subscription Archives

Winsage

May 23, 2026

Spend only $26 on this MS Office and Windows 11 Pro together

The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle is available for .99, reduced from an original MSRP of 9. This bundle includes lifetime access to Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, and OneNote, along with Windows 11 Pro, which features a sleek interface, advanced productivity features, enhanced security, and integrated Copilot AI functionalities.

Winsage

May 22, 2026

Microsoft Dismantles Fox Tempest: Ransomware Groups Paid Up to $9,500 to Fake Windows Software Signatures

Microsoft's Digital Crimes Unit has filed a lawsuit against Fox Tempest, a criminal enterprise selling fraudulently signed malware to ransomware groups, affecting hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure in ten countries. The lawsuit was filed on May 19 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Fox Tempest created a portal at signspace[.]cloud, offering a user-friendly interface for uploading malicious files and generating over 580 fraudulent Microsoft accounts to bypass identity verification. The group provided pre-configured virtual machines for customers to upload malicious payloads in exchange for signed binaries. Fox Tempest's operations were linked to a ransomware attack chain involving a counterfeit Microsoft Teams installer that deployed the Rhysida ransomware. This ransomware strain has caused significant breaches, including an October 2023 attack on the British Library, which resulted in a data exfiltration of about 600GB and recovery costs of £6 to £7 million, and a September 2024 attack on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with a ransom demand of .8 million. Microsoft's civil litigation approach allowed for a quicker legal process, leading to the seizure of the signspace[.]cloud domain and the suspension of around 1,000 Fox Tempest accounts. Despite these actions, Fox Tempest has begun shifting to alternative code-signing services, highlighting the evolving nature of cybercrime and the need for users to verify software through independent channels. The confirmed targets of Fox Tempest included organizations in the United States, France, India, China, Brazil, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Fallout lead Tim Cain argues games industry crisis hasn’t reached the level of the 1983 crash: ‘I don’t think there’s ever been a worse time in the games industry’

Tim Cain, a veteran RPG developer, discussed the challenges in the current video game industry, noting that approximately 10% of game developers are affected by layoffs and studio closures. He emphasized that while the situation is serious, it does not compare to the catastrophic crash of 1983, during which many developers were abruptly unemployed and the U.S. video game market collapsed. Cain reflected on the lasting impact of that crash, stating it resulted in the loss of an entire generation of game developers and took nearly a decade for the PC market to recover. He identified contemporary issues such as an oversaturation of games, a devaluation of games due to subscription services, and an uneven crisis that largely bypasses consumers. In contrast, industry veterans John and Brenda Romero expressed a more pessimistic view, feeling that the current crisis seems more severe than the earlier collapse.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Google Play Store wants you to think twice about canceling that app subscription

The Google Play Store has introduced a feature that allows app developers to prompt users to consider downgrading their subscriptions during the cancellation process. When users attempt to cancel, they will see options to keep their subscription, cancel it, or switch to a more affordable plan. This update includes an in-app Subscription Management API that will enable users to change plans directly within apps. The cancellation process remains largely unchanged, although users may need to scroll further to complete it. Developers can also offer discounted subscriptions to encourage users to stay subscribed.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Grab 007 First Light for free, thanks to Nvidia

Nvidia is offering a complimentary copy of 007 First Light to those who sign up for the GeForce Now Ultimate game streaming service, which requires a one-year commitment at a cost of .99. The service allows access to a powerful RTX 5080-class gaming experience and a library of over 4,500 games. Users must already own the games to access them through GeForce Now, making the free code for 007 First Light valuable. The offer is available until June 10 or until supplies last, and the game will be released on May 27, with a 90-day window to redeem the code once available.

