security landscape Archives

Winsage

January 7, 2026

9 things I always do after setting up Windows 11 – and why you should too

When setting up a new Windows 11 PC, you can choose between a Microsoft account and a local account, with the former offering enhanced security, data protection, and account recovery options. It's recommended to verify that the correct Windows edition is installed and activated, check for driver issues in Device Manager, install the latest updates, and consult the manufacturer's support site for updated drivers. You can remove unwanted third-party app shortcuts from the Start menu and customize it by adjusting pinned and recommended items. The taskbar can be streamlined by disabling unnecessary features and unpinning unused applications. Popular apps can be installed from the Microsoft Store, and Windows Sandbox can be enabled for secure testing of new applications or websites.

Winsage

December 23, 2025

Has 2025 seen a successful refresh to Windows 11?

Windows 11 has a market share of 53.7%, while Windows 10 has 42.7%. Approximately 700 million devices are running Windows 11. Microsoft has urged users to upgrade from Windows 10, which officially ended support in October 2025, leaving users without updates or security patches. Users on Windows 10 may need to purchase an extended security package for protection until October 2026. Hardware compatibility issues, particularly with the Trusted Platform Module 2.0 requirement, may prevent some users from upgrading. The 25H2 update for Windows 11 introduced various enhancements but also created new issues. Windows 12's release is uncertain, with expectations for AI advancements, but details are speculative.

AppWizard

December 12, 2025

Before You Download a Minecraft APK, Read This

Minecraft is one of the most downloaded games in history, leading to a high demand for free or modded APK versions, particularly among Android users. Downloading unofficial Minecraft APKs is generally unsafe due to several risks: 1. High malware infection rates: Gaming APKs are significant conduits for Android malware, with Minecraft APKs frequently flagged. Reports indicate that game-related APK downloads account for 19% to 28% of Android trojan distribution cases. 2. Fake Minecraft APK sites often engage in phishing: Over 50% of such sites feature intrusive ads or misleading download buttons, and nearly 30% redirect users to phishing landing pages. 3. Modified APKs may request dangerous permissions: Many modified APKs ask for permissions that exceed basic functionality, such as access to SMS, device admin privileges, and the microphone and camera. 4. Lack of automatic updates creates long-term security vulnerabilities: APKs from external sites do not receive automatic updates, may contain known vulnerabilities, and can be replaced by more harmful versions. An example is given of a user named John, who downloaded a seemingly harmless APK that contained hidden spyware, leading to issues with his device and privacy. Many users download Minecraft APKs to avoid purchase costs, but the risks to their devices and data are significant.

Winsage

December 8, 2025

Windows Autopatch Adds CVE Reporting to Boost Security Visibility

Microsoft has introduced a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) reporting capability within Windows Autopatch to improve security for IT teams. This tool provides an overview of Windows vulnerabilities addressed in recent updates, enabling device-specific tracking. Key features of the CVE report include a list of CVEs addressed in the past 90 days, tracking of patch compliance at the device level, links to Knowledge Base articles, filtering options, and near real-time updates. Administrators can access the CVEs report by navigating to the Microsoft Intune admin center and selecting the appropriate reports. The report includes CVE identifiers, severity scores, exploitation status, and details on devices needing updates. Organizations can enhance their response to vulnerabilities by utilizing various strategies, such as the Windows Autopatch update readiness feature and targeted fixes with the Security Copilot Vulnerability Remediation Agent.

AppWizard

December 4, 2025

Android now warns before you open banking apps during risky calls

Google is adding new in-call scam protection tools to Android for users in the United States. The feature warns users when they share screens with unknown numbers during financial app calls and includes a 30-second alert to prevent sharing sensitive banking details. This protection has already been rolled out in the UK, India, and Brazil and applies to calls involving banking applications and peer-to-peer payment platforms.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Sysmon – Go-to Tool for IT Admins, Security Pros, and Threat Hunters Coming to Windows

Microsoft will integrate native System Monitor (Sysmon) functionality into Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025, enhancing security operations for IT teams. This integration will provide instant threat visibility, automate compliance through Windows Update, and include features such as process monitoring, network connection tracking, credential access detection, file system monitoring, process tampering detection, WMI persistence tracking, and custom configuration support. It will also offer official customer service support and allow seamless access to events through Windows Event Logs or Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems. Administrators can enable Sysmon using the command "sysmon -i." Future plans include expanding Sysmon’s capabilities with enterprise-scale management and AI-powered detection.

Winsage

November 18, 2025

Windows Is Becoming An Operating System For AI Agents

Microsoft Windows is evolving to incorporate AI agents that act autonomously, resembling digital coworkers. This shift is facilitated by the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which standardizes agent interactions with tools and data sources, ensuring secure access to system resources. Windows introduces an on-device registry of "agent connectors" for functionalities like file access and system settings, managed through an OS-level proxy that oversees identity, permissions, consent, and audit logging. The initial connectors focus on File Explorer and System Settings, defining clear capabilities and restrictions for agents. A transparent consent model allows users to manage permissions easily, promoting a user-friendly experience. The introduction of an Agent Workspace provides a dedicated environment for agents, ensuring they operate independently and with least-privileged access. Security measures include signed connectors and a standardized proxy for authentication and auditing, enabling visibility into agent actions. Windows is also expanding on-device AI processing with APIs for various functionalities, allowing agents to leverage local models securely. While Windows is not becoming an agent-first operating system, it is establishing a framework for human and agent interactions, positioning itself as a safe environment for AI operations. The foundational elements for this evolution include standard interfaces, clear permissions, isolated environments, and system-level observability.

AppWizard

November 14, 2025

Google’s Android Identity Check: Fortifying Apps Against Malware in 2026

Google has introduced a developer verification program that will require all app creators to undergo identity checks by 2026 to combat malware and scams in the Android ecosystem. Developers must register through the Android Developer Console or Play Console, submitting government-issued identification and possibly paying a registration fee. The program will feature both free and paid tiers, with a focus on enhancing security while maintaining Android's open nature. Only applications from verified developers will be allowed on certified Android devices by 2026, starting in high-risk markets. The initiative aims to reduce malicious applications while ensuring that verified developers' identities are not publicly listed. Concerns have been raised about potential overreach and barriers for smaller developers, but supporters view it as a positive step toward improved security.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Google will allow ‘experienced users’ to sideload unverified Android apps

Google has initiated a rollout of a new safety feature for developers distributing apps outside the Play Store, requiring them to verify their identities for sideloading capabilities. Currently, select developers are invited to participate in the early access phase through the Android Developer Console. Experienced users will still have the option to sideload unverified apps, and Google is developing an “advanced flow” to allow these users to accept the risks associated with installing unverified software. The company is soliciting feedback to refine the process and emphasizes user awareness with clear warnings about potential risks. Google aims to complicate malware distribution by requiring verified identities from developers. Widespread implementation of this verification requirement is not expected until late 2026.

Winsage

November 1, 2025

New Warning As Microsoft Windows Attacks Confirmed

Microsoft has rolled out an emergency security update for Windows users, but a new vulnerability, CVE-2025-9491, is being exploited by attackers and remains unpatched. This vulnerability is being actively exploited by threat actors associated with China, primarily targeting European diplomatic entities in Hungary, Belgium, and other nations. The attacks involve phishing emails with embedded URLs that deliver malicious LNK files, allowing attackers to execute obfuscated PowerShell commands and deploy a multi-stage malware chain, culminating in the PlugX remote access trojan. Users are advised to block .lnk files from untrusted sources to mitigate risks.