security requirements Archives

Winsage

March 1, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Windows Upgrade—When Does Offer Expire?

Microsoft is facing a challenge as the end of life for Windows 10 approaches in October, with hundreds of millions of users yet to transition to Windows 11. Throughout 2024, there has been a modest migration to Windows 11, but Windows 10 has recently regained some users. The transition to Windows 11 is free for licensed Windows 10 users whose hardware meets the necessary requirements, but if a PC fails the technical assessment, the free upgrade is not available. Initially, there was a belief that the free upgrade would be time-limited, but this guidance has been revised, and the deadline has been removed. Microsoft has not officially confirmed whether the free upgrade will remain available after the October end-of-life date for Windows 10. Currently, Microsoft states that the free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date but reserves the right to end support for it. Users are encouraged to upgrade before the October 14th deadline, as security updates will cease after that date. Estimates indicate that 300 to 400 million users are still eligible for the upgrade but have not yet acted, with many potentially needing new hardware. Upgrading an incompatible PC may lead to loss of support, leaving users with the options to pay for a support extension or buy a new PC.

Tech Optimizer

February 18, 2025

Microsoft Defender vs. McAfee: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue from partner links. Microsoft Defender, a free built-in antivirus for Windows, offers minimal configuration and supports Windows 10 and 11, while McAfee, which holds a 12.47% share of the global antivirus market, provides extensive privacy monitoring and data protection across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) with various pricing plans ranging from .99 to 9.99. Microsoft Defender supports a single device and includes features like real-time threat protection, parental controls, and a firewall, but lacks advanced features like VPN and identity theft monitoring. McAfee offers a wider range of features, including a VPN, identity theft monitoring, and data cleanup, making it a more comprehensive solution despite its higher cost. Microsoft Defender has an overall rating of 3.8/5, while McAfee rates 4.4/5, excelling in customer support with multiple channels, including live chat and phone support. Microsoft Defender is suitable for users on a budget, while McAfee is better for those needing robust privacy and identity protection. Alternatives to consider include Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes.

Tech Optimizer

February 15, 2025

Simplify database authentication management with the Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL pg_ad_mapping extension

Authentication is essential for security in enterprise environments, protecting sensitive data and resources from unauthorized access. Kerberos authentication is utilized for Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition with AWS Directory Service for Microsoft Active Directory, particularly through the pg_ad_mapping extension, which enhances access control management. Aurora PostgreSQL supports multiple authentication methods, including password authentication, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) database authentication, and Kerberos authentication. By default, password authentication is enabled, while IAM and Kerberos can be used independently. Users are assigned specific roles based on the authentication method: rds_iam for IAM, rds_ad for Kerberos, and no specific roles for password authentication. Kerberos authentication integrates with Microsoft Active Directory, allowing centralized authentication and single sign-on (SSO) capabilities. With versions 14.10 and 15.5, Aurora PostgreSQL introduced the pg_ad_mapping extension, which allows administrators to manage access through Active Directory (AD) security groups instead of provisioning individual users. This extension checks AD group memberships upon user login and assigns corresponding database roles, prioritizing roles based on assigned weights. The pg_ad_mapping extension includes functions such as pgadmap_set_mapping to add mappings between AD security groups and database roles, pgadmap_read_mapping to list existing mappings, and pgadmap_reset_mapping to delete or reset mappings. To deploy the solution, a CloudFormation stack is used to create necessary resources, including an AWS Managed Microsoft AD server, an Aurora PostgreSQL database cluster, and a Windows EC2 instance. Users can be added to AD groups, and roles can be mapped to facilitate access management. Security best practices for Aurora PostgreSQL include using IAM policies for resource management, implementing security groups for database access control, utilizing encryption for data protection, and employing Transport Layer Security (TLS) for secure connections. For auditing, the pg_stat_gssapi view can be used to identify authenticated users, and enabling the log_connections parameter will log session establishments, including AD user identities.

Tech Optimizer

February 4, 2025

EDB announces Secure Open Software Solution for EDB Postgres AI Enterprise and Government Deployments

EDB has announced the EDB Postgres® AI platform, which now includes a Secure Open Source solution aimed at enhancing security for enterprise and government deployments. Key features include: - Supply Chain Security to mitigate risks from third-party software vulnerabilities. - Automated Standards Compliance to simplify adherence to industry standards. - Government Security Assurance to meet stringent security requirements. EDB has also expanded security partnerships with Fortanix and Entrust to improve key management for sensitive data protection.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Microsoft Warns 400 Million Users—Do Not Update Windows

More than 800 million Microsoft users are facing significant changes as the company ends critical security updates this October. The user base is divided into two groups: those unwilling to update and those unable due to older PCs that do not meet Windows 11's security requirements. Microsoft recommends that users with incompatible PCs invest in new ones. While all users can opt for extended support, many may resist paying extra fees, risking loss of support. Microsoft has removed the official workaround that allowed unsupported PCs to bypass CPU and TPM requirements for upgrading to Windows 11. This change follows the release of Windows 11 24H2, indicating a discouragement of upgrades on unsupported devices. Previously, users could modify the registry to bypass these checks, but this required technical knowledge and was not endorsed for all users. Microsoft warns against installing Windows 11 on devices that do not meet minimum requirements, highlighting potential risks such as loss of support and diminished functionality.

