risk Archives

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Windows 11 setup now prompts you to install TikTok and Netflix apps during first boot

Microsoft has introduced a new feature called Assisted Setup in Windows 11, which allows users to install popular third-party applications like TikTok, WhatsApp, and Spotify immediately after the out-of-box experience (OOBE). This feature is gradually rolling out with build 26340.9354, released on September 8. Users can opt for automatic downloads and installations of these applications, but they must explicitly consent to download them, unlike pre-installed apps like OneDrive and Phone Link. The setup process also allows users to pin popular websites to the taskbar, with recommendations based on geographical location. Windows 11 26H2 has been officially released.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Sanctioned Russian firm identifies multiple security vulnerabilities in Android and Apple devices

Russian cybersecurity firm Positive Technologies has identified 11 security vulnerabilities affecting Android and Apple devices, with nine related to Apple and two to Android, classified as high severity. The Android vulnerabilities include one that allows attackers to exploit an NFC tag to execute an app without owner approval and another that lets installed apps modify network settings without additional permissions. Google has addressed these issues in its September 2026 security patches. For Apple, vulnerabilities include a macOS flaw that allows malicious apps to gain the highest system privileges and another that exposes sensitive information. Apple has released patches for these vulnerabilities, but specific OS versions affected have not been disclosed. Users are advised to ensure their devices have the latest security updates to mitigate risks.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Turtle Beach knows that children yearn for the min…uh dungeons as they reveal a suite of Minecraft Dungeo…

Turtle Beach has released new accessories for Minecraft Dungeons II, set to launch on September 29th. The accessories include the Rematch Wireless Gaming Controller, Airlite Fit Wired Gaming Headset, and PlayTrek Travel Case, all designed for Switch 2 gamers and featuring a black and turquoise color scheme with graphics from the game. The Rematch Wireless Gaming Controller includes TMR thumbsticks, motion controls, and a communication button. The Airlite Fit Wired Gaming Headset is lightweight with 40mm drivers and a flip-to-speak microphone. The PlayTrek Travel Case has a molded shell for console protection. Additionally, Turtle Beach offers the Minecraft Wireless RGB Gaming Controller for Xbox and PC, which supports multiple connection methods and features customizable RGB lighting. All products are available for purchase on the Turtle Beach website and at select retailers.

AppWizard

September 28, 2026

Google Messages could soon make voice notes easier to initiate

Google Messages is exploring a single-tap feature for initiating voice recordings in RCS chats, as seen in the beta version messages.android2026092101_RC00. This change aims to simplify the current two-step process of sending voice notes, which involves tapping the waveform icon and then the microphone icon or long-pressing the waveform icon. While the single-tap feature could enhance accessibility, it raises concerns about accidental activation. Other messaging platforms, like Telegram, require a long press to start a voice note to minimize unintentional recordings. WhatsApp for Android has already implemented a similar single-tap feature. There is hope that Google will introduce a toggle in the settings menu to allow users to choose between the new single-tap method and the traditional approach.

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

What Is Happening with PostgreSQL 19?

Postgres 19 is experiencing delays in its release schedule, with Beta 4 scheduled for September 24, 2026. The development team is prioritizing quality over timelines, leading to the reversion of 53 significant features during the beta phase. Notable feature reversions include SQL Property Graph Queries, ALTER TABLE MERGE/SPLIT PARTITION(S), UPDATE/DELETE FOR PORTION OF, GROUP BY ALL, a change to default TOAST compression, nontext output formats for pg_dumpall, JSON_TABLE ON ERROR cascading, fast defaults for domains with nonvolatile constraints, logical replication database-specific snapshots, nested query tracking, and online data checksums. The majority of these reversions are due to design flaws, incorrect results, or compatibility issues. There are also at-risk features identified, including RI fast-path FK checks, REPACK / REPACK CONCURRENTLY, and Postgres_fdw statistics import. Despite these challenges, promising features such as pg_plan_advice, parallel autovacuum, ON CONFLICT DO SELECT, and logical replication enhancements are still anticipated in PG19. AI tools are being utilized in the development process to identify bugs and create test cases. Postgres 18 remains a reliable upgrade target, while features like property graphs and GROUP BY ALL are now planned for PG20.

