Microsoft Store introduces replacement components for Surface devices
In an era of disposable technology, where planned obsolescence seems to be the norm, Microsoft is charting a different course with some of its Surface computers. You see, starting today, the Microsoft Store is making replacement components for Surface devices readily available. With the introduction of these replacement components, Microsoft is making significant strides towards empowering customers to extend the lifespan of their Surface devices in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
To assist customers in their repair journeys, Microsoft has created a dedicated section on their website (found here). This resource hub provides comprehensive troubleshooting information and self-repair guides tailored to Surface devices. It also offers a convenient list of available replacement components, categorized by device. For those seeking the right tools for the job, Microsoft has partnered with iFixit, a reputable provider of repair resources and tools.
Microsoft's fix for camera issues on Surface Pro X and ARM-based PCs is a bodge
Users of ARM-based devices running Windows 10 or Windows 11 -- including Microsoft's own Surface Pro X -- have been experiencing problems with their built-in cameras for about a week. There have been increasing numbers of complaints about non-functioning cameras and the error message "0xA00F4271<MediaCaptureFailedEvent> (0x80004005)".
Microsoft has provided a workaround to mitigate the issue, but the consequences of implementing it are less than ideal.
Microsoft-branded Windows PC accessories dropped in favor of Surface brand
Microsoft has announced that it is to stop producing Microsoft-branded PC accessories such as mice, keyboards and webcams. Existing devices will remain available until stocks run out.
But this does not means that Microsoft is dropping its accessories completely. Instead, the company says that it is shifting focus to its Surface brand, and will release accessories with this branding from now on.
Modern Attack Surface Management means going beyond the surface
Security teams today are contending with an ever-increasing attack surface and an exponentially growing volume of vulnerabilities. Yet most teams are still equipped with the cybersec equivalent of a bucket to shovel out an ocean of CVEs. Buying them another shiny new bucket pales in comparison to plugging the actual leak in your ship (or enterprise).
Vulnerabilities can’t all be patched, so prioritizing these based on business risk is the most grounded approach. While leading security teams have begun to implement more advanced vulnerability management (VM) programs, others are struggling with outdated, manually intensive and less effective ways of managing vulnerabilities without context or insights on the true risk they pose. This can only work for so long, as it requires the continuous process of monitoring, discovering, analyzing, and remediating vulnerabilities across all potential attack vectors. Even then, good old human error sneaks its way in.
Vulnerable cloud attack surface grows almost 600 percent
A new report from cyber asset visibility and management company JupiterOne shows numbers of enterprise cyber assets have increased by 133 percent year-on-year, from an average of 165,000 in 2022 to 393,419 in 2023.
Organizations have also seen the number of security vulnerabilities, or unresolved findings, increase by 589 percent according to the report which analyzed more than 291 million assets, findings, and policies to establish the current state of enterprise cloud assets, including cloud and physical environments of devices, networks, apps, data, and users.
In 2023, organizations must prepare for a growing attack surface, the war for cyber skills, and the rise of unknown threats
In the world of cybersecurity, year after year we encounter new threats and challenges, and 2023 is going to be no different. Currently, organizations are dealing with a growing number of unknown cyber threats targeting on-premises systems, cloud infrastructure, and SaaS applications. Added to this, the skills shortage is worsening too, causing analysts to becoming overloaded and burnt-out. Combined, this is creating a perfect storm, leaving organizations more vulnerable to a breach in 2023.
So, what specifically do organizations need to be aware of? Here are four trends that will shake up the cyber landscape next year.
Microsoft's Surface Laptop 5 is faster, but that's about it
Earlier today, Microsoft unveiled the latest model in its Surface Pro range, the Surface Pro 9.
The company also debuted a new model of its Surface Laptop. The upgraded device comes with the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor and Thunderbolt 4 and is now verified as an Intel Evo device, which Microsoft says means it’s over 50 percent more powerful than its predecessor. There's no AMD option this time around, unfortunately.
