security breaches Archives

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Activision pulls Call of Duty game after PC players are hacked

Activision has removed Call of Duty: WWII from the Microsoft Store and Game Pass due to security breaches affecting players. The game is offline while the publisher investigates reports of hacks experienced by PC users. It remains available on Steam and other consoles. Players have reported significant security threats, including a video from streamer Wrioh demonstrating hacking incidents. The version of the game on Microsoft’s platforms reportedly contained an outdated flaw.

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

Microsoft app to delete all passwords forever – how to avoid losing yours

Microsoft Authenticator will remove its password-saving function by August 2025, resulting in the deletion of all password data stored within the app. Users are advised to export their passwords to alternative locations, such as the Microsoft Edge browser, which will become the primary password management solution. Passwords will not be encrypted during the transfer, so it is recommended to delete the exported file afterward. The shift is part of Microsoft's move towards using passkeys for enhanced security, which allows quicker sign-ins using biometric data.

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

June 28, 2025

We asked cybersecurity experts to build a privacy toolbox for $10 per month – here’s what they came up with, and more

In the digital landscape, online activities are monitored, leading to targeted advertising, scams, and privacy breaches. Individuals can enhance their digital security through various tools, including VPNs, antivirus software, password managers, secure browsers, encrypted messaging apps, and data removal services. VPNs protect internet traffic through encryption, with options like Mo Harber-Lamond at .91/month, Surfshark starting at .99/month, and ExpressVPN from .99/month. Antivirus software, such as Amber Bouman at .17/month, Norton 360 Deluxe from .17/month, and Malwarebytes Plus from .81/month, defends against malware and phishing. Password managers like Amber Bouman at .99/month, Bitwarden (free), and NordPass from .29/month help secure passwords. Secure browsers include George Phillips (free), Vivaldi (free), and Tor (free), which prioritize user privacy. Encrypted messaging apps like George Phillips (free), Session (free), and Threema (one-time payment) enhance communication security. Data removal services, such as Mo Harber-Lamond at .29/month, Optery from .99/month, and PrivacyBee from .99/month, help reduce personal data exposure. Budget-friendly options for privacy tools can be assembled for under /month, while premium bundles can cost around /month. The highest privacy-focused bundle totals /month, featuring Mullvad VPN, Proton Pass, Tor, and Session. Mobile privacy protection can be achieved for .01/month with NordVPN and Bitdefender Mobile Security. The Proton Unlimited bundle, priced at .99/month, offers an all-in-one solution with various encrypted services.

Winsage

June 26, 2025

You Use Windows. Be Resilient (Premium)

Microsoft has launched the Secure Future Initiative (SFI) to strengthen its security against cyber threats following recent breaches. The Windows Resiliency Initiative, part of the SFI, introduced features like Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) and enhanced Administrator protection for consumer users. Microsoft is also integrating existing Windows 11 security features, such as Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-In Security (ESS). A recent update to the Windows Resiliency Initiative was announced, emphasizing the need for accessible information for users.

Tech Optimizer

June 24, 2025

Why Every File Demands Sanitization

Zero Trust addresses the issue of misplaced trust in cybersecurity, particularly the assumption that files from known senders are safe. This assumption can lead to security breaches, as malware can be hidden in documents from internal employees, vendors, or customers. Familiar interactions often bypass essential security checks, creating vulnerabilities. Security tools may fail to detect modern threats, which can evade traditional defenses. Compromised accounts and infected devices can introduce risks regardless of the sender's identity. To mitigate these risks, Votiro's solution cleanses every file using Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR) technology, removing harmful elements while maintaining functionality. Votiro's approach ensures that file security does not disrupt business operations, providing a seamless and efficient solution for organizations.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Machines running Windows 10 — even the latest version of 22H2 — will no longer receive security patches and updates. While Windows 10 will continue to function, it won’t be secure.

October 14, 2025, marks the end of support for Windows 10, meaning devices running this OS will stop receiving security patches and updates. Since the end of 2022, Windows 10 has only received security patches without new features. While it will continue to function, its security will be compromised. Organizations may need to consult IT professionals before relying on unsupported operating systems. It is also advisable to assess older infrastructure that may depend on outdated operating systems. Upgrading to Windows 11, specifically version 24H2, is recommended before the October 2025 deadline, as unsupported operating systems pose significant security risks.

Winsage

May 28, 2025

All Windows users must ‘watch out’ and delete ‘Microsoft’ updates now

Windows 10 and Windows 11 users are experiencing a rise in phishing emails that appear to be from Microsoft, according to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting center. Over 250 users have reported receiving fraudulent messages claiming their devices are infected with malware, often encouraging them to click on malicious links. These emails may look credible, sometimes using legitimate Microsoft addresses. Action Fraud advises users to verify messages directly with organizations using official contact details and warns that legitimate institutions will never request personal information via email. Microsoft also states it does not send unsolicited emails or calls for personal information and recommends downloading software only from official sources.

Tech Optimizer

May 23, 2025

Cloudflare, Microsoft & police disrupt global malware service

Cloudflare, in collaboration with Microsoft and international law enforcement, has dismantled the infrastructure of LummaC2, an information-stealing malware service. This initiative led to the seizure and blocking of malicious domains and disrupted digital marketplaces used by criminals. Lumma Stealer operates as a subscription service providing threat actors access to a central panel for customized malware builds and stolen data retrieval. The stolen information includes credentials, cryptocurrency wallets, and sensitive data, posing risks of identity theft and financial fraud. Lumma Stealer was first identified on Russian-language crime forums in early 2023 and has since migrated to Telegram for distribution. Its proliferation is facilitated by social engineering campaigns, including deceptive pop-ups and bundled malware in cracked software. Cloudflare implemented measures to block access to Lumma's command and control servers and collaborated with various authorities to prevent the criminals from regaining control. Mitigation strategies for users include restricting unknown scripts, limiting password storage in browsers, and using reputable endpoint protection tools. The operation has significantly hindered Lumma's operations and aims to undermine the infostealer-as-a-service model contributing to cybercrime.

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Android users ALERT! Google has an update but you need to stop installing THESE apps?

Google's AI-driven threat detection and security measures blocked approximately 2.36 million policy-violating applications from being released on the Play Store last year. In February, Google removed hundreds of malicious applications that were infecting devices with adware and malware. Over 50 times more Android malware originates from internet-sideloaded sources compared to those found on the Play Store. Google is expanding its Play Protect feature across all applications and the upcoming Android 15 will introduce live threat detection. Sophos warned about PJobRAT malware, which can steal SMS messages, contacts, and files from infected Android devices. Experts advise against sideloading apps unless their legitimacy and security are certain.