Blog

Microsoft Intune’s February release addresses persistent administrative pain points by eliminating risky workarounds and introducing stronger, policy-driven controls. The update adds multi-admin approvals, enhanced multi-device query capabilities, and assignment filter support for Declarative Device Management. Microsoft Intune has introduced multi‑administrator approval capabilities for device configuration policies created through the Settings Catalog and device compliance policies….

In this episode of First Ring Daily, Brad Sams and Paul Thurrott discuss the current rivalry between OpenAI and Anthropic, upcoming ARM chips for PCs from Nvidia and Mediatek, and more.

Cybercriminals are increasingly bypassing enterprise defenses by weaponizing routine OAuth consent prompts within Microsoft Entra ID. A new study from Red Canary shows how even trusted applications can be manipulated into serving as silent gateways to corporate inboxes, which exposes a critical blind spot in modern identity security. OAuth is an open authorization standard that…

Microsoft has announced two new compact Cloud PC devices built specifically for Windows 365 customers, expanding its purpose-built hardware lineup for cloud-first computing. The new models build on the Windows 365 Link, introduced in 2024 as Microsoft’s first dedicated Cloud PC device. Windows 365 Link is a purpose‑built Cloud PC device designed to let users…

Microsoft has released the February 2026 security baseline update (v2602) for Windows Server 2025, introducing updated configuration standards for enterprise environments. The updated baseline strengthens default security controls and aligns server deployments with current threat mitigation best practices. A security baseline package is a collection of Microsoft‑recommended security settings (such as Group Policy configurations and…

As software teams accelerate delivery in the AI era, security vulnerabilities are expanding at an even greater pace. The 2026 State of Software Security report reveals a sharp rise in high-risk flaws and growing security debt. According to the new report from Veracode, security debt has risen sharply, with 82% of organizations now affected, up…

Microsoft is urging Windows Server administrators to prepare for upcoming Secure Boot certificate expirations. The expiration of the original Secure Boot certificates that were introduced in 2011 will begin in June 2026. Secure Boot is a security feature built into a device’s UEFI firmware that ensures only trusted, digitally signed software can run during the…

Hyperscalers like Microsoft, Google and Amazon Web Services must manage and maintain millions of servers and datacenter equipment. In this article, I look at why hyperscalers use AI and predictive maintenance to improve uptime and reduce staffing costs. Managing large-scale datacenter environments with predictive maintenance In environments with thousands of servers and complex infrastructure, traditional…

Microsoft has broadened its Sovereign Cloud portfolio to enable governments and highly regulated industries to operate securely, even in completely disconnected environments. Azure Local and Microsoft 365 Local disconnected are now generally available for organizations. Microsoft Sovereign Cloud is a specialized cloud offering designed to enable governments, regulated industries, and organizations operating under strict data‑control…

SolarWinds’ Serv‑U 15.5.4 update fixes multiple high‑risk vulnerabilities that could have allowed attackers to gain full system control. The patches close critical security gaps that previously enabled root‑level remote code execution. Serv‑U is a secure, multi‑protocol file transfer server that enables organizations to send, receive, and manage data efficiently across internal and external networks. It…

Microsoft has rolled out a new set of features and enhancements for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint this month. These updates expand its security, visibility, and management capabilities across enterprise environments. Microsoft has introduced a new Library management experience in preview in the Defender portal. This new feature allows security analysts to view and manage files…

Microsoft’s newly announced end-of-support deadlines for several legacy Windows platforms have triggered heightened urgency across enterprise IT environments. As security patches and technical support near expiration, organizations are under increasing pressure to remediate risk exposure before unpatched vulnerabilities create operational and compliance liabilities. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program gives organizations a simple…