Vanguard Archives

Winsage

March 19, 2025

Windows File Explorer Spoofing Vulnerability (CVE-2025-24071)

Microsoft has identified a spoofing vulnerability in Windows File Explorer, designated as CVE-2025-24071, with a CVSS score of 7.5. This vulnerability affects various versions of Windows, including Windows 10 (multiple versions), Windows 11 (multiple versions), and Windows Server (multiple versions). Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting RAR/ZIP files containing a malicious SMB path, potentially exposing the user's NTLM hash. Microsoft has released a security patch for supported product versions, and affected users are advised to install it promptly. Users can check their system's vulnerability status by verifying their version and patch information through specific commands.

Winsage

March 18, 2025

Windows Defender misidentifies key driver, disrupting popular PC monitoring tools

PC gamers experienced false alarms from Windows Defender regarding the kernel-level driver WinRing0, which is essential for hardware monitoring applications. This misidentification caused issues such as fan control applications malfunctioning after being quarantined. WinRing0 allows applications to interact with hardware components, and its use is widespread among developers. Microsoft flagged WinRing0, complicating matters for developers due to the requirement for digital signatures on drivers, which can be costly for open-source projects. Some developers, like SignalRGB, are creating proprietary drivers as alternatives, though this requires significant resources. Microsoft is reviewing its detection logic to reduce false positives, while iBuyPower plans to provide a signed version of WinRing0 to aid developers. Users may need to update applications or adjust Windows Defender settings to maintain functionality, as Razer and SteelSeries have moved away from using WinRing0 in their software.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

Epic Games and Qualcomm are teaming up to solve one of the biggest roadblocks to gaming on Snapdragon X PCs

Epic Games and Qualcomm have announced a partnership to enhance Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) support for Snapdragon X-powered PCs later this year. Fortnite will be the first game to implement this support. Epic Games will provide developers with an Epic Online Services SDK to help integrate EAC compatibility into their titles. The collaboration aims to improve the gaming experience on Snapdragon X, addressing challenges related to anticheat software.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Revenue up 49% at Remedy for 2024

Remedy, the Finnish games company, reported a 49.3% increase in revenue for the 2024 financial year, totaling €50.7 million, up from €33.9 million in 2023. The operating profit was negative at €4.3 million, an improvement from the previous year's deficit of €28.6 million. Alan Wake 2 sold over two million units. The company generated €12.3 million from operations, recovering from a €16 million loss the previous year. In Q4 2024, revenue rose 13.1% to €11.7 million. Development fees increased due to ongoing projects for Max Payne 1&2 Remake and Control 2, while royalties declined. By the end of 2024, Alan Wake 2 had recouped its costs and started generating royalties. The fourth quarter operating profit was €-1.4 million, improving by €11.4 million from the previous year's €7.2 million impairment loss related to Vanguard.

AppWizard

November 4, 2024

Valorant is winning the war against PC gaming cheaters

In 2020, multiplayer games experienced a surge in cheating during COVID-19 lockdowns, with titles like Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG, and Destiny 2 struggling against aimbots and wallhacks. Riot Games launched Valorant with its anti-cheat system, Vanguard, which has effectively deterred cheat developers. Vanguard employs a kernel-level driver that detects unauthorized access attempts and has led to a decrease in traditional software cheats, although some cheaters have shifted to hardware solutions like direct memory access (DMA) techniques. Vanguard has also been successful in detecting and blocking suspicious hardware-level DMA attempts. Currently, triggerbots account for about 80 percent of cheats in Valorant. Vanguard was introduced to League of Legends, resulting in over 175,000 account bans. A study from the University of Birmingham indicated that Valorant has the top anti-cheat system, while other games like Call of Duty: Warzone continue to struggle. Riot is exploring collaborations with Microsoft to enhance security and may adjust Vanguard's activation based on Windows 11 features. There are no plans for Linux support due to risks of kernel manipulation. The potential rise of AI-powered cheats presents a new challenge, as AI could replicate human gameplay, complicating anti-cheat efforts.

