Security Archives

Winsage

April 6, 2026

Why Microsoft is forcing Windows 11 25H2 update on all eligible PCs

Microsoft has announced that eligible Windows 11 PCs currently on the 24H2 version will be automatically upgraded to the 25H2 edition, with no user action required, although users can temporarily postpone the update. The eligibility assessment for the update uses machine learning, considering factors such as testing results, user feedback, and diagnostic data. The update is mandatory for individual users of Windows 11 Home or Pro editions, as support for 24H2 will expire on October 13, ending security patches for that version. IT-managed computers are excluded from this automatic update. Users can check for eligibility by navigating to Settings and selecting Windows Update. The 25H2 update is designed to be more compact and efficient, updating only necessary files and sharing the same code base as 24H2, which improves stability and reliability. To check the current version of Windows 11, users can go to Settings, select System, and click on About.

Tech Optimizer

April 6, 2026

Scammers Want Our Data, Yet CNET Finds Many of Us Aren’t Protecting Our Devices

- 78% of US adults currently own a personal laptop, with HP (32%) and Apple (26%) being the most popular brands. - 54% of laptop owners have encountered potential malware on their devices in the past year. - 88% of those who reported seeing potential malware took action, while 12% did not respond. - 68% of proactive laptop owners either deleted the suspicious file or closed the website or pop-up. - 37% of laptop owners received phishing emails in the past year. - Many modern devices come equipped with built-in antivirus solutions, such as Microsoft Defender for Windows 11 and XProtect for Mac users. - 60% of users who acted upon encountering potential malware manually deleted files or closed suspicious websites, while 35% initiated antivirus scans. - Antivirus software alone cannot safeguard against data breaches or identity theft; a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy involves various tools and practices. - Recommended tools for online security include Bitdefender for antivirus, Aura for identity theft protection, Bitwarden for password management, and ExpressVPN for VPN services.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

China Blocked Jack Dorsey’s Decentralized Messenger bitchat

Chinese authorities have ordered the removal of Jack Dorsey’s decentralized messaging app, bitchat, from the local App Store due to concerns about its potential to disrupt information control during civil unrest. Apple complied by removing both the main and beta versions of the app. The app remains accessible outside of China. Dorsey stated that the removal reflects bitchat's influence on public discourse. The Chinese regulator cited violations of regulations that require online services capable of swaying public opinion to undergo security reviews before launch. Bitchat operates independently of traditional internet infrastructure using Bluetooth and mesh networking technology, making it resistant to censorship. It has gained attention in regions with internet restrictions and was introduced in July 2025. Bitchat has over 3 million downloads, with more than 92,000 in the past week and over 1 million installs on Google Play. Additionally, Block, the parent company, recently reduced its workforce by about 40%, equating to around 4,000 employees, due to AI implementation and process optimization.

Winsage

April 6, 2026

ResokerRAT Hijacks Telegram API to Command Infected Windows PCs

A newly discovered Windows malware called ResokerRAT uses Telegram’s Bot API for its command-and-control operations, allowing it to monitor and manipulate infected systems without a conventional server. It obscures its communications by integrating with legitimate Telegram traffic, complicating detection. Upon execution, it creates a mutex to ensure only one instance runs and checks for debuggers to avoid analysis. It attempts to relaunch with elevated privileges and logs failures to its operator. ResokerRAT terminates known monitoring tools and installs a global keyboard hook to obstruct defensive key combinations. It operates through text-based commands sent via Telegram, allowing it to check processes, take screenshots, and modify system settings to evade detection. Persistence is achieved by adding itself to startup and altering UAC settings. The malware retrieves additional payloads from specified URLs and uses URL-encoded data for communication. Researchers have confirmed its Telegram traffic, and its behavior aligns with various MITRE ATT&CK techniques. Security teams are advised to monitor for unusual Telegram traffic and scrutinize registry keys related to startup and UAC.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

Samsung’s Messages app is shutting down in 2026: Here’s what you need to do

Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July 2026, requiring users to switch to Google Messages. After the shutdown, Samsung Messages will only send texts to emergency contacts and services. Users will receive in-app prompts to switch and can easily set Google Messages as the default. Devices running Android 11 or lower will remain unaffected. This follows Samsung's 2024 decision to stop pre-installing its Messages app on flagship Galaxy devices. The transition emphasizes the benefits of Google Messages, including enhanced security, support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), and improved multi-device connectivity.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

China orders Apple to pull Dorsey’s Bitchat, the messaging app used during Iran protests

