The initiative will begin with systems operated by the government’s digital agency, DINUM, although authorities have not provided a timeline or specified which Linux distributions will be adopted.

French official David Amiel said the move is aimed at strengthening digital sovereignty and ensuring greater control over national data and infrastructure.

The transition reflects a broader push within Europe to reduce dependence on major U.S. technology firms, including Microsoft, amid geopolitical tensions and concerns over data control.

The decision follows earlier measures by the French government, including replacing Microsoft Teams with a locally developed video conferencing platform based on open-source technology.

Authorities also plan to migrate national health data systems to a domestically controlled platform later this year.

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The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2026-21510, affects the Windows shell, a core component that powers the operating system’s user interface. According to Google’s Threat Intelligence Group, the flaw is under “widespread, active exploitation,” allowing attackers to silently execute malicious code on targeted systems.

Successful attacks can grant hackers elevated privileges, increasing the risk of ransomware deployment, data theft, and broader network compromise, Google said.

The flaw allows attackers to bypass Microsoft’s SmartScreen security feature, which is designed to block malicious files and suspicious links. By tricking a user into clicking a specially crafted link or shortcut file, hackers can execute malware with minimal interaction — a rare “one-click” pathway to full system compromise.

Security expert Dustin Childs described the vulnerability as particularly dangerous because of its simplicity.

“There is user interaction here, as the client needs to click a link or a shortcut file,” Childs wrote in a blog post. “Still, a one-click bug to gain code execution is a rarity.”

Microsoft has since released security updates to address the issue, acknowledging the role of Google’s researchers in identifying the flaw. The company also warned that technical details about the exploit have been made public, potentially increasing the likelihood of further attacks.

In addition to the Windows shell vulnerability, Microsoft patched several other zero-day flaws in Windows and Office that were also being actively exploited.

Users and organizations are advised to install the latest security updates immediately to mitigate the risk.

The post Google Flags Widespread Exploitation of Windows Security Flaw appeared first on Tech Digest News.

Starting that date, users will no longer be able to log into the desktop apps and will be automatically redirected to Facebook’s website to access Messenger. According to an in-app notification and a Messenger help page, Mac users will have 60 days to continue using the app before it is fully deprecated, after which they will be blocked from accessing it. Meta has advised users to delete the app once support ends.

The company is encouraging users to activate secure storage and set up a PIN to preserve their chat history before moving to the web version. Once the transition is complete, messages will remain accessible across platforms. Windows users can alternatively use the Facebook desktop app, while both Windows and Mac users can use Messenger through Facebook.com.

The phase-out comes a year after Meta replaced its native Messenger app with a Progressive Web App in September 2024. The decision to discontinue the desktop apps entirely may prompt backlash from users who rely on the native experience.

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The update introduces a wake word feature, allowing users to activate Copilot by saying “Hey Copilot” to issue voice commands on any Windows 11 PC. The company is also expanding Copilot Vision — a tool that can analyze on-screen content and answer questions about it — to all markets where Copilot is available. Windows Insiders will soon be able to interact with Vision through text as well as voice.

The new features are part of Microsoft’s broader push to increase Copilot adoption amid competition from Google and Meta, which are embedding their own AI assistants into devices and applications.

Microsoft also unveiled an experimental “Copilot Actions” mode that enables the assistant to carry out real-world tasks, such as booking restaurant reservations or ordering groceries, directly from the desktop. The feature builds on similar capabilities previously introduced in its Edge browser. The company emphasized that Copilot agents will operate with limited permissions and require explicit user consent for access to resources.

In addition, Microsoft launched “Gaming Copilot” for Xbox Ally consoles, allowing players to get real-time tips, recommendations, and support through the AI assistant.

“We think we’re on the cusp of the next evolution, which is where AI happens, not just in that chatbot, but gets naturally integrated into the hundreds of millions of experiences that people use every day,” said Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s consumer chief marketing officer.

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The move affects millions of users globally, raising cybersecurity concerns for those who continue using the outdated software. After the end-of-support date, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive protection against emerging threats, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Microsoft has urged users to migrate to Windows 11, which it says “meets the current demands for heightened security by default.” According to data from Statcounter, 43% of the world’s 1.4 billion Windows devices were still running Windows 10 as of July 2025. In the U.K., consumer group Which? estimates that 21 million people are still using the operating system.

A Which? survey conducted in September found that one in four users plans to continue using Windows 10, while one in seven expects to buy a new device. Consumer rights groups have criticised Microsoft’s decision, arguing that it will force unnecessary spending and worsen electronic waste.

Nathan Proctor, senior director at the U.S.-based Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), said:

“The end of support for Windows 10 is shaping up to be a disaster for both consumers and the environment. People are tired of short-lived devices we can’t fix or lose software support for. We deserve tech that lasts.”

To remain protected, users have two main options: upgrade to Windows 11 or enrol in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, which provides essential protection for one year beyond the end date. The ESU programme, available until October 2026, excludes technical support and feature enhancements.

