threats Archives

AppWizard

January 19, 2026

Arc Raiders’ huge success gives Embark the “opportunity to do bigger things” and cook up a more “ambitious” roadmap

12.4 million copies of Arc Raiders have been sold. The success has provided Embark Studios with new resources and opportunities to expand and enhance the game. The studio is reevaluating its roadmap to cater to a diverse player base, including casual PvE players and competitive PvP players. Plans for multiple map updates throughout the year are in place, which may include revamps of existing areas and new maps. There is interest in enhancing the trading system, particularly the NPC trading system. The possibility of transforming the underground colony of Speranza into a more interactive hub has been discussed. Future developments may introduce new circumstances and threats to deepen gameplay and player interaction.

AppWizard

January 18, 2026

Sci-fi survival game Once Human’s got a new set of dangerous creatures, and one will haunt my nightmares for weeks

Once Human is a free-to-play sci-fi survival game that has introduced a new update featuring three new adversaries: the Devourer, the Hoarder, and the Sonivore. The Devourer is a 45-meter-long creature that resembles a subway train and consumes Stardust-enriched ores. It can be interacted with by feeding it minerals, but if players fail to satisfy it, it may burrow underground with valuable materials. The Hoarder is a creature that resembles a shopping cart on legs, collecting items and leading players to its nest, which can be raided at a risk. The Sonivore is a gel-like entity that targets sound and high-value supplies, requiring players to use distractions to escape. The update also includes two new weapons, the EBR-14 rifle and the TEC-9, along with a new gear set and the Deviant Sprout upgrade path. The update is set to launch on January 21.

Tech Optimizer

January 18, 2026

The best malware removal software of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Cybercriminals use various tactics to infiltrate devices and accounts, spreading malware that can affect PCs, mobile devices, and smart home products. Signs of infection may include increased power consumption, unwanted pop-ups, and sluggish performance, while some malware operates stealthily. Default operating system protections are improving, and users can take proactive measures like installing malware removal applications. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is recommended for its real-time and on-demand scanning capabilities, effective malware detection, and cost-effective plans starting at a certain price per year. It includes features such as anti-phishing, anti-tracking, and a VPN, although the VPN has a daily traffic limit. Malwarebytes is another strong option, effective against various threats and offering a user-friendly interface, with paid plans starting at a certain price per year. Avast One Essential provides a free antivirus solution with strong scanning capabilities and additional security features, while ESET offers high-quality antivirus scans but lacks a fully free version beyond a trial. Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a portable scanning tool that operates from a USB drive and is free for personal use. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus features include: - On-access and on-demand scanning - Live customer support - Anti-phishing and anti-tracking features - VPN - Scam protection - Ransomware combat capabilities Malwarebytes features include: - On-access, scheduled, and on-demand scanning - Browser Guard extension - VPN - Multi-platform compatibility - Free or paid options - Scam and ad blocker Avast One Essential features include: - On-access, scheduled, and on-demand scanning - Multi-platform compatibility - Free or paid options - Strong antivirus scores - Anti-scam guidance - Ransomware protection - Cleanup options ESET Home Security Essential features include: - On-access and on-demand scanning - Real-time protection for financial transactions - Advanced security features - Multi-platform compatibility - Anti-phishing capabilities - Live customer support Emsisoft Emergency Kit features include: - On-demand scanning - Portable operation from a USB - Compatible with Windows - Free for personal use

Winsage

January 18, 2026

Windows 11 Home vs. Windows 11 Pro: I compared both versions, and here’s my upgrade advice

Windows 11 is nearing its fifth anniversary and features enhancements in visual design, system performance, and support for Android applications. Microsoft offers a Pro version for power users, which includes advanced functionalities not available in the Home version, such as BitLocker Drive Encryption, Hyper-V, and enhanced remote access capabilities. Windows 11 Home is suitable for average users who prefer simplicity, offering essential features for everyday tasks and automatic updates. It is free for users upgrading from compatible Windows 10 devices and comes preinstalled on new PCs. Windows 11 Pro, priced around 0 for a full license, is ideal for users seeking greater control over system settings and those who rely on virtualization tools. Key specifications include: - Both editions share core features like the full Windows 11 UI, Snap Layouts, and Copilot. - Windows 11 Home includes basic security features, while Pro adds advanced options like BitLocker and Credential Guard. - Pro supports virtualization with Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox, while Home does not. - Processor support differs, with Home supporting 1 CPU and 64 cores, and Pro supporting 2 CPUs and 128 cores.

