security vulnerabilities Archives

Winsage

June 18, 2025

Windows 10 End Nears: Switch to Linux for Security

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting an estimated 200 to 400 million devices that will no longer receive updates or patches, exposing them to security vulnerabilities. Transitioning to Windows 11 requires modern hardware specifications, which many older devices lack. Users must decide between investing in new hardware, opting for extended security updates, or switching to alternative operating systems like Linux. The Document Foundation advocates for Linux and LibreOffice as viable alternatives, emphasizing their ability to run on older hardware and providing robust security updates. Linux offers users greater control and transparency, addressing privacy concerns associated with proprietary systems. LibreOffice supports open document formats, ensuring long-term accessibility without vendor constraints. The end of Windows 10 support may prompt significant shifts in the tech industry, encouraging a move towards systems that prioritize sustainability and user rights.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Windows 10 End Nears: Switch to Linux for Security

Microsoft will cease support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, leaving an estimated 200 to 400 million devices vulnerable to security risks due to a lack of updates. Users must choose between upgrading to Windows 11, which has strict hardware requirements, paying for extended security updates, or switching to alternative operating systems like Linux. The Document Foundation advocates for Linux and LibreOffice as viable options, emphasizing their ability to run on older hardware and provide robust security updates without vendor lock-in. Privacy concerns regarding data collection by major tech companies are highlighted, with Linux offering users greater control and transparency. The transition away from Windows 10 is seen as an opportunity to promote user empowerment and sustainability in technology choices.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Windows 11’s new update is reportedly proving a nightmare to install for some, but I’m hardly surprised given its messy rollout

Windows 11's latest update has caused installation issues and bugs for many users. An initial update was paused due to conflicts with an anti-cheat tool, leading to game crashes. A revised patch, KB5063060, has also presented problems, including installation failures, boot loops, taskbar freezes, and issues with external monitors and Bluetooth devices. Gamers continue to experience difficulties with titles like Star Citizen, Fortnite, and efootball25, despite attempts to resolve compatibility issues. Users are advised to manually download the update from Microsoft's website or wait for further fixes, as uninstalling the patch is not recommended due to security vulnerabilities.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

5 Windows settings you should disable right now to improve your PC’s security

Adjusting operating system settings is essential for safeguarding your digital environment. To enhance security on public Wi-Fi networks, disable the network discovery feature by navigating to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Advanced Sharing Settings and toggling off "Network Discovery" for both Public and Private Networks. It is advisable to turn off the File and Printer Sharing setting in the same menu to further protect your system. To manage Clipboard History, which saves everything copied, right-click the Start button, go to Settings > System > Clipboard, and toggle off Clipboard history to prevent sensitive information from being stored. You can control background apps by navigating to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps, selecting the app, and choosing 'Never' under 'Background Apps Permissions' to prevent it from running in the background. To disable Remote Assistance, go to Settings > System > About > Advanced System Settings > Remote tab and uncheck the option for Remote Assistance connections. For Remote Desktop, toggle off the Remote Desktop option in Settings > System. To prevent Windows from automatically reconnecting to previously used public networks, navigate to Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks and uncheck the Connect Automatically When in Range box for those networks.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

How to Change the Screen Timeout in Windows 11

Windows 11 allows users to customize display timeout settings to prevent the screen from darkening when inactive. To adjust these settings via Settings, right-click the Start button, select "Settings," go to "Power & battery," expand the Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts section, and choose preferred times for both "Plugged in" and "On battery" options. Alternatively, users can adjust the timeout through the Control Panel by searching for "Control Panel," selecting "Hardware and Sound," clicking "Power Options," and changing the settings under "Change plan settings" for both battery and plugged-in options. Regular updates to Windows 11 are essential for optimal performance and security.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

Microsoft Patched Windows Server 2025 Restart Bug that Disconnects AD Domain Controller

Microsoft has released a patch, KB5060842, on June 10, 2025, to address a vulnerability in Windows Server 2025 that affected Active Directory Domain Controllers' ability to manage network traffic after system restarts. This issue stemmed from the improper initialization of domain firewall profiles during startup, leading to service interruptions and authentication failures. The patch corrects the initialization sequence of these profiles, ensuring proper network traffic management post-restart. Organizations using Windows Server 2025 are advised to implement this update to maintain the reliability of their Active Directory services.

Winsage

June 11, 2025

Microsoft creates separate Windows 11 24H2 update for incompatible PCs

Microsoft announced a revised security update for Windows 11 24H2 systems to address compatibility issues with the initial update released during this month's Patch Tuesday. The revised update is being gradually deployed and includes all June 2025 security enhancements. Microsoft confirmed that the June 2025 security update is available for all other supported versions of Windows. The specific hardware or software configurations affected by the compatibility issue have not been detailed. On the same day, Microsoft rolled out security updates (KB5060842 and KB5060999) addressing 66 vulnerabilities across Windows 11 24H2 and 23H2, including a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-33053) and a Windows SMB privilege escalation flaw. The updates mitigated ten critical vulnerabilities, resolved a Windows Hello sign-in issue, and extended system restore points to 60 days on Windows 11 24H2 devices. Additionally, KB5060999 addressed graphics support issues affecting Remote Desktop connections. Microsoft also released the KB5060533 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2, restoring seconds to the Calendar flyout and resolving Hyper-V virtual machine issues.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

ISKP Magazine Questions Encryption Claims Of Messaging App, Cautions

The latest edition of "Voice of Khurasan" critiques Gem Space, a new social media platform attracting Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) members, highlighting security vulnerabilities. The article warns against migrating from Telegram to Gem Space due to concerns over the platform's closed-source nature, unspecified encryption protocols, lack of end-to-end encryption confirmation, unclear ownership, and absence of transparency reports. It suggests that claims of 40+ million downloads may be exaggerated, pointing to a lack of independent validation of the platform's security. The article emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making regarding digital security.

Tech Optimizer

June 3, 2025

I learned these 6 antivirus myths for PCs are completely wrong

Antivirus software on Windows was once essential due to security vulnerabilities, but built-in protection in Windows 8 and later versions often suffices for everyday use. Modern third-party antivirus applications are designed to be efficient and have minimal impact on system performance. All operating systems, including macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, are susceptible to malware, contrary to the belief that only Windows needs antivirus protection. Manual virus scans are no longer necessary as modern solutions provide real-time monitoring. Antivirus software should be part of a broader security strategy that includes regular updates and secure online practices. Relying solely on cautious behavior is insufficient, as threats can emerge from various sources. Using antivirus software is still recommended, and users can complement built-in security features with third-party solutions.

AppWizard

June 2, 2025

Preinstalled Android Apps Found Leaking PINs and Executing Malicious Commands

On May 30, 2025, CERT Polska disclosed three security vulnerabilities affecting preinstalled Android applications on Ulefone and Krüger&Matz smartphones: CVE-2024-13915, CVE-2024-13916, and CVE-2024-13917. - CVE-2024-13915: The com.pri.factorytest application allows any app to invoke the FactoryResetService, enabling unauthorized factory resets due to improper export controls (CWE-926). - CVE-2024-13916: The com.pri.applock application exposes a public method that allows malicious apps to steal the user’s PIN, representing an exposure of sensitive system information (CWE-497). - CVE-2024-13917: The exported activity in com.pri.applock allows privilege escalation by enabling malicious apps to inject intents with system-level privileges if they have access to the compromised PIN (CWE-926). Users of affected devices are advised to seek firmware updates or mitigations from their vendors.