Panel. Enabling IIS will recreate the folder and ensure it retains the necessary protective measures.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft: Windows ‘inetpub’ folder created by security fix, don’t delete

Microsoft has acknowledged that the April 2025 Windows security update creates a new, empty "inetpub" folder on user systems, advising against its deletion. This folder is associated with Internet Information Services (IIS) but appears even on systems without IIS installed. The folder is created using the SYSTEM account, and while deleting it does not disrupt Windows functionality, Microsoft emphasizes it should remain untouched. The existence of the C:inetpub directory prior to the update may cause installation failures of the cumulative updates. Microsoft has updated its advisory regarding a security vulnerability (CVE-2025-21204) related to improper link resolution within the Windows Update Stack, warning that exploitation could allow local attackers to escalate permissions. Users can recreate the C:inetpub folder by installing IIS through the Windows Features control panel, and uninstalling IIS will remove the software but leave the folder intact.

AppWizard

April 9, 2025

Instagram’s Teen Accounts feature is coming to Facebook and Messenger soon

Meta is expanding its Teen Accounts protections, initially launched on Instagram, to Facebook and Messenger for users aged 13-15. These accounts limit messaging capabilities, filter out inappropriate content, and remind users to take breaks from screen time. Teens under 16 need parental permission to change default settings, with 97% choosing to maintain protections. The rollout of similar Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger is happening in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, with global expansion planned. New features for Instagram Teen Accounts will require parental approval for going Live and disabling a feature that blurs suspected nude images in direct messages. An Ipsos survey indicated that 94% of US parents find Teen Accounts beneficial, and 85% believe they promote positive online experiences. Meta has over 54 million active Teen Accounts globally and is committed to enhancing safety for young users.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

We’re Introducing New Built-In Restrictions for Instagram Teen Accounts, and Expanding to Facebook and Messenger

Last year, Instagram introduced Teen Accounts with built-in protections for users under 16, requiring parental consent for any changes to default strict settings. A survey indicated that 97% of teens aged 13-15 chose to keep these protective measures. New safeguards for Instagram Live and direct messages will require parental approval for teens under 16. Teen Accounts will also be expanded to Facebook and Messenger, initially targeting users in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. Since their launch, over 54 million teens have used Teen Accounts, which include features like automatic private settings, content controls, and reminder notifications. A survey showed that 94% of parents found Teen Accounts beneficial, with over 90% supporting the default protections.

AppWizard

April 8, 2025

After Instagram, Teen Accounts now available on Facebook and Messenger

Meta has introduced Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger to create a safer online environment for younger users by limiting exposure to inappropriate content. The feature is currently being rolled out in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with plans for expansion to more regions. This initiative follows the introduction of Teen Accounts on Instagram last year in response to scrutiny from US lawmakers about protective measures for adolescents.