unauthorized access Archives

Winsage

June 18, 2026

How to check if your PC is Secure Boot ready

Microsoft has announced enhancements to its Secure Boot technology to improve system security by ensuring only trusted software is loaded during the boot process. ASUS will integrate advanced Secure Boot capabilities into its hardware, aligning with Microsoft's security protocols. This collaboration aims to enhance device integrity and protect user data against cyber threats. The updated Secure Boot technology will help prevent the execution of malicious software during startup, and both companies seek to boost consumer confidence in their products.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

Norton 360 Deluxe ‘is perfect if you are looking for family protection’ especially in this major sale – and performs with near perfect score in testing

Norton 360 Deluxe is a comprehensive antivirus software package that includes features such as a parental control app, a virtual private network (VPN), a password manager, scam protection, and cloud backup capabilities. The current promotional price for the first-year subscription is £29.99, reduced from £89.99, representing a 67% discount. It offers 50GB of cloud backup, a secure password manager, a scam detector for analyzing suspicious communications, and a SafeCam feature for webcam protection. The School Time control feature helps parents restrict access to certain websites during study time.

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

Retro gaming fans are the new target for fake GitHub malware

Retro gaming enthusiasts should be cautious when exploring GitHub projects for tools or plugins, as cybercriminals may disguise malware as homebrew software. A specific incident involved a project called EQVita, which pretended to be a free audio tool for PlayStation Vita but actually contained Windows malware. The downloaded file included three files: Launch.bat, luajit.exe, and x64.txt, with the latter concealing a hidden script that connected to the attacker's server upon execution. This scam is part of a broader trend where counterfeit GitHub repositories distribute SmartLoader malware, which retrieves additional malicious software aimed at stealing passwords and cryptocurrency wallets. The PS Vita community, despite the console's production ceasing, remains active in modding, making it a target for attackers. Legitimate plugins typically come in Vita-compatible formats, while fake ones may feature polished marketing materials and AI-generated descriptions. Users are advised to verify sources, be cautious of suspicious downloads, and utilize security tools like Malwarebytes. If someone has executed the malicious EQVitav1.3.zip file, they should conduct a malware scan, change important passwords, and monitor accounts for unauthorized access. Indicators of compromise include the domains https://github.com/Voistace/EQVita and https://voistace.github.io, and the IP address 85.137.52.21.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Check out what’s new in Android 17

Android 17 introduces new security features, including the ability to grant apps temporary access to precise location without sharing the entire address book. It enhances the "Mark as lost" feature in the Find Hub, allowing users to lock a missing device with biometrics. The update improves Live Threat Detection to block more suspicious applications and scams, and upgrades Advanced Protection mode. Stricter measures for PIN entry have been implemented, reducing the frequency of PIN guesses and increasing wait times between failed attempts.

Tech Optimizer

June 16, 2026

Subscription twist: Norton 360 Deluxe adds more than just antivirus

Norton 360 Deluxe is a mid-tier security subscription from Gen Digital that offers antivirus protection, a VPN, a password manager, dark web monitoring, and parental controls for up to five devices. It includes real-time threat protection, a firewall, ransomware shielding, and cloud backup of up to 50 GB for Windows users. The parental controls, known as Norton Family, allow monitoring of children's online activities. The Secure VPN encrypts internet traffic on public Wi-Fi and masks IP addresses. The package also features PC SafeCam for webcam security and a smart firewall. Norton 360 Deluxe is marketed with a promotional first-year rate, with higher renewal prices, and is available through digital subscriptions, app stores, and major retailers. The product is designed for households and individuals seeking comprehensive security solutions.

Tech Optimizer

June 15, 2026

How to safely stay online while travelling

Traveling exposes individuals to potential cyber threats and scams. To enhance online security during travels, consider the following strategies: - Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to protect sensitive information; instead, use mobile data or a global eSIM. - Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to conceal your IP address while browsing, but be aware of potential access restrictions on some websites. - Invest in a robust antivirus suite for all devices, including laptops and mobile phones. - Secure devices with login passwords and consider adding a password to your SIM card. - Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security on accounts. - Research local scams and cybersecurity threats specific to your destination before traveling. - Keep apps and phone firmware updated to ensure the latest security enhancements.

