Microsoft recommends disabling the Secure Time Seeding (STS) in Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2022, and Windows Server 2025 due to reported timekeeping issues. Additionally, organizations should review and ensure proper time synchronization and monitoring on critical servers.
Server #Take action: Disable Secure Time Seeding (STS) in Windows Server 2016 and later
Tips #The Module DLL C:\WINDOWS\system32\inetsrv\rewrite.dll failed to load
Upgrading Windows server 2012 to 2016 you might face this error.
Uninstalling "IIS Url Rewrite Module 2.0" from Programs and Features and reinstall from Microsoft website iis.net/downloads/microsoft/url-rewrite + IISReset fixed the issue
[original article https://superuser.com/questions/948411/the-module-dll-c-windows-system32-inetsrv-rewrite-dll-failed-to-load
Sophos #How to uninstall & install software client/server
Here they are some useful articles that indicate on how to safely uninstall Sophos Antivirus,
Sophos Central Endpoint and Server: Uninstall Sophos using the command line or a batch file
https://support.sophos.com/support/s/article/KBA-000003469?language=en_US
Remove Sophos Central without tamper protection password
SophosZap: Frequently asked questions (to be used only as last chance)
https://support.sophos.com/support/s/article/KBA-000006929?language=en_US
Sophos Central Endpoint: Automate the software deployment to Windows devices
https://support.sophos.com/support/s/article/KBA-000003140?language=en_US
Sophos Central Endpoint: Installer command line options for Mac and Windows
https://support.sophos.com/support/s/article/KBA-000004840?language=en_US
Sophos #XDR feature, adaptive attack protection
About sophos Intercept X Advanced with XDR and other Sophos features I take note, on blog, about some related articles:
Sophos Intercept X Advanced with XDR: Help with Forensic Snapshots
https://support.sophos.com/support/s/article/KBA-000006333?language=en_US+
Sophos XDR-enabled devices continually capture data related to processes, files, networks, and other system activities. When threat detection occurs, a snapshot file of current activity is created on the device's disk. This snapshot helps generate the Threat Case in Sophos Central, which attempts to piece together the threat chain of an attack and identify related activities.
Data Lake uploads
https://docs.sophos.com/central/customer/help/en-us/ManageYourProducts/ThreatAnalysisCenter/LiveDiscover/DataLakeUploads/index.html
Sophos XDR: Getting Started with XDR and Data Lake Hydration
https://techvids.sophos.com/watch/JWndawT866eCh9gVXTNE2K
Sophos Intercept X: Adaptive attack protection
https://support.sophos.com/support/s/article/KBA-000008632?language=en_US
This protection feature is part of the malicious behavior protection capability in the Sophos endpoint. It consists of a series of technique-focused behavioral rules intended to disrupt the actions of a threat actor.
Admin Isolated Devices
[UPDATE 2025.06.05]
Sophos Endpoint: Adaptive Attack Protection Gets Even Better
Network #Some switch commands
On Cisco switches you can review single port configuration
show running-config interface Gi4/0/13
In case you would like to reset single port configuration:
Config t
default interface GigabitEthernet 4/0/13
Network #PKI-4-TRUSTPOOL_EXPIRATION_WARNING
We faced, on several Cisco switches, this warning:
Mar 8 11:11:52.680: %PKI-4-TRUSTPOOL_EXPIRATION_WARNING: The Trustpool will expire in 20 days
Mar 8 11:11:52.680: %PKI-4-TRUSTPOOL_AUTO_UPDATE_DISABLED: Auto-trustpool update is disabled.
In Cisco IOS XE version 17.12.04, the auto-update feature for the PKI trustpool is enabled by default. This means the device will automatically download and update the trustpool bundle from Cisco's servers when necessary.
How Auto-Update
Works
When the PKI trustpool is due
for an update—due to reasons like certificate expiration, reissuance, or the
addition of new trusted certificates—the system will:Cisco
- Attempt to download the updated
trustpool bundle from the configured URL.
- If the download is successful, the
trustpool is updated.
- If the download fails, the system will
retry at increasing intervals: 20 days, 15 days, 10 days, 5 days, 4 days,
3 days, 2 days, 1 day, and then hourly until successful.Cisco
This process ensures that the
device maintains an up-to-date set of trusted root certificates, which is
crucial for secure operations like HTTPS, VPNs, and Smart Licensing.
unfortunately, in our case, this configuration command was missing
crypto pki trustpool policy
cabundle url http://www.cisco.com/security/pki/trs/ios.p7b
revocation-check none
to manual import certificate you must launch, through config t, this command:
crypto pki trustpool import url http://www.cisco.com/security/pki/trs/ios.p7b
to avoid problems we launched this
to view certificate status this is command
show crypto pki trustpool policy
[other articles]
https://community.cisco.com/t5/switching/trustpool-expiration-on-3750-x/m-p/2423362#M286822
Iphone #How to trasfer HEIC and HEVC photo to PC (in JPEG format)
With the release of iOS 11 and macOS High Sierra in 2017, Apple made the shift to HEIC and HEVC photo and video formats. These file formats can compress photos by up to 50% without losing any image quality.
