SmartScreen

Tech Optimizer
May 18, 2025
Windows 11 accounts for nearly 44% of global desktop users as of April 2025, making it a prime target for cybercriminals, with 83% of malware in 2020 aimed at Windows systems. Microsoft Defender, which comes pre-installed with Windows 11, offers commendable malware protection, basic ransomware protection, a SmartScreen feature for anti-phishing, and a firewall that monitors network traffic. While it provides a solid foundation for security, additional third-party antivirus software can enhance protection, offering more comprehensive features such as superior parental controls, integrated VPN services, and identity theft protection.
AppWizard
May 14, 2025
Since April 2024, the threat actor Marbled Dust has been exploiting a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-27920) in the Output Messenger chat application, targeting user accounts that have not applied necessary fixes. This exploitation has resulted in the collection of sensitive data from users in Iraq, specifically linked to the Kurdish military. Microsoft has high confidence in this assessment and notes that Marbled Dust conducts reconnaissance to identify potential targets using Output Messenger. Marbled Dust has successfully utilized this vulnerability to deploy malicious files and exfiltrate data. Microsoft notified the application’s developer, Srimax, about the vulnerability, leading to the release of a software update. A second vulnerability (CVE-2025-27921) was also found, but no exploitation of this second flaw has been observed. The zero-day vulnerability allows an authenticated user to upload malicious files to the server's startup directory. Marbled Dust has exploited this flaw to place a backdoor file, OMServerService.vbs, in the startup folder, enabling them to access communications and sensitive data indiscriminately. The attack chain begins with Marbled Dust gaining access to the Output Messenger Server Manager, likely through DNS hijacking or other credential interception techniques. Once inside, they exploit the vulnerability to drop malicious files, including a GoLang backdoor, which connects to a Marbled Dust command-and-control domain for data exfiltration. To mitigate this threat, Microsoft recommends updating to the latest version of Output Messenger, activating various security protections, and implementing rigorous vulnerability management strategies. Microsoft Defender XDR customers can identify potential threat activity through specific alerts related to Marbled Dust and utilize advanced hunting queries for detection. Indicators of compromise include traffic to the domain api.wordinfos[.]com, associated with Marbled Dust activities.
Winsage
March 18, 2025
Microsoft has issued a warning to Chrome users about a new remote access trojan called StilachiRAT, which can exfiltrate sensitive information such as stored credentials and digital wallet data. StilachiRAT can scan for configuration data across 20 cryptocurrency wallet extensions in Chrome and can extract and decrypt saved usernames and passwords. The malware can also monitor Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions, capture active window information, and impersonate users to gain unauthorized access to networks. Microsoft recommends that users switch to its Edge browser or other browsers with SmartScreen technology to enhance security. Additionally, users are advised to install software from official sources, utilize Safe Links and Safe Attachments in Office 365, and enable network protection features in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Despite this, Chrome remains the dominant browser among Windows users.
Winsage
March 10, 2025
Microsoft has revised its support documentation to highlight the importance of recognizing unsafe applications on Windows 10 and encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11. Applications on a PC can be categorized into three groups: Clean apps (from the Microsoft Store or pre-installed), malware apps (from untrusted sources), and potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) which may not be malicious but can clutter user experience. Microsoft warns that after October 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive updates, increasing vulnerability to cyber threats. Upgrading to Windows 11 enhances security with features like Smart App Control. To clean install Windows 11, users need the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive. The process involves downloading the tool, creating the USB, and then installing Windows 11 on the target PC. Users should ensure their PC meets the hardware requirements for Windows 11. After upgrading to Windows 11, users are advised to configure settings to block potentially unwanted applications by enabling options in the Privacy and Security settings. To minimize risks, it is recommended to download apps from the Microsoft Store, keep Windows 11 updated, and use the Microsoft Edge browser with SmartScreen.
Winsage
March 8, 2025
Microsoft is encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, which currently holds a market share of 38% compared to Windows 10's nearly 60%. In February 2024, Microsoft launched a promotional campaign to highlight the benefits of Windows 11, and by June, it aimed to dispel myths about the new operating system. The company emphasized security features, particularly the Smart App Control feature in Windows 11, which helps protect against potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). The updated support page for Windows 11 includes recommendations such as downloading apps from trusted sources, using updated antivirus software, and keeping devices up-to-date. Smart App Control requires a clean installation of Windows 11, and users upgrading from Windows 10 must perform a reset, as an in-place upgrade is not sufficient.
Winsage
February 10, 2025
Microsoft is exploring deeper integration of its Copilot feature in Edge, with potential developments including a troubleshooter in the Settings menu and automatic sidebar activation upon browser launch on Windows 10 and 11. An "Ask Copilot" button may also be introduced in the Settings app for user assistance. References suggest Copilot could activate with new tabs or browser launches. Additionally, Edge has launched an AI-driven "Scareware Blocker" in version 133 for Windows 11 to protect users from online scams by blocking harmful sites in real-time. This feature is expected to improve over time and complements Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Protection.
Tech Optimizer
February 2, 2025
Microsoft has launched a new ‘Scareware blocker’ feature for Edge web browsers on Windows PCs, designed to enhance user protection against tech support scams. This machine learning threat detection software identifies signs of scareware in real-time and aims to reduce the prevalence of such scams, which cost victims millions annually according to the FBI. The technology analyzes new websites and uses a SmartScreen feature for global protection, processing information locally without uploading images to the cloud. When a potential threat is detected, Edge exits full-screen mode, stops aggressive audio playback, and alerts the user. Users can report malicious sites or inaccuracies to improve the model. The feature is available to all Edge users upon updating their browser.
Tech Optimizer
December 28, 2024
TotalAV Free Edition provides limited antivirus protection, relying heavily on Microsoft Defender for real-time scanning. Installation is straightforward but can be lengthy, and users are automatically enrolled in a seven-day trial of TotalAV Antivirus Pro. The interface resembles the premium version, but it lacks real-time protection, leading to constant alerts for users to upgrade. Independent lab tests have shown that only the Pro version has been evaluated, achieving good scores, while the free edition remains untested. Users can perform on-demand or scheduled scans, with a full scan taking about 53 minutes. However, TotalAV does not register with Windows, complicating the user experience by requiring both TotalAV and Microsoft Defender to operate simultaneously. In a malware protection test, the free edition achieved a 99% removal rate of malware samples, but its phishing protection is inadequate, relying on Edge’s SmartScreen Filter, which has a low detection rate. Most privacy features are locked behind a paid upgrade, although it includes a clean-up scan and uninstaller feature. The Total Security page is the same for both editions, but most features require an upgrade. Overall, the free edition's reliance on Microsoft Defender and limited features suggest users might find better standalone antivirus options.
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