Winsage

June 13, 2026

Windows Server is getting new network safety capabilities with DNS over HTTPS

Microsoft has introduced DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on Windows Server 2025, enhancing network security by encrypting DNS traffic for client-to-server communications. This feature, previously available only in Windows client editions, is now part of Microsoft's Zero Trust architecture. DoH routes DNS traffic through HTTPS secured with TLS certificates, preventing eavesdropping and safeguarding DNS data from tampering. It adheres to the IETF DNS over HTTPS standard (RFC 8484) and can integrate with existing infrastructure, allowing organizations to maintain unencrypted DNS traffic if needed. DoH is available for Windows Server 2025 systems updated to the latest Patch Tuesday release, and Microsoft has provided guidance on enabling this feature. However, DNS traffic exchanged between two DNS servers will not be encrypted by DoH.

Tech Optimizer

June 11, 2026

9 Best Antivirus Software On G2: My Top Picks

Antivirus software can become overwhelming for organizations due to alert fatigue shortly after deployment. Analysts often struggle to prioritize notifications, leading to the mismanagement of legitimate tools and unclear incident timelines. A review of nine antivirus solutions based on G2's Winter 2026 Grid® Report identified the following top performers: 1. ESET PROTECT: Best for machine learning-driven endpoint protection; offers enterprise-grade security with a free trial available. 2. Sophos Endpoint: Best for ransomware prevention; provides centralized policy control with a free trial available. 3. ThreatDown: Cost-effective EDR with MDR flexibility; combines antivirus and endpoint detection with a free trial available. 4. CrowdStrike Falcon: Best for large-scale enterprise threat prevention; cloud-native platform with subscription-based pricing and a free trial available. 5. Check Point Harmony Endpoint: Best for unified endpoint and zero-trust protection; integrates malware prevention and phishing defense with a free trial available. 6. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: Best for Microsoft-native environments; deeply integrated with Microsoft 365, licensed through enterprise agreements. 7. Kaspersky AntiVirus: Best for traditional malware protection; provides real-time protection against various threats. 8. SentinelOne: Best for autonomous AI-driven endpoint response; features automated remediation and ransomware rollback with a free trial available. 9. FortiClient: Best for Fortinet-centric environments; offers VPN access and security policy enforcement with a free basic client available. The analysis highlighted that effective antivirus solutions prioritize behavioral analysis over traditional signature-based detection, minimize false positives, and maintain low system impact during operation. Key factors for evaluating antivirus software include threat detection accuracy, centralized visibility, response capabilities, and deployment stability.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Microsoft’s biggest-ever Patch Tuesday fixes 206 bugs, including 3 zero-days

Microsoft's recent Patch Tuesday release addressed 206 security vulnerabilities, marking the largest update since the program began in October 2003. Among these, 32 vulnerabilities are classified as critical, including three zero-day vulnerabilities that were disclosed before patches were available, though none are reported to be actively exploited. Notable vulnerabilities include: - CVE-2026-50507 in Windows BitLocker, with a CVSS score of 6.8, allowing unauthorized bypass of security features through physical attacks. - CVE-2026-49160 in HTTP.sys, with a CVSS score of 7.5, which can be exploited for remote denial-of-service attacks. - CVE-2026-45586 in the Windows Collaborative Translation Framework (CTFMON), with a CVSS score of 7.8, which could grant SYSTEM privileges to attackers.

Winsage

June 10, 2026

Windows 11’s June update shuts down an intentional BitLocker backdoor with full file access

Microsoft addressed three zero-day vulnerabilities identified by security researcher Nightmare-Eclipse, named YellowKey, GreenPlasma, and MiniPlasma. The YellowKey vulnerability allows access to BitLocker-protected drives on Windows 11 using a USB key, leading to allegations that Microsoft may have left a backdoor in BitLocker. Microsoft implemented a mitigation strategy included in the June 2026 Patch Tuesday updates, which addressed over 200 security flaws. Tensions arose between Microsoft and Nightmare-Eclipse regarding vulnerability reporting protocols and researcher compensation, with Microsoft initially threatening legal action against the researcher. Following backlash, Microsoft retracted the threat but tensions persisted. Nightmare-Eclipse claimed retaliation from Microsoft, including the banning of their GitHub account and deletion of their Microsoft account, which Microsoft denied. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in cybersecurity and the relationship between tech companies and security researchers.