#windows-security — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #windows-security, aggregated by home.social.
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How to Stay Protected
XMRig Malware Campaigns Target Businesses
Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, and one of the most persistent threats facing businesses today involves cybercriminals abusing the popular XMRig mining software. While XMRig is a legitimate, open-source cryptocurrency miner used by many enthusiasts to mine Monero (XMR), attackers frequently modify or secretly install it on corporate computers to generate profits without the owner’s knowledge.
In this article, we’ll explain how XMRig is being misused in corporate environments, the risks to businesses, how these attacks work, and the best practices to prevent them.
What Is XMRig?
XMRig is a free and open-source CPU and GPU miner designed primarily for mining Monero (XMR). It is widely respected within the cryptocurrency community because it is efficient, actively maintained, and available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
By itself, XMRig is not malware. However, cybercriminals often bundle modified versions of XMRig with malicious software or deploy it after compromising a computer.
Why Are Businesses Being Targeted?
Corporate environments provide an attractive opportunity for attackers because they often contain:
- High-performance desktop computers
- Powerful servers
- Multiple workstations
- Cloud infrastructure
- Continuous internet connectivity
Instead of mining cryptocurrency on their own hardware, attackers infect company devices and secretly use the organisation’s computing power.
The result is free cryptocurrency mining at the company’s expense.
How XMRig Malware Gets Installed
Most unauthorised XMRig installations begin after another security weakness has already been exploited.
Common infection methods include:
- Phishing emails containing malicious attachments
- Fake software downloads
- Exploitation of unpatched vulnerabilities
- Weak Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) passwords
- Stolen administrator credentials
- Trojan malware that downloads additional payloads
Once attackers gain access, they silently install XMRig and configure it to connect to their own mining pools.
Warning Signs of an XMRig Infection
Many organisations discover mining malware only after performance problems become noticeable.
Common symptoms include:
- Constantly high CPU usage
- Increased electricity consumption
- Slow computers
- Loud cooling fans
- Servers running hotter than normal
- Unknown scheduled tasks
- Unexpected outbound network traffic
- Security software being disabled
Some attackers even configure XMRig to stop mining whenever a user opens Task Manager, making detection more difficult.
Business Impact
Although cryptojacking usually does not encrypt files like ransomware, it can still cause significant operational issues.
Potential consequences include:
Reduced Productivity
Employees experience slower computers, affecting daily work.
Higher Operating Costs
Mining consumes CPU resources and electricity around the clock.
Hardware Wear
Continuous high CPU usage can shorten the lifespan of processors, cooling systems, and power supplies.
Security Risks
An XMRig infection often indicates that attackers already have unauthorised access to the network, meaning sensitive business data may also be at risk.
How Organisations Can Protect Themselves
Preventing cryptojacking requires multiple layers of security.
Keep Systems Updated
Install security updates for Windows, Linux, browsers, and all business software as soon as practical.
Use Endpoint Protection
Modern antivirus and endpoint detection solutions can identify suspicious mining behaviour before it becomes widespread.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Protect administrator accounts and remote access services with MFA wherever possible.
Monitor CPU Usage
Investigate unexplained spikes in processor utilisation, especially outside business hours.
Restrict Administrative Privileges
Limit local administrator permissions to reduce the impact of compromised accounts.
Educate Employees
Regular cybersecurity awareness training helps staff recognise phishing emails and other social engineering attacks.
Is XMRig Dangerous?
The software itself is completely legitimate.
The danger comes from unauthorised installation and misuse by attackers.
Many security vendors detect unauthorised XMRig deployments because they are commonly associated with cryptojacking campaigns rather than because the software itself is malicious.
Best Practices for IT Teams
Organisations should adopt a proactive security strategy by:
- Regularly auditing endpoints
- Monitoring unusual network connections
- Reviewing scheduled tasks and startup entries
- Enforcing least-privilege access
- Conducting vulnerability scans
- Backing up critical business data
- Implementing continuous security monitoring
Early detection significantly reduces the financial and operational impact of mining malware.
Final Thoughts
Cryptocurrency mining software like XMRig serves legitimate purposes for individuals and organisations that choose to mine digital assets. However, when cybercriminals secretly deploy XMRig on corporate systems, it becomes part of a cryptojacking attack that wastes resources, increases costs, and may signal a broader security compromise.
