protocol Archives

Winsage

April 19, 2026

Microsoft confirms AI agents are still coming to the Windows 11 taskbar as it prepares for public rollout

Microsoft is integrating AI agents into the Windows 11 taskbar, allowing users to invoke these agents, including third-party options, directly from the taskbar. This feature will be optional and not enabled by default. The AI agents, such as Microsoft 365 Researcher, can operate autonomously to perform tasks like planning, researching, and executing actions without user intervention. Users can activate these agents by hovering over the Microsoft 365 Copilot icon on the taskbar. The Microsoft 365 Researcher can conduct complex research tasks and generate reports using files from OneDrive or Microsoft 365, but it requires a Microsoft 365 subscription to access. A new feature called ‘Ask Copilot’ may enhance the search experience by allowing users to tag and trigger agents using the “@” symbol. This functionality is supported by the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which connects AI models with applications and files. Developers can integrate their agents using the Windows.UI.Shell.Tasks API. Despite earlier statements about reducing AI in Windows 11, Microsoft is adopting a more selective approach to AI integration, ensuring that the use of taskbar agents remains optional and not intrusive. The company is phasing out Copilot branding in certain applications while maintaining AI capabilities in a streamlined manner.

AppWizard

April 17, 2026

My full guide to Pragmata after spending 18 hours shepherding my space daughter

Pragmata features a blend of nostalgia and innovation in gaming, with early levels that have a linear design and complex currencies. A notable gameplay mechanic is hacking, which increases damage to enemies and turns them into 'OPEN' targets, especially useful against bosses. The weapon system allows players to equip four types of firearms, with some functioning as consumables. Healing is managed through limited Repair Canisters, which can be replenished at the Cradle hub area. The Shelter serves as a central hub for upgrades and interactions, with players able to enhance it and unlock new facilities. Various activities and collectibles are available, including challenge arenas and hidden items. A New Game+ mode becomes available after completing the main storyline, allowing players to restart with all gear and upgrades, alongside a more challenging difficulty setting. The game has an approximate playtime of ten hours for the main story and up to 20 hours for full completion.

Winsage

April 15, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 10 KB5082200 extended security update

Microsoft has released the Windows 10 KB5082200 extended security update, addressing vulnerabilities from the April 2026 Patch Tuesday, including two critical zero-day flaws. The update enhances security with new protections against phishing attacks using Remote Desktop Protocol (.rdp) files and provides updated indicators in Windows Security for new Secure Boot certificates. Users can install the update by checking for updates in the Windows Update settings. After installation, Windows 10 will upgrade to build 19045.7184, and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 will transition to build 19044.7184. The update resolves a total of 167 vulnerabilities, including two significant zero-day issues, and includes fixes for signing into Microsoft apps, enhanced Remote Desktop security, dynamic Secure Boot status reporting, and issues affecting Intel-based devices with Connected Standby. Microsoft is also rolling out new Secure Boot certificates to replace older ones expiring in June 2026, with no known issues reported for this update.

Winsage

April 15, 2026

Microsoft adds Windows protections for malicious Remote Desktop files

Microsoft has introduced new security measures for Windows 10 and Windows 11 to protect against phishing attacks that exploit Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connection files. These updates, part of the April 2026 cumulative updates (KB5082200, KB5083769, and KB5082052), include a one-time educational prompt for users upon first opening an RDP file, requiring acknowledgment of the associated risks. Subsequent attempts to open RDP files will display a security dialog with information about the file's publisher, the remote system address, and local resource redirections, with options disabled by default. If an RDP file is unsigned, a warning will indicate an "Unknown remote connection." These protections apply only to connections initiated through RDP files, not through the Windows Remote Desktop client, and can be temporarily disabled via the Windows Registry.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

Mirax RAT Targets Android Devices Through Meta Apps

Mirax is a remote access Trojan (RAT) targeting Android devices in Spanish-speaking countries, identified by Outpost24's KrakenLabs in early March. It propagates fraudulent advertisements on Meta-owned applications, allowing cybercriminals to gain initial access. Mirax can interact with compromised devices in real time, converting them into residential proxy nodes through ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. It uses SOCKS5 protocol and Yamux multiplexing to establish proxy channels and uncover victims' IP addresses. The malware captures keystrokes, steals sensitive data, executes commands, and monitors user activity. It employs overlay pages to steal credentials and orchestrates distribution through Meta ads and GitHub for malicious APK files. Users are tricked into enabling installations from "unknown sources," and the malware disguises itself behind video playback features. Additionally, a threat actor has been offering Mirax as a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) on illicit forums, with subscription prices starting at ,500 for three months. This service is described as highly controlled and exclusive, primarily targeting Russian-speaking actors in underground communities.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Microsoft tightens Windows 11 driver security rules

