Windows 11 Forces Microsoft Account Sign In & Removes Bypass Trick Option | TechRepublic

Windows 11 Forces Microsoft Account Sign In & Removes Bypass Trick Option | TechRepublic

Microsoft is making it increasingly difficult to set up Windows 11 without signing into a Microsoft Account. A popular workaround that previously allowed users to bypass the mandatory login is being removed, effectively requiring an internet connection and Microsoft Account during the initial setup. Goodbye, bypass trick For years, Windows users who preferred local accounts — or simply didn’t want to link their PC to a Microsoft Account — relied on a simple command called…

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Update VMware Tools for Windows NOW: High-Severity Flaw Lets Hackers Bypass Authentication

Update VMware Tools for Windows NOW: High-Severity Flaw Lets Hackers Bypass Authentication

Image: Ferran Rodenas/Flickr/Creative Commons If you use VMware Tools for Windows, it is critical to update to the latest version. Broadcom, which acquired VMware for $69 billion in 2023, has issued a patch for a high-severity vulnerability that is actively being exploited by cybercriminals. The vulnerability affects VMware Tools for Windows versions 11.x.x and 12.x.x, but has been patched in version 12.5.1. Broadcom confirmed that no workarounds are available, so affected users should update immediately….

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Patch Tuesday: Microsoft Fixes 57 Security Flaws

Patch Tuesday: Microsoft Fixes 57 Security Flaws

Image: Microsoft News Microsoft just dropped its March 2025 Patch Tuesday update, which includes 57 fixes though closer to 70 with third-party vulnerabilities included. The update addresses some critical security issues that require immediate attention, including the following six zero-day vulnerabilities that hackers are actively exploiting. CVE-2025-26633: A security hole in Microsoft Management Console that lets hackers bypass normal protections. They typically trick you into opening a specially designed file or website through email or…

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New Mac Malware Poses as Browser Updates

New Mac Malware Poses as Browser Updates

A new macOS malware called FrigidStealer is spreading through fake browser update alerts, allowing attackers to steal sensitive data, according to research from Proofpoint. This sophisticated campaign, embedded in legitimate sites, tricks users into bypassing macOS security measures. Once installed, the malware extracts browser cookies, stored passwords, cryptocurrency-related files, and Apple Notes – potentially exposing both personal and enterprise data. Two newly identified threat actors operate parts of these web-inject campaigns: TA2726, which may act…

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Patch Tuesday: Microsoft’s January 2025 Security Update Patches Exploited Elevation of Privilege Attacks

Patch Tuesday: Microsoft’s January 2025 Security Update Patches Exploited Elevation of Privilege Attacks

Microsoft’s latest batch of security patches includes an expanded blacklist for certain Windows Kernel Vulnerable Drivers and fixes for several elevations of privilege vulnerabilities. The January 2025 Security Update addressed 159 vulnerabilities. Security patches should be applied to keep software up-to-date. However, early versions of patches may be unreliable and should be cautiously approached and deployed in test environments first. 1 Pipedrive CRM Employees per Company Size Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999),…

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This Trusted App Helps Sluggish PCs Work Faster

This Trusted App Helps Sluggish PCs Work Faster

TL;DR: CCleaner helps your sluggish PC run efficiently, and it’s only $15 for one year. Over time, unnecessary files, cookies, and outdated registry entries pile up in any computer, slowing your system. CCleaner is a PC optimization tool that simplifies the process of clearing out clutter from your machine so you don’t have to do it manually. The one-click cleaning feature is quick, efficient, and trusted by many. And for a short time, CCleaner Professional…

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What Is Patch Tuesday? Microsoft's Monthly Update Explained

What Is Patch Tuesday? Microsoft's Monthly Update Explained

On the second Tuesday of each month, Microsoft and other tech companies release patches for consumer and enterprise users. These updates, including bug fixes and security enhancements from the previous month, are known as “Patch Tuesday.” The monthly update is an important opportunity to ensure that security features and applications are up to date. Microsoft details the official Patch Tuesday release in their Security Update Guide. Below, TechRepublic explores its purpose, how it works, and…

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What’s Inside Microsoft’s Major Windows 11 Update?

What’s Inside Microsoft’s Major Windows 11 Update?

Microsoft has begun rolling out its new Windows 11 update for 2024 — but it will come in phases. The update, known as version 24H2, opens the door to Microsoft’s new AI features in select PCs. The annual update also brings a new look for File Explorer, the sudo command for elevating privileges in a regular console session, new features and tools for IT teams, security updates, and more. File explorer and quick settings boast…

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StormBamboo Compromises ISP to Spread Malware via Updates

StormBamboo Compromises ISP to Spread Malware via Updates

New research from cybersecurity company Volexity revealed details about a highly sophisticated attack deployed by a Chinese-speaking cyberespionage threat actor named StormBamboo. StormBamboo compromised an ISP to modify some DNS answers to queries from systems requesting legitimate software updates. Multiple software vendors were targeted. The altered responses led to malicious payloads served by StormBamboo in addition to the legitimate update files. The payloads targeted both macOS and Microsoft Windows operating systems. Who is StormBamboo? StormBamboo…

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BeyondTrust Report: Microsoft Security Vulnerabilities Decreased by 5% in 2023

BeyondTrust Report: Microsoft Security Vulnerabilities Decreased by 5% in 2023

The number of Microsoft vulnerabilities has mostly flattened in 2023, with elevation of privilege and identity attacks being particularly common, according to BeyondTrust’s annual Microsoft Vulnerabilities report. Identity and access management solutions company BeyondTrust studied the most significant CVEs of 2023 and Microsoft vulnerability data from Microsoft’s monthly Patch Tuesday bulletins. The report includes vulnerability trends and tips about how to reduce identity attacks. Microsoft reported 1,228 vulnerabilities in 2023 The total number of Microsoft…

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