The major problem is that HEIC and HEVC format is not widely supported (mainly on PC or other devices).
To transfer photo to other devices in .jpeg format here it is procedure that you should apply to your iphone
- Go to Settings > Photos.
- Scroll down to the Transfer to Mac or PC section.
- Tap Automatic.
VMWare #how to disable cluster e/o ESX monitor
In case you have to, temporarily disable ESX farm cluster/monitoring you can follow this article instructions:
https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/343224/disabling-and-enabling-vmware-high-avail.html
Security - PAN-OS Firewall DoS Vulnerability - Let attacker Reboot Firewall Repeateldly
(CVE-2025-0128) is affecting multiple versions of their PAN-OS firewall software.
affected systems:
PAN-OS 11.2 (< 11.2.3)
PAN-OS 11.1 (< 11.1.5)
PAN-OS 11.0 (< 11.0.6)
PAN-OS 10.2 (< 10.2.11)
PAN-OS 10.1 (< 10.1.14-h11)
Mitigation strategies
For PAN-OS 11.2: Upgrade to 11.2.3 or later
For PAN-OS 11.1: Upgrade to 11.1.5 or later
For PAN-OS 11.0: Upgrade to 11.0.6 or later
For PAN-OS 10.2: Upgrade to 10.2.11 or later
For PAN-OS 10.1: Upgrade to 10.1.14-h11 or later
For organizations unable to update immediately, a temporary CLI-based workaround exists. Administrators can run the following command:
> debug sslmgr set disable-scep-auth-cookie yes
All details are here indicated:
https://cybersecuritynews.com/pan-os-firewall-dos-vulnerability/
Citrix #how to push Citrix Workspace app for windows through GPO
Citrix Workspace app has possibility to be pushed through GPO, using proper scripts and ADMX/ADML templates for Group Policy Editor
All details can be found at below link:
Consider that PDQ product is not able to push software after reboot/shutdown so, this solution, permit to override this software limit
https://documentation.pdq.com/pdqdeploy/13.0.3.0/index.html?logoff-step.htm
https://www.alessandromazzanti.com/search?q=pdq
Be aware that latter VDI Teams version have to utilize this Citrix WorkSpace setting enabled
So in cmd you need to add this value MTOPBootStrapperInstaller (to properly deploy teams plugin)
set CommandLineOptions=/Silent ALLOWADDSTORE=N /includeSSON /AutoUpdateCheck=Disabled EnableCEIP=false ADDLOCAL=ReceiverInside,ICA_Client,SSON,AM,SELFSERVICE,USB,DesktopViewer,Flash,Vd3d,Webhelper,BrowserEngine,WorkspaceHub,MTOPBootStrapperInstallerSecurity #Global protect Portal hacker on going scanning activity
Researchers have detected a scanning activity targeting Palo Alto Networks’ GlobalProtect VPN portals.
During last 30 about 24,000 unique IP addresses have attempted to access these critical security gateways
Here you can find complete article:
https://cybersecuritynews.com/hackers-scanning-palo-alto-networks-portals/
Scripting - Get-ADUser - How to retrieve User last logon date
There is an easy and quick way to get .TXT file with all AD Usernames and relatives last logon dates.
- You must execute Powershell module with Administrative rights.
- Import-Module activedirectory
- Get-Help Get-ADComputer
- Get-ADUser -filter * -Properties * | Select-Object SamAccountName, Company, @{Name="Manager";Expression={(Get-ADUser $_.Manager).sAMAccountName}}, enabled, LastLogonDate , AccountExpirationDate, displayname, GivenName, surname, custJDEEmployeeID | Export-csv C:\temp\ADUsers.csv
SCRIPTING - HOW TO CHECK SERVER UPTIME WITH SINGLE COMMAND #part 2
In previous article I mentioned a way to check remote client/server uptime.
https://www.alessandromazzanti.com/2022/03/scripting-how-to-check-server-uptime.html
An alternative way is to execute these powershell commands:
$serverName = "NomeDelServer"
$uptime = (Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_OperatingSystem -ComputerName $serverName).ConvertToDateTime((Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_OperatingSystem -ComputerName $serverName).LastBootUpTime)
$uptime
Monitor #PRTG how to migrate server
I already published several blog articles related to PRTG product.
https://www.alessandromazzanti.com/search?q=prtg
During these days we managed PRTG server migration.