Businesses should combine strong cybersecurity practices, employee awareness, regular patching, and continuous monitoring to minimise the risk of unauthorised mining software running within their networks.
By understanding how these attacks operate and responding quickly to suspicious activity, organisations can better protect their infrastructure, maintain productivity, and reduce the likelihood of future compromises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is XMRig malware?
No. XMRig is legitimate open-source cryptocurrency mining software. It only becomes part of malicious activity when attackers install it without permission.
What cryptocurrency does XMRig mine?
It is primarily designed to mine Monero (XMR) using the RandomX algorithm.
Can antivirus detect XMRig?
Many security products detect unauthorised XMRig installations because they are commonly used in cryptojacking attacks.
How can I tell if my computer is mining cryptocurrency?
Persistent high CPU usage, overheating, increased fan noise, slow performance, and unexplained network connections can all indicate possible cryptojacking.
#Technology #ai #businessSecurity #corporateSecurity #cpuMining #cryptoMalware #cryptocurrencyMining #cryptojacking #cyberSecurity #cyberThreats #cyberSecurity #cybersecurity #dataProtection #endpointSecurity #enterpriseCybersecurity #ITSecurity #LinuxSecurity #malwareDetection #malwareProtection #miningMalware #Monero #MoneroMiner #MoneroMining #networkSecurity #phishingAttacks #RandomX #ransomware #security #securityAwareness #serverSecurity #WindowsSecurity #XMRig #XMRigMalware #XMRigMiner -
How to Stay Protected
XMRig Malware Campaigns Target Businesses
Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, and one of the most persistent threats facing businesses today involves cybercriminals abusing the popular XMRig mining software. While XMRig is a legitimate, open-source cryptocurrency miner used by many enthusiasts to mine Monero (XMR), attackers frequently modify or secretly install it on corporate computers to generate profits without the owner’s knowledge.
In this article, we’ll explain how XMRig is being misused in corporate environments, the risks to businesses, how these attacks work, and the best practices to prevent them.
What Is XMRig?
XMRig is a free and open-source CPU and GPU miner designed primarily for mining Monero (XMR). It is widely respected within the cryptocurrency community because it is efficient, actively maintained, and available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
By itself, XMRig is not malware. However, cybercriminals often bundle modified versions of XMRig with malicious software or deploy it after compromising a computer.
Why Are Businesses Being Targeted?
Corporate environments provide an attractive opportunity for attackers because they often contain:
- High-performance desktop computers
- Powerful servers
- Multiple workstations
- Cloud infrastructure
- Continuous internet connectivity
Instead of mining cryptocurrency on their own hardware, attackers infect company devices and secretly use the organisation’s computing power.
The result is free cryptocurrency mining at the company’s expense.
How XMRig Malware Gets Installed
Most unauthorised XMRig installations begin after another security weakness has already been exploited.
Common infection methods include:
- Phishing emails containing malicious attachments
- Fake software downloads
- Exploitation of unpatched vulnerabilities
- Weak Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) passwords
- Stolen administrator credentials
- Trojan malware that downloads additional payloads
Once attackers gain access, they silently install XMRig and configure it to connect to their own mining pools.
Warning Signs of an XMRig Infection
Many organisations discover mining malware only after performance problems become noticeable.
Common symptoms include:
- Constantly high CPU usage
- Increased electricity consumption
- Slow computers
- Loud cooling fans
- Servers running hotter than normal
- Unknown scheduled tasks
- Unexpected outbound network traffic
- Security software being disabled
Some attackers even configure XMRig to stop mining whenever a user opens Task Manager, making detection more difficult.
Business Impact
Although cryptojacking usually does not encrypt files like ransomware, it can still cause significant operational issues.
Potential consequences include:
Reduced Productivity
Employees experience slower computers, affecting daily work.
Higher Operating Costs
Mining consumes CPU resources and electricity around the clock.
Hardware Wear
Continuous high CPU usage can shorten the lifespan of processors, cooling systems, and power supplies.
Security Risks
An XMRig infection often indicates that attackers already have unauthorised access to the network, meaning sensitive business data may also be at risk.
How Organisations Can Protect Themselves
Preventing cryptojacking requires multiple layers of security.
Keep Systems Updated
Install security updates for Windows, Linux, browsers, and all business software as soon as practical.
