Security News

Microsoft: Windows 11 preview update causes taskbar crashes
2024-05-30 22:22

Microsoft warned customers on Thursday that the May 2024 non-security preview update for Windows 11 is causing taskbar crashes and glitches. Today, one day after this cumulative update was rolled out, Redmond added a new known issue to the KB5037853 support document confirming that Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 users might experience taskbar issues.

Pirated Microsoft Office delivers malware cocktail on systems
2024-05-30 20:53

Cybercriminals are distributing a malware cocktail through cracked versions of Microsoft Office promoted on torrent sites. The malware delivered to users includes remote access trojans, cryptocurrency miners, malware downloaders, proxy tools, and anti-AV programs.

What Is ShrinkLocker? New Ransomware Targets Microsoft BitLocker Encryption Feature
2024-05-30 14:21

It exploits the Microsoft BitLocker encryption feature to encrypt the entire local drive and remove the recovery options before shutting down the PC. ShrinkLocker was discovered by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, and analysts have observed variants in Mexico, Indonesia and Jordan. BitLocker has been used to stage ransomware attacks in the past, but this strain has "Previously unreported features to maximise the damage of the attack," Kaspersky said in a press release.

Microsoft Uncovers 'Moonstone Sleet' — New North Korean Hacker Group
2024-05-29 10:35

A never-before-seen North Korean threat actor codenamed Moonstone Sleet has been attributed as behind cyber attacks targeting individuals and organizations in the software and information...

Microsoft links North Korean hackers to new FakePenny ransomware
2024-05-28 17:58

Microsoft has linked a North Korean hacking group it tracks as Moonstone Sleet to FakePenny ransomware attacks, which have led to millions of dollars in ransom demands. Unlike previous ransomware attacks coordinated by North Korean state hackers, in which victims were asked to pay $100,000, the ransom demanded by the Moonstone Sleet attackers was $6.6 million in BTC. Microsoft's assessment of this attack concluded that Moonstone Sleet's primary motivation for deploying the ransomware was financial gain.

Microsoft: Windows 24H2 will remove Cortana and WordPad apps
2024-05-24 18:58

Microsoft says the Cortana, Tips, and WordPad applications will be automatically removed on systems upgraded to the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 release. In September, Microsoft announced that it would deprecate WordPad-automatically installed on Windows systems for 28 years, since 1995, and an optional Windows feature since the Windows 10 Insider Build 19551 release in February 2020-with a future Windows update.

Microsoft Copilot fixed worldwide after 24 hour outage
2024-05-24 17:59

After over a 24-hour outage, Microsoft's Bing, Copilot, and Copilot in Windows services are back online worldwide, with no information released as to what caused the problem. ChatGPT's internet search features, which Bing powers, were also down, as confirmed by OpenAI. Microsoft shared updates throughout the day, initially stating, "We're working to find the cause of the issue. More information can be found in the admin center under CP795190."

Microsoft pushes emergency fix for Windows Server 2019 update errors
2024-05-24 00:32

Microsoft has released an emergency out-of-band update for Windows Server 2019 that fixes a bug causing 0x800f0982 errors when attempting to install the May 2024 Patch Tuesday security updates. "Yep, 6 Windows Server 2019 by different Costumers. All the same issue: error 0x800f0982," reported a Windows admin on Reddit.

Here's yet more ransomware using BitLocker against Microsoft's own users
2024-05-23 21:21

Your profile can be used to present content that appears more relevant based on your possible interests, such as by adapting the order in which content is shown to you, so that it is even easier for you to find content that matches your interests. Content presented to you on this service can be based on your content personalisation profiles, which can reflect your activity on this or other services, possible interests and personal aspects.

Microsoft spots gift card thieves using cyber-espionage tactics
2024-05-23 19:28

Microsoft has published a "Cyber Signals" report sharing new information about the hacking group Storm-0539 and a sharp rise in gift card theft as we approach the Memorial Day holiday in the United States. The FBI previously warned about Storm-0539's activities earlier this month, highlighting the threat group's advanced techniques in conducting gift card theft and fraud, stating that their tactics resemble state-sponsored hackers and sophisticated cyberespionage actors.