trust Archives

Winsage

July 26, 2026

I checked Reddit to see which Windows 11 features people truly find “life changing”, and the community had some surprising answers

Windows 11 includes several features that enhance productivity, many of which are underutilized by users: 1. Clipboard History: Activated with "WIN + V", it allows users to access a history of copied text and images, improving multitasking by enabling retrieval of multiple copied items. 2. Snipping Tool: Beyond screenshots, it includes screen recording, text extraction (OCR), basic image editing, and GIF creation, streamlining workflows by reducing the need for third-party applications. 3. End Task from Taskbar: Users can terminate unresponsive applications directly from the Taskbar, simplifying the process compared to using Task Manager. 4. Windows Sandbox: Provides a temporary Windows environment for testing untrusted software without risking the main system, available only on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. 5. Winget Command: The Windows Package Manager simplifies app installation and updates via command line, saving time compared to searching for applications online. 6. Snap Layouts: Activated with "Win + Z", it enhances window management by allowing users to arrange applications efficiently on larger monitors. 7. Windows Key + Shift + Arrow: This shortcut enables quick movement of windows between multiple monitors, improving productivity for users with dual or multiple displays. 8. Voice Typing: Activated with "Win + H", it allows dictation in nearly any text field, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. 9. Reliability Monitor: Accessible via "perfmon /rel", it presents system issues on a timeline, making troubleshooting easier and potentially preventing unnecessary reinstallation of Windows 11. 10. Advanced Display Settings: Users can check and adjust their monitor's refresh rate in Settings, ensuring optimal performance, as many monitors default to 60Hz even if they support higher rates.

Winsage

July 26, 2026

Microsoft is using TPM chips to crack down on pirated Windows activations

Microsoft has mandated the inclusion of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) as a standard feature in all new motherboards and CPUs to enhance the Windows activation process. The company has introduced an enhancement to its Key Management Service (KMS) that leverages TPM's security capabilities to authenticate the legitimacy of KMS servers. This new "TPM-based attestation" aims to mitigate exploitation risks associated with KMS by validating the cryptographic integrity of KMS servers. Starting in August 2026, TPM-based attestation will be required for KMS activation with the next release of Windows Server. Microsoft has also closed off the "KMS38" activation method in 2025, while traditional KMS activation remains functional. The Massgrave collective has developed an Online KMS method that may be impacted by the new TPM-based attestation.

Tech Optimizer

July 23, 2026

Optimizing PostgreSQL on Azure directly in Visual Studio Code

Poor database performance can lead to missed SLAs, delayed releases, customer dissatisfaction, and lost revenue. Microsoft has enhanced PostgreSQL on Azure, transforming it into a fully managed platform that meets enterprise demands. Azure Database for PostgreSQL and the new Azure HorizonDB offer significant performance improvements, with HorizonDB being three times faster than self-managed PostgreSQL. The PostgreSQL extension for Visual Studio Code integrates performance management into development workflows, providing tools for managing PostgreSQL throughout its lifecycle. Key features include a server metrics dashboard that displays performance indicators, Azure Advisor recommendations for actionable insights, improved query plan visualization, and AI-assisted query analysis. The extension also enhances schema design and query formulation experiences, ensuring secure and governed interactions with PostgreSQL. Azure HorizonDB is in public preview, designed for AI-native workloads. These advancements aim to reduce friction, enhance clarity, and enable faster actions for enterprise teams managing PostgreSQL at scale.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

Active Exploitation Alert: Fake Bahrain Alert App Deploys Advanced Android Surveillance Malware Targeting Gulf Region Users

A cyber-espionage campaign has been identified involving a counterfeit Bahrain Alert Android application designed to surveil individuals in Bahrain and the Gulf region. The app masquerades as an official civil defense tool and employs social engineering tactics to compromise Android devices, extract sensitive data, and maintain remote access. It targets high-value individuals such as activists and journalists, particularly during civil unrest and missile alerts, leveraging trusted government branding to increase infection rates. The malware features a complex, multi-stage architecture with advanced evasion techniques and is distributed through phishing links and malicious websites. It initiates a four-stage infection process, ultimately installing a remote access trojan (RAT) that enables covert surveillance and encrypted communications. The malware can monitor device activity, capture credentials, and intercept communications, while also employing mechanisms to avoid detection and maintain persistence. The campaign primarily targets Bahraini citizens, exploiting fear during crises to encourage app installation. Although there are indications of Russian-speaking developers involved, there is no definitive attribution to a specific nation-state or APT group. Mitigation strategies include monitoring for suspicious app installations, user education on verifying app authenticity, and blocking known malicious domains.

