technique Archives

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

‘DLSS fundamentally makes no sense’ says Minecraft creator Notch, but actually it kinda does

Markus Persson, known as Notch, criticized Nvidia's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology on social media, stating that it "fundamentally makes no sense" because it uses the same hardware to run a neural network for frame generation. Community responses clarified that DLSS utilizes specialized hardware, specifically Tensor Cores, optimized for machine learning tasks. Some commentators suggested a focus on raw raster performance instead of machine learning enhancements. Nvidia's vice president, Bryan Catanzaro, emphasized the need for smarter graphics rendering approaches, arguing that brute force methods are inefficient. Current testing of DLSS and Frame Generation is being conducted by an expert named Nick, who is analyzing the GPU's workload in rendering frames. While DLSS has supporters, it also faces criticism, particularly regarding its performance on lower-spec graphics cards.

Winsage

April 2, 2026

Malwarebytes highlights Microsoft findings on WhatsApp attachments used in Windows attacks

A campaign targeting Windows users exploits WhatsApp attachments to execute a malicious .vbs script. Victims receive what appears to be a harmless attachment, which, when opened, duplicates legitimate Windows tools into a hidden folder and renames them to avoid detection. These tools are then used to download additional malware from reputable cloud services, disguising the malicious activity. The malware seeks administrator privileges by altering User Account Control settings and registry entries for persistence. It ultimately installs remote-access software and other payloads to maintain control over the compromised device. Malwarebytes recommends safety measures such as avoiding unsolicited attachments, enabling file extensions, using updated anti-malware tools, downloading software from official sites, being cautious of unexpected UAC prompts, and keeping systems updated.

Winsage

April 1, 2026

WhatsApp on Windows users targeted in new campaign, warns Microsoft

Microsoft researchers have identified a campaign that exploits WhatsApp attachments to infiltrate Windows machines, allowing attackers remote control. The attack uses social engineering tactics, where users receive a seemingly benign .vbs (Visual Basic Script) file that can be executed on Windows. This method does not rely on software vulnerabilities but on persuading victims to execute the malicious file. Attackers manipulate built-in Windows tools to download further malware, employing a technique known as living off the land (LOTL) to avoid detection. The malware seeks to elevate its privileges to administrator status, modifying User Account Control (UAC) prompts and registry settings for persistence. An unsigned MSI (Microsoft Installer) is deployed to establish remote-access software, granting continuous access to the compromised machine.

Winsage

March 30, 2026

Windows 11 File Explorer is finally getting faster in 2026, but it’s been slower than Windows 10 for years

Microsoft plans to enhance the File Explorer experience in Windows by 2026, with initial improvements available to Windows Insiders as early as April. Key updates will focus on a quicker launch experience, reduced flicker, smoother navigation, and improved performance for everyday file tasks. Enhancements will address latency issues in search, navigation, and context menus, aiming for faster and more reliable file copying and moving. The context menu will see lower latency when right-clicking, and system-level changes will aim to reduce interaction latency and improve the shared UI infrastructure. Third-party file managers currently demonstrate faster performance compared to the default File Explorer, highlighting the need for Microsoft to improve its application.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

Pokemon Pokopia players turn to “broken” Minecraft tactics to make gathering one of the game’s rarest materials a breeze: “I mined 1,200 Pokemetal in about 90 minutes”

Pokémon Pokopia is gaining popularity among cozy gaming fans, similar to Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Minecraft. A new method for gathering rare materials, specifically Pokemetal and Rare Pokemetal, has been introduced by content creator Austin John Plays. Players should visit a Dream Island, particularly the Dragonite doll location, and head to the adjacent beach. They should then use the Rock Smash ability to dig six blocks down, activate Rollout, and move straight until they find Pokemetal, then turn right and repeat the process. This technique enhances efficiency and maintains the game's cozy atmosphere.

