security enhancement Archives

Winsage

April 16, 2025

Don’t Delete This Empty Folder on Windows 11

The "inetpub" folder, which appeared after the latest Patch Tuesday update on Windows 11, is part of a security enhancement addressing the CVE-2025-21204 vulnerability that could allow attackers to modify system files. Users are advised not to delete this folder, as it contributes to increased protection. If deleted, it can be restored by navigating to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, selecting "Turn Windows features on or off," checking the box next to Internet Information Services, and clicking OK. This process recreates the folder with the same security protections.

AppWizard

April 15, 2025

Google rolls out an auto-reboot feature for Android phones to safeguard data

Google has released an update to its April Play Services and Store changelog, introducing an automatic reboot function for Android phones that have been locked for three consecutive days to enhance data encryption. The initial batch of April updates included battery life improvements and a security patch for Pixel devices. The update also features optimizations for device connectivity and a minor enhancement to the "Ask a question" feature in the Play Store. Additionally, the April update includes the 2025 security update for Pixel devices, addressing camera issues and screen dimming problems reported by users of the Pixel 6 and 7 series. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has been introduced, featuring a 6.8-inch display and a commitment to seven years of updates.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Microsoft warns that anyone who deleted mysterious folder that appeared after latest Windows 11 update must take action to put it back

Windows 11 24H2 users have reported the appearance of an empty folder named ‘inetpub’ on their system drives following the April 2025 cumulative update. Microsoft has confirmed that this folder is intentionally created as part of a security enhancement, associated with Internet Information Services (IIS), and should not be deleted, as doing so could compromise a critical security fix. If the folder has been deleted, users can restore it by navigating to Control Panel, selecting Programs > Programs and Features, and enabling ‘Internet Information Services’.

Winsage

March 29, 2025

Windows 11 is closing a loophole that let you skip making a Microsoft account

Microsoft has mandated that every new device running Windows 11 must be set up with an internet-connected account. The company has removed the bypass script that allowed users to circumvent this requirement during the initial setup. This change is aimed at enhancing security and user experience. While the bypass command has been disabled in the latest beta build, users can still reactivate it through a registry edit, although there is no guarantee this workaround will be allowed indefinitely. Microsoft is also tightening the upgrade process to Windows 11, restricting installations on older PCs that do not meet the TPM 2.0 requirement and eliminating the option to install Windows 11 using older product keys.

AppWizard

December 2, 2024

Google Confirms New Gmail Security Surprise—And It’s So Simple

Google has introduced a new feature in the Gmail Android app that allows users to drag and drop contacts into the addressee fields while composing emails. This feature enhances usability and improves security by reducing the risk of sending emails to unintended recipients, particularly when using CC or BCC. The rollout of this feature has begun, with full implementation expected by December 14 for all Gmail users, including personal accounts.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Find My Device on Android is finally adding a much-awaited login method

The Find My Device app has been updated to version 3.1.173-1, allowing users to log in using biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, instead of entering a Google account password. The update removes the 'Don't ask again' option, requiring users to verify their identity each time they open the app to enhance security. Biometric login is enabled by default in this version. Additionally, the app is transitioning to a side panel layout for tablet users to improve map visibility, while retaining essential options from the previous design. The timeline for this tablet-friendly update is not specified.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Find My Device just got a lot smarter with new biometric login

Google's Find My Device app has introduced a biometric login feature in version 3.1.173-1, allowing users to authenticate using biometrics or a PIN instead of entering their Google account password. This update enhances security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access when a device is unlocked. Users who have not set up a screen lock or biometric option will still need to use their password. The app will also undergo a redesign for tablet users, transitioning from a bottom sheet design to a side panel layout, which will optimize vertical space for the map display but will not be resizable. The biometric feature is currently available in the latest app version.

AppWizard

October 18, 2024

Google Confirms Play Store Update—Disabling Apps Starts In Next 10 Weeks

Android 15 has been released for Pixel devices, focusing on security and privacy enhancements. A key upcoming feature is Google Play’s live threat detection, which will analyze app behavior for suspicious activity and potentially disable harmful apps. Google Play Protect currently scans 200 billion apps daily, and the new feature will enhance fraud detection using on-device AI while maintaining user privacy. Google has mandated the use of the Photo Picker API, requiring apps to justify broad access to photo and video permissions. Developers must submit a declaration form to retain such permissions, with a deadline at the end of September. Failure to comply will prevent app updates on the Play Store. Google plans to enforce this policy strictly, addressing permission abuse highlighted in recent reports. The live threat detection feature is expected to roll out later this year.

Winsage

October 10, 2024

New Windows Feature Limits Admin Privileges

Microsoft has introduced a security feature called Administrator Protection in its latest Windows preview version, aimed at enhancing local administrator privileges and reducing the risk of privilege escalation exploits. This feature changes the elevation of privileges from an unrestricted process to a controlled "just-in-time" event, utilizing an isolated, ephemeral shadow administrator account that disappears after use. This approach replaces the previous split-token model governed by User Account Control (UAC) and complicates attempts by cybercriminals to misuse elevated privileges. The feature is designed to hinder attackers who exploit common applications and administrative privileges for lateral movement within networks. It is disabled by default and requires activation via group policy. Additionally, it improves monitoring capabilities for organizations by allowing better oversight of short-lived privileged accounts.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft Office 2024 now available for Windows and macOS users

Microsoft has released Office 2024, targeting small businesses and consumers who prefer a standalone suite instead of a Microsoft 365 subscription. The suite includes updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook, compatible with Windows 10, Windows 11, and the latest three versions of macOS. Users need a Microsoft account and an internet connection for installation and updates. Two editions are available for purchase: Office Home 2024 for 9.99, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for a single PC or Mac, and Office Home & Business 2024 for 9.99, which adds Outlook and commercial use rights. New features include support for OpenDocument format 1.4, enhanced performance in Excel, closed captioning for presentations, improved search functionality, and document recovery features. ActiveX controls are disabled by default in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio for security reasons. Microsoft also launched Office LTSC 2024 for commercial and government customers. Office 2024 and Office LTSC 2024 were first announced in March, with a commercial preview following in April 2024.