Editor’s note: There is a lot going on in the world of IT, from emerging technologies to digital transformation and new cybersecurity threats. However, we can’t possibly cover it all, so we’ll bring you This Week in IT, a curated summary of IT and enterprise technology news stories each week.
Windows 10, 21H1 reaches end of servicing
The December 2022 security updates (Patch Tuesday) will be the last update available for all editions of Windows 10, 21H1. Microsoft reminded users in a November blog post, but with the date now past us, organizaitons still running that version of Windows should upgrade quickly since devices running this version will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates.
To help keep devices protected and productive, Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update for devices running Home and Pro (non-domain joined) editions of Windows 10, version 21H1 that are reaching end of servicing, Microsoft says. This keeps devices supported and receiving monthly updates that are critical to security and ecosystem health.
Microsoft says it will automatically update devices nearing end of servicing to the latest version of Windows 10, but organizations can also opt to upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11.
Cryptocurrency mining attacks
Cybersecurity firm Trend Micro has uncovered a new cryptomining attack against Linux machines that incorporates an advanced remote access trojan (RAT) named the CHAOS Remote Administrative Tool, which is based on an open source project.
The company says it intercepted a threat last month that had a slightly different routine than other observed cryptojacking attacks involving Linux machines.
The company notes an interesting trait of the malware family it intercepted: the address and access token are passed as compilation flags and hardcoded inside the RAT client, replacing any data inside variables from the main code.
Read Trend Micro’s research to learn more about these attacks.
Microsoft to drop Authenticator for iOS support for Apple Watch
According to reports, Microsoft Authenticator for iOS will drop support for the Apple Watch companion app in January. Several tech websites reported the move, including MacRumors, Windows Central, Computer World and others.
Citing a Microsoft Authenticator support page, the media outlets say the upcoming Authenticator release in January 2023 for iOS will not support watchOS due to it being incompatible with Authentication security features.
Essentially, this means users who are required to use the app as a second factor to sign into their Microsoft accounts won’t be able to install or use Authenticator on Apple Watch. Microsoft recommend that users delete the app from their Apple Watch.
Read Microsoft’s support document to learn more.
ChatGPT captivates the internet
Artificial intelligence research laboratory OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a new conversational AI model the organization says interacts in a conversational way. According to OpenAI, “the dialogue format makes it possible for ChatGPT to answer follow up questions, admit its mistakes, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests.”
OpenAI has made ChatGPT free to use in a research preview. Try it out here.
Big tech firms launch interoperable open map data project
The Linux Foundation has announced the formation of the Overture Maps Foundation, a new collaborative effort designed to develop interoperable open map data as a shared asset that can strengthen mapping services worldwide. The initiative was founded by AWS, Meta, Microsoft and TomTom.
The Foundation says its mission is to enable current and next-generation map products by creating reliable, easy-to-use and interoperable open map data. Members will combine resources to build map data that is complete, accurate, and refreshed as the physical world changes, the Foundation says in a news release.
Map data will be open and extensible by all under an open data license. This is designed to drive innovation by enabling a network of communities that create services on top of Overture data, according to the Foundation.
Learn more about the Overture Maps Foundation.
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