This is step by step article that we followed succesfully.
Security #30-day notice: Manage PAC Validation related to CVE-2024-26248 & CVE-2024-29056
The Windows security updates released on or after April 9, 2024 address elevation of privilege vulnerabilities with the Kerberos PAC Validation Protocol.
Take Action
IMPORTANT Step 1 to install the update released on or after April 9, 2024 will NOT fully address the security issues in CVE-2024-26248 and CVE-2024-29056 by default. To fully mitigate the security issue for all devices, you must move to Enforced mode (described in Step 3) once your environment is fully updated.
To help protect your environment and prevent outages, we recommend the following steps:
UPDATE: Windows domain controllers and Windows clients must be updated with a Windows security update released on or after April 9, 2024.
MONITOR: Audit events will be visible in Compatibility mode to identify devices not updated.
ENABLE: After Enforcement mode is fully enabled in your environment, the vulnerabilities described in CVE-2024-26248 and CVE-2024-29056 will be mitigated.
(Install the April 2025 Windows update on all Windows domain controllers and Windows clients, once it becomes available later this year. Enforcement mode will be fully enabled in your environment. This will properly mitigate the vulnerabilities described in CVE-2024-26248 and CVE-2024-29056.)
The default Enforced mode settings can be overrided by an Administrator to revert to Compatibility mode changing propter registry key on all Domain Controllers (till, April 2025)
Teams #VDI version 24295.x.x.x or older deadline May 6th, 2025
Summary
Keep Microsoft Teams desktop clients (version 24295.x.x.x or older) updated to avoid warning banners starting March 2025 and blocking pages from May 6th, 2025. Ensure automatic updates or frequent updates to the golden image to stay current. Check the Teams Admin Center for client usage reports.
Here it is original article
https://admin.microsoft.com/AdminPortal/home?ref=MessageCenter/:/messages/MC1038442
Mobile - F-Gas Tool
English Version:
Today I would like to share an interesting and precious app related F-Gas tool
F-Gas Tool is an innovative tool for calculating tons of CO2 equivalent with over 150 types of refrigerant gases available.
In addition, you also have the Gas Manager section that transforms your smartphone into a refrigerant gas management tool.
Access data entered from multiple devices, Android and iOS.
Data management through the Cloud ensures that new entries are updated on all connected devices, in an instant.
The app also supports data entry in offline mode, and will automatically update data with the Cloud as soon as there is an available connection, and after starting the app.
Iphone/Ipad (Open the Mac App Store to buy and download apps.)
<=================>
Italian Version:
Oggi vorrei mettere in evidenza, nel blog, quest'utilissima app di chi e' mestiere
F-Gas Tool e uno strumento di calcolo innovativo delle tonnellate di CO2 equivalente con oltre 150 tipi di gas refrigeranti a disposizione.
In piรน hai a disposizione anche la sezione Gas Manager che trasforma il tuo smart phone in uno strumento di gestione dei gas refrigeranti.
Accedi ai dati inseriti da dispositivi multipli, Android e iOS.
La gestione dati attraverso il Cloud fa si che i nuovi inserimenti siano aggiornati su tutti i dispositivi collegati, in un attimo.
L’app supporta anche l’inserimento dei dati in modalitร offline, e aggiornerร in automatico i dati con il Cloud non appena ci sarร una connessione disponibile, e dopo aver avviato l’app.
Iphone/Ipad (Open the Mac App Store to buy and download apps.)
<=============>
Here direct link Linkedin app developer
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6903951186672594944/
VIDEO DEMO F-Gas tool
F-Gas Calculator
English
French
Polski
Deutsch
Italiano
Español
Português
Gas Manager
Italiano
Citrix #how to script PVS (provisioning services) using powershell
If you have to automate some PVS Citrix actions you could have a look to this article.
It contain several useful information:
From my side I found useful this command line instructions to automatically publish test to prod Xenapp environment
Invoke-PvsPromoteDiskVersion -DiskLocatorName ““YourDiskName” -StoreName “YourStoreName” -SiteName “YourSiteName” -Test
Veeam #upgrade procedure.
Veeam backup & replication requires to be updated each time that a new version or patch is released.
I am taking note, on blog, a minimal checklist/workflow:
- Disable job backups
- Download latest Veeam B&R version https://my.veeam.com/my-products
- Verify, using 7zip (right click on file --> 7zip --> md5 )
- At least 40 GB. are required on Veeam VM.
