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additional restrictions: Security
The February 2026 Windows 10 ESU update KB5075912 raises 22H2 systems to Build 19045.6937 and includes fixes plus Secure Boot rollout signals

Windows 10 ESU update KB5075912 bumps 22H2 to Build 19045.6937

Windows 10 ESU update KB5075912 (Build 19045.6937) is rolling out for February 2026, addressing a shutdown/hibernation restart issue on some Secure Launch-capable PCs and carrying Secure Boot rollout targeting data.
Darryl Linington, 19 Feb 2026 09:37
Google Chrome is at the center of a critical security rollout following the discovery of CVE-2026-2441, an "in-the-wild" exploit affecting the Chromium CSS component

Chrome 145 update fixes critical CVE-2026-2441 zero-day vulnerability

Google has released an emergency security update for Chrome Desktop to address CVE-2026-2441, a high-severity use-after-free vulnerability in the browser's CSS component.
Darryl Linington, 17 Feb 2026 15:39
The 70mai A810S is a dual-channel dash cam

70mai launches new 4K A810S dash cam with built-in GPS and ADAS

70mai has unveiled the new 4K A810S two-channel dash cam in the global market with its in-house Night Owl Vision technology. The dash cam features 4K recording, a 3-inch IPS display, AI motion detection, a built-in GPS and ADAS, and WiFi 6 connectivity for high-speed transfers.
Abhinav Fating, 16 Feb 2026 15:46
Network hardware on a desk

Unbloated network – building an OpenWRT router: Which hardware actually makes sense? (part 2)

After deciding against using the ISP router in part one, it’s time to focus on hardware: what actually works best for an OpenWRT router? A mini PC, Raspberry Pi, or a traditional router? And what about the switch and access point? In this part, I’ll walk through my hardware choices, including considerations around power consumption, architecture, and cost.
Christian Hintze, 16 Feb 2026 13:17
Microsoft signage stands in front of the corporate campus building

Windows 11 KB5077181: Update causes boot loops, DHCP errors, and sign-in failures

Microsoft’s Windows 11 KB5077181 update (Builds 26100.7840 / 26200.7840) is reportedly triggering infinite boot loops and SENS sign-in failures. Despite officially fixing previous boot bugs, users are encountering new DHCP networking regressions and 0x800f0983 installation errors.
Darryl Linington, 16 Feb 2026 13:12
Provider router vs. OpenWRT network

Unbloated network – Replacing provider routers with OpenWRT: project overview (part 1)

Provider routers are convenient—but that’s exactly their biggest problem. Poor Wi-Fi coverage, limited control, questionable privacy, and technical limitations are everyday issues for many users. In this new series, I’ll gradually replace my provider’s all-in-one device (the Vodafone Station) with a modular setup using an OpenWRT router, access point, and switch. In part 1, I’ll explain why I’m taking this approach and how the project is structured.
Christian Hintze, 13 Feb 2026 13:00
Microsoft signage stands in front of the corporate campus building

Windows Secure Boot 2026: Microsoft issues final warning over expiring certificates

Microsoft warns that 2011 Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026. Is your PC ready? We look at the OEM roadmap and how to verify your firmware status.
Darryl Linington, 12 Feb 2026 09:27
Banner for Xbox Privacy and Online Safety is shown

Xbox age verification is booting UK users from accounts and games, with Microsoft aware of issue

Meant to protect younger players, Microsoft’s age verification measures are affecting other UK gamers. Some players can’t finish a multiplayer match without having to relog into their Xbox accounts. The company is working on a fix, but hasn’t provided an ETA for a solution.
Adam Corsetti, 11 Feb 2026 21:51
GitLab logo

GitLab urges users to update after patching high-risk flaws affecting repositories and services

GitLab has released urgent patch updates for its Community and Enterprise editions, addressing multiple high-severity vulnerabilities including an 8.0-rated Web IDE flaw that could allow token theft and unauthorized access to private repositories.
Praneeta, 11 Feb 2026 20:25
Microsoft signage stands in front of the corporate campus building

Windows 11 February 2026 Patch: KB5077181 and KB5075941 fix zero-days, shutdown bugs

Microsoft’s February 2026 Windows 11 updates (KB5077181 and KB5075941) add security patches, bug fixes, and new Secure Boot rollout signals ahead of certificate expirations starting in June 2026.
Darryl Linington, 11 Feb 2026 11:58
Nighttime cityscape of Warsaw featuring the illuminated Palace of Culture and Science surrounded by modern skyscrapers and office buildings.