Winsage

February 3, 2025

Microsoft’s Free Offer Deadline—Millions Of Windows Users Suddenly Upgrade

Microsoft is facing a challenge as 850 million Windows users approach a deadline to update their systems. Approximately 40 million users upgraded their PCs in the past month, despite many Windows 10 users being reluctant to transition to Windows 11. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for users whose hardware meets security requirements, but Microsoft has indicated that this free upgrade may not be available indefinitely. Recent statistics show a reversal in the trend of users upgrading to Windows 11, with around 40 million users making the switch, representing about 2.5% of the Windows install base. However, if the current upgrade pace continues, around 500 million users may remain vulnerable due to hardware security checks. Microsoft is encouraging users to refresh their Windows 11 PCs by 2025, particularly with AI integration, but an unprecedented number of PCs are expected to lose security support in October. It is uncertain whether Microsoft will take drastic measures to address the situation, such as mandatory upgrades or a lighter version for incompatible devices.

Tech Optimizer

November 12, 2024

Norton vs McAfee: Compare Antivirus Software 2025

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue through affiliate links. Norton 360 and McAfee Total Protection are security solutions focused on antivirus capabilities, with Norton offering robust customer support and McAfee excelling in privacy and data monitoring. Norton 360 pricing starts at .99 for a single device, while McAfee Total Protection also starts at .99 for a single device. Norton offers various plans: - Norton Antivirus Plus: .99 (1 device) - Norton 360 Standard: .99 (1 device) - Norton 360 Deluxe: .99 (5 devices) - Norton 360 with LifeLock: .99 (10 devices) McAfee offers: - McAfee Basic: .99 (1 device) - McAfee Essential: .99 (5 devices) - McAfee Premium: .99 (unlimited) - McAfee Advanced: .99 (unlimited) - McAfee Ultimate: .99 (unlimited) Both support Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Norton provides ransomware protection, while McAfee does not. Both include VPN features and identity theft monitoring. Norton has an overall rating of 4.2/5, with a customer support rating of 5/5. Key features include dark web monitoring, parental controls, and a password manager. McAfee has an overall rating of 3.8/5, with a customer support rating of 4.4/5. Key features include a protection score, social privacy manager, and bank transaction monitoring. Norton offers a 7-day free trial, while McAfee offers a 30-day free trial. Norton provides extensive user support resources, while McAfee lacks training videos for new users. Norton is better for ease of use and customer support, while McAfee is better for privacy and data cleanup features. Alternatives to consider include Bitdefender, PC Matic, and Malwarebytes.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

Microsoft’s Recall feature for Windows pushed back again as privacy and security matters keep the AI tool on hold

Microsoft's AI-driven Recall feature, designed to capture and record desktop activity in Windows 11, has faced delays due to privacy and security concerns. Critics have raised alarms about the potential for sensitive personal information to be captured, highlighting vulnerabilities such as the lack of data encryption. Initially postponed to enhance privacy measures, Microsoft planned a testing phase for October 2024 but announced another delay on Halloween, pushing the release back to December 2024 for Windows Insider Program testers with Copilot+ PCs. The company is focused on improving data collection control and secure information storage. There are speculations that Recall could be abandoned if privacy and security issues are not adequately addressed.

Tech Optimizer

November 1, 2024

EDB Announces Commitment to Achieving FedRAMP Authorization

EnterpriseDB (EDB) is pursuing Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Authorization to enhance its secure and compliant solutions for over 1,500 enterprise customers, including government organizations like the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). EDB aims to support national security initiatives and facilitate the development of sovereign data and AI solutions. To expedite the FedRAMP authorization process, EDB will use the Game Warden platform from Second Front Systems, which allows applications to inherit pre-approved security controls. This collaboration aims to provide federal agencies with advanced technology while adhering to stringent security standards. EDB Postgres AI is designed to meet enterprise-grade demands for various workloads and will accommodate Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and National Security Systems (NSS)-based workloads.

Winsage

October 24, 2024

The State of Windows Security: What’s Coming, What’s Obsolete and How To Deal — Redmondmag.com

Windows administrators are adapting to changes in security practices due to the rise of sophisticated cyber threats, increased remote work, cloud adoption, regulatory compliance, and supply chain attacks. Key strategies discussed include the integration of advanced threat protection tools, prioritizing endpoint security and zero-trust principles, extending security strategies to cloud environments, implementing strong data protection measures, and enhancing third-party security. The Crowdstrike incident highlighted the importance of change management, continuous monitoring, a layered security approach, proactive communication, disaster recovery planning, vendor accountability, regular security audits, and incident response readiness. AI's role in Windows security is evolving, with potential benefits in threat detection and response, but it also introduces new vulnerabilities and requires adherence to data privacy standards. Organizations must implement governance practices to mitigate risks associated with AI manipulation, ensure human oversight, navigate regulatory considerations, and build user trust for successful adoption.