- Turn off VM
- Snapshot
- Turn on VM
- Disable Antivirus
- Mount iso and start installation
- Prerequisite check will start (select any checkbox proposed)
- Most probably a server reboot would be necessary.
- Restart VM
- Mount iso and start upgrade process once again.
- Re-enable Antivirus
- Execute Veeam
- Rescan vCenter server and rescan backups repository
- Re-enable Veeam backups.
- Execute Veeam configuration backup
- Delete snapshot
Extra IT #Health and Wellness: #Lalis & Premium Skincare Products
English Version:
Today, I would like to introduce you to this incredible company that sells high-quality skincare and wellness products, used by industry professionals and end users alike. Their products are known for their superior quality and commitment to sustainability, with the added bonus of being:
They also have the characteristic of being:
- Cruelty-Free (no animal testing)
- Eco-sustainable
- Recyclable
- Biodegradable
Here are the links to their website and blog:
They also have an online store where you can explore their products:
Important: When you subscribe to their newsletter, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your first order.
For contact details, you can visit:
I highly recommend checking out their Instagram channel, which is regularly updated with excellent product presentation videos, often created by the owner herself, Loredana. Loredana is a dynamic, polite, and incredibly positive individual, which shines through in her content.
Here’s the link to their Facebook page:
Below, you’ll find a video recorded during a radio interview (if I remember correctly), as well as some additional videos taken from their Instagram and Facebook channels.
<====================>
Italian Version:
Oggi vorrei parlarvi di quest'azienda incredibile che vende prodotti di skincare e benessere della pelle di alta qualitร , utilizzati sia da professionisti del settore che da utenti finali. Questi prodotti si distinguono per la loro qualitร superiore e per l'impegno verso la sostenibilitร , con l'aggiunta di essere:
- Cruelty-Free (nessun test su animali)
- Ecosostenibili
- Riciclabili
- Biodegradabili
VMWare #CVE-2024-38812, CVE-2024-38813
I am taking note on blog this critical BroadCom/VMWare advisory
Advisory ID: | VMSA-2024-0019.3 |
Severity: | Critical |
CVSSv3 Range: | 7.5-9.8 |
Synopsis: | VMware vCenter Server updates address heap-overflow and privilege escalation vulnerabilities (CVE-2024-38812, CVE-2024-38813) |
Issue date: | 2024-09-17 |
Updated on: | 2024-10-21 |
CVE(s) | CVE-2024-38812, CVE-2024-38813 |
Here you can review VMWare build numbers and versions
https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/316595/build-numbers-and-versions-of-vmware-esx.html
Tips #Registro delle opposizioni
E' vero che purtroppo siamo nel paese delle "banane" ma per questo esiste da anni il registro delle opposizioni che permette, dopo essersi registrati, di dare diniego di ogni comunicazione non autorizzata.
Di seguito copio ed incollo le info dal loro sito ed il sito web stesso:
https://registrodelleopposizioni.it/
Vi sono tre modi per iscriversi:
- compila l’apposito modulo RPO di “Iscrizione” con i dati richiesti, inserendo fino a cinque numeri di telefono.
- Salva il modulo senza modificarne il formato.
- Invia il modulo RPO compilato a iscrizione(at)registrodelleopposizioni.it
Extra IT #Assertivita'
L'assertivitร si definisce cosi':
- Sapersi esprimere senza ansia, difendere i propri diritti, rispettando i diritti altrui.
- Saper evitare i condizionamenti.
- Saper scegliere nelle varie situazioni la reazione o l’iniziativa piรน efficace.
- Consapevolezza delle conseguenze del proprio comportamento.
- Utilizzare aggressivitร o passivitร , quando conviene .
ร Si focalizza sulla persona
ร Tende ad etichettare
ร Generalizza (.. sempre.. mai..)
ร Discute sul passato
ร
Atteggiamento
punitivo
ร
Provoca
difese
CRITICA COSTRUTTIVA
ร Si focalizza sul problema
ร Non critica la persona, ma un
avvenimento
ร
ร
specifica
ร
Atteggiamento
formativo
รผ Offre sostegno
รผ Offre proposte per il futuro
Critica costruttiva
(
1) Io sono “cosรฌ”, provo “questo”
(si apre in in prima persona)
2) perchรฉ tu “hai fatto questo”, con queste conseguenze
(analisi problema)
3) cosa proponi di fare ?
(proposta per il futuro)
4) saluto empatico
(tocco leggero sulla spalla o sul braccio)