Microsoft will enforce a new mandate requiring all hardware drivers to comply with the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) standards starting April 1, 2026. This change will eliminate the "cross-signing" system that allowed older drivers with expired certificates to remain trusted. The enforcement of WHCP certification will apply to various versions of Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. Users may face blocks when installing older drivers on new systems, but existing installations will not be immediately disrupted. Microsoft plans to introduce an "allow list" for vetted legacy drivers to ensure essential equipment remains operational during the transition. The initial rollout will occur in "evaluation mode," allowing Microsoft to monitor driver behavior without blocking software. For corporate environments, Microsoft offers "Application Control for Business" to allow specific software while maintaining security measures.

AppWizard

April 10, 2026

Privacy Messenger Session Is Staring Down a 90-Day Countdown to Obscurity

The messaging app Session, which prioritizes user privacy and offers end-to-end encryption without requiring personal information for registration, is facing potential closure and has issued a call for support. The Session Technology Foundation (STF) has received funding to support operations for 90 days but will rely on volunteers after all paid staff have been let go. Development activities have paused due to insufficient funding, affecting the introduction of new features and the resolution of existing bugs. The STF has stated that it needs million to complete ongoing projects and introduce a subscription model to achieve self-sustainability. As of now, 0,000 has been raised towards this goal. Users can contribute at getsession.org/donate.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Bitchat Review: How Jack Dorsey’s Private Offline Messenger Works

Bitchat employs the Noise Protocol Framework, specifically the XX pattern, for encrypted and authenticated communication. The Android version uses X25519 for key exchange and AES-256-GCM for message encryption. Bitchat operates without a central infrastructure, phone numbers, or traditional accounts, which reduces data collection and risks of censorship and surveillance. The app relies on Bluetooth connectivity, requiring physical proximity between users, which can enhance security but may lead to device identification. Metadata about nearby devices and connection instances may still be retained. Bitchat has not yet undergone a comprehensive external security audit, raising concerns despite its focus on privacy and encryption.

Winsage

April 8, 2026

Microsoft suspends VeraCrypt and WireGuard signing accounts, blocking Windows updates

Microsoft has suspended developer accounts necessary for signing Windows drivers for VeraCrypt and WireGuard, blocking updates for millions of users who rely on these software solutions for data encryption and secure networking. This suspension raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities for users and presents challenges for developers seeking alternative methods to maintain software functionality and security. The cybersecurity community has reacted with frustration, calling for clearer communication from Microsoft regarding the reasons for the suspensions and exploring workarounds to continue providing updates. The open-source community is also supporting affected developers in addressing these challenges.

Tech Optimizer

April 6, 2026

36 Malicious npm Packages Exploited Redis, PostgreSQL to Deploy Persistent Implants

Cybersecurity researchers have discovered 36 malicious packages in the npm registry that impersonate Strapi CMS plugins. These packages exploit Redis and PostgreSQL, deploy reverse shells, harvest credentials, and establish persistent implants. Each package consists of three files—package.json, index.js, and postinstall.js—without descriptions or repositories, and all use version 3.6.8 to mimic legitimate Strapi plugins. The malicious packages follow a naming convention starting with "strapi-plugin-" and were uploaded by four accounts within 13 hours. The identified packages include names like strapi-plugin-cron, strapi-plugin-database, and strapi-plugin-server. The malicious code is embedded in the postinstall script, executing automatically upon installation with the same privileges as the user. The payloads evolve from exploiting Redis for remote code execution to attempting direct PostgreSQL database exploitation and deploying persistent implants for remote access. The campaign appears to target cryptocurrency platforms, as indicated by the focus on credential theft and digital assets. Users of these packages are advised to assume compromise and rotate credentials. This incident reflects a broader trend of supply chain attacks in the open-source ecosystem, with recent examples including credential exfiltration payloads in GitHub repositories and compromised GitHub Actions workflows. Group-IB reported that software supply chain attacks are increasingly reshaping the cyber threat landscape, targeting trusted vendors and open-source software to gain access to downstream organizations.