Use Endpoint Protection
Modern antivirus and endpoint detection solutions can identify suspicious mining behaviour before it becomes widespread.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Protect administrator accounts and remote access services with MFA wherever possible.
Monitor CPU Usage
Investigate unexplained spikes in processor utilisation, especially outside business hours.
Restrict Administrative Privileges
Limit local administrator permissions to reduce the impact of compromised accounts.
Educate Employees
Regular cybersecurity awareness training helps staff recognise phishing emails and other social engineering attacks.
Is XMRig Dangerous?
The software itself is completely legitimate.
The danger comes from unauthorised installation and misuse by attackers.
Many security vendors detect unauthorised XMRig deployments because they are commonly associated with cryptojacking campaigns rather than because the software itself is malicious.
Best Practices for IT Teams
Organisations should adopt a proactive security strategy by:
- Regularly auditing endpoints
- Monitoring unusual network connections
- Reviewing scheduled tasks and startup entries
- Enforcing least-privilege access
- Conducting vulnerability scans
- Backing up critical business data
- Implementing continuous security monitoring
Early detection significantly reduces the financial and operational impact of mining malware.
Final Thoughts
Cryptocurrency mining software like XMRig serves legitimate purposes for individuals and organisations that choose to mine digital assets. However, when cybercriminals secretly deploy XMRig on corporate systems, it becomes part of a cryptojacking attack that wastes resources, increases costs, and may signal a broader security compromise.
Businesses should combine strong cybersecurity practices, employee awareness, regular patching, and continuous monitoring to minimise the risk of unauthorised mining software running within their networks.
By understanding how these attacks operate and responding quickly to suspicious activity, organisations can better protect their infrastructure, maintain productivity, and reduce the likelihood of future compromises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is XMRig malware?
No. XMRig is legitimate open-source cryptocurrency mining software. It only becomes part of malicious activity when attackers install it without permission.
What cryptocurrency does XMRig mine?
It is primarily designed to mine Monero (XMR) using the RandomX algorithm.
Can antivirus detect XMRig?
Many security products detect unauthorised XMRig installations because they are commonly used in cryptojacking attacks.
How can I tell if my computer is mining cryptocurrency?
Persistent high CPU usage, overheating, increased fan noise, slow performance, and unexplained network connections can all indicate possible cryptojacking.
#Technology #ai #businessSecurity #corporateSecurity #cpuMining #cryptoMalware #cryptocurrencyMining #cryptojacking #cyberSecurity #cyberThreats #cyberSecurity #cybersecurity #dataProtection #endpointSecurity #enterpriseCybersecurity #ITSecurity #LinuxSecurity #malwareDetection #malwareProtection #miningMalware #Monero #MoneroMiner #MoneroMining #networkSecurity #phishingAttacks #RandomX #ransomware #security #securityAwareness #serverSecurity #WindowsSecurity #XMRig #XMRigMalware #XMRigMiner -
⚠️ Windows devices carry a permanent, unchangeable global ID — confirmed by Microsoft only after it surfaced in an FBI probe. Your device might be more traceable than you thought. 🕵️♂️
#Microsoft #WindowsID #DataLeak #CyberSecurity #PrivacyMatters
#TechNews #Windows #FBIInvestigation #DigitalPrivacy #DataBreach
#TechAlert #InfoSec #OnlineSecurity #DeviceID #TechCommunity
#CyberAwareness #WindowsSecurity #TechUpdate #ChizrinzInfoway
#TrendingTech -
⚠️ Windows devices carry a permanent, unchangeable global ID — confirmed by Microsoft only after it surfaced in an FBI probe. Your device might be more traceable than you thought. 🕵️♂️
#Microsoft #WindowsID #DataLeak #CyberSecurity #PrivacyMatters
#TechNews #Windows #FBIInvestigation #DigitalPrivacy #DataBreach
#TechAlert #InfoSec #OnlineSecurity #DeviceID #TechCommunity
#CyberAwareness #WindowsSecurity #TechUpdate #ChizrinzInfoway
#TrendingTech -
⚠️ WMIC is going away.
🖥️ WMI isn't.
🚨 Attackers still abuse native Windows tools for stealthy, fileless persistence.
👉 https://7asecurity.com/blog/2026/06/we-audited-legacy-wmic-commands-our-defensive-guide/
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/06/11/microsoft-fixes-windows-server-2025-bitlocker-recovery-bug-xcxwbn/
Microsoft has fixed a Windows Server 2025 BitLocker recovery bug, giving IT admins mitigation paths for affected systems at restart.
