virtualized environment Archives

Tech Optimizer

March 21, 2025

Cybercriminals Exploit CheckPoint Driver Flaws in Malicious Campaign

A report by Nima Bagheri reveals that CheckPoint’s ZoneAlarm antivirus software is being exploited by threat actors using a method called Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD). This attack targets vulnerabilities in the vsdatant.sys driver, which operates with high-level kernel privileges, allowing attackers to bypass Windows security measures. Specifically, version 14.1.32.0 of vsdatant.sys, released in 2016, contains vulnerabilities that enable attackers to circumvent the Windows Memory Integrity feature, gaining access to sensitive information and establishing persistent connections to compromised systems. Bagheri advises users to update to the latest version of vsdatant.sys, which is not vulnerable. CheckPoint confirmed that the outdated driver is no longer in use and that users running the latest versions of ZoneAlarm or Harmony Endpoint are not affected.

Winsage

March 14, 2025

AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D reportedly runs up to 20% faster on Windows 10

Recent tests by Tech YES City indicate that Windows 10 can outperform Windows 11 by up to 20% in certain gaming scenarios, particularly in Fortnite at 1080p resolution. This performance gap is attributed to Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), which, when enabled on Windows 11, can lead to a performance loss in CPU-intensive games. The performance difference diminishes at 4K resolution, where both operating systems perform similarly. Windows 10 also showed better performance in games like Counter-Strike 2, Baldur's Gate 3, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, although to a lesser extent. Users with high-performance CPUs like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D may benefit from staying with Windows 10 longer despite its impending end of support.

Winsage

October 11, 2024

Chromebooks may soon lose a feature that allows you to use Windows apps

Google is expected to discontinue its partnership with Parallels for Chromebook users, which has allowed the running of Windows applications alongside Android apps since 2020. This decision is influenced by Google's collaboration with Cameyo, an alternative for accessing legacy applications. There have been no significant updates to Parallels on Chromebooks in over a year and a half, leading to speculation about its future. An official announcement regarding the discontinuation is anticipated before the end of 2024, potentially leaving Cameyo as the only option for running legacy applications on Chromebooks.

Winsage

September 30, 2024

This one security feature makes Windows 11 Pro worth every penny

Microsoft's Windows 11 Pro includes the Windows Sandbox feature, which provides a virtualized environment for users to explore the web and download applications without risking their primary system. The Sandbox is isolated, containing any potential malware, and can be easily disposed of with a click. To activate it, users must enable the feature in the Control Panel, which may require a system restart. When launched, it offers a fresh Windows desktop without personal customizations, allowing users to engage with untrusted sources safely. However, transferring files from the Sandbox to the main system can pose risks if those files contain malware. Closing the Sandbox erases all its contents. The inclusion of Windows Sandbox makes upgrading to Windows 11 Pro appealing for users seeking enhanced security.