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If you're managing industrial networks, critical manufacturing systems, or infrastructure that demands tight security, you'll want to sit down for this one. MICROSENS NMP Web+, a popular network management platform, is in the spotlight after researchers discovered several critical vulnerabilities that essentially gift-wrap your systems for attackers. This isn't just a fix-it-whenever-you-can scenario. We're staring at vulnerabilities with CVSS v4 scores as high as 9.3''serious problems that require immediate attention.

Since its introduction in 2021, Apple has always seen Declarative Device Management (DDM) as the future for device management on its platforms.

At this year’s WWDC, it told us that future has arrived, making DDM the primary framework with which to manage Apple devices and officially confirming plans to deprecate legacy MDM software commands. Bottom line: the transition to the more powerful DDM system is mandatory.

Some of the top-level DDM changes announced at last month’s developer’s event include:

• DDM support across all Apple’s platforms, including iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS26, visionOS26.
• DDM’s ability to configure update deferrals, set enforcement deadlines, and to define the window in which updates must take place.
• Status channel reporting in Apple’s DDM support, which means devices will report compliance with DDM requests automatically, reducing server-side load.

Underpinning the system is an idea that makes devices fundamentally more autonomous while also making them intrinsically more secure. It turns out the best way to securely manage endpoints is to help them do a better job of managing themselves. It also makes the user experience simpler, bringing the convenience of enterprise-scale protection in a consumer-friendly way.

The philosophy of Declarative Device Management (DDM)

It’s helpful to anyone who uses a managed device to understand the philosophy behind DDM — principally, that it empowers both the device and the end user and does so by simplifying the device management interaction and forcing the device itself to protect itself. More autonomous devices are more resilient devices.

Take a simple software update. MDM might inform a device that it should upgrade and then poll the device frequently to see whether the upgrade has taken place. While it might eventually be done, the device is pretty dumb in the interaction, and users, network access, or other obstacles could get in the way each time the request is made. 

With DDM (and forgive this slightly unnuanced layman’s articulation), the device is instructed to upgrade and will then be required to do so by a specific time. Then, rather than polling the device to nag it to conduct the upgrade, the device itself is forced to regularly report back on whether it has achieved the desired upgraded state. In this model, the device is made aware that it should upgrade and will upgrade itself at the first possible opportunity.

There are several advantages — management is more effective, network demands are reduced, and IT has a much better overview across the state of the corporate fleet. DDM is also more secure, as the onus of reporting turns to the device, which, in conjunction with improvements in identity and zero-trust, means IT enjoys a far more accurate picture of events, and devices become less likely to become attack vectors.

What difference does it make?

Apple’s growing cohort of device management partners (Jamf to Kandji, Mosyle, Fleet, Hexnode, Addigy and beyond) already understood Apple’s intention to move toward DDM, which means they are already introducing support for the improved DDM features Apple plans.

That means users who do migrate to DDM will get access to related enhancements Apple introduced at WWDC, such as version pinning for App Store apps alongside existing software update management. With a nod to the flourishing device management market, Apple is also introducing tools to make it easier to migrate devices between different MDM providers.

All these device management features are being enabled by Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Apple School Manager (ASM), both of which are critical to Apple’s enterprise push, and both of which have been improved drastically to enable new device management features. Organizations can actually prevent personal Apple IDs from signing into corporate-owned devices, even during setup, for example. 

Apple also introduced some new capabilities to help manage devices. These included new APIs to manage new attributes; one useful addition is support for users to request temporary privileges upgrades via their device management system. IT also gains better insight into AppleCare, Managed Apple IDs, and on-device authentication, which in itself promises highly secure yet-friction free device management. We’ve looked at some of these improvements previously. You should also find updates from your chosen device management service provider, which might be of help.

Defense is the sum of all the parts

When combined with enhancements to DDM, you’ll have a system that can securely distribute security, as well as autonomy, to endpoint devices. This effectively supersedes old perimeter defenses by transforming them into a networked, more intelligent system of equally well-defended nodes working together to maintain resilience. 

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Elon Musk-funded xAI is skipping Grok 3.5 and releasing Grok 4 after Independence Day in the United States. [...]

If you're a Linux admin or happen to be neck-deep in infosec, here's something worth your immediate attention: a critical security hole in Google Chrome'' CVE-2025-6554 ''has been patched. Trust me, this one isn't just a ''check the box'' type of update; it's as real as it gets.

Microsoft is working to fix a DNS misconfiguration that is causing one-time passcode (OTP) message delivery failures in Exchange Online for some users. [...]

As tech hiring has slowed to a near standstill, organizations have begun using generative AI (genAI) to screen hiring prospects — or replace entry-level employees — and some are even using the technology to interview job candidates. The result is a topsy-turvy job market that has made finding work in IT more difficult than ever.