Tech Optimizer

September 28, 2026

Spinnaker launches PostgreSQL support & migration services

Spinnaker Support has launched a suite of PostgreSQL support and migration services to help organizations reduce their reliance on Oracle databases. The services include enterprise software support for PostgreSQL and migration services facilitated by HexaCluster, allowing customers to maintain their Oracle environments while transitioning workloads to PostgreSQL. Spinnaker is also developing an enterprise distribution for PostgreSQL, built around standard PostgreSQL and open-source components. The support package includes break-fix support, troubleshooting, security guidance, performance and configuration support, and lifecycle guidance. The migration service analyzes Oracle database dependencies, automates parts of the conversion process, validates production readiness, and facilitates controlled cutovers. The HexaRocket platform from HexaCluster aids in migration, data movement, and replication. The launch aligns with a trend of organizations reassessing database expenditures, with 55.6% of developers using PostgreSQL according to the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey. Spinnaker aims to enhance its role in enterprise infrastructure decisions by supporting both Oracle and PostgreSQL environments. Martin Biggs has been appointed Vice President and General Manager of the PostgreSQL Practice, overseeing PostgreSQL support and migration services. Spinnaker's PostgreSQL offerings are part of its Run, Optimize, Transform framework, designed to help customers manage current systems and plan for long-term changes.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 releases any day now, and here’s who gets it and when

Windows 11 26H2 is expected to begin public rollout around the week of September 28 or early October. Microsoft has released evaluation ISOs for enterprise users to assess compatibility before broader deployment. The release of these ISOs indicates that the public rollout is imminent. Windows 11 26H2 is built on the same platform as versions 24H2 and 25H2, which allows for a smoother upgrade experience. Support for Windows 11 25H2 ends on October 12, 2027, and for 24H2 even sooner, prompting the introduction of 26H2 to provide users with a new support window. Windows 11 26H2 will be available as an optional feature update and will take about five minutes to install for users with up-to-date systems running 24H2 or 25H2. Eligibility for the update includes any PC currently running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2. The rollout is expected to occur on a Tuesday, with potential dates of September 29 or October 6. Not all eligible PCs will receive the update simultaneously, and users can manually check for updates or download ISOs as needed.

Winsage

September 27, 2026

Windows 11’s driver signature requirement is one of the best anti-consumer security features out there

Windows 11 requires drivers to be digitally signed, a policy aimed at enhancing security by preventing unauthorized code from executing at the kernel level. This requirement, which began with Windows Vista and became mandatory with Windows 10, version 1607, has tightened over the years, especially with the introduction of UEFI Secure Boot and TPM in Windows 11. While this enforcement protects against malware and supports anti-cheat systems in gaming, it limits user autonomy and imposes significant challenges for developers, particularly those working on smaller projects. In contrast, Linux allows users more freedom to modify their systems, though this flexibility can compromise security.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2026

Norton 360 for Gamers vs Bitdefender vs Malwarebytes [2026]

Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes have adjusted their antivirus products to mitigate the negative effects on gaming performance. In June 2026, Norton 360 and Bitdefender Total Security both received a perfect AV-TEST score of 18 out of 18, while Malwarebytes achieved a 100% real-world protection rate in AV-Comparatives testing, though it had more false positives. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended for gamers due to its low frame-rate impact of 0-2%, while Norton 360 offers features for streamers and competitive players, and Malwarebytes serves as a lightweight secondary scanner. The value of gaming accounts has increased, making them targets for cybercriminals, with malware campaigns like Vidar 2.0 accounting for 41% of gaming-related malware detections. New malware families such as Katz and Bee specifically target Discord and gaming platforms. In terms of performance, Norton showed a 2-3% FPS decrease in Cyberpunk 2077, while Bitdefender's impact was only 0-2%, and Malwarebytes had less than 1% impact. Norton and Bitdefender are tied in detection capabilities, both scoring 18/18 in AV-TEST, while Malwarebytes had a 92.4% offline detection rate and 98.3% online. Norton includes a no-log VPN and gamer-tag monitoring, while Bitdefender offers identity protection without specific gamer-tag monitoring. Malwarebytes lacks a VPN and password manager. Pricing varies, with Norton starting at .99 for three devices, Bitdefender at .99 for one device, and Malwarebytes at .99 for one device. To switch antivirus solutions, users should back up their license keys, use removal tools, and ensure game-aware modes are active. Each product has unique strengths: Norton excels in gamer-tag monitoring, Bitdefender minimizes CPU usage, and Malwarebytes is lightweight but lacks additional features.

AppWizard

September 25, 2026

Ocean Browser , Secure Browser for Android

Ocean Browser is an Android application that provides a secure and private browsing experience by integrating advanced proxy technology, eliminating the need for separate VPN applications. It reroutes browsing traffic through its secure infrastructure, hiding users' actual IP addresses from websites. Ocean Browser offers features such as encrypted proxy connections, the ability to select proxy locations, and seamless management of proxy connections without complex settings. It is designed for everyday use, particularly on public Wi-Fi networks, and is available for free on Google Play.