Microsoft has resolved a bug in Windows Defender that was introduced after a recent security update, which caused the antivirus service to crash and display 0xc0000005 access violation errors. The issue affected Windows 10 and 11 users, leading to failed scans and error prompts to restart the Defender service. Microsoft released a signature update (version 1.457.236.0 or later) that includes the fix, and recommends users update their systems to restore full functionality.

Microsoft's August Patch Tuesday addresses 751 vulnerabilities, including 108 rated as critical, with a significant elevation of privilege flaw in the Windows WinSock driver already being exploited. The update focuses on Windows, Office, and Exchange, with critical issues affecting Windows DNS and DHCP servers. Microsoft has not published any mitigations for this release, and there are no SQL Server updates this month.

Citrix has issued an urgent security advisory for two vulnerabilities found in NetScaler Gateway and NetScaler ADC appliances. The more severe, CVE-2026-19490, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication, while CVE-2026-19489 could be exploited for denial-of-service attacks. Citrix has released patches for these issues and strongly recommends immediate updates.

Zach Lewis, chief information and security officer for the University of Health Sciences Pharmacy, said a layered backup strategy allowed the university to recover from a ransomware attack by the LockBit group, which demanded $1.25 million. Lewis said tertiary backups stored in the cloud were not tied to the university's normal accounts, which was key to recovery. "The best recommendation is to have three tiers, which is what we did. But also having one of those tiers be fully separate from your environment," Lewis said. "We want a backup solution that's not tied to our network or our user accounts."

The integration of AI into business operations has transformed data usage, presenting significant challenges for security teams. Organizations now need to protect data across cloud, SaaS and AI environments, requiring a comprehensive understanding of data flow and potential risks. Wiz offers a solution that provides visibility and context, enabling organizations to identify and remediate risks quickly.

Durham Technical Community College is experiencing significant enrollment growth, particularly in health care, information technology and skilled trades. Many students are seeking hands-on experience that will lead directly to employment, and the college has seen a rise in younger students, including high-schoolers, enrolling in courses.

The rise of AI and automation has transformed entry-level hiring, with employers now seeking candidates who can demonstrate problem-solving skills and adaptability, writes Friddy Hoegener of SCOPE Recruiting. Job seekers are advised to build a portfolio of three real-world projects, use AI to identify resume skill gaps, and optimize their LinkedIn profiles for better visibility, says Hoegener.

DevOps engineers remain among the most in-demand technology professionals, with more than 24,000 US job listings and a median annual salary of $140,000, according to CompTIA analysis of labor market data. The role combines software development and IT operations skills to automate and streamline software delivery and infrastructure management. CompTIA certifications can help aspiring IT professionals build the skills they need to pursue opportunities in this fast-growing field.

CompTIA Data+ helps early-career professionals develop the practical skills needed to transform raw data into actionable business insights, strengthening both employability and workplace performance. The latest version of the certification reflects evolving data analytics practices, with expanded coverage of technologies and tools such as generative AI, regular expression testers and integrated development environments. By validating skills in data analysis, visualization, governance and problem-solving, CompTIA Data+ helps professionals build critical data literacy and advance their careers in an increasingly data-driven economy.

The FDA has approved Aletta, a robotic device designed to automate blood draws in outpatient settings. Aletta uses near-infrared light and Doppler ultrasound to locate veins and performs the entire blood draw process, although a trained phlebotomist must supervise the procedure.