Windows PowerShell Now Warns When Running Invoke WebRequest Scripts

Windows PowerShell Now Warns When Running Invoke-WebRequest Scripts: What IT Teams Need to Know

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A critical security update by Microsoft for Windows PowerShell 5.1 that introduces mandatory security warnings when using the Invoke-WebRequest cmdlet, addressing a high-severity remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2025-54100). This change requires IT teams to modify automation scripts to include the -UseBasicParsing parameter, which prevents the execution of embedded scripts during web content retrieval and avoids operational disruptions caused by new confirmation prompts. Furthermore, the text advocates for broader PowerShell security best practices, such as script signing, least privilege, and comprehensive logging, while strongly recommending migration to the more secure, modern platform of PowerShell 7. Finally, the text includes a section from a managed IT service provider, Technijian, offering professional services to help organizations manage this transition, audit scripts, and implement enhanced security frameworks in the Southern California area. ... Read More
Disaster Recovery Testing: Why Most SMBs Fail the Real World Drill

Disaster Recovery Testing: Why Most SMBs Fail the Real-World Drill

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Most SMBs believe their backups will save them during a crisis—but nearly 60% fail disaster recovery tests when disaster actually hits. This article explains why backups aren’t enough, the common reasons recovery plans break, and the real costs of failing to test. You'll learn how to build an effective testing strategy, avoid common recovery mistakes, and understand the technologies that ensure your business can actually recover when disaster strikes. If business continuity matters to you, this guide shows exactly where most companies fail and how to avoid becoming one of them. ... Read More
VSCode Extension Malware

Malicious VSCode Extensions Infiltrate Microsoft’s Registry with Information-Stealing Malware

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Recent discovery of malicious extensions targeting Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code (VSCode) Marketplace, specifically naming “Bitcoin Black” and “Codo AI.” It explains how these extensions function as sophisticated information stealers by using techniques like DLL hijacking and hidden execution to compromise developer workstations and exfiltrate credentials, browser sessions, and cryptocurrency wallets. The analysis highlights the critical vulnerability in the software supply chain when developer tools are compromised, leading to far-reaching consequences for organizations. Finally, the text transitions into a discussion about best practices for developers and organizations to mitigate these supply chain risks, including extension vetting and using advanced endpoint security measures, before introducing the company Technijian as a provider of specialized security services to counter these threats. ... Read More
Server Monitoring Made Simple Stop

Server Monitoring Made Simple: Stop Downtime Before It Happens

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An excerpt from “Infrastructure Vigilance: Mastering Proactive Server Monitoring” serves as a comprehensive guide arguing that businesses must adopt proactive server monitoring to avoid the high financial, legal, and reputational costs associated with reactive “break-fix” IT models. It thoroughly details the necessary components for effective oversight, including tracking hardware health, resource utilization, application performance, and network connectivity, while cautioning against pitfalls such as alert fatigue from poor configuration. Furthermore, the document discusses how to implement a robust monitoring strategy by establishing baselines and integrating data with IT service management processes like incident and change management. Advanced concepts such as predictive analytics and automated remediation are explored as methods to continuously improve system reliability and reduce the mean time to detection. The guide concludes by profiling Technijian, an IT services provider based in Southern California, who offers expert, managed monitoring solutions to help small and medium-sized businesses secure their infrastructure. ... Read More
Ads in Premium AI

OpenAI Faces Backlash Over ChatGPT “App Recommendations” That Look Suspiciously Like Ads

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OpenAI after paid subscribers to ChatGPT Plus discovered commercial suggestions integrated into their AI responses. This controversy erupted when a subscriber received an irrelevant promotion for Target alongside a technical query about disk encryption, leading many users to argue that the “app recommendations” were indistinguishable from unwanted advertisements in a service they specifically paid to access without commercial interruption. OpenAI attempted to redefine the insertions as organic discovery for a new third-party app ecosystem, framing the feature as an augmentation to the user experience rather than a revenue-driven interruption. However, this lack of context and the presence of brand logos eroded user trust and sparked industry-wide debate about the ethical boundaries of AI monetization and the value proposition of premium subscriptions. The final sections of the source use this controversy to introduce Technijian, an IT services firm that offers businesses consulting and cybersecurity services to help them strategically evaluate and securely adopt AI platforms. ... Read More