Major cyberattack on Poland wind and solar farms raises global concerns over insecure network hardware

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning after a cyberattack targeted renewable energy facilities in Poland. The incident shows security weaknesses in internet-connected systems used in energy infrastructure and has prompted global agencies to advise operators to improve their cybersecurity protections.
Praneeta, 11 Feb 2026 00:44
Microsoft signage stands in front of the corporate campus building

Microsoft sets 2026 deadline for Secure Boot certificate expiration

Microsoft has issued new guidance warning that 2011 Secure Boot certificates begin expiring in June 2026. Windows updates are rolling out 2023 replacement certificates, with some PCs requiring OEM firmware updates.
Darryl Linington, 10 Feb 2026 21:29
Banner for Discord Privacy and Safety

Discord will require face scans or ID for some servers in March, raising privacy concerns

Discord will soon force all users to complete ID verification or be shut out from age-restricted servers and features. In March, chatters must upload a video showing their faces or other qualified IDs. The company outlined privacy protections following an attempted October 2025 data breach.
Adam Corsetti, 09 Feb 2026 17:25
Microsoft signage stands in front of the corporate campus building

Microsoft admits Windows 11 issues, pivots team to rebuild user trust

Microsoft is pivoting engineering teams to a new "swarming" model to fix Windows 11 performance and reliability issues after a wave of buggy 2026 updates.
Darryl Linington, 05 Feb 2026 15:57
Microsoft signage stands in front of the corporate campus building

Microsoft update fallout continues as shutdown bug expands to Windows 10 VSM systems

Microsoft has expanded a confirmed Windows restart-on-shutdown bug to include some Windows 10 systems with Virtual Secure Mode enabled. Here’s what’s affected and what’s fixed so far.
Darryl Linington, 05 Feb 2026 14:31
OpenClaw needs a lot of API tokens (symbolic picture)

Free to use AI tool can burn through hundreds of Dollars per day: OpenClaw has absurdly high token use

Despite several name changes, OpenClaw remains one of the most hyped AI tools. After all, it turns a PC into a fully autonomous AI agent. However, the tool can easily burn through hundreds of dollars in API tokens per day. Even worse, serious security flaws have been discovered.
Marc Herter, 04 Feb 2026 22:09
AI agents are having their own conversations...

Moltbook goes viral as researchers flag security gaps

Moltbook, a Reddit-style forum for AI agents, is going viral as researchers report exposed emails, DMs, and agent tokens... raising authenticity concerns.
Darryl Linington, 03 Feb 2026 14:13
Banner for People Playground is shown

Popular sandbox Steam game sees virus infect workshop, deleting mods and save files

Steam workshops can keep a game feeling fresh without official updates. Sadly for People Playground, one mod took advantage of this freedom by destroying competing downloads. The game’s developer has taken the workshop offline while it evaluates the damage caused by the virus.
Adam Corsetti, 02 Feb 2026 22:03
Windows 11 banner shown on Microsoft News

Windows 11 boot failures officially blamed on a chain of bad updates

Microsoft says Windows 11’s January 2026 KB5074109 update is triggering boot failures mainly on a limited set of physical (mostly commercial) PCs that were left in an “improper state.”
Darryl Linington, 31 Jan 2026 14:36
Madhu Gottumukkala and ChatGPT. (Image source: CISA.gov, public domain, edited by Notebookcheck)

US cybersecurity chief uploads confidential documents to ChatGPT

Madhu Gottumukkala, Acting Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, triggered internal security alerts by uploading sensitive documents to ChatGPT. The incident raises questions about data security at CISA.
Marc Herter, 30 Jan 2026 18:21
Windows 11 banner shown on Microsoft News (Image source: Microsoft News with edits)

Windows 11 KB5074109 kills support for older modems

Windows 11 KB5074109 removes four legacy modem drivers, disabling dial-up and telephony modems that rely on them as a security hardening move.
Darryl Linington, 30 Jan 2026 08:55
Intel Inside could mean intel outside of your control (Image Source: Livny)

