regulatory compliance Archives

AppWizard

July 7, 2025

Google Gemini app gains automatic Android access to phone and messaging data

On July 7, 2025, Google Gemini app users experienced automatic activation of permissions for accessing phone calls, messaging services, WhatsApp, and system utilities on Android devices, following a privacy policy update on June 11, 2025. This change affects millions of users globally and allows user data to be reviewed by humans for AI training. Users can disable these permissions through the app's settings, but the option to opt-out is criticized for being difficult to find. Legal experts have raised concerns about compliance with GDPR regulations due to the lack of explicit user consent for these changes. The data collected supports machine-learning development and may be retained for up to three years, even after users delete their activity.

Winsage

July 1, 2025

Teams Classic Is Officially Dead: IT Leaders Face Double Deadline with Windows 10 End-of-Life Looming

Microsoft Teams Classic has officially ceased operations, with all backend services disabled and servers shut down. Many organizations delayed their migrations despite prior announcements, leading to user disruptions and increased support tickets. A study by the UK’s Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors found that over a quarter of UK businesses experienced cyberattacks in the past year, and nearly three-quarters of business leaders anticipate cybersecurity disruptions within the next one to two years. The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, presenting further challenges for IT teams, particularly in regulated sectors. Organizations face hurdles in migration due to budget constraints, lack of visibility into legacy dependencies, and staff turnover. IT teams must deploy the new Teams client, disable Teams Classic, and ensure clear communication and documentation to mitigate risks.

Tech Optimizer

July 1, 2025

Industry Exchange Data 2025: EDB’s Jeremy Wilson on how to secure your data (Psst: Secure your database)

All software is susceptible to security vulnerabilities, but open-source solutions can enhance defenses against cyber threats, according to Jeremy Wilson, CTO for the North America public sector at EDB. He noted that the global community continuously inspects open-source code, leading to fewer issues and quicker resolutions. EDB's PostgreSQL database product is designed for online transaction systems, data warehousing, and analytics, incorporating security enhancements and performance improvements. EDB synchronizes its release cycles with the open-source community and aims to meet regulatory requirements, including obtaining FedRAMP High certification. EDB collaborates with Red Hat to implement security controls and has integrated features like transparent data encryption and APIs to support zero trust cybersecurity initiatives. Wilson acknowledged challenges agencies face when transitioning to open-source solutions, including legacy systems and regulatory compliance hurdles. EDB aims to provide a turnkey enterprise database that simplifies the migration of applications, ensuring compliance with FIPS 140-3 and DISA STIGs.

Winsage

June 24, 2025

Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10

Windows has been the most widely used operating system globally since its launch in 1985, currently powering over a billion active devices each month. Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft will stop providing security and feature updates, as well as technical support for Windows 10 PCs. Users can check their eligibility for upgrading to Windows 11 through the Settings menu or the PC Health Check app. Windows 11 features enhanced security, improved performance, and a modern user interface, with built-in accessibility tools and AI capabilities. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program will provide critical security updates for personal devices from October 15, 2025, to October 13, 2026. Organizations can subscribe to ESU for continued security updates for a year, with the option to renew annually. Windows 365 offers a cloud-based solution for transitioning to Windows 11 without needing to replace all devices immediately. Various Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs are available from partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Surface.

Tech Optimizer

May 20, 2025

Modernizing Public Sector IT with PostgreSQL

On June 24, 2025, a webinar will discuss how PostgreSQL can help government agencies modernize their IT infrastructures while maintaining security and managing costs. The session will cover PostgreSQL's capabilities in addressing legacy system migration, regulatory compliance, and its certifications like FedRAMP and DISA STIG that ensure it meets federal security standards. Gianni Cioli, a PostgreSQL consultant with over 15 years of experience, will be the speaker.

