Editor’s note: There is a lot going on in the world of IT, from emerging technologies to digital transformation and new cybersecurity threats. However, we can’t possibly cover it all, so we’ll bring you This Week in IT, a curated summary of IT and enterprise technology news stories each week.
Microsoft 365 outage
Multiple Microsoft 365 services were down Wednesday in what Microsoft say was an issue called by a networking change. Services such as Outlook, Teams and others were inaccessible to users early Wednesday morning.
The company said it identified a networking issue and rolled back a networking configuration change. According to a Reuters report, this affected uses around the world, with services impacted in Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.
Read the Reuters report for more information.
Microsoft to shut down AltspaceVR
Microsoft is shutting down its social virtual reality platform, AltSpaceVR, on March 10, due to a desire to focus on Mesh, the mixed reality platform that Microsoft wants to grow and turn into a VR communication platform for commercial customers.
“We look forward to what is to come, including our launch of Microsoft Mesh, a new platform for connection and collaboration, starting by enabling workplaces around the world,” the company said in a blog. “In the near-term, we are focusing our VR efforts on workplace experiences, learning from and alongside our early customers and partners, and ensuring we deliver a foundation that enables security, trust and compliance. Over time, we hope to extend to consumer experience a well.”
Read Microsoft’s blog for more information.
DOJ takes down Hive Ransomware
The U.S. Department of Justice says it has undergone a months-long disruption campaign against the Hive ransomware group that has targeted more than 1,500 victims in over 80 countries around the world.
According to the DOJ, the FBI since July 2022 has penetrated the organization’s computer networks, captured decryption keys and offered them to global victims. That saved victims from having to pay $130 million in ransom demands. Law enforcement has provided over 300 decryption keys to Hive victims who were under attack and has distributed over 1,000 other decryption keys to previous victims.
Read the DOJ announcement for more information.
Beware of malicious use of RMM software
Several U.S. agencies are warning of an uptick in cyber campaigns involving the malicious use of remote monitoring and management software, with one particular campaign using phishing emails that led to the download of ScreenConnect and AnyDesk to steal money from victim bank accounts.
While financially motivated, these attacks can lead to other activity, such as selling initial access to other cybercrime organizations. Legitimate RMM software is often used by threat actors to mask their activities and maintain persistence in a victim’s environment, the advisory warns.
Read the advisory for more information.
iOS 16.3 and hardware security keys
Apple has rolled out iOS 16.3, and the new operating system for iPhones and iPads features support for physical security keys for Apple IDs.
This allows users to use third-party security keys instead of two-factor authentication for their Apple ID. The feature will only work with security keys certified by the FIDO Alliance, such as keys from YubiKey or FEITAN.
Read this Apple support document for more information.
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