security patches Archives

Tech Optimizer

November 8, 2024

New malware SteelFox targets Windows users through fake software activators

A new malware named "SteelFox" is targeting Windows users by using counterfeit software activators to infiltrate systems, leading to cryptocurrency mining and data theft. Since February 2023, it has spread rapidly, primarily through torrent sites and online forums, masquerading as legitimate software cracks for programs like AutoCAD and Foxit PDF Editor. Upon installation, it deploys a risky driver called WinRingO.sys, exploiting vulnerabilities CVE-2021-41285 and CVE-2020-14979, which allows attackers to gain full access to the infected computer. The malware uses XMRig for crypto mining, causing performance issues and increased utility bills, while also stealing sensitive data from over 13 web browsers. Countries with high infection rates include Mexico, Brazil, Russia, China, and India. Kaspersky has blocked over 11,000 attempted attacks, but the actual number of infections may be much higher. To protect against SteelFox, users are advised to download software only from verified sources, maintain updated antivirus software, avoid pirated software, and keep systems current with security patches.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is awesome, but it’s let down by the state of Android tablet apps

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra features a 14.6-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1,848 x 2,960 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz, achieving a brightness of 930 nits. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus chip, which includes four Cortex X4 CPUs and a 12-core Arm Immortalis GPU, offering performance comparable to Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8 Gen 3. The tablet has a battery capacity of 11,200mAh, allowing for several days of use, but lacks a charger in the box and has slow charging speeds. It operates on Android 14 with One UI 6.1 and is promised seven years of security patches and OS updates. The device includes a quad-speaker setup tuned by AKG and comes with accessories like a keyboard case and S Pen stylus. Priced at ,200, it faces challenges due to the limited availability of optimized Android applications for its large display.

Winsage

November 4, 2024

Windows 11 gains momentum with over 35% market share as Microsoft pushes for upgrades — Windows 10 still has the stronghold on the PC market

Windows 11 reached a market share of 35.58% as of October 2024, marking a nearly 3% increase since its launch, while Windows 10 holds approximately 61% of the Windows market. Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade by emphasizing Windows 11's compatibility with the latest hardware and its security features. An Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscription for Windows 10 users allows them to receive critical monthly security patches after official support ends in October 2025, applicable to both commercial clients and personal device users. Future enhancements to Windows 11, including AI capabilities and task automation, may increase its adoption, but convincing Windows 10 users, especially those with older hardware, to transition remains a challenge.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded? You have 5 options before support ends in 2025

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after which it will no longer receive updates, including security patches. Users can choose to continue using Windows 10, buy new hardware, switch to a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex, pay for Extended Security Options (ESUs) from Microsoft, or attempt to upgrade incompatible hardware to Windows 11 despite potential risks. The final version of Windows 10, 22H2, will receive monthly security updates until the end-of-support date.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

UnattendedWinstall 2.0 uses Microsoft answer files to simplify and customize Windows 10 and 11 installations — download it now

UnattendedWinstall is a tool for automating and personalizing the installation of Windows 10 and 11 using Microsoft’s answer files. It allows users to customize Windows settings and packages, making it efficient for deploying Windows across multiple devices. The tool defaults to Windows Pro, bypasses Windows 11 system requirements, and offers options to disable Windows Defender and User Account Control. It simplifies the setup by skipping Microsoft account creation and removing unnecessary applications while keeping essential tools. It also includes privacy-focused registry tweaks and restricts updates to security patches for the first year. UnattendedWinstall supports 32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM64 architectures and requires users to save an autounattend.xml file on their installation media. The UWScript.ps1 file can be used for existing installations, but answer files are not compatible with in-place upgrades. UnattendedWinstall 2.0 provides users with comprehensive control over system settings and is available for download from a designated source.

Winsage

November 2, 2024

Microsoft: Ditch Windows 10 for Windows 11 for better speed, efficiency, and AI

The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025. Users must decide to either upgrade to Windows 11, if their hardware is compatible, or choose an extended security update for an additional year of security patches. Microsoft encourages the transition to Windows 11, highlighting improvements in speed and efficiency, with claims of performance enhancements for PCs with the latest Copilot+ technology. Windows 11 is marketed as the most secure version of Windows, featuring TPM 2.0, Smart App Control, and the Pluton security processor, which purportedly reduce security incidents by up to 62% compared to Windows 10. Organizations may benefit from 50% faster workflows with tools like Windows Autopilot and Intune. Since its release in 2021, Windows 11 has received updates that improve animations and interface design while remaining compatible with Windows 10 applications. Users with older hardware may not experience the same performance benefits, and the option for extended security updates until October 2026 is available for a fee.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Windows 10: Microsoft reveals ESU price tag for home users and a big catch

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025 and has announced costs for extending updates. Businesses can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for up to 0 per device for a three-year extension. Home users can extend support for one year at a cost of . Education license holders benefit from lower fees: for the first year, for the second, and 0 for the third, totaling 5 for three years. An alternative service, 0Patch, offers security patches for Windows 10 post-support for approximately per year, committing to support until at least 2030.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Want to keep getting Windows 10 updates? It’ll cost you $30

Microsoft has announced an option for consumers to extend their use of Windows 10 beyond the end-of-support date for a fee, allowing them to receive a year’s worth of critical and important security updates as part of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) plan. Windows 10 will no longer receive feature updates or security patches after October 14, 2025. Currently, 59.1 percent of Americans are still using Windows 10, indicating a need for upgrades. Microsoft has provided prompts for users to transition to Windows 11 through the update process, while those with incompatible devices may need to purchase new hardware or consider subscription services like 0patch for protection.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft is making you pay to use Windows 10 securely after 2025. Here’s how much it’ll cost you

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 users can purchase Extended Security Updates (ESU) for an additional year of coverage beyond the end of support date of October 14, 2025. This is the first time Microsoft is offering this option to consumers. Users unable to transition to Windows 11 can receive monthly security patches for an extra 12 months through the ESU program, but it is available for only one year. After the end of support, Microsoft will stop providing free monthly security updates and bug fixes for Windows 10, which may lead to compatibility issues over time as support from app developers and hardware manufacturers diminishes. Approximately 60% of Windows users are still on Windows 10, equating to around 900 million active devices, while Windows 11 accounts for about 30%, or roughly 500 million devices.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft throws Windows 11 haters a lifeline – but a year more of Windows 10 support costs $30

Microsoft is introducing an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10 users, allowing them to receive essential security updates until October 2026, as support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025. This is the first time the ESU program is available for individual consumers, previously reserved for enterprise and educational users. Enrollment for the program will be available closer to the end of support in 2025. The program focuses solely on delivering security patches without new features or technical support, and while existing bugs in Windows 10 will not be fixed, no new bugs will be introduced. Users have options to upgrade to Windows 11, use workarounds for installation, or explore Linux distributions, though each choice comes with its own challenges. The ESU program is a response to concerns about environmental sustainability, as the end of Windows 10 support could lead to millions of PCs being discarded, with reports suggesting up to 240 million PCs could end up in landfills.