#WindowsServer2025 #BitLocker #Microsoft #WindowsServer #WindowsUpdate #MicrosoftWindows #SecurityPatches #MicrosoftSecurity #WindowsSecurity #Encryption #Enterprise
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/06/11/microsoft-fixes-windows-server-2025-bitlocker-recovery-bug-xcxwbn/
Microsoft has fixed a Windows Server 2025 BitLocker recovery bug, giving IT admins mitigation paths for affected systems at restart.
#WindowsServer2025 #BitLocker #Microsoft #WindowsServer #WindowsUpdate #MicrosoftWindows #SecurityPatches #MicrosoftSecurity #WindowsSecurity #Encryption #Enterprise
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/06/07/microsoft-sets-june-kerberos-tests-for-ntlm-shift-xcxwbn/
Microsoft will test Kerberos paths for Windows NTLM fallback in June, giving admins a Canary preview to catch legacy app and device authentication failures.
#WindowsNTLM #Kerberos #Microsoft #MicrosoftWindows #Windows11 #WindowsServer #WindowsInsiderProgram #Cybersecurity #WindowsSecurity
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/06/07/microsoft-sets-june-kerberos-tests-for-ntlm-shift-xcxwbn/
Microsoft will test Kerberos paths for Windows NTLM fallback in June, giving admins a Canary preview to catch legacy app and device authentication failures.
#WindowsNTLM #Kerberos #Microsoft #MicrosoftWindows #Windows11 #WindowsServer #WindowsInsiderProgram #Cybersecurity #WindowsSecurity
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/06/02/microsoft-backs-off-threats-against-security-researchers-xcxwbn/
Microsoft has ruled out action against security researchers after a backlash, narrowing legal risk around its wider disclosure dispute.
#SecurityResearch #Microsoft #Security #Cybersecurity #ZeroDay #MicrosoftWindows #WindowsSecurity #WindowsVulnerability #Windows11
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/06/02/microsoft-backs-off-threats-against-security-researchers-xcxwbn/
Microsoft has ruled out action against security researchers after a backlash, narrowing legal risk around its wider disclosure dispute.
#SecurityResearch #Microsoft #Security #Cybersecurity #ZeroDay #MicrosoftWindows #WindowsSecurity #WindowsVulnerability #Windows11
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/06/01/github-ban-escalates-microsofts-yellowkey-dispute-xcxwbn/
GitHub appears to have banned the security researcher behind the YellowKey BitLocker exploit reveal, widening Microsoft's fight over public disclosures.
#GitHub #YellowKey #Microsoft #BitLocker #Windows11 #ZeroDay #Exploits #WindowsSecurity #Cybersecurity
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/06/01/github-ban-escalates-microsofts-yellowkey-dispute-xcxwbn/
GitHub appears to have banned the security researcher behind the YellowKey BitLocker exploit reveal, widening Microsoft's fight over public disclosures.
#GitHub #YellowKey #Microsoft #BitLocker #Windows11 #ZeroDay #Exploits #WindowsSecurity #Cybersecurity
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What is Silver Ticket Attack: A Comprehensive Guide
In this article, I cover how Silver Ticket attacks work, common exploitation scenarios, detection techniques, and mitigation strategies.
https://denizhalil.com/2026/05/27/silver-ticket-attack-comprehensive-guide/#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #SilverTicket #Kerberos #CredentialAccess #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #WindowsSecurity #InfoSec #ThreatDetection #DenizHalil
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What is Silver Ticket Attack: A Comprehensive Guide
In this article, I cover how Silver Ticket attacks work, common exploitation scenarios, detection techniques, and mitigation strategies.
https://denizhalil.com/2026/05/27/silver-ticket-attack-comprehensive-guide/#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #SilverTicket #Kerberos #CredentialAccess #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #WindowsSecurity #InfoSec #ThreatDetection #DenizHalil
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Kerbrute: Enumerating Active Directory Accounts
In this article, I cover how Kerberoasting works, common attack techniques, detection methods, and practical defense strategies.
🔗 https://denizhalil.com/2026/05/21/kerberoasting-attack-defense-guide/
#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #Kerberoasting #Kerberos #CredentialAccess #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #WindowsSecurity #InfoSec #ThreatDetection #DenizHalil
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Kerbrute: Enumerating Active Directory Accounts
In this article, I cover how Kerberoasting works, common attack techniques, detection methods, and practical defense strategies.
