reminder

Winsage
February 11, 2026
Microsoft's February 2026 Patch Tuesday addressed 59 vulnerabilities in Windows 11, with six confirmed as actively exploited. The most critical vulnerability is CVE-2026-21510, a Windows Shell security feature bypass with a CVSS rating of 8.8, allowing attackers to evade warnings by tricking users into opening malicious files. Another significant vulnerability, CVE-2026-21513, also rated at 8.8, affects MSHTML and allows remote attackers to bypass execution prompts through malicious code in HTML or shortcut files. CVE-2026-21514 impacts Microsoft Word and enables adversaries to disable OLE mitigations, posing risks through document-based attacks. Two local privilege escalation vulnerabilities are CVE-2026-21519 in Desktop Window Manager and CVE-2026-21533 in Windows Remote Desktop Services, with CVSS scores of 7.8. CVE-2026-21525 is a denial-of-service vulnerability in Remote Access Connection Manager. The update includes 53 additional vulnerabilities across various Microsoft products and services, with CVE-2026-21531 in Azure SDK rated at 9.8 and CVE-2026-20841 affecting Windows Notepad rated at 8.8. The cumulative update for Windows 11 (KB5077181) also includes enhancements and resolves WPA3 Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Microsoft reminded users of the June 2026 expiration of Secure Boot certificates, which requires timely updates to ensure secure booting. Users can install the updates via Windows Update.
Winsage
February 10, 2026
The Emergency Restart method for Windows 11 can be initiated by pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL and holding the CTRL key while clicking the power button in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This prompts a warning message about the impending restart, stating that any unsaved data will be lost. It is designed as a last resort for unresponsive systems and serves as an alternative to a hard reset. Users can utilize this method without significant drawbacks, and it has been successfully used on various devices. An alternative way to restart is through the Command Prompt by typing shutdown /r.
AppWizard
February 1, 2026
Steam is currently offering free access to four PC games: Fallout 76, Deep Rock Galactic, Dead by Daylight, and Grounded 2. The free access for Deep Rock Galactic, Dead by Daylight, and Grounded 2 lasts until February 2, while Fallout 76 is available for free until February 5. After the promotional period, players will need to purchase the games to retain access. Discounts are available for those interested in buying: Fallout 76 is 80% off, Dead by Daylight is 60% off, and Deep Rock Galactic is 70% off. Grounded 2 is not included in the discount promotion.
AppWizard
February 1, 2026
SCRAP and Fahrenheit 213 are developing a horror adventure game titled DO NOT PLAY, set to launch on PC via Steam this summer. The game features a system error that overwhelms players with numerous windows, creating an unsettling experience. It draws inspiration from the banned browser game “GeM,” but the developers clarify they were not involved in its creation. DO NOT PLAY is a first-person escape game where players solve puzzles and mini-games to uncover mysteries and find safety. The game recreates the nostalgic atmosphere of early 2000s flash games and explores the intersection of nostalgia and reality.
Tech Optimizer
February 1, 2026
eScan, an antivirus solution, has become a conduit for a supply chain attack that may have affected millions of users through a compromised software update mechanism. The attack exploited eScan’s automatic update system, distributing malware via official channels that appeared legitimate, thus bypassing traditional security measures. Reports indicate that supply chain attacks have increased by over 300% in the past three years, with software update mechanisms being prime targets. The exact number of affected users is still under investigation, but the breach occurred over a limited period before detection. Enterprises using eScan now face vulnerabilities in their security infrastructure, prompting IT departments to conduct forensic analyses to determine if their networks were compromised. The breach raises concerns about digital security as users typically rely on antivirus solutions for protection. Researchers found that the malware used advanced techniques, including multi-stage deployment and polymorphic behavior to evade detection, indicating significant resources behind the attack. In response, eScan has initiated an incident response protocol, revoked compromised digital certificates, and added verification layers to its update system. However, restoring user trust will require transparency about the breach and preventive measures. The incident has led to widespread security audits across the antivirus sector and may accelerate the adoption of zero-trust security models. Regulatory inquiries are underway regarding eScan's data protection practices, and legal experts anticipate class-action lawsuits from affected users and enterprises. The breach highlights a trend where attackers target security infrastructure itself, making software distribution security a critical focus for cybersecurity professionals. Proposed solutions include blockchain-based verification systems and industry-wide standards for supply chain security. The eScan breach underscores that no organization is immune to sophisticated supply chain attacks, as compromising a security vendor can provide access to its entire customer base. Increased information sharing about supply chain threats is advocated to enhance collaboration within the security industry. Moving forward, eScan must balance technical remediation with transparent communication to rebuild trust, while users are advised to implement defense-in-depth strategies rather than relying solely on one security tool.
AppWizard
January 31, 2026
Mighty No. 9 was launched through a Kickstarter campaign in 2013, led by Keiji Inafune, but faced numerous delays and failed to meet backers' expectations. Comcept, the studio founded by Inafune in 2010, has been formally dissolved, marking the end of its operations. The studio struggled with the development of Mighty No. 9 and faced backlash from backers in 2015. A partnership with Fuze Entertainment to continue development did not materialize, and Comcept's other projects, including ReCore, did not impress. In 2017, Comcept was absorbed into Level-5, and Inafune left in 2024 after launching a Mega Man-inspired NFT collection.
AppWizard
January 30, 2026
In the early 2010s, British YouTuber Stampylonghead gained popularity among young gamers for his Minecraft series "Stampy’s Lovely World." His videos featured imaginative adventures, whimsical constructions, and a positive atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and creativity. Viewers, including the author, found joy and inspiration in his content, which included interactions with characters like his dog Barnaby and friends IBallisticSquid and Sqaishey Quack. As the author grew older, they drifted away from Stampy's world but recognized the lasting impact of his optimism and creativity on their life. Andy Robinson is a member of the Class of 2027.
Winsage
January 30, 2026
In 2025, users reported over 20 issues with Windows 11, leading to dissatisfaction reminiscent of past criticisms of Windows Vista and Windows 8. The original Windows 8 promotional campaign effectively highlighted its features through engaging marketing, contrasting with recent Copilot ads that faced backlash for showcasing the AI's limitations. Microsoft has shifted its focus towards AI integration, particularly with Copilot, despite negative feedback from users and developers regarding its effectiveness. Historically, Microsoft responded to Windows 8's challenges by releasing Windows 8.1, which addressed user concerns and improved functionality. A similar update, Windows 11.1, could help restore user confidence and improve the overall experience with Windows 11.
Tech Optimizer
January 30, 2026
Avast's automatic update system was compromised, allowing malicious code to be distributed through its official channels, affecting potentially millions of users. This breach is characterized as a sophisticated supply chain attack, which exploited the software update mechanism, making it difficult to detect as the malware appeared legitimate. Security analysts noted a 300% increase in supply chain attacks over the past three years, with this incident highlighting vulnerabilities in security solutions. Avast has initiated an incident response, revoked compromised digital certificates, and is collaborating with cybersecurity firms to address the breach. European regulators have begun inquiries into Avast's data protection measures, and legal experts anticipate class-action lawsuits from affected users. The incident underscores a trend of attackers targeting security infrastructure itself, prompting calls for improved software distribution security and industry-wide standards.
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