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How hackers are exploiting Windows SmartScreen vulnerability to spread malware

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How hackers are exploiting Windows SmartScreen vulnerability to spread malware

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If you use a Windows computer, it’s time to update it yet again — before hackers get to you with the latest Windows malware threat. Phemedrone is an open-source malware that targets web browsers and data from cryptocurrency wallets and messaging apps such as Telegram and Discord. And, this time, it’s getting to ordinary Windows users simply by getting around antivirus via Windows SmartScreen.

If that sounded like a lot of jibber-jabber, let’s break down what this means exactly, how it works and what else you need to know so you don’t end up a victim of this clever malware scam.

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Hacker on Windows computer (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is Windows SmartScreen?

Before we detail this specific threat, let’s talk about Windows SmartScreen. Windows SmartScreen is a cloud-based, anti-phishing and anti-malware component found in many Microsoft products, and it determines whether or not a website is potentially malicious to protect users from downloading harmful viruses to their devices. It does this by analyzing webpages and identifying suspicious behavior that could be indicative of malicious sites, apps and files that could be potentially downloaded.

It has several tactics that it uses to make this determination. Still, essentially, if and when it does, it will notify the user via Windows SmartScreen, showing you a warning on the page that lets you know whatever you’re about to do could be dangerous.

Windows pop-up screen (Microsoft Tech Community) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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MORE: WATCH OUT FOR THIS NEW MALICIOUS RANSOMWARE DISGUISED AS WINDOWS UPDATES 

How hackers got past Windows SmartScreen

Unfortunately, a vulnerability in Windows Defender known as CVE-2023-36025 was discovered and exploited by hackers back in November 2023, allowing bad actors to sneak past Windows Defender SmartScreen. It did this by hosting the malicious URL — which was shortened to be less suspicious — on a trusted cloud provider, like Discord or Filetransfer.io, though didn’t mention exactly how users were tricked into doing it. After all, this is a sophisticated hack.

Windows recognized these to be safe, while hackers were able to turn off the prompt that would otherwise enable Windows SmartScreen to pop up. As long as someone clicked the URL, Windows SmartScreen didn’t see it as harmful and, therefore, did not give a warning to users.

What would happen after this is that the victim would unknowingly download a control panel item (.cpl) file from a command-and-control, which allows hackers to essentially communicate with and control the device that they’ve compromised. Once they’re in, they launch a PowerShell loader, which grabs a PDF ZIP file labeled “Secure.pdf.” But, that’s no secure PDF…that’s a sneaky file disguising the Phemedrone malware. Then, boom. It’s on your device. And this is what would happen next.

MORE: BEST DESKTOP COMPUTERS FOR 2024 | BEST LAPTOPS FOR 2024

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What is this malware capable of?

The type of malware in this particular threat is known as Phemedrone, and no, it’s not the name of medicine — it’s a new open-source malware that has the main goal of stealing data stored in web browsers, funds from your cryptocurrency wallets and other data, including password managers like LastPass. It can even steal cookies, autofill data and browser data, as well as any other files and folders on your computer that the hacker wants access to.

And that’s not all. This malware is also capable of:

  • Collecting system information (hardware, OS, geolocation) and making screenshots
  • Grabbing Discord authentication tokens and files related to Steam and Telegram authentication-related file
  • Capturing connection details and credentials for FileZilla (a free FTP solution)

Hacker at work (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: WHY THAT FREE WINDOWS DOWNLOAD COULD COST YOU MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR

Do software updates regularly to stay safe from threats

Now, the reason you’re here — to protect yourself. New threats are coming out every day as hackers become more savvy and find more loopholes to exploit. But, in the case of this specific threat, Windows patched it up already and introduced the protection in a software update. This means that all you need to do is keep up with your software updates on Windows to protect yourself, which you’d be surprised how many people forget to do or ignore altogether. These software updates are important in keeping you safe, not just from this threat, but any others that may come your way.

Additionally, remember not to open or click on any links or files that you don’t know to be legit. Of course, hackers find sneaky ways to convince you that a link can be trusted even when it’s malicious. But stick to downloading files and apps from trusted browsers and app stores, and think twice before clicking on links in messaging apps.

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Always have strong antivirus software on all your devices

An effective antivirus software is a must-have. It’s the best to help stop and alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails and ultimately protect you from being hacked. The best way to protect yourself from having your data breached is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Having good antivirus software allows you to be resilient against growing attacks like Phemedrone malware by actively running on your devices. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Well, the biggest takeaway from this is that you can never be 100% safe online. Even the tools that are meant to protect you — like Windows SmartScreen — can be exploited from time to time. So, stay vigilant and have good antivirus software running on all your devices.

