Microsoft Threat Intelligence disclosed a previously unknown modular backdoor called NeedyMantis, active since at least October 2025, used in targeted intrusions against telecoms, universities, medical nonprofits, intergovernmental bodies and government contractors. The malware was found while investigating the DAEMON Tools supply chain compromise reported by Kaspersky in May, and Microsoft has linked some activity to a China-based actor it tracks as Storm-3069, though not all deployments are attributed to that group.
darkreading.com
· 2026-09-29
Microsoft has begun the general rollout of Windows 11's 26H2 update, its annual feature release for 2026. Because 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2 share the same underlying servicing branch and code base, most new features were already delivered gradually through monthly updates, so installing 26H2 behaves more like a routine monthly patch than a full OS upgrade for devices already on 24H2 or 25H2.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-09-29
The Netherlands is developing DAWO (Digitaal Autonome Werkomgeving Overheid), a sovereign IT ecosystem built on NixOS, a Linux distribution with roots in Dutch-created Nix package-manager technology. The project aims to supply government and public institutions with a homegrown operating system, office applications, cloud services and management tools as alternatives to US software. Early pilot deployments of DAWO have already launched in private and local settings, with plans to expand across Dutch institutions.
techspot.com
· 2026-09-29
Engadget tested a midrange Dell XPS 13 with 16GB of RAM after reviewing the base $700 model, which ships with only 8GB. The reviewer found that even with no extra apps open, Windows 11 consumed over half the 16GB unit's memory at idle, suggesting the 8GB base model would leave little headroom for everyday use.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-29
According to 404 Media, human contractors hired to rate Microsoft Copilot's AI image-editing outputs are shown users' original photos, prompts and edited results, some of which include sexual, disturbing or potentially illegal content. Contractors said their job is limited to judging how well an edit matches the prompt across quality metrics, not flagging inappropriate material. Workers described seeing requests to sexualize women's bodies, upskirt images, pro-anorexia content and sexualized images involving children's cartoon characters, with faces left uncensored.
techspot.com
· 2026-09-29
A new ranking of the Fortune Global 500's 30 largest companies shows Nvidia converting $55.60 of every $100 in revenue into profit, the highest margin in the group. Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta also each keep more than $30 per $100, while retailers, health care firms, and energy companies such as Walmart, CVS, and Sinopec keep less than $5.
visualcapitalist.com
· 2026-09-29
Security researcher Faav discovered that an internal Microsoft analytics service failed to verify the signature on login tokens, allowing anyone to impersonate an administrator and run unauthorized SQL queries. Faav says the flaw could have exposed roughly 17.3 trillion rows across multiple Microsoft datasets, but reported it through Microsoft's Bug Bounty Program without accessing customer data or PII. Microsoft confirmed it investigated and hardened the affected service in response.
blog.faav.net
· 2026-09-28
A new independent website called 'Definitely Not Windows / Windows 11½' presents a fake operating-system interface satirizing modern Microsoft products, including subscription prompts, ads, AI features, forced updates and storage warnings. The site explicitly states it is unaffiliated with Microsoft and includes a Clippy-themed visitor counter that assigns users an anonymous, persistent visitor number.
definitelynotwindows.com
· 2026-09-28
After US sanctions on the International Criminal Court left its chief prosecutor without access to Microsoft services including email, the Dutch government launched DAWO (Digitaal Autonome Werkomgeving Overheid) to reduce dependence on US-based software and cloud services. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is overseeing the project, with SSC-ICT, DICTU and DUO-ICT building a system around NixOS, and eight municipalities are already running trials.
tomshardware.com
· 2026-09-28
A tech guide outlines how users can strip Windows 11 of pre-installed third-party apps, ad modules and data-collection features that Microsoft and hardware partners bundle into the OS by default. It recommends a combination of manual uninstalls, settings changes, and a targeted third-party debloating tool as the safest approach, while noting no method is entirely risk-free.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-28
We Make Indiana, a coalition of 25 nonprofits, faith groups and civic organizations near South Bend, sought funding from Microsoft under the company's publicized commitment to invest in local nonprofits near its AI data centers. According to Ars Technica's reporting, Microsoft's community liaison did not commit to providing the requested support, leaving the group without the promised backing.
futurism.com
· 2026-09-28
In an interview aired on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' Bill Gates said a kill switch for AI systems isn't sufficient on its own to address risks, and argued companies should instead track exactly how sophisticated AI models are being used. He said the more pressing danger is people using AI for cyberattacks or bioterrorism rather than AI systems acting autonomously, and called for legislation mandating safeguards since voluntary industry self-regulation isn't enough.
slashdot.org
· 2026-09-28
GoKawiil