security concerns Archives

Winsage

May 2, 2025

Windows Recall Is Back (but Should You Use It?)

Windows Recall, an AI-driven feature by Microsoft, was initially launched in July but withdrawn due to security and privacy concerns. It has since returned with modifications aimed at improving user experience, although concerns about its functionality persist. Recall captures and analyzes screenshots of user activities to aid in retrieving past documents or messages. Users must have a Copilot+ PC to access Recall, which is not activated by default. Security enhancements include encrypted data storage and mandatory Windows Hello authentication for access. However, issues remain, such as potential access via a computer PIN, inconsistent filtering of sensitive data, and the risk of data being captured from shared devices. Users can exempt specific sites and apps from being captured, but the process is cumbersome.

Tech Optimizer

April 27, 2025

Why aren’t there antivirus apps for the iPhone?

In recent years, the belief that iOS devices are "immune" to viruses has been challenged as cybercriminals increasingly target these platforms. Apple’s security measures, including sandboxing, help isolate apps to prevent the spread of malware. The App Store is strictly controlled, with Apple reviewing apps for security compliance, resulting in few harmful applications being reported. Antivirus software available in the App Store, from companies like McAfee and Norton, operates under the same constraints as other apps and cannot directly access the operating system kernel. Users are advised to avoid jailbreaking their devices, enable automatic updates, and take precautions such as avoiding public charging stations and regularly reviewing app permissions. Utilizing a password manager or VPN can enhance security, and those who have experienced data breaches may consider identity theft protection.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Microsoft mystery folder fix might need a fix of its own

Microsoft's recent patch for CVE-2025-21204 inadvertently reintroduced the inetpub folder at c:inetpub as part of its mitigation strategy, raising concerns among system administrators. Security researcher Kevin Beaumont discovered that this folder created a new vulnerability when he used the mklink command with the /j parameter to redirect the folder to a system executable (notepad.exe). This allowed standard users to prevent Windows updates without administrative rights, as the command could be executed on default-configured systems. Beaumont has notified Microsoft of this vulnerability, but the company has not yet responded.

Tech Optimizer

April 24, 2025

4 things I wish somebody told me about Windows before I switched to it

The ongoing rivalry between Windows and Mac sparks passionate discussions among tech enthusiasts, with users appreciating the unique advantages of each platform. The Apple ecosystem offers limited premium models with consistent performance, while Windows provides a vast array of options, leading to significant performance variability based on specifications. Windows has a large selection of software, but its quality can be inconsistent compared to Apple's App Store. Additionally, Windows is more vulnerable to viruses and online threats, requiring robust antivirus solutions. Users may encounter more error messages and compatibility issues on Windows, necessitating more frequent restarts. Syncing files from an iPhone to a Windows PC can also be challenging for those accustomed to the Apple ecosystem.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Instagram launches new video creation app Edits to rival TikTok

Meta has launched a new app called Edits, designed to simplify video creation and editing for smartphone users. The app allows users to craft and share videos across various social platforms, although it will not serve as a social media feed. Edits includes features like an "inspiration tab" for trending content and audio, as well as an "ideas" space to encourage creativity. The app aims to consolidate the video production process into a single platform, addressing the complexities of using multiple applications. This initiative follows Meta's previous efforts to adapt to changes in social media dynamics, including the launch of Threads in response to user dissatisfaction with Twitter's management.

AppWizard

April 18, 2025

Perplexity’s Android App Is Infested With Security Flaws, Report Finds

Perplexity has launched a promotional campaign called “Ask like a millionaire,” offering a million-dollar prize to users who download its app, refer friends, and engage with it during the Super Bowl. However, the Android app is facing scrutiny due to significant security vulnerabilities, including issues that could lead to data theft and account takeovers. A report from Appknox reveals that the app's API can be accessed without restriction, and the code contains hardcoded secrets, making it easy for attackers to create counterfeit versions of the app. The app is also vulnerable to task hijacking, which could allow unauthorized access to sensitive data. Perplexity, founded in 2022, has raised 0 million in venture capital and has over 10 million downloads. The company is exploring partnerships with smartphone manufacturers and has faced criticism for alleged copyright infringement. Security experts advise users to consider removing the app until the issues are resolved.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft is finally ready to ship Windows Recall after almost year long delay

Microsoft's Recall app is set for release within the Windows 11 Release Preview channel, with a potential rollout beginning as early as May. The feature captures and stores snapshots of user activities to enhance productivity. Although initially planned for a June 2024 launch with Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs, the timeline has shifted, and all Copilot+ PCs are now expected to receive Windows Recall in early 2025. At launch, the app may still carry a "preview" label, and it includes enhanced security measures such as robust encryption and mandatory Microsoft Account and Windows Hello Bio-authentication for setup. Recall is optional, allowing users to disable or uninstall it if desired. Additionally, Microsoft may introduce two new smaller Surface PCs with Copilot+ capabilities next month.

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Lilbits: Microsoft Recall, more tariff-related pricing uncertainty, and Samsung’s Ball-shaped robot

Microsoft's Recall software, initially unveiled nearly a year ago as part of Copilot+ PCs, aims to simplify the retrieval of past activities by capturing snapshots for natural language searches. The rollout was postponed due to privacy and security concerns but has since begun with a preview version for select Windows Insiders and is expanding to the Release Preview Channel. Users can opt-in to this feature. DroiX will no longer prepay taxes at checkout for U.S. customers due to fluctuating tariffs. MediaTek has launched the Dimensity 9400+, a flagship processor with improved CPU speeds and AI performance. Motorola is set to release its first laptop, the Moto Book 60, in India on April 17. Samsung plans to launch its Ballie rolling robot in the U.S. and South Korea this summer and is partnering with Google to integrate Gemini AI features.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Microsoft thinks its controversial Recall feature is ready for some Windows 11 users to try out… install it if you dare

Microsoft has reintroduced the AI-powered Recall feature in Windows 11 with enhanced privacy measures after initially pausing its rollout due to user backlash over privacy concerns. The feature is included in Build 26100.3902 (KB5055627) and is being distributed to select Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. Users must opt-in to save snapshots of their activity and enroll in Windows Hello for access. Recall allows users to search for apps, websites, images, or documents by describing their content. Users can control which snapshots are saved and can pause this feature at any time.

Winsage

April 11, 2025

Windows 11’s controversial Recall feature could soon arrive for Copilot+ PCs – I just hope Microsoft’s tightening of its privacy is up to scratch

Microsoft is testing its Recall feature for Windows 11 in the Release Preview channel with build version 26100.3902. Recall is designed for Copilot+ PCs with powerful neural processing units (NPUs) and will initially support English, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. The feature uses AI to analyze screenshots of user activity, allowing for natural language searches. Microsoft has implemented security measures like Windows Hello sign-in to address privacy concerns. Recall is expected to be available in early 2025 in most markets, but not in Europe during the initial rollout, due to data regulations.