When was the last time you did a software update? How do you decide when it’s time to perform an update? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Technology

YouTube’s mobile app finally lets you share timestamped videos

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YouTube’s mobile app finally lets you share timestamped videos

YouTube is making some changes that might affect how you share videos from the mobile app. From the app, you can finally share videos from a specific timestamp, which will make it easier to point someone to a part of a video you might want them to see while you’re on your phone. However, this change will replace the Clips feature that lets you make a shareable clip from a video.

You’ll still be able to watch any Clips that you’ve already made. But moving forward, “the ability to set an end time or include a custom description when sharing will no longer be available,” YouTube says. The company notes that while clipping is “important way for creators to reach new audiences,” it says that “a number of third-party tools with advanced clipping features and authorized creator programs are now available to do this across different video platforms.”

The company originally introduced the Clips feature in 2021.

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Meta employee accused of accessing private images

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Meta employee accused of accessing private images

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When you upload a photo to Facebook, you expect it to stay private unless you decide otherwise. That expectation just took a hit after a former employee of Meta was accused of accessing thousands of private images.

According to details confirmed by the company, the London-based employee allegedly created a program to bypass internal safeguards. Investigators say this may have allowed access to about 30,000 private Facebook images that were not meant to be viewed.

The individual is now under criminal investigation and is out on bail as authorities continue to review the case. Here’s how investigators say the access may have happened.

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META SMART GLASSES PRIVACY CONCERNS GROW
 

A former Meta employee is accused of accessing thousands of private Facebook images, raising new concerns about how user data is protected. (Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images)

How the Meta employee allegedly accessed private images

Authorities believe the employee may have written a script to get around Meta’s internal detection systems. In simple terms, the system that should flag unusual behavior may not have caught the activity right away. This detail matters because large tech platforms rely on monitoring tools to detect suspicious access patterns. When those checks are bypassed, it raises questions about how internal access is controlled. 

The investigation is being handled by the cybercrime unit of the Metropolitan Police in London. At the same time, security experts often point out that insider threats are difficult to eliminate. Even strong systems can be tested when someone inside the company misuses access.

What Meta says about the employee investigation

Meta says it discovered the improper access more than a year ago and took action after identifying the issue. 

“Protecting user data is our top priority,” a Meta spokesperson told CyberGuy. “After discovering improper access by an employee over a year ago, we immediately terminated the individual, notified users, referred the matter to law enforcement and enhanced our security measures. We are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.”

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Legal risks in the Meta private images case

Data protection experts say cases like this often come down to both intent and safeguards. If an employee accesses personal data without authorization, that can lead to criminal charges under data protection and computer misuse laws. However, the company’s responsibility depends on the protections it had in place. If proper safeguards existed, the focus usually remains on the individual. 

If not, regulators may consider penalties or legal claims against the company. The Information Commissioner’s Office, the U.K.’s data privacy watchdog, has acknowledged the incident. The agency stressed that social media users should be able to trust how their personal information is handled. 

Why the Meta investigation is drawing attention now

This case is unfolding at a time when scrutiny of major tech platforms is already high. Recent legal challenges have raised broader concerns about how companies protect users and manage risk. That context adds weight to this investigation. It reflects a larger conversation about privacy and accountability in the tech industry. As more people rely on digital platforms, expectations of data protection continue to rise. Incidents like this tend to reinforce those concerns.

META REPORTEDLY BUILDING AN AI VERSION OF MARK ZUCKERBERG TO INTERACT WITH COMPANY EMPLOYEES

Mark Zuckerberg walks through the U.S. Capitol after a meeting on March 26, 2026. Investigators in London say a former Meta employee may have used a script to bypass safeguards and view about 30,000 private Facebook images. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

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Simple ways to protect your private photos

Even though this case involves an insider, there are still simple steps you can take to better protect your photos and limit who can see them.

1) Check your Facebook privacy settings

You cannot control what happens inside a company, but you can limit how much of your personal content is exposed. Start by reviewing your Facebook privacy settings.

(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)

Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: MenuSettings & privacy > Settings > Audience and visibilityPostsWho can see your future posts > select Friends (or a custom audience) > Save

Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture (top right) > Settings & privacySettingsAudience and visibility section > PostsWho can see your future posts > select Friends (or a custom audience) > Done

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2) Review older photos and albums

Next, go through older photos and albums. Many people forget that photos shared years ago may still be visible under outdated settings.

