Have you heard of Skip-2.0 malware? Prepare to be dismayed.
Backdoor Access for Hackers
Security researchers have recently discovered an undocumented (until now) backdoor designed for Microsoft SQL servers. It will allow a hacker working remotely to stealthily take control of a previously compromised system.
Skip-2.0 Malware Allows Backdoor Access for Hackers
Windows 10 Announced a New Functionality
Microsoft may have given up on the idea of putting their Windows operating system on smartphones, but that doesn't mean they've given up on smartphones altogether. Recently, the company announced a significant new functionality that will allow users to take calls made to an Android phone from their Windows-based PC.
The new feature is currently only available to Windows Insiders for testing, but will be generally available to all users in an upcoming build in the unspecified, but not too distant future.
Tamper Protection Enabled By Default In Windows 10 Update
Do you have the new Windows 10? The most recent version is version 1903, which was the May 2019 update. Assuming you've got that version or later, you should have Microsoft's Tamper Protection enabled by default.
If you're not sure what the big deal is, in a nutshell, Windows Tamper Protection blocks scripts, apps, and programs from making changes to your security settings and to Microsoft Defender.
Upgrade to Office 365 ProPlus
Extended Support for Office 2010 expires on October 13th, 2020, so time is running out to upgrade. The company's official recommendation is to upgrade to either Office 365 ProPlus, or Office 2019.
In addition to that, "We also recommend business and enterprise customers use the deployment benefits provided by Microsoft and Microsoft Certified Partners, including Microsoft FastTrack for cloud migrations and Software Assurance Planning Services for on-premises upgrades.
Attachment Extensions Carrying Malware Banned On Microsoft Outlook
One of the most common means by which malware winds up on the computers of its victims is via attachment extensions such as email. In fact, 92% of malware is delivered by email. All it takes is one careless moment. One-click to open a file that turns out to be poisoned and you're in for a world of trouble.
New Microsoft Update Version 1903
If you haven't yet downloaded and installed the latest Windows 10 update (version 1903), read this article carefully.
Microsoft is reporting that their latest build is causing Wi-Fi connectivity issues with some network adapters. Specifically, the Centrino 6205/6235 and Broadcom's 802.11ac.
Microsoft Is Extending Windows 7 Support For Only Some Users
There's some good news for Enterprise users who are still using Windows 7. By now, almost everyone is aware that the company is bringing support for the aging operating system to a close.
The original time frame for formally ending support and for ending the issuance of security updates was set for as soon as January 2020.
Enterprise users, however, were given the option of paying for additional support for a limited window of time to give them a little longer to migrate away from Windows 7 and onto a more modern OS. Unfortunately, that window is now rapidly closing too.
Windows 10 May Make WordPad And Paint Downloadable Soon
There's another chapter in the ongoing MS Paint saga.
In case you missed the first part of the story, several months ago, Microsoft upset its user base when a Windows 10 Build took Paint out of the equation. They replaced it with an updated version of the software that supported 3D effects and other advanced features.
BlueKeep Virus Continues To Be An Issue For Microsoft
Wormable bugs are an ongoing concern for Microsoft. Recently, the company released a set of patches for two newly discovered 'BlueKeep-Like vulnerabilities" that impact a wide range of Windows Operating Systems.
These bugs plague the company's remote desktop services and permit malware to spread rapidly from one device to another.
Windows Update May Not Work On Some Dual Boot Macs
Windows 10 version 1903 is out. However, if you're a Mac user running Windows 10, you may not be able to get the latest from Microsoft. According to Microsoft's official statement on the matter:
"Macs introduced before 2012 or newer Mac devices with older versions of Apple Boot Camp or Windows Support Software drivers installed will not be able to install the May 2019 Windows 10 Feature Update.