Winsage

January 17, 2026

Windows 11 shutdown bug: Microsoft confirms KB5073455 issue

Microsoft has acknowledged a shutdown issue affecting Windows 11 Enterprise and IoT editions after the January 13, 2026 security update (KB5073455) for version 23H2, which prevents affected systems from shutting down properly, causing them to either hibernate or restart instead. The problem is linked to the System Guard Secure Launch feature and does not affect Windows 11 Home and Pro editions. A temporary workaround involves using the command "shutdown /s /t 0" in an elevated Command Prompt to force a shutdown, but there is no workaround for hibernation functionality. Microsoft is working on a resolution and suggests that enterprise IT administrators consider pausing the deployment of the update on unaffected devices.

AppWizard

January 17, 2026

How to complete Modern Prometheus and find four zombie body parts in Quarantine Zone

Players in the Quarantine Zone can undertake the quest "Modern Prometheus," which involves a survivor named Stuart who arrives with a zombified head and requests additional zombie body parts for an experiment. To complete the quest, players must reach day 20, allow Stuart entry into the survivor block, ensure his safety, confiscate body parts from survivor baggage, and engage in conversation with him after collecting four parts. After admitting Stuart, players must protect him from threats while sourcing the necessary zombie body parts, which cannot be obtained from liquidation or the laboratory. Once all four parts are collected, players discuss the experiment with Stuart, who ultimately meets his demise, leading to a small outbreak of zombies in the survivor base. Players must then eliminate the zombies and can collect a reward of 0 and a severed head collectible from Stuart's belongings.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Easterly helms RSAC, Windows update problems, Police Copilot gaffe

Jen Easterly has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the RSA Conference. She is a cybersecurity expert and former Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Palo Alto Networks has released security updates for a vulnerability (CVE-2026-0227) with a CVSS score of 7.7 affecting its GlobalProtect Gateway and Portal, which can cause a denial-of-service condition in PAN-OS software. The January 2026 security update from Microsoft has caused connection and authentication failures in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, affecting users across various Windows versions. Microsoft is working on a resolution. The chief constable of West Midlands Police acknowledged an error by Microsoft’s Copilot AI in generating a fictional intelligence report. Microsoft has not confirmed Copilot's involvement. Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has collaborated with Five Eyes partners to provide guidance on securing industrial operational technology, highlighting risks associated with remotely monitored systems. Kyowon, a South Korean conglomerate, confirmed a ransomware attack on January 10 that may have compromised customer information, affecting approximately 5.5 million members. Researchers at Varonis have identified a new attack technique called "Reprompt" that allows data exfiltration from Microsoft Copilot via a malicious link, exploiting a Parameter 2 Prompt (P2P) injection technique. Central Maine Healthcare is notifying over 145,000 patients about a data breach that compromised personal, treatment, and health insurance information, discovered on June 1.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

Microsoft: Windows 11 update causes Outlook freezes for POP users

Microsoft is addressing an issue with the classic Outlook desktop client freezing and hanging, particularly for users with POP email accounts, following the January security update KB5074109 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The problem causes Outlook to fail to exit properly and not restart after being closed. Microsoft is investigating the issue but has not provided a timeline for a resolution. Users can temporarily resolve the issue by uninstalling the KB5074109 update through the Settings app, although this may expose their devices to security vulnerabilities.

Winsage

January 16, 2026

‘Fail To Shut Down’—Microsoft Issues Windows Update Warning

Microsoft has raised concerns about the shutdown process of Windows PCs, indicating complications following the January 13, 2026, security update. PCs with Secure Launch may fail to shut down or hibernate, instead restarting unexpectedly. A temporary solution is to use the Command Prompt with the command shutdown /s /t 0 for shutting down, but there is no workaround for the hibernation issue. Microsoft recommends saving work and shutting down devices to avoid power loss. Additionally, some users are facing credential prompt failures during Remote Desktop connections, affecting services like Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. Alternatives include using the Remote Desktop client for Windows or the Windows App Web Client. An emergency update is expected to resolve these issues.

AppWizard

January 16, 2026

Your Android App Needs Scanning – Best Android App Vulnerability Scanner in 2026

The past year saw a 45% increase in new vulnerabilities targeting Android. By the end of 2024, there are projected to be 2.87 million apps on Google Play, with 66% of American employees using personal smartphones for work. Mobile applications are responsible for 70% of digital interactions, and vulnerabilities in these apps contributed to approximately 40% of data breaches involving personal data in 2023. Effective Android App Vulnerability Scanners analyze app security by identifying insecure local storage, hardcoded credentials, weak cryptography, insecure network configurations, broken authentication flows, and misconfigured components. AI-powered scanners, like AutoSecT, can autonomously generate new scanning protocols quickly, detect zero-day vulnerabilities, automate penetration testing, and operate with near-zero false positives.