Modder liberates ThinkPad T430 from Intel's secret backdoor

While the ThinkPad series of laptops has always lent itself to customization, the Intel processors powering them have limited complete control over the device due in part to Intel’s Management Engine. However, thanks to the work of dedicated security researchers, there is a method to build a fully open-source laptop, from the BIOS up.
Stephen Pereyra, 30 Jan 2026 02:25
Windows 11 security update installation screen showing download progress (Image Source: Pabitra Kaity from Pixabay)

Microsoft issues out-of-band patch for actively exploited Microsoft Office zero-day vulnerability

Microsoft has released an out-of-band security update to fix an actively exploited Microsoft Office vulnerability tracked as CVE-2026-21509. The flaw allows attackers to bypass Office security protections via malicious documents and has been added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Praneeta, 28 Jan 2026 13:46
The TrackFlex security camera features an 8 MP lens (Image source: Reolink)

Reolink’s new TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi surveillance camera launches with 20% discount

Reolink has announced the TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi surveillance camera with local AI video search. The latest member in the Floodlight series features a 2-in-1 dual-lens design, which offers 360° coverage with 6x hybrid zoom. Other features include dual-band Wi-Fi 6, auto-tracking, 24/7 continuous recording, and app-based controls.
Abhinav Fating, 27 Jan 2026 07:31
ChatGPT user deletes Data (Symbolic picture AI | Nano Banana Pro)

ChatGPT: Professor loses two years of work

Two years of work lost with a single click—that is how Professor Marcel Bucher describes his experience in an article in Nature. He concludes that ChatGPT is a threat to consistent productivity. However, the chatbot offers a backup function that the researcher apparently failed to utilize.
Marc Herter, 25 Jan 2026 13:02
An Alta X drone carrying a custom built simulated Unmanned Aircraft Systems environment payload (Image source:  NASA/Brandon Torres Navarette; edited)

NASA develops blockchain technology to keep flights safe

NASA has tested a cybersecurity system built using blockchain technology. The technology was tested using an Alta-X drone. This blockchain system is aimed at providing improved protection for flight data.
Chibuike Okpara, 25 Jan 2026 03:37
Microsoft hands over BitLocker keys in the event of a court order. (Symbolic image created with Nano Banana Pro)

Cloud risk with BitLocker: Microsoft occasionally hands over BitLocker keys to the FBI

While Apple and Google stress that they cannot unlock customer devices, the situation is different with Windows encryption: Microsoft routinely hands over BitLocker keys from the cloud to law enforcement agencies.
Marc Herter, 24 Jan 2026 13:14
Some TP-Link Vigi security cameras, like the InSight S245ZI (pictured), are currently vulnerable to attackers. (Image source: TP-Link)

Many TP-Link cameras affected by security vulnerability

A range of TP-Link security cameras are affected by a security vulnerability, according to a recent statement from the brand. A list of over 60 Vigi models has appeared on a support page, which details the issue. Impacted users are advised to download the relevant software update as soon as possible.
Polly Allcock, 21 Jan 2026 15:59
The official Microsoft Windows 11 logo (Image source: Microsoft.com)

Windows 11 January 2026 update: KB5074109 fixes battery drain and 114 security flaws

Stop Windows 11 battery drain with the new KB5074109 update. Patch 114 security vulnerabilities and fix NPU power issues on your laptop.
Darryl Linington, 14 Jan 2026 22:21
WhatsApp census. (Symbolic image, source: Nano Banana Pro)

WhatsApp: Researchers create phone book with all 3.5 billion users

Researchers from Vienna have discovered a massive security vulnerability in WhatsApp, enabling them to identify 3.5 billion users. The lack of query limits allowed for the large-scale collection of usernames, profile pictures and status messages.
Marc Herter, 13 Jan 2026 12:10
A hacking forum got hacked. (Image source: AI generated by GPT-4o)

Hacker database gets hacked, leaks 324,000 accounts

In an ironic turn of events, a notorious hacking forum was hacked, resulting in a breach compromising roughly 324,000 accounts. Some of these accounts had public IP addresses tied to them, meaning that law enforcement could use this information to catch malicious actors.
Sam Medley, 12 Jan 2026 17:28
Instagram logo. (Image Source: Meta)