🔗 https://denizhalil.com/2026/05/21/kerberoasting-attack-defense-guide/
#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #Kerberoasting #Kerberos #CredentialAccess #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #WindowsSecurity #InfoSec #ThreatDetection #DenizHalil
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YellowKey: BitLocker Bypass or Backdoor
YellowKey, tracked as CVE-2026-45585, is a public BitLocker bypass that abuses WinRE/recovery-path behavior to expose a protected volume without the Windows password, recovery key, or AES cracking.
At the time of this post, the author’s GitHub and original YellowKey repo appear to be down.
Read more: https://forum.hashpwn.net/post/13339
#BitLocker #YellowKey #CVE202645585 #CyberSecurity #InfoSec #WindowsSecurity #TPM #FullDiskEncryption #hack #exploit #news #hashpwn
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Basic Active Directory Enumeration: A Comprehensive Guide
In this article, I cover how Kerberoasting works, common attack techniques, detection methods, and practical defense strategies.
https://denizhalil.com/2025/05/05/basic-active-directory-enumeration-a-comprehensive-guide/#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #Kerberoasting #Kerberos #CredentialAccess #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #WindowsSecurity #InfoSec #ThreatDetection #DenizHalil
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Basic Active Directory Enumeration: A Comprehensive Guide
In this article, I cover how Kerberoasting works, common attack techniques, detection methods, and practical defense strategies.
https://denizhalil.com/2025/05/05/basic-active-directory-enumeration-a-comprehensive-guide/#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #Kerberoasting #Kerberos #CredentialAccess #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #WindowsSecurity #InfoSec #ThreatDetection #DenizHalil
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A Windows 10 kernel off‑by‑one in the PagedPool allocator was showcased at WCTF 2018. By corrupting an I/O request packet the exploit gains arbitrary write in kernel space, opening the door to local privilege escalation or remote code execution. Microsoft patched it quickly, but the demo reminds us how subtle memory‑management bugs can break system trust.
#WindowsSecurity #KernelExploit #CTF #InfoSec #PatchTuesday
🔗 https://j00ru.vexillium.org/2018/07/exploiting-a-windows-10-pagedpool-off-by-one/
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What is Kerberoasting Attack – Kerberoasting: A Comprehensive Guide
In this article, I cover how Kerberoasting works, common attack techniques, detection methods, and practical defense strategies.
https://denizhalil.com/2026/05/21/kerberoasting-attack-defense-guide/#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #Kerberoasting #Kerberos #CredentialAccess #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #WindowsSecurity #InfoSec #ThreatDetection #DenizHalil
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What is Kerberoasting Attack – Kerberoasting: A Comprehensive Guide
In this article, I cover how Kerberoasting works, common attack techniques, detection methods, and practical defense strategies.
https://denizhalil.com/2026/05/21/kerberoasting-attack-defense-guide/#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #Kerberoasting #Kerberos #CredentialAccess #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #WindowsSecurity #InfoSec #ThreatDetection #DenizHalil
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Responder Tool for Network Credential Capture in Active Directory
In this article, I cover how Responder works, common credential capture techniques, and practical mitigation strategies for defending Active Directory environments.
https://denizhalil.com/2026/05/18/responder-tool-active-directory-credential-capture/
#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #Responder #LLMNR #NTLM #CredentialCapture #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #WindowsSecurity #InfoSec #EthicalHacking #DenizHalil
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Responder Tool for Network Credential Capture in Active Directory
In this article, I cover how Responder works, common credential capture techniques, and practical mitigation strategies for defending Active Directory environments.
https://denizhalil.com/2026/05/18/responder-tool-active-directory-credential-capture/
#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #Responder #LLMNR #NTLM #CredentialCapture #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #WindowsSecurity #InfoSec #EthicalHacking #DenizHalil
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/05/16/windows-11-and-microsoft-edge-hacked-at-pwn2own-be-xcxwbn/
Microsoft Edge and Windows 11 were successfully exploited at the Pwn2Own Berlin 2026 hacking event, contributing to a $523,000 day-one payout total.