Microsoft's new Surface Pro 9 lets you choose between an Intel or Arm 5G processor
It’s been ten years since Microsoft debuted the original Surface Pro and while that launch was far from a huge success, the tech giant has continued to stick with the line, producing ever better devices.
Today sees the launch of the Surface Pro 9 and buyers of the updated 2-1 device have a choice of processors -- 12th Gen Intel Core processor built on the Intel Evo platform with Thunderbolt 4, or the Microsoft SQ 3 powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon with 5G connectivity.
Microsoft beefs up Defender security with new Threat Intelligence and External Attack Surface Management tools
Microsoft has launched two new security products, bolstering the capabilities of Microsoft Defender. The company says that the aim of the two tools is to help organizations lock down their infrastructure and reduce their overall attack surface.
The tools, Microsoft says, also provide "deeper context into threat actor activity" making it easier to predict malicious activity and secure resources. Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence works by mapping the internet every day, so that security teams have the data needed to understand current attack techniques, while with Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management lets security teams see their system as attackers do.
Enterprises lack confidence in managing attack surface risk
According to a new report, 60 percent of enterprises have low confidence in their ability to manage attack surface risk.
The study from technology management firm Oomnitza finds businesses increasingly dealing with a hybrid workplace, hybrid cloud, and digital business growth, which makes the ability to manage cyber risk more challenging.
Microsoft's new Surface Laptop Go 2 is available to pre-order today from $599
Just yesterday, we reported that Microsoft was readying a new Surface Laptop Go, with many of the specs revealed early on a Korean website.
We said that Microsoft was planning to announce the new device "in the coming weeks", but it turns out we don't have to wait anywhere near that long as the software giant today introduces the new Surface Laptop Go 2, with a starting price of $599.
Leak suggests Microsoft's new Surface Laptop Go 2 holds few surprises
In the coming weeks, Microsoft is expected to share details of a new Surface Laptop Go. However, it seems we may already know much of what to expect, after a listing for the yet-to-be-announced Surface Laptop Go 2 popped up on a Korean website.
While news of the upcoming device will interest those in the market for an updated model, the listing shows that there may not be a great deal to get excited about besides an upgraded processor.
Microsoft launches matte black Surface Go 3 with optional LTE
Is Microsoft's Surface Go line of tablets designed for hardcore computer users? Absolutely not. That is OK though. Not everybody is a gamer or enthusiast. Look, some of us just need to get basic work done. And so, an affordable computer with meager specifications, such as the Surface Go, can be a wise purchase. After all, you can turn it into a laptop by purchasing the optional keyboard cover or a desktop by connecting it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
If you have been on the fence about purchasing a Surface Go 3 -- the latest model -- I have some great news. Beginning today, Microsoft is selling a beautiful new version. No, the specifications are not different, but the body is... sort of. You see, the little tablet is now being offered in a beautiful matte black color.
KIOXIA BG5 PCIe 4.0 SSD is compatible with Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Windows 11 PC
Solid state drives continue to get faster, with PCIe 4.0 variants leading the pack nowadays. Of course, most PCs don't have PCIe 4.0 support, so these ultra-fast drives are reserved for enthusiasts and those with brand new computers. If you have such a cutting-edge PC, you will probably want to get a PCIe 4.0 SSD to maximize your performance. True, it is largely for bragging rights and benchmarks, but you might as well go for the best if the difference in price isn't totally obscene.
Today, KIOXIA unveils its latest solid state drive. Called "BG5," it uses PCIe 4.0 x4 to achieve up to 3,500 MB/s read and 2,900 MB/s write. Yeah, this DRAM-less SSD is actually a bit slow compared to other PCIe 4.0 drives, but it does have a very cool feature -- it is being offered in the M.2 2230 form factor. This means it will fit inside Microsoft's all-new Surface Pro 8.
All the new Surface devices Microsoft announced today
Today, at a online hardware event, Microsoft unveiled a large number of new Surface devices, including Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro X, Surface Go 3, and Surface Duo 2. There was also a new flagship laptop announced -- Surface Laptop Studio.
If you’re in the market for a new tablet or laptop that can run Windows 11, then Microsoft certainly has you covered.
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