There is a ton of security news, some very tactical – let’s start there.
Microsoft has confirmed that the April 2024 Windows security updates have caused VPN connection failures across various Windows versions. The affected versions include Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2008 and later. While Microsoft is investigating the issue, users can temporarily address the problem by uninstalling the security updates, although this will also remove other security fixes. Microsoft advises affected users to seek support through the Windows Get Help app or the Support for Business portal.
Microsoft has also confirmed NTLM authentication failures and high load issues after installing April 2024 Windows Server security updates. This issue affects Windows domain controllers with a lot of NTLM traffic and few primary DCs. Microsoft is working on a fix and advises uninstalling the security updates as a temporary workaround.
On the brighter side, Microsoft is launching passkey support for all consumer accounts, allowing users to sign in without typing passwords. Passkeys can be generated across Windows, Android, and iOS devices using authentication methods such as face, fingerprint, PIN, or security key.
WhatsApp has introduced passkey support on iOS following its release on Android. To enable passkeys on WhatsApp for iOS, users can go to the Account section of the app’s Settings. This feature will be rolled out gradually to all users in the coming weeks.
First, Microsoft has made many support desks work. That’s the tactical. Second, I will keep focusing on the broad consumer support for passkeys and continue to ask where that support is on the commercial side. This seems like a pretty obvious need to me.