Apple has removed the decentralized peer-to-peer messaging application Bitchat from its China App Store due to violations of regulations set by the Cyberspace Administration of China, which requires security assessments for apps that can influence public opinion or facilitate social mobilization. Bitchat operates over Bluetooth and mesh networks, making it resistant to traditional government internet shutdowns. The app has over three million downloads across various platforms, with more than 92,000 downloads in the past week and over one million registered downloads on the Google Play Store.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

Slack Messenger: Revolutionizing Team Communication

Slack Messenger is a cloud-based platform for workplace collaboration that enhances team communication through real-time messaging, file sharing, and workflow integrations. Since its launch in 2013, it has replaced traditional email chains with organized channels for discussions and direct messaging. Users can create dedicated channels for specific projects, utilize threaded replies for clarity, and send targeted notifications through mentions. Key features include an intuitive interface accessible on various devices, unlimited message history on paid plans, voice and video huddles, and support for over 2,600 applications like Google Workspace and Salesforce. Security features include data encryption and compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA. Slack is used across various sectors including project management, customer support, and engineering, and is widely adopted by companies like IBM, Shopify, and NASA. On a daily basis, teams use Slack for status updates, file sharing, and conducting polls. For larger organizations, it offers multi-workspace setups and analytics. A free tier is available for freelancers and small teams, while its mobile app facilitates coordination for gig economy workers. Slack operates in over 150 countries and supports multiple languages. The collaboration software market, valued at over a billion dollars, continues to grow, driven by hybrid work demands. Competitors include Microsoft Teams, Discord, and Mattermost, although Slack remains distinguished by its integrations. Slack is supported by AWS cloud infrastructure and boasts an uptime of 99.99%. Recent updates introduced AI features aimed at enhancing efficiency. Salesforce acquired Slack in 2020 for .7 billion, integrating it into its Customer 360 ecosystem while maintaining its standalone brand. Slack is publicly listed under the ISIN US79466L3024.

Winsage

April 5, 2026

Microsoft Ships Emergency Windows 11 Fix for Broken Patch

On March 31, Microsoft released emergency update KB5086672 in response to issues caused by the previous preview patch KB5079391, which left many Windows 11 devices in a loop with error code 0x80073712, blocking access to March security fixes. Microsoft withdrew KB5079391, which was launched on March 26, and replaced it with KB5086672, a cumulative update that includes all fixes from March 2026. KB5086672 supersedes previous updates, including KB5079473, KB5085516, and KB5079391. Users with the "Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available" setting will receive KB5086672 automatically, while others can manually check for updates or download it from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Microsoft has been issuing multiple emergency updates recently, raising concerns about the quality of its update pipeline, with a history of emergency patches for various issues affecting Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. The issues from KB5079391 may resurface in the upcoming April cumulative update.

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

Kremlin’s drive for a state-backed messenger touches a nerve for some

The Kremlin is promoting its state-backed messenger service, MAX, but many Russians are skeptical about it due to privacy and functionality concerns. The initiative occurs alongside extensive internet censorship and the blocking of popular messaging platforms like Telegram. While some users have adapted to MAX, the majority remain cautious. Officials justify MAX as essential for national security, arguing that foreign apps pose risks. The parent company, VK, claims 107 million users, expanding its reach beyond Russia. Opposition activists warn of potential state surveillance and user data access. Many users feel compelled to download MAX due to state requirements but prefer other options like Telegram. There is a strong sentiment among the public that app usage should be a personal choice, with critics expressing discontent over the government's approach to mandating downloads.

Winsage

April 5, 2026

Claude Cowork and Claude Code Can Now Control Your Windows Desktop

On April 3, 2026, Anthropic expanded Claude’s desktop control feature to Windows for Pro and Max subscribers, allowing users to operate applications, navigate web pages, and manage files on their PCs without prior configuration. The feature is in research preview and includes a Dispatch companion for task assignment from mobile devices. Claude uses a structured tool hierarchy for task execution, prioritizing connectors like Slack and Google Calendar, and engages in direct desktop control only when necessary. Users must opt in to activate the feature, which integrates with existing software without requiring API keys. The technology is partly derived from Anthropic’s acquisition of Vercept AI, which specializes in AI-driven computer control. Security concerns have arisen due to vulnerabilities demonstrated shortly after the launch, prompting Anthropic to implement safeguards while acknowledging the feature's potential errors. Users can stop Claude's operations, but the company admits it cannot disable the technology remotely once tasks have started. Competitors like Microsoft and Google are also exploring similar desktop-level AI automation capabilities.