AppWizard

July 23, 2026

ThreatsDay: Android Spyware, PLC Attacks, AI Image Prompt Injection + 12 More Stories

GitHub will reject command-line support bundle uploads from outdated versions of GitHub Enterprise Server lacking security patches starting August 18, 2026. The npm package @copilot-mcp/apex has been identified as a post-install dropper that installs a macOS infostealer, phishing for sensitive information and maintaining a connection to an attacker's server. A rogue extension on the Microsoft Visual Studio Code marketplace, "Markdown All Pro," impersonates a legitimate tool and opens a backdoor after installation. A phishing campaign targeting Portuguese users delivers the Lampion banking malware, which has been active since 2019. DoubleVerify reports a rise in "AfterCall" apps that exploit user permissions for ad fraud. The GhostCommit attack method hides malicious instructions within PNG images in pull requests. The U.S. government has updated its advisory on Iranian-affiliated cyber activity targeting operational technology devices. An Android app posing as a civil defense alert system has been found to contain malware for data harvesting. An Iranian threat actor is distributing MarkiRAT malware through fake applications. An analysis of 28 AI-coded applications revealed 434 vulnerabilities, prompting Cisco to introduce Antares to identify vulnerabilities in codebases. A Russian-speaking threat actor is dismantling guardrails on AI models to create offensive tools.

Winsage

July 23, 2026

Microsoft making a new feature mandatory requirement for Windows KMS activation

Microsoft has introduced enhancements to its Windows operating system security, including an update to Entra ID authentication with default passkeys and AI-enhanced security updates. A key advancement is the KMS Hardware-Secured initiative, which uses Trusted Platform Module (TPM)-based attestation to ensure KMS hosts operate on trusted hardware for Windows volume activation. This aims to combat risks from counterfeit KMS servers. Under the new model, KMS hosts will confirm their hardware identity using TPM before activating Windows devices. Starting in August 2026, Windows Server 2025 will provide readiness messaging for KMS host compliance with new security requirements. TPM attestation will be mandatory for KMS Hardware-Secured activation with the upcoming Windows Server 2028 LTSC release. Organizations are advised to prepare for this transition.

AppWizard

July 22, 2026

Microsoft just released my favorite old-school Xbox game on PC

Microsoft is reviving classic Xbox titles for PC gamers through an initiative called "Xbox Backwards Compatibility on PC." The initial rollout includes four games: Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live & Reloaded, and Fusion Frenzy, all designed to run natively on Windows PCs. Crimson Skies is priced at ten dollars but is currently available only for streaming via Game Pass. Accessing these titles requires the latest version of the Xbox Insider build, leading to some user difficulties. Despite this nostalgic initiative, Xbox faces challenges in maintaining competitiveness against rivals like PlayStation and Valve's Steam, compounded by recent layoffs within its development teams.

Tech Optimizer

July 21, 2026

I Built My Second ETL Pipeline. This Time, I Started Thinking Like a Data Engineer

The author transitioned from a data analyst role to a data engineer, creating a 12-month self-study roadmap focused on learning by building projects. The first project was a GitHub ETL pipeline, which evolved from a simple Python script to a more complex system using SQLite and GitHub Actions for automation. The author realized that the challenges of data engineering lay in system design and orchestration rather than just writing ETL logic. For the second project, the author built an automated RSS ingestion pipeline to explore engineering decisions in creating a reliable data pipeline. The project emphasized the importance of separating application responsibilities from orchestration tasks, leading to the use of Docker for consistent execution environments and Kestra for orchestration. The author validated each component of the project incrementally: first the Python ETL, then PostgreSQL, followed by Docker, and finally Kestra. This approach ensured that each layer functioned correctly before adding complexity. The final architecture included distinct responsibilities for each component: Python for data processing, PostgreSQL for data storage, Docker for execution, and Kestra for orchestration. The author learned that effective engineering involves considering system reliability, error handling, and observability, shifting the focus from merely writing code to designing entire systems. The experience transformed the author's mindset, emphasizing the importance of incremental building and the separation of execution and orchestration responsibilities.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Microsoft Releases New Windows 11 Security Update Fix For Dell Users

On July 21, Microsoft announced an emergency security update, KB5121767, for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, due to complications from the July Patch Tuesday update, KB5101650, which caused performance issues for certain Dell users, including unexpected system shutdowns. The problem was linked to a conflict between the Windows USB-C Connection Manager interface and the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver. Affected Dell models include the Dell Pro Max 14 Premium MA14250, Dell Pro Max 16 Premium MA16250, Dell XPS 17 9720, and Dell XPS 17 9730. Microsoft recommends that only users of these impacted devices install the update, while assuring unaffected users that no action is necessary. Additionally, Microsoft acknowledged issues affecting Windows Server Update Services that hinder Windows Update scans, stemming from a buildup of publishing metadata, and has implemented a service-side mitigation to address this.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Microsoft Releases New Windows 11 Security Update Fix For Dell Users

Microsoft has released an emergency out-of-band security update (KB5121767) for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 due to performance issues caused by the July Patch Tuesday update (KB5101650) affecting certain Dell devices. The issues include system shutdowns, stemming from a conflict between the Windows USB-C Connection Manager and the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver. Confirmed affected Dell models include the Dell Pro Max 14 Premium MA14250, Dell Pro Max 16 Premium MA16250, Dell XPS 17 9720, and Dell XPS 17 9730. The update is specifically for users of these devices experiencing performance-related issues, and Microsoft stated that no action is required for unaffected devices.