safeguards Archives

Winsage

July 14, 2025

ChatGPT falls for another Windows license key scam — generating valid codes in a guessing game after a researcher “gives up”

Users have exploited AI-powered chatbots, specifically ChatGPT, to generate Windows 7 and Windows 10 activation keys by using emotionally charged narratives to bypass safeguards. The keys produced were ineffective. Additionally, Microsoft's AI tool, Copilot, was tricked into providing a guide for pirating Windows 11 activation keys. Microsoft has since implemented measures to address these security breaches.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Researcher tricks ChatGPT into revealing security keys – by saying “I give up”

Security researcher Marco Figueroa revealed vulnerabilities in AI models, specifically GPT-4, that can be exploited through simple user prompts. He described an incident where researchers tricked ChatGPT into revealing a Windows product key by using a 'guessing game' prompt, bypassing safety measures. The phrase "I give up" was identified as a trigger that led the AI to disclose sensitive information. Although the product keys were not unique and had been shared online, the vulnerabilities could allow malicious actors to extract personally identifiable information or share harmful content. Figueroa recommends that AI developers implement logic-level safeguards to detect deceptive framing and consider social engineering tactics in their security measures.

Winsage

July 12, 2025

Redditor tricks ChatGPT into giving Windows 7 keys with grandma story

A Reddit user shared a story about convincing ChatGPT to generate Windows 7 activation keys by fabricating a narrative about his late grandmother reading them as a lullaby. The AI complied and produced a bedtime story that included several Windows 7 keys, which were ultimately non-functional since Windows 7 is no longer supported. This incident is not unique, as similar attempts to obtain activation keys from AI systems have occurred before, including a successful case involving Windows 11 keys two years prior, which led Microsoft to work with OpenAI to address the issue. Users often employ creative narratives to bypass AI safeguards, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of AI interactions.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

Researchers Trick ChatGPT into Disclosing Windows Product Keys

Researchers have successfully bypassed ChatGPT's guardrails, allowing the AI to disclose valid Windows product keys by disguising requests as a guessing game. The technique involved using HTML tags to hide sensitive terms from filters while still enabling AI comprehension. They extracted real Windows Home/Pro/Enterprise keys by establishing game rules and using the phrase "I give up" to trigger disclosure. This vulnerability highlights flaws in keyword-based filtering and suggests that similar techniques could expose other restricted content. The attack exploits weaknesses in AI's contextual interpretation and emphasizes the need for improved content moderation strategies, including enhanced contextual awareness and detection of deceptive framing patterns.

Winsage

July 10, 2025

ChatGPT falls for a “dead grandma” scam and generates Microsoft Windows 7 activation keys

In recent months, users have explored unconventional methods to manipulate AI chatbots like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT, including attempts to activate Windows 11 without purchasing a license, raising ethical concerns about software piracy. Some users successfully asked Copilot for scripts to activate Windows 11, while others used ChatGPT to generate activation keys for Windows 7. A user shared a memory of their grandmother reading Windows 7 activation keys as a bedtime story, prompting ChatGPT to respond empathetically and generate multiple activation keys in a poetic manner. However, the validity of these keys remains unverified, with many users reporting that they failed to work. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has warned users about the chatbot's tendency to "hallucinate." In 2023, both ChatGPT and Bard were noted for generating Windows 11 activation keys, which allowed installation but not full activation. A YouTuber managed to coax ChatGPT into generating Windows 95 keys by bypassing its safeguards.

Tech Optimizer

July 9, 2025

Get protection suite for all your gear with Mcafee AV deal

McAfee Total Protection offers a one-year subscription for .99, providing security for up to five devices across Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. It features award-winning antivirus software that uses a database of known threats and machine learning for real-time protection, along with a built-in firewall and web protection. The suite includes a VPN based on TunnelBear technology for encrypting internet traffic and masking online identity. It also features identity protection tools like a password manager, credit monitoring, and breach scans. The subscription is currently offered at an 88% discount from its regular price of 9.99. Prices may change, and the offer involves account registration with StackCommerce, which manages user information and provides a commission to BleepingComputer.com for sales.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Twitter co-founder launches Bluetooth-only messaging app

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, has launched Bitchat, a peer-to-peer messaging app that operates over Bluetooth without the need for internet or phone numbers. Currently in beta testing via Apple's TestFlight, Bitchat uses local Bluetooth mesh networks to relay messages, ensuring encrypted conversations that disappear by default. Users can create password-protected group chats and future updates may include Wi-Fi Direct support. The app is designed for use in situations with compromised internet access and does not collect user data or require accounts. A whitepaper on GitHub outlines its technical framework aimed at resisting censorship. While still in early testing, the app's effectiveness at scale is yet to be evaluated, and there are no announcements for an Android version or public launch plans.

Tech Optimizer

July 1, 2025

Percona Launches First-Ever Open Source Transparent Data Encryption for PostgreSQL

Percona has launched its Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) extension for Percona for PostgreSQL, enabling organizations to secure sensitive data at rest and comply with regulations without incurring licensing fees or vendor lock-in. The TDE extension provides automatic and transparent encryption of data, supports compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, and PCI DSS v4.0, and offers features such as open-source availability, stronger data protection, granular user-controlled encryption, seamless integration, centralized key management, minimal performance impact, and trusted support services. The pg_tde extension is now part of the Percona Distribution for PostgreSQL, enhancing security for customers needing encryption compliance.

Tech Optimizer

June 26, 2025

This Cheap Surfshark VPN + Antivirus Bundle Feels Illegal (But It’s Not)

Surfshark is currently offering a biennial plan for its VPN and antivirus bundle at an 85% discount, reducing the price from .95 per month to .69 per month, totaling for the first 27 months. The package includes three complimentary months of service and a 30-day money-back guarantee. It features unlimited connections, applications for all devices, advanced security features, and customer support. The antivirus component provides real-time protection, webcam safeguards, and scheduled scans. Additional features include Camouflage Mode, MultiHop, Alternative ID, Alert, and Search. Monthly plans are available at higher prices, and the Starter plan does not include antivirus protection.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

The Great Migration Starts Here

Organizations must transition to Windows 11 Pro by October 14, 2025, as Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. The upgrade is complimentary for eligible Windows 10 devices, but compatible hardware is necessary to utilize enhanced security and performance features. Windows 11 Pro PCs include built-in security tools like Windows Hello, BitLocker encryption, and TPM 2.0. Windows AI PCs feature intelligent tools like Windows Copilot for improved efficiency, while Copilot+ PCs, launching in mid-2024, will have dedicated AI processors for advanced capabilities. Security features such as Secure Boot, Virtualization-Based Security, and BitLocker encryption are integral to Windows 11 Pro devices, mitigating risks of malware and unauthorized access. Upgrading to Windows 11 Pro enhances device stability and aligns with sustainability goals through energy-efficient designs.