AppWizard

March 28, 2026

Pokemon Pokopia Players Use Minecraft Trick to Farm Pokemetal

Grinding for Pokemetal and Rare Pokemetal in Pokemon Pokopia was previously a tedious task, with players spending entire days for minimal returns. A new farming method shared by content creator Austin John Plays allows players to gather 1,200 units in just 90 minutes. Pokemetal is essential for late-game recipes, 3D printer projects, and Cloud Island constructions, but traditional gathering methods yielded low amounts. The Dragonite doll Dream Island is identified as the richest source of Pokemetal, with optimal mining occurring six blocks underground. Players can access this layer by starting from the beach near spawn, digging down, and using the Rollout ability to navigate through the ore-rich area. The community has reacted positively, with players expressing regret over previous inefficient methods. The Pokopia player base has demonstrated a strong understanding of game mechanics, leveraging knowledge from sandbox games like Minecraft to optimize gameplay without requiring developer intervention.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Alert warns of cyber actors using Telegram messaging app to push malware

The FBI issued an alert on March 20 about a sophisticated cyber technique linked to the Iranian government, using the Telegram app to distribute malware globally. This has led to data breaches and reputational damage for many victims. The FBI provided recommendations for organizations and individuals to enhance cybersecurity, including staying informed about cyber threats, implementing security protocols, and educating employees on suspicious communications. Contacts for further insights at the AHA include John Riggi and Scott Gee, with resources available at aha.org/cybersecurity.

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2026

ClickFix Lures Power LeakNet’s Growing Ransomware Attack Chain

The ransomware group LeakNet has evolved its tactics, increasing its average targets from three per month and shifting from purchasing stolen network access to launching its own campaigns. They now use deceptive error screens and a new tool that executes malicious code in a computer's memory. Their strategy includes ClickFix lures, which compromise legitimate websites to display fake security checks, tricking users into executing malicious commands. This method broadens their victim reach and reduces costs. The Deno loader, part of this strategy, collects machine information and retrieves additional malicious code without leaving standard files, making detection difficult. After infiltrating a network, LeakNet checks for active user credentials and uses PsExec for lateral movement, employing Amazon S3 buckets for payload staging and data exfiltration. Defenders are advised to monitor for suspicious behavior rather than just known malicious files, focusing on unusual web commands and unexpected cloud storage connections.

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2026

Federal Circuit Finds that Antivirus Software is Abstract and Remands for Alice, Step Two

Columbia University faced a setback in its patent dispute with Gen Digital Inc. regarding U.S. Patents 8,074,115 and 8,601,322, which relate to an innovative virus detection method developed in the early 2000s. The method involved evaluating the behavior of suspicious code using an emulator and a model of expected behavior derived from data across interconnected computers. Columbia initiated legal proceedings in 2013, and after various developments, a jury awarded Columbia over million in royalties for willful infringement in 2022. However, the Federal Circuit ruled that the patent claims were not sufficiently specific and remanded the case for further examination of whether the claims could constitute an inventive concept. The ruling emphasized that patent eligibility is determined by the precise language of the claims.

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2026

How AI And Hacking Professionalism Are Overwhelming Endpoint Security

The digital landscape is transforming due to the professionalization of cybercrime, which is now a significant part of organized crime, second only to drug trafficking. Malware includes various types such as viruses, browser hijackers, password stealers, Trojans, botnet malware, and ransomware. Traditional antivirus solutions rely on signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, and behavior monitoring, but these methods can lead to false positives and negatives. The evolution of cybersecurity has seen the rise of "Ransomware-as-a-Service" (RaaS) and the use of polymorphic malware that changes its signature, making traditional defenses ineffective. Hackers are also using AI and machine learning to evade behavioral monitoring. New defense strategies include Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR), which focus on monitoring for breaches rather than preventing them. Leading vendors in this space include CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Microsoft, and Palo Alto Networks. The zero trust security framework treats all access attempts as potentially hostile and emphasizes the integration of various security technologies. Emerging startups like FinalAV Security are developing zero trust solutions for consumers and small businesses, focusing on prevention rather than detection.