AppWizard

May 8, 2025

Waltz used Signal-like app at White House day before ouster as national security advisor

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz was seen using a modified version of the messaging app Signal during a Cabinet meeting, despite President Donald Trump's prior discouragement of its use after the "Signalgate" controversy. A photograph showed Waltz with the app active and conversations involving at least six officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating ongoing discussions. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly confirmed that Signal is an approved application for government use, and the modified version appeared to be associated with TeleMessage, a company that provides archiving services for messaging applications. This adaptation raises concerns about the integrity of Signal's end-to-end encryption due to potential external storage of messages, which could compromise privacy. TeleMessage has ties to military intelligence and was recently acquired by Smarsh. The use of Signal by Trump administration officials has been controversial in the past, particularly regarding military discussions that inadvertently involved a journalist.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

PC Action Games Market Size and Outlook by Application, Type, and Geographic Scope

The global PC Action Games market is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2032, driven by increased demand for interactive entertainment, particularly among younger audiences, and advancements in technology. Key factors contributing to this growth include the popularity of competitive action games, improved gaming equipment, faster internet, and the rise of digital distribution platforms. Challenges include high initial investment costs, regulatory complexities, supply chain disruptions, market saturation in developed regions, and intense competition. Emerging trends involve the integration of advanced digital technologies, a focus on sustainability, and a demand for personalized offerings. The competitive landscape features intense rivalry, with companies prioritizing innovation, strategic partnerships, and regional expansion to enhance their market positions.

Tech Optimizer

February 25, 2025

APAC enterprises shifting towards open source in database strategies

Enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly transitioning from proprietary databases to open-source alternatives, with PostgreSQL being favored due to high licensing costs and vendor dependencies. IT leaders are reassessing database strategies to meet performance, cost, and scalability needs, particularly for applications requiring transactional, analytical, and AI workloads. Hybrid IT models are gaining traction, especially in countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, while Japan and Korea show strong on-premises demand, and India is moving away from legacy systems due to cost pressures. PostgreSQL is evolving to support hybrid IT and emerging workloads, including AI and analytics, with enhancements like lakehouse architecture for managing structured and unstructured data and the introduction of pgvector for AI applications. Data sovereignty regulations are prompting enterprises to deploy PostgreSQL in hybrid cloud environments to balance control and scalability. EDB has developed a hybrid control plane for unified management across on-premises and cloud deployments. Many enterprises are opting for a gradual transition to PostgreSQL due to legacy dependencies and operational risks, often starting with specific use cases before migrating legacy workloads. An example includes an insurance company in Hong Kong that migrated from Oracle to PostgreSQL, achieving reduced costs and improved performance. Successful migration depends on database mobility and application portability, with EDB planning to integrate GPU support and develop tools for faster AI application deployment, with expectations for rollout by the second quarter of 2025.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

Windows Mobile Pos Terminal Market Size by Application, Type, Geographic Scope, and Forecast 2025-2032

The global Windows Mobile POS Terminal market is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2032, driven by the rise of mobile payment systems, digital transactions, and technological advancements. Key factors include the demand for flexible payment options in retail and hospitality, the increase in e-commerce and contactless payments, and ongoing innovations in security and software. Challenges such as high initial costs, regulatory complexities, supply chain disruptions, and market saturation in developed regions may hinder growth. Emerging trends include the integration of AI, automation, and IoT, a focus on sustainability, and a demand for personalized offerings. The competitive landscape features intense rivalry among key players, with a focus on product innovation and regional expansion, particularly in North America, Europe, and the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region. Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa show potential for growth, despite facing economic and regulatory challenges.

Tech Optimizer

February 7, 2025

What is Managed Endpoint Protection?

Managed Endpoint Protection involves outsourcing endpoint security for devices like laptops, desktops, and servers to specialized providers. These services offer continuous monitoring, automated responses, and compliance checks, utilizing advanced analytics and real-time threat intelligence. Key features include continuous monitoring, automated threat containment, vulnerability management, forensic analysis, compliance tools, and threat hunting. Managed services address various threats such as ransomware, phishing, zero-day exploits, credential theft, insider threats, DDoS attacks, and data exfiltration. Benefits include 24/7 expert coverage, access to specialized threat intelligence, faster incident response, reduced operational complexity, predictable pricing, and improved compliance. Challenges include the rapidly evolving threat landscape, skills shortage, budget constraints, and ensuring real-time visibility. Best practices for implementation involve maintaining asset inventories, defining roles, fine-tuning detection thresholds, conducting regular drills, and integrating with broader security measures. When choosing a provider, factors to consider include technical expertise, service level agreements, integration capabilities, pricing, compliance, and ongoing support. SentinelOne offers an autonomous cybersecurity platform that enhances endpoint security through superior visibility, automated responses, and customizable features.