#Cybersecurity #MicrosoftEdge #Windows11 #Pwn2Own #SecurityResearch #Exploits #ZeroDayVulnerabilities #WebBrowsers #WindowsSecurity
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/05/16/windows-11-and-microsoft-edge-hacked-at-pwn2own-be-xcxwbn/
Microsoft Edge and Windows 11 were successfully exploited at the Pwn2Own Berlin 2026 hacking event, contributing to a $523,000 day-one payout total.
#Cybersecurity #MicrosoftEdge #Windows11 #Pwn2Own #SecurityResearch #Exploits #ZeroDayVulnerabilities #WebBrowsers #WindowsSecurity
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Windows SMB Flaw Enables File Lockdowns Without Traditional Ransomware Traces
New Windows 'GhostLock' flaw lets attackers lock files on SMB shares. It bypasses security and leaves no traditional ransomware traces. Learn how to respond.
#WindowsSecurity, #CyberAttack, #Ransomware, #SMB, #GhostLock
https://newsletter.tf/windows-ghostlock-flaw-locks-files-no-ransomware/
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Attackers can now lock files on Windows SMB shares using a new 'GhostLock' method. This exploit is harder to detect than normal ransomware because it doesn't leave typical signs like file changes.
#WindowsSecurity, #CyberAttack, #Ransomware, #SMB, #GhostLock
https://newsletter.tf/windows-ghostlock-flaw-locks-files-no-ransomware/ -
Microsoft Confirms KB5083769 Breaks Macrium and Acronis Backups
#Microsoft #Windows11 #Windows10 #WindowsServer #MicrosoftWindows #WindowsUpdate #WindowsSecurity #SecurityPatches #SoftwareUpdate
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Microsoft Confirms KB5083769 Breaks Macrium and Acronis Backups
#Microsoft #Windows11 #Windows10 #WindowsServer #MicrosoftWindows #WindowsUpdate #WindowsSecurity #SecurityPatches #SoftwareUpdate
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Defender Misflags DigiCert Root Certificates, Breaking Windows SSL Trust
#MicrosoftDefender #Microsoft #DigiCert #Cybersecurity #Malware #AntivirusSoftware #WindowsSecurity #ThreatIntelligence #Windows11 #MicrosoftWindows
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Defender Misflags DigiCert Root Certificates, Breaking Windows SSL Trust
#MicrosoftDefender #Microsoft #DigiCert #Cybersecurity #Malware #AntivirusSoftware #WindowsSecurity #ThreatIntelligence #Windows11 #MicrosoftWindows
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🔐 Just shipped a fix for the April 2026 Windows update (KB5083769) that flags unsigned RDP files as "Unknown Publisher".
If you manage RDP shortcuts via Intune and your users are suddenly seeing red security warnings — here's a complete solution:
✅ Self-signed code signing cert (no PKI required)
✅ rdpsign.exe signing workflow
✅ Intune Win32 package (install + uninstall scripts)
✅ Trusted Certificate profile + Settings Catalog policies
✅ Versioned detection rule for clean updates
✅ Supersedence pattern for migrating from unsigned deployments
Tested in production on a real M365 Business Premium environment.
🔗 github.com/Bluewal/m365-intune-scripts/tree/main/intune/rdp-signing
#Intune #Microsoft365 #RDP #BlueTeam #WindowsSecurity #MicrosoftDefender -
🔐 Just shipped a fix for the April 2026 Windows update (KB5083769) that flags unsigned RDP files as "Unknown Publisher".
If you manage RDP shortcuts via Intune and your users are suddenly seeing red security warnings — here's a complete solution:
✅ Self-signed code signing cert (no PKI required)
✅ rdpsign.exe signing workflow
✅ Intune Win32 package (install + uninstall scripts)
✅ Trusted Certificate profile + Settings Catalog policies
✅ Versioned detection rule for clean updates
✅ Supersedence pattern for migrating from unsigned deployments
Tested in production on a real M365 Business Premium environment.
