Massive data leak of Microsoft’s Bing mobile app left more than 100 MILLION records exposed online, including search queries for child pornography and shootings that could be used to blackmail users

Microsoft is even committed to broader subscription models, much like mobile phones, that eliminate the need to initially put money down on a console. For a smaller amount of cash per month, players will get access to not just Game Pass, but the Xbox itself. That’s kinda new.

Even gigantic plays, like buying Bethesda for $7.5 billion, are Game Pass-inspired. After Monday’s announcement, Microsoft revealed that — yes — upcoming barn-burners like Starfield will be available on launch, essentially for free, as part of Game Pass. Starfield might end up being available on the PS5 (we don’t yet know if Microsoft will retain upcoming Bethesda games as exclusives) but if you want to play a Bethesda game on a Sony console you’ll most likely have to pay $69.99 for the privilege.

That won’t be the case if you’re an Xbox owner with a Game Pass subscription.

Times are changing. This generation the PS5 and the Xbox Series X might be comparable on the inside, but that’s where the similarities end. These are two very different consoles. Even the designs seem to represent Sony’s and Microsoft’s different strategies.

https://www.cnet.com/news/with-xbox-series-x-bethesda-and-game-pass-microsoft-is-playing-a-different-game/

The PlayStation 5: a gigantic, hyper-designed piece of technology built to announce its presence. It’s a difficult object to ignore. The Xbox Series S and Series X, on the other hand, are consoles designed to disappear. The Xbox Series X is a big unit, but understated. The PS5 looks like a spaceship by comparison.

This generation, success for both Sony and Microsoft will be measured with different yardsticks. Sony, you suspect, will remain focused on the number of consoles shipped, the amount of games sold. Microsoft is concerned with building its subscriber base and absolutely everything — console sales, exclusive titles, even wild cards like the upcoming cloud gaming service Project xCloud — is focused directly on that singular goal. Time will tell which strategy will work best. In the end it’s possible that both — in their own ways — will be successful plays.

The development of new technologies is focused mainly on meeting consumer demands in western countries. At the same time, security challenges continue to be of serious concerns to businesses and something Skafos Consulting Managed Service Provider (MSP) is excited to offer a customary security solution that protects business data and networks. Throughout our business practice, including our products and services, IT security will be emphasized that will create solidity and network hardening. On this note, we are going to introduce another element of Network Security which is anticipated in the awareness of new security procedures which is Multi-factor-authentication MFA and 2FA Two Factor authentication.

Multi-factor-authentication MFA is a process where a user is prompted during the sign-in process for an additional form of identification, such as to enter a code on their cellphone or to provide a fingerprint scan. Something you have, such as a trusted device that is not easily duplicated, like a phone or hardware key. Microsoft in its new platform Azure recommends Multi-factor-authentication to protect and business properties.  

Azure Multi-Factor Authentication helps safeguard access to data and applications while maintaining simplicity for users. It provides additional security by requiring a second form of authentication and delivers strong authentication via a range of easy to use authentication methods. Users may or may not be challenged for MFA based on configuration decisions that an administrator makes.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the second layer of security to protect an account or system. Users must go through two layers of security before being granted access to an account or system. 2FA increases the safety of online accounts by requiring two types of information from the user, such as a password or PIN, an email account, an ATM card, or fingerprint, before the user can log in. The first factor is the password; the second factor is the additional item. Two-factor authentication 2FA is designed to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to an account with nothing more than a stolen password. Users may be at greater risk of compromised passwords than they realize, particularly if they use the same password on more than one website. Downloading software and clicking on links in emails can also expose an individual to password theft.

Patch Management refers to the process of acquiring, testing, and implementing patches (software updates) on computing hardware across your network. Patch Management might include operating system (OS) patches and updates for Microsoft, Apple, or Linux, or third-party software applications such as Chrome, Firefox, Adobe Flash, or Java. Patch Management may also include patches and updates for more specialized software (such as your Teller or Payroll applications) or firmware updates for your network hardware (routers, switches, or printers).

At the core of the maintenance phase of the software development life cycle are the issuance of patches (software fixes) and updates (a collection of fixes and improvements) to resolve system faults, flaws (bugs), and security holes in an attempt to extend the functional life of a software product. Due to the time and effort required to assess, locate, and acquire these updates, this on-going effort is often delayed or over-looked by users and system administrators until some urgency or incident occurs that prompts a swift response.

The CERT Coordination Center maintains statistics on the number of vulnerabilities reported that can potentially be / have been exploited through malicious acts, virus infections, and self-replicating worms, among others. For the past three years, the vulnerabilities reported have continued to nearly double from the previous year.

Operating system and network vendors will regularly release and distribute information on product security issues and patches. Microsoft issues its security updates on the second Tuesday of every month, which is commonly referred to as patch Tuesday. Vendors will continually release patches depending on what glitches they find so it’s important for organizations to keep in close contact with these vendors to stay up to date on the latest updates. Skafos Consulting LLC takes the initiative to support companies with services including patch management and Remote monitoring and management (RMM) please contact us to learn more about our affordable services.