security measure Archives

Winsage

January 15, 2026

Windows info-disclosure 0-day bug gets a fix as CISA sounds alarm

Microsoft and the U.S. government have issued a warning about a vulnerability in Windows, designated CVE-2026-20805, which is currently being exploited. This flaw allows an authorized attacker to leak a memory address from a remote ALPC port, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. It has a medium severity rating of 5.5 on the CVSS scale. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added this vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and requires federal agencies to implement a patch by February 3. Additionally, two other vulnerabilities were acknowledged: CVE-2026-21265, a secure boot certificate expiration bypass with a CVSS rating of 6.4, and CVE-2023-31096, an elevation of privilege flaw affecting third-party Agere Modem drivers, rated at 7.8. Two more vulnerabilities, CVE-2026-20952 (CVSS 7.7) and CVE-2026-20953 (CVSS 7.4), are use-after-free flaws in Office that could allow unauthorized code execution.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Essential Apps to Install First on Your New Android Phone

Google's Find My Device app is essential for Android phone users, providing security features such as locating a misplaced phone, playing a sound, and remotely locking or erasing data. The app's integration with Android has improved tracking accuracy and introduced features like offline finding and compatibility with Bluetooth trackers. Other recommended apps for a well-rounded Android setup include Bitwarden for password management, Solid Explorer for file management, Google Keep for note-taking, and Signal for secure messaging. Productivity apps like Microsoft’s SwiftKey keyboard and Todoist for task management are also highlighted. Customization options include Nova Launcher, while performance optimization can be achieved with Greenify. Privacy-focused tools include DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser and Authy for two-factor authentication. Emerging trends suggest increased AI integration in apps and innovations for foldable devices. Regular maintenance apps like CCleaner and update managers are recommended for long-term device health.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Google expands Android scam protection feature to Chase, Cash App in U.S.

Google is expanding its in-call scam protection feature for Android to include various banks and financial applications in the United States. This update supports fintech platforms like Cash App, which has 57 million users, and the JPMorgan Chase mobile banking app, with 50 million downloads on Google Play. The feature, initially launched in May and integrated into Android 16, alerts users when they are using a financial app during a call with an unknown number, warning them that the caller may not be legitimate. The alert remains visible for 30 seconds, allowing users to reassess the situation. The feature is compatible with Android 11 and later versions and was previously tested in the U.K., Brazil, and India. Users are advised to remain vigilant and avoid risky behaviors that could compromise their security.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Microsoft’s New Update Deadline—550 Million Windows Users Must Act

Microsoft has phased out Windows 10, with a deadline of October 14 now passed, leaving approximately 550 million users navigating the transition to Windows 11 amidst rising cyber threats. Windows 10 usage has declined from 880 million in January. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) option for users needing more time to migrate, which provides security updates until October 13, 2026, for enrolled users. Business users have a three-year extended support period, while consumers have a 12-month grace period post-October if enrolled in ESU. The November update addressing zero-day threats is only available to ESU enrollees. There are no contingency plans for users who remain on Windows 10, and uncertainty exists regarding how many users have enrolled in ESU or have eligible devices for Windows 11 upgrades. Users must act before next October to purchase new PCs if needed.

Winsage

November 6, 2025

Windows security update triggers BitLocker recovery in some systems — bug mostly impacts Intel PCs with Modern Standby support

Microsoft has issued a service alert regarding the October 2025 Windows security update, warning that it may trigger BitLocker recovery on certain systems, specifically those running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, as well as Windows 10 version 22H2. Affected devices may boot into the BitLocker recovery screen after installing updates released on or after October 14, 2025, requiring users to enter their recovery key. Similar issues have occurred in previous updates in May 2023, 2024, and 2022. Users should verify if BitLocker is enabled and retrieve their recovery key from their Microsoft account if needed. BitLocker is a security feature that protects data but can complicate access to local accounts if activated unexpectedly.