Personal users in the European Economic Area can access ESU at no cost, while others may pay $30 or redeem Microsoft Rewards points. Businesses will be charged from $61 per device, depending on location and licensing.

Microsoft Consumer CMO Yusuf Mehdi warned that organisations running unsupported systems may struggle to remain compliant with data protection regulations. Security experts have also warned that Windows 10 systems will increasingly become targets for cybercriminals exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities.

Minimum system requirements for Windows 11 include 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a TPM 2.0 security chip. Users whose devices are ineligible for the upgrade are advised to subscribe to ESU or switch to alternative operating systems like Linux or ChromeOS Flex, both of which offer free security updates.

Some consumers may opt for new PCs, but manufacturers and retailers such as Dell, Currys, and Back Market are offering refurbished and trade-in programs to reduce electronic waste.

Microsoft maintains that the move reflects its broader shift toward more secure, modern systems with enhanced encryption, secure boot, and cloud-based protections, as cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication.

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TECHDIGEST- WhatsApp has recently launched a new Windows app, which boasts faster loading times and enhanced capabilities, including the ability to host group video calls with up to 8 people and audio calls with up to 32 people.

The desktop app has been designed to look and feel like the mobile version, providing a seamless experience for users. Additionally, the new app supports multi-device sync, allowing users to continue using WhatsApp on their Windows device even without their phone.

READALSO: ISACA Congratulates Amb. Olugbile on his Award As PAN African Technology Icon of the Year

Other features, such as link previews and stickers, are also present in the new version. WhatsApp is currently testing a beta version for Android tablets and Mac desktops, although it is still in the early stages of development. The company has introduced a new Mac client in public beta, which brings Apple Silicone-based optimizations.

WhatsApp has stated that the current 8 people limit for video calls and 32 people limit for audio calls will be increased over time. Furthermore, the messaging platform has been introducing new features at a rapid pace, with the new Windows app launching just a day after Mark Zuckerberg announced updates for groups, providing admins with more control over their group privacy and making it easier for users to see which groups they have in common.

Overall, WhatsApp’s latest updates and developments have shown a commitment to providing users with a seamless and efficient messaging experience across all devices. With continued development and improvements, WhatsApp is likely to remain a top choice for communication in both personal and professional settings.

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TECHDIGEST- Employees and business owners who continue to utilize an outdated version of Windows and Google’s Chrome browser must now upgrade.

That’s because Google will stop providing technical and security support for the Windows 7-based browser tomorrow.

READALSO: Nairobi to Host Africa Tech Summit 2023

Due to Covid-19, Google originally intended to end support on July 15, 2021, but it postponed the date first to January 15, 2022, and subsequently to January 10, 2023.

The final Chrome version to support Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 is version 109. The first Chrome version to require Windows 10 or later is Chrome 110, which is tentatively scheduled for release on February 7th, 2023, according to Google’s Chrome Support Manager.

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TechDigest- happens. The longer we keep our devices, the more cluttered they become.

Open your phone’s app tray for a great example. How many are sitting there that you haven’t opened in months or years? This clutter isn’t just annoying — it can be dangerous, too.

On your PC, your Start menu is probably a mess, too. That’s easy to clean up and you’ll thank yourself every time you click it.

Then there are all those files you genuinely don’t need. Keep reading for your easy action plan to free up some space like a pro.

Step 1: Empty the Recycle Bin

When you delete a file, it’s not gone. It first goes to the Recycle Bin, waiting for you to take more permanent action. To get them out of purgatory, right-click on your Recycle Bin and click Empty Recycle Bin.

Here’s another option that shows you even more files: Go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files. You’ll see a list of temporary files, including the contents of the Recycle Bin. Check the Recycle Bin box (and anything else you want to get rid of), then select Remove files.

Deleting old photos, documents and spreadsheets is just the beginning.

Step 2: Clear temporary files

Temporary files are created to help apps or processes go off without a hitch — or to help with transferring data and other processes. Over time, they can take up a lot of space. To clear them, open your C: drive and select the Windows folder, then Temp (C:\Windows\Temp). Press Ctrl + A to select everything, then hit Delete.

You can also navigate to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files. Select what you want to delete and hit Remove files.

Sick of paying for expensive software?

Step 3: Wipe out the Hibernation File

When you put your PC to sleep, it stores your open windows, documents, and files in the memory.

Hibernate does the same thing, but it saves these things to your hard drive instead of using your system’s memory. You can disable hibernate if you don’t use it. Here’s how:

Right-click on the Start button or press Win + X, then select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin). Type the following command to disable hibernation: powercfg.exe /hibernate off.

Step 4: Delete the old version of Windows

Windows automatically deletes the old version of the OS off your machine after an upgrade. You can also manually delete it before that happens to regain some space. Warning: You won’t be able to return to your previous Windows version if you change your mind.

Go to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files. Under Remove temporary files, select Previous version of Windows and then Remove files.

SOURCE: FoxNews

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