(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)

Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: MenuSettings & privacySettingsAudience and visibilityPostsLimit who can see past postsLimit who can see past postsLimit past posts > confirm

Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile pictureSettings & privacySettingsAudience and visibility  section > Posts > Limit who can see past posts > Limit past posts > confirm

And check individual albums:

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Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: Go to your profilePhotosAlbums > select an album > tap Edit (top right) > Who can see this? > choose who can see it > Done

Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: click your name on the left > Photos > Albums > select an album > click the three dots > Edit album > choose who can see it > Done

Not all albums can be changed, and some system albums have limited privacy options. 

3) Be careful what you upload

It also helps to limit what you upload in the first place. Sensitive images, documents or anything you would not want widely seen may be better kept off social platforms entirely.

META AI EDITS YOUR CAMERA ROLL FOR BETTER FACEBOOK POSTS
 

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Authorities are investigating whether a former Meta employee improperly accessed private Facebook photos that users never intended to share. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

4) Turn on account activity alerts and two-factor authentication

You can also enable alerts for unusual account activity. While this case involves an insider, account alerts still help you spot unauthorized access to your own profile. You can also turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to add another layer of protection to your account.

How to turn on account activity alerts

(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)

Mobile (iPhone/Android):
FacebookMenuSettings & privacySettingsAccounts CenterPassword and securitySecurity Checkupreview and complete recommended security steps

Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture (top right) > Settings & privacySettingsAccounts CenterPassword and security > Security Checkupreview and complete recommended security steps

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How to turn on two-factor authentication

(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)

Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: MenuSettings & privacySettingsPassword and securityTwo-factor authentication > choose text message or authentication appfollow prompts

Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile pictureSettings & privacy > Settings > Password and securityTwo-factor authentication > choose text message or authentication appfollow prompts

5) Check third-party app access

Take a few minutes to review which apps have access to your Facebook account. Third-party apps can sometimes hold more access than you expect.

(Settings may vary depending on device and app version)

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Mobile (iPhone/Android):
Facebook: MenuSettings & privacy > SettingsApps and websitesActive > tap an app > Remove

Desktop (Mac/PC):
Facebook: Profile picture (top right) > Settings & privacySettingsApps and websitesActive > click an appRemove

If you don’t see any apps listed or options like “Active,” it likely means you don’t have any connected apps to review.

What this means to you

If you use Facebook or similar platforms, this situation highlights something many people overlook. Even with strong safeguards, insider access still exists. Employees often need certain permissions to keep systems running. That creates a level of trust between users and the company. 

When that trust is broken, it can feel personal. At the same time, there are still steps you can take on your end. Reviewing your privacy settings, limiting what you share and enabling security features can reduce how much of your content is exposed. It also shows why detection and response matter. 

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In this case, Meta says it identified the issue, removed the employee and notified users. Those steps can limit damage, but they do not erase the concern. The bigger takeaway is that privacy depends on both technology and human behavior. Systems can reduce risk, but they cannot remove it completely.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com    

Kurt’s key takeaways

This case is still under investigation, and no final legal outcome has been announced. Even so, it highlights a risk many people rarely think about. Most privacy conversations focus on hackers. This situation is different. It shows how access from inside a company can create its own set of risks. Meta says it acted quickly by removing the employee, notifying users and strengthening its systems. Those steps matter, but they also show how much trust users place in the platforms they use every day. The reality is simple. Once you upload something online, you are trusting more than just the technology behind it.

If someone inside a company can access private data, how much control do you really have over what you share online? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. 

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Govee’s new LED Lightwall comes with its own self-standing frame

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Govee’s new LED Lightwall comes with its own self-standing frame

Govee has announced an upgraded version of its hanging Curtain Lights Pro that can instead be used nearly anywhere you have access to an outlet or large battery. At $449.99, Govee’s new Lightwall is more than twice as expensive as the $199.99 Curtain Lights Pro, but comes with more LEDs in a denser array and a self-standing aluminum frame that can be assembled in 10 to 15 minutes without the need for any tools.

When hung from its stand the Lightwall measures 7.9 feet wide and 5.3 feet tall and features 1,536 color-changing LEDs spaced about 1.96 inches apart in a 48 x 32 grid. It’s water-resistant, and with the ability to refresh at up to 35fps the Lightwall almost sounds like it could be used as a personal backyard Jumbotron, but it’s not designed for watching TV or movies.

The Lightwall instead connects to Govee’s Home app where you can select from over 200 preset scenes and simple animations, choose from 10 different music modes that generate lighting patterns matched to beats, or synchronize its colors to other Govee lighting products to create a cohesive mood.

The app can also use AI to create custom animated GIFs from simple text prompts, or you can take matters into your own hands and create custom designs by sketching in the app with your finger and stacking up to 30 layers of doodles. The Lightwall is smart home compatible and supports Matter, too, so in addition to managing it through Govee’s app you can control it using voice commands through smart devices with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.

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