Tech Optimizer

May 22, 2026

Threat Protection Pro: all you need to know about IPVanish’s anti-malware tool

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have evolved into comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, offering features like ad-blockers, antivirus software, and dark web monitoring. IPVanish offers a feature called Threat Protection Pro, available with the Advanced plan, which protects against malware, ads, and trackers. It enhances online security by blocking ads and tracking scripts, quarantining suspicious downloads, and preventing access to malicious websites. All IPVanish plans include core Threat Protection, utilizing DNS filters to combat trackers and malware across various platforms. Threat Protection Pro, launched in March 2026, provides 24/7 malware and antivirus protection, even when the VPN is not active. This feature is exclusive to Advanced-tier subscribers and currently supports Windows and Mac platforms. It employs VIPRE’s antivirus engine and initiates detailed measures to identify risks at multiple levels. Users can activate Threat Protection Pro through a straightforward setup process on Windows or MacOS. IPVanish allows unlimited devices per subscription and includes DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Advanced users also have access to a Secure Browser for disposable browsing.

AppWizard

May 22, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 hits a massive milestone across Xbox, PC, and Game Pass after its explosive release — it just set a new Steam peak player count, too

Forza Horizon 6 was launched on May 19, 2026, developed by Playground Games. It recorded over 270,000 players on Steam during its launch week, peaking at 284,139 concurrent players. The game attracted over 6 million players within one week of its Early Access release across various platforms. It achieved the largest Early Access launch in the franchise's history, with nearly 200,000 concurrent players on Steam initially. Forza Horizon 6 holds a Metacritic score of 91/100, making it the highest-rated game of 2026. The standard price is .99, with Deluxe and Premium Editions priced at .29 and .99, respectively. It is also available through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2026

‘Only pay for what you truly need’: Avast unveils revolutionary new antivirus platform – industry leading device protection & scam detection, with optional no-log VPN, data breach monitoring, and device cleanup

Avast has launched a new free modular platform called Avast One, which offers free antivirus and scam protection, allowing users to pay only for the features they choose to use. The platform includes a free tier with antivirus protection, scam protection, and web security, and users can add optional modules such as AI agent protection, a no-log VPN, data breach monitoring, and device cleanup. Avast One features a unified dashboard for easy management of security options, and it includes free services like a cleanup tool and BreachGuard for personal information protection. Premium features can be added for enhanced security, including scanning for suspicious emails and banking protection, as well as a VPN with a 60-day free trial.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2026

Avast Antivirus and the Consumer Security Market in 2026

Avast Antivirus is a consumer cybersecurity software developed by Avast, now part of Gen Digital. It offers both free and paid versions, providing virus scanning, malware blocking, and device protection. The software is designed for individual users, focusing on straightforward solutions for common threats like phishing and malware. Avast is recognized in the U.S. and global markets for its ease of use and brand visibility. Gen Digital, the parent company, is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol GEN, with the issuer ISIN GB00BYT16L97.

Tech Optimizer

May 21, 2026

PostgreSQL Flaws Expose Databases to Remote Code Execution and SQL Injection

PostgreSQL has released versions 18.4, 17.10, 16.14, 15.18, and 14.23 to address 11 security vulnerabilities and over 60 bugs. The vulnerabilities affect PostgreSQL versions 14 through 18 and include issues such as remote code execution, SQL injection, and denial-of-service risks. Specific vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2026-6472: Missing authorization in CREATE TYPE allows query hijacking. - CVE-2026-6473: Integer wraparound leads to out-of-bounds writes and server crashes. - CVE-2026-6474: Format string issue leaks server memory. - CVE-2026-6475: Symlink attack allows overwriting arbitrary files. - CVE-2026-6476: SQL injection allows execution of arbitrary SQL as superuser. - CVE-2026-6477: Memory buffer overwrite via libpq lo_* functions. - CVE-2026-6478: Timing attack exposes MD5-hashed passwords. - CVE-2026-6479: SSL/GSS recursion flaw allows denial-of-service. - CVE-2026-6575: Buffer over-read leaks memory data (PostgreSQL 18 only). - CVE-2026-6637: Refint module enables stack overflow and SQL injection, leading to possible RCE. - CVE-2026-6638: SQL injection in REFRESH PUBLICATION via table names. Organizations are advised to upgrade to the latest versions, avoid MD5 password authentication, restrict privileges, audit extensions, and monitor for abnormal activity. PostgreSQL 14 will reach its end-of-life on November 12, 2026.