AppWizard

September 18, 2024

GTA Online Adds BattlEye Anti-Cheat After 9 Years on PC

Rockstar Games has integrated BattlEye anti-cheat software into GTA Online to combat persistent cheating issues. This kernel-level anti-cheat system is designed to enhance player security and improve the overall multiplayer experience. Players using Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher can disable BattlEye for single-player Story Mode. The update also includes fixes for crashes and issues with multiplayer invites. The implementation of BattlEye is seen as a commitment from Rockstar to provide a fairer gameplay environment and suggests ongoing support for GTA Online as development for GTA 6 continues.

AppWizard

September 9, 2024

Space Marine 2 classes explained and best class overall

Players in Space Marine 2 can choose from various classes, each with unique playstyles. The Vanguard class excels in close-quarters combat, utilizing a Grapnel Launcher and a combat knife for melee and ranged capabilities, while replenishing armor through executions. The Tactical class is versatile, featuring a broad weapon selection and the Auspex Scan ability to tag enemies for increased damage. The Assault class focuses on aerial assaults with a Jump Pack and thunder hammer, delivering area-of-effect damage. The Bulwark class combines melee and defensive abilities, using a Chapter Banner to support allies and a shield for protection. The Sniper class emphasizes ranged combat with a Camo Cloak for temporary invisibility, suitable for tactical players. The Heavy class specializes in ranged combat with heavy weapons and the Iron Halo ability for protection, excelling in controlling the battlefield from a distance.

AppWizard

September 9, 2024

The best Space Marine 2 PvP Builds

The PvP mode, Eternal War, in Space Marine 2 features various classes with unique builds for players to maximize effectiveness. Heavy Build: - Primary: Heavy bolter - Secondary: Plasma pistol - Equipment: Frag grenade - Characteristics: High damage output, excellent armor and defense, limited mobility, Iron Halo ability for protection. Tactical Build: - Primary: Heavy bolt rifle/stalker bolt rifle - Secondary: Bolt pistol - Melee: Chainsword - Grenade: Frag grenade - Characteristics: Provides intel with Auspex Scan, significant damage, versatile for close or long-range combat. Bulwark Build: - Secondary: Bolt pistol - Melee: Chainsword - Grenade: Shock grenade - Characteristics: Support-focused, restores armor to teammates with Chapter Banner, relies on teamwork for damage. Assault Build: - Secondary: Bolt pistol/heavy bolt pistol - Melee: Chainsword - Grenade: Krak grenade - Characteristics: Agile playstyle with Jump Pack ability, weak armor, focuses on quick damage. Vanguard Build: - Primary: Occulus bolt carbine - Secondary: Bolt pistol - Melee: Combat knife - Grenade: Krak grenade - Characteristics: Unique mobility with Grapnel Launcher, weak armor, effective in close-range engagements. Sniper Build: - Primary: Las fusil - Secondary: Bolt pistol - Melee: Combat knife - Grenade: Frag grenade - Characteristics: Lone wolf role with Camo Cloak for invisibility, best at long-range combat.

AppWizard

September 6, 2024

Google Blocks Android Auto Access, May Violate EU Rules, According To Court Adviser – Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF (ARCA:FCOM)

An adviser at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has suggested that Google’s refusal to allow Enel SpA’s e-mobility app, JuicePass, access to its Android Auto platform may violate competition laws. This follows a 2021 fine of 102 million euros imposed on Alphabet Inc. by Italy’s antitrust regulator for similar actions. JuicePass allows users to manage electric vehicle chargers remotely, but Google blocked its integration, citing security concerns and the absence of a specific template. Google has appealed to the Italian Council of State and is working to address the issue. As the CJEU prepares to rule, Alphabet's stock has seen mixed reactions, with a modest increase of 0.50% recently.

Winsage

August 21, 2024

Microsoft will release controversial Windows Recall AI search feature to testers in October

Microsoft plans to roll out its Recall artificial intelligence search feature for Windows users, with testing starting in October. Recall allows users to search for previously viewed information through screenshots captured during their activity. The feature will be disabled by default to address security concerns regarding automatic image capturing without user consent. Recall will be available on devices that meet the requirements for Copilot+ PCs, which are designed to handle AI workloads locally. Microsoft has not specified a timeline for a broader release but aims for availability by the holiday season. The company is focusing on security, incorporating cybersecurity contributions into employee performance evaluations, and has emphasized that security remains a top priority.