security threats

Tech Optimizer
May 19, 2025
The OpenEoX Technical Committee, part of OASIS, has introduced a draft framework to standardize end-of-life security notices for software and hardware, involving companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, IBM, Dell, and RedHat. The framework aims to provide clear communication about the security status of technology, helping organizations manage risks associated with legacy systems. It outlines a structured approach for notifying users about end-of-life status, enabling informed decisions on upgrades or replacements to improve security.
Winsage
May 1, 2025
Security researcher Daniel Wade has revealed that Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows users to log into systems using previously revoked passwords, raising concerns about user security. Wade highlights that this feature undermines the trust users place in password management, as changing passwords is expected to prevent unauthorized access. This issue affects a wide range of users, from individuals to employees in small businesses and hybrid work environments. Despite the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks on password managers, Microsoft has stated it will not change this RDP functionality.
Winsage
April 18, 2025
Microsoft's Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after a standard 10-year support lifecycle. Most editions, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise, will stop receiving updates, although PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function without updates. Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Servicing editions have different end dates, with some extending support until 2029. Current data indicates that approximately 1.6% of Windows 10 PCs are replaced by Windows 11 each month, suggesting that around 35% of the 1.4 billion Windows devices will still be using Windows 10 by the end-of-support date, equating to over 500 million PCs potentially vulnerable to cyber threats. As of April 2025, about 54% of PCs globally are still running Windows 10. Users likely to remain on Windows 10 include those with incompatible hardware, corporate environments that have standardized on Windows 10, and users resistant to upgrading due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Microsoft faces challenges related to a significant number of unsupported PCs, and while extended support options exist for enterprise customers, consumer adoption is expected to be low. Users unable or unwilling to upgrade may consider non-Microsoft operating systems or continue using Windows 10 without official support, which poses security risks.
Winsage
April 8, 2025
Microsoft has announced an extension of support for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), postponing the planned end of support originally set for April 2025, in response to user feedback. The decision comes shortly before the scheduled cutoff and addresses challenges associated with disconnected device scenarios. Initially, Microsoft planned to make drivers available only through the Microsoft Update Catalog, but user feedback prompted a change. While some IT administrators may welcome the decision, others argue that WSUS is outdated and lacks essential capabilities for modern security. Gene Moody, field CTO at Action1, noted that WSUS is ill-equipped to meet contemporary demands and highlighted its limitations in enforcing updates and providing real-time visibility. Moody suggested that the extension of support is influenced by specific scenarios where WSUS remains necessary, such as environments with legal obligations or air-gapped networks. He cautioned that this decision should not be seen as a shift away from Microsoft's goal of phasing out WSUS in favor of cloud-based solutions.
Winsage
March 19, 2025
Microsoft is emailing Windows 10 users to encourage them to upgrade to Windows 11 before support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025. The email includes suggestions for trading in or recycling old PCs and a link to check eligibility for the Windows 11 upgrade. While Microsoft states that PCs will still function after support ends, it warns that software updates will cease, leaving systems vulnerable to security threats. Users can pay for extended support if they choose to remain on Windows 10. The email has received scrutiny for not adequately warning about the risks of using an unsupported operating system and for promoting other Microsoft products.
Winsage
March 17, 2025
The end-of-support for Windows 10 is set for October 14, 2025, prompting businesses to upgrade to Windows 11 to maintain security and functionality. MSI offers commercial desktops optimized for Windows 11, featuring powerful processors and enhanced security. Selected models come with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, which includes IT management tools and improved productivity features, such as faster multitasking and better malware resilience. MSI's desktops, including the compact MSI Cubi NUC and the MSI Pro DP21 14MQ, provide extensive connectivity options and commercial-grade security features. These systems are designed to meet various business needs and enhance productivity while ensuring data protection.
Tech Optimizer
March 16, 2025
Shopping for antivirus software is complicated due to evolving threats like artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and sophisticated phishing scams. Many users rely on pre-installed antivirus applications, which may not meet their needs. Experts note that the antivirus market is changing, and poor selection can lead to data breaches and identity theft. Brand recognition influences consumer choices, with many opting for well-known names like Norton and McAfee, though lesser-known options like Bitdefender Total Security may offer better performance. Some mainstream providers struggle to address modern threats, necessitating a more comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. Choosing antivirus software based solely on price can result in inadequate protection. Consumers should prioritize features that meet their specific needs rather than simply looking for the cheapest or most expensive options. Higher prices do not guarantee better quality, and thorough research is essential. Consumers may also mistakenly choose antivirus products based on the number of add-ons, which may not enhance security. Many extras, like password managers, may not be necessary, and users should evaluate whether additional features align with their needs. Lastly, insufficient research can lead to vulnerabilities, especially with bundled security applications on new devices. For example, Norton 360 Antivirus offers AI-driven protection against phishing scams. Understanding individual needs is crucial for selecting the right antivirus software.
Winsage
March 7, 2025
Concerns are rising about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the NHS as it transitions to Windows 11, especially since Microsoft will stop security updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Many NHS institutions are facing hardware limitations that may hinder this upgrade. The NHS's device configuration has shifted from approximately 70% desktop PCs and 30% laptops to an estimated 80% laptops, many of which are now five years old due to the pandemic-related distribution surge. This aging technology poses significant risks, as the NHS capital budget has not increased to address the need for updates. A spokesperson for NHS England confirmed a five-year deal with Microsoft for security solutions, urging organizations to transition to Windows 11 before the end of Windows 10 support. Additionally, a 2022 British Medical Association report indicated that over 13.5 million hours of doctors' time were lost annually due to inadequate IT systems, with 80% of doctors believing that improved IT infrastructure would help address backlogs.
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