PrintNightmare (CVE-2021-34527 and CVE-2021-36947) is a security vulnerability connected with the Print Spooler service in Windows 10 and Windows Server. This should be corrected by installing the currently available July 2021 Windows Update.
Kaseya VSA security incident
Kaseya has reported that their VSA product has been the victim of a cyberattack. Some VSA customers have reported ransomware related to this issue. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) also released instructions regarding this incident for customers of Kaseya VSA.
Microsoft announces upcoming release of Windows 11
Microsoft announced the upcoming release of Windows 11 on June 24, 2021. Windows 11 is set to be released on October 5, 2021.
Some of the changes include changes to the Microsoft Store and apps, as well as a new partnership with Amazon to bring their catalog of Android apps and games to Windows users.
Windows 11 will be available as an update to existing Windows 10 devices that meet its specifications. Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) chip. Processor requirements for Windows 11 and other versions may be found here. These requirements apply to physical PCs and Virtual Machines (VMs). Users can run a PC Health Check app to see if their current PC is compatible to run Windows 11.
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 Home and Pro on October 14, 2025.
More information can be found at microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11.
Western Digital reports data security issue with some My Book Live devices
Western Digital has reported a security issue with two of its devices: My Book Live and My Book Live Duo. Some of these devices have lost user data. These device should be disconnected from the internet.
Google Workspace now available to all Google users
Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) has now been made available to all Google users, including free Google user accounts. More information is available at workspace.google.com/faq.
Visio diagramming web app will be included in Microsoft 365
Visio documentation can be found at support.microsoft.com/en-us/visio.
Amazon Sidewalk will be activated on compatible devices June 8th 2021
Amazon Sidewalk is Amazon’s new neighborhood IoT network that will be enabled by default on all compatible devices starting June 8, 2021. These devices include Echo home assistants, Ring cameras, etc. Sidewalk uses a small portion of wireless bandwidth and can be deactivated from the Alexa app in order to not share Wi-Fi connections with other Amazon devices in the neighborhood.
Google Photos storage policy changes on June 1st 2021
Google account users that back up new photos and videos in High quality will have these files counted towards their free 15 GB storage limit starting June 1, 2021. Google will provide a free tool in June 2021 that will let users find and review low-quality photos to stay within the free 15 GB storage limit. Additional file storage can be purchased from Google One, if needed
Another recent Google Photos change is the ability to save photo attachments in a Gmail message directly to Google Photos with a new “Save to Photos” button (JPEG images only).
Microsoft Teams for Home now available
Microsoft Teams is now available for home and personal use as of May 2021. Users can make personal video calls and chat using the Teams iOS, Android, web, or desktop apps.
Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA)
Virginia passed new privacy state legislation in March 2021: The Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA), which is scheduled to go into effect as of January 1, 2023. The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) has summarized the requirements of this new state law intended to protect the privacy of Virginia residents.