Windows management Archives

Winsage

February 27, 2025

LCRYX Ransomware Attacks Windows Machines by Blocking Registry Editor and Task Manager

LCRYX ransomware, a VBScript-based threat, re-emerged in February 2025 after first appearing in November 2024. It encrypts files with the .lcryx extension and demands a ransom of 0 in Bitcoin for decryption. The ransomware operates with administrative privileges, disables essential system tools like Task Manager and Command Prompt, and restricts access to the Control Panel. It prevents the execution of diagnostic tools and disables inactivity timeouts. LCRYX ensures persistence by modifying registry settings and remapping keyboard keys. It uses a combination of Caesar cipher and XOR encryption techniques, eliminates backups, and makes recovery nearly impossible. The malware terminates essential processes, overwrites the Master Boot Record, and disables real-time monitoring features of antivirus solutions. After encryption, it generates a ransom note directing victims to a payment website. Some variants display pop-ups revealing the victim’s IP address or launch unrelated applications. Users are advised to implement comprehensive security solutions and maintain regular backups.

Winsage

October 21, 2024

Beast Ransomware Attacking Windows, Linux, And ESXi Systems

Ransomware groups, such as Beast ransomware, have become significant threats in cybersecurity, utilizing advanced malware to encrypt data and demand ransoms. Beast ransomware, identified by Cybereason, has been active since 2022 and can target Windows, Linux, and ESXi operating systems. Originally developed in Delphi, it now uses C and Go. The ransomware employs elliptic-curve and ChaCha20 encryption techniques, features multithreaded file encryption, process termination, and shadow copy deletion on Windows. For Linux and ESXi, it offers customizable encryption paths and VM shutdown options. It spreads through phishing emails, compromised RDP endpoints, and SMB network scans, exploiting the RstrtMgr.dll for file access manipulation. Recent enhancements include an offline builder for configuring builds across various systems. The attack sequence starts with shadow copy deletion via a WMI query, followed by efficient file encryption targeting various file formats. A ransom note is placed in each affected directory, and users can access the ransomware's GUI during encryption. Recommendations to mitigate risks include tracking affiliates, promoting multi-factor authentication, enabling anti-malware solutions, implementing anti-ransomware measures, ensuring regular system patching, and backing up files.

Winsage

September 24, 2024

Windows Server Update Services put on ice as Microsoft pushes for the cloud

Microsoft has announced that it will no longer invest in new features or accept enhancement requests for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which has been in use since 2005. WSUS will continue to function for the time being, but it is now considered a legacy product. In August, WSUS was listed among features removed or no longer developed in Windows Server 2025, and in June, Microsoft announced plans to cease WSUS driver synchronization. Current functionalities will be preserved, and updates will still be published through WSUS even after its deprecated status takes effect. Microsoft encourages enterprises to transition to cloud-based update management solutions such as Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Azure Update Manager, which require a reliable internet connection and may involve a paid subscription.

Winsage

August 22, 2024

RIP Window Control Panel — this app is replacing it

The Control Panel, a key component of Windows since 1985, is gradually losing its functionalities to the Settings app, which was introduced with Windows 8 in 2012. A senior Microsoft official confirmed that "Settings will eventually supersede Control Panel." Although there is no official announcement regarding the discontinuation of Control Panel, a support page indicates it will be "deprecated in favor of the settings of the Settings app." The Settings app was initially designed for touchscreens, and Microsoft is focusing on creating a more modern and user-friendly experience. Control Panel remains accessible for compatibility reasons, but its relevance is diminishing.

Winsage

August 21, 2024

Every Windows user should read Microsoft’s latest webpage

Microsoft has launched a resource titled “System configuration tools in Windows,” which serves as a guide for optimizing PC configurations. The webpage details essential built-in system tools in Windows, providing descriptions of their functionality, applications, and access instructions. The tools featured include Settings, Task Manager, Computer Management, Event Viewer, Control Panel, System Configuration, System Information, Registry Editor, Local Group Policy Editor, and Advanced System Settings. Users can access these tools via keyboard shortcuts, context menus, or Command Prompt commands. It is advised that users familiarize themselves with the functionalities of these tools, especially the Registry Editor, which can pose risks to system stability. Users can access the tools by typing “windows tools” in the Start menu or navigating through Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Tools.