security risks

AppWizard
July 7, 2025
Activision has taken the PC version of Call of Duty: WWII offline shortly after its release on Game Pass due to reports of hacking incidents, specifically Remote Code Execution (RCE) attacks that compromised players' PCs. The decision follows a history of cheating issues in the Call of Duty franchise, particularly in multiplayer modes. Activision announced the game's removal on Twitter on July 4, 2025, while investigations are ongoing, but no timeline for its return has been provided. Meanwhile, other Call of Duty titles like Black Ops 6 and Warzone continue to operate, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to launch later this year.
Winsage
July 4, 2025
Windows 11 has matched the market share of Windows 10, with less than a percentage point separating them as of the end of June, according to Statcounter. Microsoft has decided to allow Windows 10 users to continue using the older operating system for an additional year, despite urging eligible users to upgrade due to security risks. The company reports a 62% decrease in security incidents and a threefold reduction in firmware attacks for new Windows 11 PCs. Of the 700 million Windows 10 users, over 400 million are eligible for an upgrade, with around 240 million PCs lacking the necessary security hardware. Microsoft clarified that it has 1.4 billion monthly active devices, correcting earlier reports of a loss of 400 million users. The upgrade program timeline extends to either October 2025 or October 2026.
Winsage
July 1, 2025
Microsoft Teams Classic has officially ceased operations, with all backend services disabled and servers shut down. Many organizations delayed their migrations despite prior announcements, leading to user disruptions and increased support tickets. A study by the UK’s Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors found that over a quarter of UK businesses experienced cyberattacks in the past year, and nearly three-quarters of business leaders anticipate cybersecurity disruptions within the next one to two years. The end of support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, presenting further challenges for IT teams, particularly in regulated sectors. Organizations face hurdles in migration due to budget constraints, lack of visibility into legacy dependencies, and staff turnover. IT teams must deploy the new Teams client, disable Teams Classic, and ensure clear communication and documentation to mitigate risks.
Tech Optimizer
June 27, 2025
Over 7,000 of the more than 15,000 Model Context Protocol servers are currently accessible via the internet, and many are affected by the "NeighborJack" vulnerability, which allows unauthorized access to anyone on the same local network. This raises concerns about potential data breaches and security risks as AI technologies become more integrated into various sectors.
Winsage
June 22, 2025
Microsoft plans to discontinue support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, despite a strong preference for it among users. As of June 2025, Windows 10's market share dropped from 66% to 49%, while Windows 11's share increased from 29% to over 47%. The gap between the two operating systems has narrowed to 1%. Microsoft has implemented full-screen reminders to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, branding 2025 as the "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh." Windows 11 adoption has increased, but many PCs are unable to upgrade due to stringent minimum system requirements, which include a 64-bit processor, at least 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, and TPM version 2.0. Microsoft introduced a new category of Windows 11 PCs called Copilot+ PCs, which feature advanced capabilities and security measures. Starting October 14, 2025, users on Windows 10 will not receive free updates, leaving them vulnerable to security risks. Users whose PCs do not meet the requirements for Windows 11 can either buy new machines or subscribe to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for continued support. Enterprise users will pay £48 for the first year of ESU, increasing to £192 for the third year, while consumers can access it for £24 for an additional year. Some users are exploring alternatives like Linux or ChromeOS Flex for older hardware.
Winsage
June 20, 2025
Microsoft plans to block outdated protocols, including FrontPage Remote Procedure Call, as part of its "Secure by Default" initiative to enhance cybersecurity within its Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This decision aims to phase out legacy technologies that pose security risks, reflecting a broader industry trend toward prioritizing robust cybersecurity over maintaining older systems. The impact will be significant in enterprise environments, where legacy systems are often critical, requiring IT teams to identify dependencies on these protocols. While Microsoft provides guidance for migration, the responsibility lies with customers, which may strain relationships with long-time clients.
Winsage
June 20, 2025
Microsoft is implementing default blocks on legacy protocols and third-party applications for Microsoft 365 to enhance security. This includes deactivating the RPS protocol for SharePoint and OneDrive, as well as blocking the FPRPC protocol. Administrators will now need to give explicit approval for third-party applications to access files and pages, limiting user consent. These changes will begin in mid-July 2025 and are expected to be completed by August. Additionally, new security settings for Windows 365 will disable clipboard, storage, USB device, and printer linking by default on newly set up cloud PCs, with VBS, Credential Guard, and HVCI activated by default for those using a Windows 11 Gallery image. These updates for Windows 365 are planned for the latter half of 2025.
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