The OWASP CRS 4.23.0 release introduces new detection rules, cleans up false positives, and includes housekeeping improvements. Key updates include protections against Vite.js path traversal attacks, fake Mozilla user-agent requests, and PHP session file uploads, alongside several fixes for common false-positive triggers. Although the housekeeping changes may not be immediately noticeable, they improve processing efficiency and clean up redundant elements. Users already on recent CRS versions should find the upgrade low-risk and beneficial, while those on older releases are encouraged to upgrade for enhanced alert management and reduced noise

Norton 360 Remover version 26.1.10348.0 has been released as a dedicated tool for the complete uninstallation of the Norton device security product from Windows devices. This utility is specifically designed to ensure that all associated files and settings are thoroughly removed, providing users with a clean slate for potential reinstallation of the software. By utilizing Norton 360 Remover, users can effectively eliminate any remnants of previous installations, which can help improve the overall performance and reliability of their Norton security applications.

AVG Clear (Remover) version 26.1.10738 has been released, providing users with a tool to completely uninstall their AVG antivirus software. This utility is designed to remove every trace of AVG from a computer, including registry entries, installation files, and user data. It should be used as a last resort when traditional uninstallation methods fail, such as during a problematic repair, reinstallation, or when a complete removal is necessary.

Notepad++ users who ran older versions or had auto-updates enabled may have been targeted by state-sponsored hackers between June and December 2025, which compromised the update process and delivered malicious installers. Signs of compromise include unusual update dialog pop-ups, mismatched version numbers, and larger installer sizes, prompting users to check their installation for vulnerabilities. To mitigate risks, users should download Notepad++ 8.9.1 from the official site, verify its digital signature, disable auto-updates, and change any credentials if they used shared hosting. The new version enhances security by signing the XML update manifest and verifying the certificate chain, helping to prevent future attacks

Linux Security Roundup for Week 5, 2026: Summary and Insights

The Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST) version 31.1.2026 has been released and is available for free as a portable application. It is designed to help users diagnose malware issues on their systems and is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.

IPFire 2.29 - Core Update 200 has been released for testing, marking a significant milestone for the development team and the IPFire community. This update includes a rebase on the Linux kernel 6.18 LTS (specifically version 6.18.7), which brings enhanced security measures, improved performance, and greater system stability. With these upgrades, users can expect smoother network operations and better protection against vulnerabilities.

Atlantis Word Processor Lite 5.0.1 has been released, offering users a robust and efficient tool for their word processing needs. This software caters to both beginners and advanced users, providing an array of features essential for creating professional documents. Whether you're drafting reports, writing novels, or composing letters, Atlantis Word Processor Lite is designed to handle tasks ranging from the simplest to the most intricate with ease.

Malwarebytes has recently released versions 5.4.7.229 and 5.19.1.3534, continuing its reputation as a comprehensive antivirus solution that protects users from malware, ransomware, exploits, and various malicious websites and applications. The software is user-friendly, designed to efficiently detect and remove a vast array of threats, including spyware, worms, trojans, rootkits, rogues, and adware. Users can initiate a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free, which will suggest items to remove at no cost. For enhanced protection, users can upgrade to Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium, which offers real-time scanning and additional protective features.

Linux Security Roundup for Week 4, 2026

RogueKillerCMD version 5.4.1.0 has been released, providing users with a command-line option for the Adlice Protect malware removal tool, previously known as RogueKiller. This version is specifically available for 32-bit systems and is designed to detect and eliminate a wide variety of both known and unknown malware, making it particularly useful in situations where a graphical user interface (UI) is not accessible, such as in safe mode.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware has released version 5.0.11, which is designed to effectively combat various PC threats, including adware, malware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). This updated software allows users to easily remove these threats, ensuring their computers remain secure from virus and malware attacks. It boasts a fast full-system scan capability, often quicker than similar tools, and has the added advantage of identifying a greater number of items for removal, including many PUPs, thus minimizing disruption to the user's daily activities.

Luanti version 5.15.0 has been released, showcasing its evolution from its previous name, Minetest. This infinite-world block sandbox game and game engine draws inspiration from popular titles such as InfiniMiner and Minecraft. Designed for simplicity, stability, and portability, Luanti is lightweight enough to run on older hardware, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Argente Malware Cleaner, part of the Argente Utilities suite, has introduced its latest version 3.0.4.9, which allows users to conduct on-demand scans of their local systems for malware detection and removal. This tool is specifically designed to analyze critical areas of a computer that are commonly targeted by malicious software, thus offering an additional layer of security.

Glarysoft has released version 1.211.0.842 of Malware Hunter, a tool designed to detect and eliminate malicious files and threats from your computer. This software allows users to perform hyper-scans that rapidly identify viruses and other dangers, ensuring that all traces of these threats are removed from the PC. While it does not provide constant monitoring, it serves as an effective on-demand malware scanner.

Shortcut Virus Removal Tool 1.9.0 has been released, continuing its mission to effectively combat the pervasive shortcut virus that frequently targets USB drives and computers. This utility is not only efficient but also user-friendly, catering to individuals with varying levels of technical expertise.

Linux Security Roundup for Week 3, 2026

The Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (FRST) has been updated to version 17.1.2026. This free, portable application is specifically designed to diagnose malware issues on computers, and it is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Users can also utilize FRST in the Windows Recovery Environment to troubleshoot and resolve boot problems.

In January 2026, Microsoft released a significant security update aimed at addressing 112 vulnerabilities across its Windows operating system and server software. The updates are particularly critical for components such as Windows Deployment Services, SQL Server, and Windows Server Update Services, which include vulnerabilities rated as high as 8.8 on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS).

Linux Security Roundup for Week 2, 2026: Summary and Extensions