Tech Optimizer

November 3, 2025

70% of Americans think antivirus will protect their online privacy – here’s the real truth

A survey by NordVPN revealed that while 52% of American consumers claim to use antivirus software daily, many do not understand its fundamental functions. Over a quarter mistakenly believe antivirus software provides complete protection against online threats, which increases their vulnerability to identity theft and cyber threats. Additionally, more than a third of participants reported not using any form of cybersecurity software, despite concerns about data theft. Commonly misunderstood security tools include identity theft protection services, ad and tracker blockers, password managers, firewalls, and VPNs. Misunderstanding these tools can jeopardize online security, as personal information like email addresses and phone numbers can be exploited in phishing attacks. The survey highlighted the need for better cybersecurity education, as misconceptions about antivirus capabilities can leave users exposed to various online threats.

AppWizard

October 17, 2025

Facebook Messenger app closing on billions of devices as users told to save DMs

Meta is discontinuing the Messenger app for desktop users on both Mac and Windows operating systems, with complete shutdown by mid-December. Users will need to transition to the Messenger website, as the desktop app will be deprecated and inaccessible. Meta will notify users through in-app alerts, providing a 60-day grace period before the app becomes unusable. Users are advised to save their chat histories and secure their data before the shutdown. The decision likely stems from declining usage rates, and the mobile version of Messenger will remain unaffected. There are over 1.4 billion PCs running Windows and approximately 100 million Mac users impacted by this change.

Winsage

October 15, 2025

Microsoft’s October ‘Patch Tuesday’ Update Fixes Over 170 Flaws

On the second Tuesday of each month, Microsoft releases a significant security update for Windows users, known as "Patch Tuesday." In October, the update addresses over 170 security vulnerabilities, including: - 80 elevation of privilege vulnerabilities - 31 remote code execution vulnerabilities - 28 information disclosure vulnerabilities - 11 security feature bypass vulnerabilities - 11 denial of service vulnerabilities - 10 spoofing vulnerabilities The total number of patches, including those for Azure, Mariner, and earlier disclosed vulnerabilities, exceeds 200. This update includes fixes for eight vulnerabilities classified as "Critical," comprising five remote code execution vulnerabilities and three elevation of privilege vulnerabilities. Additionally, six zero-day vulnerabilities are addressed, with three publicly disclosed and three actively exploited. The exploited vulnerabilities include: 1. CVE-2025-24990: Windows Agere Modem Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability 2. CVE-2025-59230: Windows Remote Access Connection Manager Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability 3. CVE-2025-47827: Secure Boot bypass in IGEL OS before version 11 The publicly disclosed vulnerabilities are: 1. CVE-2025-0033: AMD RMP Corruption During SNP Initialization 2. CVE-2025-24052: Windows Agere Modem Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability 3. CVE-2025-2884: Out-of-Bounds read vulnerability in TCG TPM2.0 reference implementation Microsoft has also ceased support for Windows 10, meaning users not enrolled in Extended Security Updates will not receive future security patches.

Winsage

October 13, 2025

Windows 10 End of Life countdown: Will your pc be obsolete after October 2025?

Support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing free security updates, bug fixes, and technical assistance. Users can still operate their devices normally, but they will face increasing security risks and compatibility issues over time. Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that provides critical security patches for an additional year, until October 13, 2026, available for free under certain conditions or as a one-time purchase. Upgrading to Windows 11 is recommended for long-term support, but users do not need to buy a new computer immediately after support ends. Users have until October 13, 2026, to enroll in the ESU program, and they can also consider alternative operating systems.

Winsage

September 1, 2025

Windows 11’s driver signature requirement is one of the best anti-consumer security features out there

Windows 11 requires drivers to be digitally signed before they can be loaded, which enhances security by preventing malware but restricts user autonomy. This requirement is part of Microsoft's Code Integrity security feature, which became mandatory with Windows 10 version 1607. Drivers must possess a valid digital signature from a recognized authority, and Windows will refuse to load any driver lacking this signature. The signing process can be cumbersome and expensive, favoring larger companies. This enforcement raises concerns about consumer freedom, as users may feel they do not fully own their hardware and face challenges in developing custom drivers. In contrast, Linux allows users greater control over what runs in the kernel, though it presents its own security challenges.