🔗 github.com/Bluewal/m365-intune-scripts/tree/main/intune/rdp-signing
#Intune #Microsoft365 #RDP #BlueTeam #WindowsSecurity #MicrosoftDefender -
What are Pass-the-Hash and Pass-the-Ticket Attacks: A Comprehensive Guide
In this article, I cover how these attacks work, their differences, and how to detect and mitigate them.
https://denizhalil.com/2026/01/05/pass-the-hash-pass-the-ticket-attacks-guide/#cybersecurity #ActiveDirectory #PassTheHash #PassTheTicket #credentialaccess #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #InfoSec #WindowsSecurity #EthicalHacking #ITSecurity #denizhalil
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What are Pass-the-Hash and Pass-the-Ticket Attacks: A Comprehensive Guide
In this article, I cover how these attacks work, their differences, and how to detect and mitigate them.
https://denizhalil.com/2026/01/05/pass-the-hash-pass-the-ticket-attacks-guide/#cybersecurity #ActiveDirectory #PassTheHash #PassTheTicket #credentialaccess #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #InfoSec #WindowsSecurity #EthicalHacking #ITSecurity #denizhalil
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What is NetBIOS and SMB Exploitation Techniques: A Practical Guide
In this article, I cover key exploitation techniques, real-world attack scenarios, and how to secure these services effectively.
https://denizhalil.com/2026/01/15/netbios-smb-exploitation-techniques-guide/
#CyberSecurity #SMB #NetBIOS #NetworkSecurity #ActiveDirectory #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #InfoSec #WindowsSecurity #EthicalHacking #ITSecurity #DenizHalil
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What is NetBIOS and SMB Exploitation Techniques: A Practical Guide
In this article, I cover key exploitation techniques, real-world attack scenarios, and how to secure these services effectively.
https://denizhalil.com/2026/01/15/netbios-smb-exploitation-techniques-guide/
#CyberSecurity #SMB #NetBIOS #NetworkSecurity #ActiveDirectory #RedTeam #BlueTeam #Pentesting #InfoSec #WindowsSecurity #EthicalHacking #ITSecurity #DenizHalil
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/04/09/windows-zero-day-published-on-github-after-msrc-silence-xcxwbn/
Windows Zero-Day Published on Github as Microsoft Fails to Act
#Microsoft #Windows #WindowsSecurity #Cybersecurity #ZeroDayVulnerabilities #Exploits #Vulnerability #VulnerabilityDisclosure #SecurityResearch #Windows11 #BigTech
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/04/09/windows-zero-day-published-on-github-after-msrc-silence-xcxwbn/
Windows Zero-Day Published on Github as Microsoft Fails to Act
#Microsoft #Windows #WindowsSecurity #Cybersecurity #ZeroDayVulnerabilities #Exploits #Vulnerability #VulnerabilityDisclosure #SecurityResearch #Windows11 #BigTech
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What is DCSync Attack and Mimikatz Usage in Active Directory
One of the most critical attacks in Active Directory environments, DCSync, allows attackers to impersonate a Domain Controller and extract password hashes through replication abuse.
#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #DCSync #RedTeam #BlueTeam #InfoSec #Pentesting #SOC #ThreatDetection #WindowsSecurity #EthicalHacking #ITSecurity #NetworkSecurity #SecurityOperations #DenizHalil
https://denizhalil.com/2026/03/27/dcsync-attack-active-directory-guide/
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What is DCSync Attack and Mimikatz Usage in Active Directory
One of the most critical attacks in Active Directory environments, DCSync, allows attackers to impersonate a Domain Controller and extract password hashes through replication abuse.
#CyberSecurity #ActiveDirectory #DCSync #RedTeam #BlueTeam #InfoSec #Pentesting #SOC #ThreatDetection #WindowsSecurity #EthicalHacking #ITSecurity #NetworkSecurity #SecurityOperations #DenizHalil
https://denizhalil.com/2026/03/27/dcsync-attack-active-directory-guide/
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One of Microsoft's [1] recent #Windows 11 updates improves Windows security via the extremely effective tactic of making the C: drive inaccessible.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-11-25h2#3801msgdesc
[1] AKA #Microslop these days.
#security #WeveHeardOfIt #WindowsUpdate #WindowsUpdates #Windows11 #WindowsSecurity #oops #brick #quality #qwality #Microsoft
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https://winbuzzer.com/2026/03/11/microsoft-entra-passkeys-windows-phishing-resistant-sign-in-xcxwbn/
Microsoft Entra Passkeys Bring Phishing-Resistant Windows Sign-In
#Microsoft #MicrosoftEntra #MicrosoftEntraID #Cybersecurity #Authentication #Passwordless #CloudSecurity #MicrosoftSecurity #WindowsSecurity #Microsoft365 #EntraPasskeys