Massive data leak reportedly exposes information of 17.5 million Instagram users

Malwarebytes has confirmed a massive data leak exposing personal information from 17.5 million Instagram accounts. The leaked data could be used for phishing and account takeovers, and users are urged to enable 2FA and stay alert for fake Meta messages.
Abdul Haddi, 10 Jan 2026 18:17
Microsoft defender blocking MAS (including screenshot from Powerm1nt via X)

Microsoft Defender might be right to block Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS)

Reports are spreading that Microsoft Defender is blocking the popular community tool MAS, flagging it as a fake. In contrast, our own tests demonstrate that the script works flawlessly. Have affected users perhaps fallen victim to DNS tampering?
Marc Herter, 09 Jan 2026 19:31
Aqara Smart Lock U400 shown outside home (Image source: Aqara PR)

Aqara debuts the Smart Lock U400 with UWB, enabling hands-free entry via smartphone detection

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices aim to make homes more intelligent without compromising security. The Aqara Smart Lock U400 detects approaching household members and unlocks automatically. Digital keys stored in smartphones facilitate a hands-free alternative to fingerprint scanning or codes.
Adam Corsetti, 06 Jan 2026 15:00
Operators in Rainbow Six Siege. (Image Source: Ubisoft)

Rainbow Six Siege has reportedly been hacked for the third time, hackers can now ban players or type custom messages in-game

Rainbow Six Siege has reportedly been hacked again. This time, hackers are banning players and writing custom messages inside the game.
Abdul Haddi, 05 Jan 2026 20:26
The "dieselgate" principle is applied to honey (symbolic picture Nano Banana Pro)

Hide and seek with testers: YouTuber and digital forensics expert uncover new honey scandal

Together with Ben Edelman, YouTuber MegaLag proves a systematic obfuscation tactic that deliberately deceives testers and redirects commissions unnoticed. The "dieselgate" principle is applied: honey identifies testers and disables manipulative features.
Marc Herter, 02 Jan 2026 12:16
The Hiroh privacy phone with hardware kill switch is powered by Murena's /e/OS Android 16 stripped of data-collecting code. (Image source: Hiroh)

Murena taking pre-orders for the Hiroh smartphone powered by /e/OS, a privacy-focused version of Android 16

Murena has started taking pre-orders for the Hiroh privacy phone. The privacy-first device has a physical hardware kill switch for the camera and microphone, and comes with an AMOLED display and a 108 MP camera. It runs /e/OS, a customized version of Android stripped of data-collecting code.
David Chien, 30 Dec 2025 22:24
The Chrome extension Trust Wallet has been compromised by hackers (Image source: AI-generated with Nano Banana Pro)

$7 million stolen on Christmas Eve: Chrome extension Trust Wallet compromised by hackers

Once again, several high-profile crimes have taken place during this year's holidays. Hackers pulled off a major coup with a supply chain attack on Trust Wallet, which apparently involved up to $7 million in cryptocurrencies.
Marc Herter, 30 Dec 2025 03:48
Security researchers have cracked Xplora smartwatches (Image source: AI-generated with Nano Banana Pro)

Same key for all units: Security researchers have hacked Xplora smartwatches

A talk at 39C3 has revealed serious security flaws in Xplora smartwatches. Researchers from a German university show how a universal key provides access to the communication of all kids with Xplora watches, and why the manufacturer's previous updates haven’t fixed this.
Marc Herter, 30 Dec 2025 01:54
Ubisoft support and Rainbow Six Siege logos are shown (Image source: Ubisoft Support with edits)

Following Rainbow Six Siege hack, report emerges about bribes with Ubisoft customer support

Hackers may use multiple methods to steal accounts in Ubisoft games like Rainbow Six Siege. A cybersecurity resource describes how the publisher’s help desk has been a liability. Bribery and social engineering have been popular routes to compromise customer support agents.
Adam Corsetti, 29 Dec 2025 02:21
Banner for Rainbow Six Siege X hack shown (Image source: screenshot, Ubisoft YouTube with edits)

Rainbow Six Siege hack forces Ubisoft to shut down servers after players receive free R6 credits

