US government Archives

Winsage

April 18, 2025

Microsoft still has a massive Windows 10 problem – and there’s no easy way out

Microsoft's Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after a standard 10-year support lifecycle. Most editions, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise, will stop receiving updates, although PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function without updates. Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Servicing editions have different end dates, with some extending support until 2029. Current data indicates that approximately 1.6% of Windows 10 PCs are replaced by Windows 11 each month, suggesting that around 35% of the 1.4 billion Windows devices will still be using Windows 10 by the end-of-support date, equating to over 500 million PCs potentially vulnerable to cyber threats. As of April 2025, about 54% of PCs globally are still running Windows 10. Users likely to remain on Windows 10 include those with incompatible hardware, corporate environments that have standardized on Windows 10, and users resistant to upgrading due to dissatisfaction with Windows 11. Microsoft faces challenges related to a significant number of unsupported PCs, and while extended support options exist for enterprise customers, consumer adoption is expected to be low. Users unable or unwilling to upgrade may consider non-Microsoft operating systems or continue using Windows 10 without official support, which poses security risks.

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Huawei’s HarmonyOS PCs set to launch in 2025, rumors of Windows exit intensify

Huawei has faced challenges in obtaining technologies since being placed on the US Entity List in 2019, impacting both its smartphone and PC divisions. The license for Windows operating systems for PCs is set to expire, raising concerns about Huawei's ability to compete in the global PC market. In response, Huawei is investing in its own operating system, HarmonyOS, and strengthening partnerships with local suppliers while exploring new markets.

Winsage

February 4, 2025

Microsoft has a big Windows 10 problem, and it’s running out of time to solve it

Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after nearly a decade since its launch in July 2015. PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function but will no longer receive security updates unless users opt for an Extended Security Updates (ESU) subscription. Without an ESU subscription, vulnerabilities discovered after October 2025 will remain unaddressed. Approximately 60% of PCs worldwide are still using Windows 10, and if the current upgrade pace continues, about 38% of PCs will still be running Windows 10 by the end of 2025, equating to over 500 million devices. Users with older hardware, corporate environments, and Windows 10 loyalists may face challenges in transitioning to Windows 11. Microsoft has provided options for extended support, particularly for enterprise customers, but general consumers may be less inclined to pay for updates.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

US government warns federal agencies to patch dangerous Windows kernel bug

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) has added two vulnerabilities to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog: 1. Microsoft Windows Kernel-Mode Driver Untrusted Pointer Dereference Vulnerability (CVE-2024-35250) - Severity score: 7.8. 2. Adobe ColdFusion improper access control vulnerability (CVE-2024-20767) - Severity score: 7.4, affecting ColdFusion versions 2023.6, 2021.12, and earlier. CISA has set a deadline of January 6, 2025, for federal agencies to address these vulnerabilities.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

New Microsoft Windows Attacks—Stop Doing This Now, US Government Warns Users

The FBI has warned users about vulnerabilities in popular webmail accounts, highlighting risks to passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA) due to emerging cyber threats. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has advised Windows users to reconsider SMS-based MFA. CISA's guidance targets Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and enterprise users, emphasizing a sophisticated spear-phishing campaign affecting various sectors, including government and IT. Spear phishing, although less than 0.1% of phishing emails, accounts for 66% of successful breaches, with average costs of USD 4.76 million and potential losses up to USD 100 million. CISA notes that foreign threat actors often impersonate trusted entities and use malicious remote desktop protocol (RDP) files to gain unauthorized access. CISA has recommended ten security measures for organizations, including restricting outbound RDP connections, blocking RDP files, enabling MFA, and adopting phishing-resistant authentication methods. CISA advises against SMS-based MFA due to its vulnerability to SIM-jacking attacks. Kaspersky has raised concerns about SIM swap fraud, particularly in areas with high smartphone usage. Organizations are encouraged to use stronger MFA alternatives, such as software authenticators or passkeys.

AppWizard

October 14, 2024

Google seeks stay against app store competition order

Google has requested a federal judge in California to temporarily suspend an injunction requiring the company to enhance competition in its Play app store, set to take effect on November 1, 2024. This injunction stems from a ruling by US District Judge James Donato, who determined that Google held an illegal monopoly over app downloads and in-app payments on Android devices, following a legal challenge by Epic Games. The injunction mandates Google to permit the installation of competing third-party Android app platforms, prohibits restrictions on alternative in-app payment methods, and prevents financial incentives for exclusive preinstallation of its app store. If the request is denied, Google plans to appeal to the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals.

BetaBeacon

October 11, 2024

Xbox Pounces On Epic Ruling With Plans To Sell Games Directly On Android

Google has faced antitrust losses, with the latest ruling requiring it to change how it distributes apps on Android. Developers will soon be able to sell app content in new ways, and Microsoft is eager to take advantage of this. Xbox gamers will soon be able to purchase games directly in the Xbox app on Android.

BetaBeacon

October 11, 2024

Xbox Cloud Games & Store in the Android app this November

Xbox Cloud Games can be played and the Xbox store is coming to Android in November.

AppWizard

October 7, 2024

Google officially kicks Kaspersky antivirus software app off the Play Store

Kaspersky's official Android app was removed from the Google Play Store, and its developer accounts were disabled, following sanctions imposed by the US government. Kaspersky is investigating the unavailability of its software and has provided alternative download options through other app stores and its official website. The US government has raised concerns about Kaspersky's software potentially being exploited by the Russian government, leading to a ban on the sale of its products effective July 20, 2024. Kaspersky was placed on the US Entity List, and updates to its software were halted as of September 29. The company is offering free security products and safety tips for six months to mitigate customer impact. In September 2024, US customers reported that their antivirus software was replaced with a new solution named UltraAV.

Tech Optimizer

September 25, 2024

US Kaspersky customers startled by forced switch to ‘rando’ AV software

Kaspersky customers in the United States are experiencing an automatic transition to UltraAV antivirus software, developed by Pango Group, following a ban on Kaspersky products by the Biden administration due to security risks. Many users were surprised and frustrated by the abrupt switch, discovering unfamiliar software installed on their devices without prior notice. Complaints have surfaced on social media and Kaspersky's support forum regarding the lack of information about UltraAV and concerns over the transition process. The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security identified Kaspersky's products as potential security risks, leading to the ban. Kaspersky announced that updates to its software would cease by September 29, and although Pango stated that notifications were sent to customers, many reported not receiving them. Customers had the option to opt out of the transition by contacting customer service, but many feel the process could have been handled more effectively.