Servers for Ubisoft’s popular first-person shooter game are currently offline on consoles and PC. A suspected hack granted some Rainbow Six Siege players huge bundles of in-game currency. Other players have witnessed mass bans, prompting Ubisoft to take action while investigating.
Adam Corsetti, 27 Dec 2025 22:13
Starlink might be targeted by a new anti-satellite weapon from Russia (Image source:AI generated via Nano Banana Pro)

Starlink in Russia's crosshair: New anti-satellite weapon could threaten space programs

Two NATO states have published intelligence reports that describe a new weapon against Elon Musk's Starlink satellites. This system is intended to release clouds of shrapnel (high density pellets) in orbit. In an emergency, this would jeopardize all types space travel.
Marc Herter, 24 Dec 2025 22:25
Many plans to choose from (Image Source: Phreeli)

Phreeli's new unlimited phone plans let users pay with crypto and names are optional

Phreeli, a new privacy-focused MVNO, has just launched and promises the utmost respect for users' privacy. With names, addresses, and emails optional, this network's sign-up requirements are in stark contrast to the current industry standard.
Stephen Pereyra, 24 Dec 2025 05:18
PlayStation logo is shown (Image source: PlayStation blog)

PlayStation Network account hack raises security concerns and exposes careless support

A writer for a French website is urging gamers to keep all PlayStation Network details private. An ID number was all a hacker needed to log in twice to the journalist’s account. Even with 2FA active, PSN support requires minimal information to grant strangers access.
Adam Corsetti, 24 Dec 2025 04:49
Door lock with Matter support, universal cylinder and quiet brush motor – Nuki Smart Lock Ultra review

Door lock with Matter support, universal cylinder and quiet brush motor – Nuki Smart Lock Ultra review

Bye-bye key. The compact, premium Nuki Smart Lock Ultra door lock from the 5th generation impresses with Matter support, a universal cylinder and a quiet brush motor. Is the fastest smart lock for $350 really ultra-reliable? Find out in our review.
Daniel Schmidt, 23 Dec 2025 13:44
Microsoft account and Xbox games banner (Image source: Microsoft Xbox)

Gamer loses 15 years' worth of Xbox games, as reports of hacked Microsoft accounts grow

Physical disc owners have more reason to avoid the digital gaming age. Complaints continue about hackers compromising Microsoft accounts filled with Xbox games. Even if gamers can prove their identities, they may need to start from scratch and repurchase every title.
Adam Corsetti, 21 Dec 2025 04:06
Gnome desktop bans AI code in extensions

Gnome bans AI slop code from Extensions repo

Gnome has officially banned the use of AI-generated code in its shell extensions, but the justification is more pragmatic than it is ideological. As of the announcement, any code submitted for consideration in the Gnome Extensions Library that has obvious evidence of AI or sloppy, inconsistent code will be rejected during the code review process.
Julian van der Merwe, 17 Dec 2025 18:41
The Viofo A119M Pro dash cam is equipped with a circular polarizing lens (Image source: Viofo)

Viofo A119M Pro front-only 4K dash cam launches with night vision and GPS

The A119M Pro is a new dash cam from Viofo, offering a 4K front camera. The single-channel camera is equipped with a Sony IMX678 1/1.8” 8 MP lens based on Sony Starvis 2 sensor tech, which is said to offer 4K 30 fps recording. Other features include super night vision, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, GPS, HDR, and voice control support.
Abhinav Fating, 17 Dec 2025 18:00
Blowing smoke at the Halo C3 (Image Source: DEF CON 33)

Next-gen school smoke detector sparks privacy concerns with embedded microphones

CheckMag When a bored student discovered a mysterious device on the school's Wi-Fi network, questions arose about the hidden IoT infrastructure in public service buildings. Unsurprisingly, the true nature of these devices raises privacy concerns and, ironically, questions their safety.
Stephen Pereyra, 17 Dec 2025 01:50
Tracking WhatsApp (symbolic image created with Stable Diffusion)

Weak security in WhatsApp and Signal allows low-skill attackers to track users

Researchers at the University of Vienna have uncovered vulnerabilities within WhatsApp and Signal that allow undetectable user tracking through round-trip time (RTT) measurements. A simple program now available on GitHub demonstrates how easily this weakness can be exploited.
Marc Herter, 11 Dec 2025 08:19

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