In April, employer hiring fell to its slowest pace in more than a decade, excluding the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Job cuts in the tech industry and at federal government agencies have led the way in layoffs in recent job market reports, driven by economic pressure, programmatic firings and AI-driven shifts in workforce needs, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

So it’s not surprising that many organizations are taking a wait-and-see approach to hiring, especially as they wait to see how AI may be able to replace some billets. A recent Brookings Institute report on genAI found that the more highly skilled a tech worker is, the more vulnerable they are to having their jobs supplemented by technology.

Global staffing firm Robert Half recently surveyed nearly 1,000 U.S. workers, including 144 in tech, and found that 35% of tech workers say the biggest challenge of job hunting is finding a role that matches their skills. Another 30% of those surveyed said they struggled with preparing for a job interview, compared to just 22% of other job seekers. And nearly one-in-five tech job seekers find if difficult to draft job applications that stand out.

With that backdrop, Computerworld interviewed George Denlinger, operational president of Robert Half, for insights into how to use genAI to assist in finding and landing a tech job.

How can you craft an application to stand out using genAI? “Candidates can use these tools to catch spelling and grammar errors, identify industry-specific language and formatting, and help translate technical achievements into clear, impact-driven statements tailored to the role. When used thoughtfully, genAI helps elevate your application without losing the authenticity of your experience.”

What successes are people seeing using the technology in their job searches? “People who find success from using genAI in their job searches use it thoughtfully and strategically. At the outset of the process, AI can help streamline repetitive tasks, such as researching companies, narrowing their job searches, tailoring and customizing application materials, and optimizing professional social media accounts like LinkedIn. We’ve also seen candidates leverage genAI to identify companies that use specific tech stacks aligned with their skills and experience.

“I also know of job seekers who have found success using genAI to prepare for interviews. There are tools that can help candidates anticipate common and role-specific questions, simulate realistic interview scenarios, and organize their responses. Practicing in this way not only sharpens communication but also helps candidates feel more focused, articulate, and confident going into their interviews.

What mistakes do people make when using genAI in their job searches? “We are seeing AI tools used during interviews in ways that could raise ethical concerns, such as using genAI in real time to receive support during the [job interview] conversation. Employers are becoming increasingly aware of this type of usage and will likely remove such candidates from consideration.

“Another common mistake we see in job searches today is relying too heavily on genAI to craft application materials, especially resumes. Some candidates are copying job descriptions or AI-recommended terms word-for-word into their resumes, without any real knowledge of them. This may result in candidates being unable to explain or expand on the qualifications listed, creating a disconnect during interviews. It can even lead to individuals landing roles based on inflated or misrepresented skills, only to find themselves unprepared for the responsibilities and expectations of the job.

“While misrepresenting experience has never been acceptable, genAI has made it easier to do so.”

What’s the right way to use genAI in a job search, including creating an application and resume? “GenAI is best used as a support tool in the job search process and not as a replacement for your personal insight and experience. It can help with identifying relevant keywords, structuring your resume, and drafting content, but the final product should include the human touch. Most employers can recognize AI-generated responses, so the better way to connect is by genuinely expressing your character and interest in the role and company.

“As more applicants rely on AI to help generate materials, personalization is more important than ever. Employers want to see how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios: the systems you’ve built, the teams you’ve led, the solutions you’ve brought, and the skills you’re continuing to build. They’re looking for traits that can’t always be captured by a generic, AI-polished resume. Use genAI to help with structure and clarity, but make sure your own contributions and voice come through.”

Are people relying too much on AI for job searches now and, if so, why is that bad? “There needs to be a thoughtful balance when using AI throughout the job search process. While genAI is becoming a common tool for applicants, human interaction remains essential. Building professional connections or leveraging referrals continues to be one of the most effective ways to land a role.

“And while not everyone is misusing AI, all job seekers should be mindful of not becoming overly reliant on it. The goal is to enhance your application, not to let AI take over the parts that should reflect your own experience and personality — which are often things employers need to see when staffing a role.

“AI can be a powerful asset for a job search, but it’s the human touch that will set candidates apart, especially as it can’t replicate interpersonal skills, creativity, leadership, or adaptability. Further, the overuse of genAI tools is often noticeable to hiring managers. Research from Robert Half found that 82% of hiring managers say they can tell when a candidate has used AI to generate their application materials. This highlights a growing awareness among employers and a need for job seekers to use these tools thoughtfully.”

How can they find a job that aligns with their skills? Are courses and certifications the right way to prepare for that? “To find a tech job that aligns with their skills, job seekers should start by identifying their strengths and matching them to roles in demand. This applies not only to positions within the tech sector, but also to tech-driven roles across industries like finance and healthcare. GenAI can be a helpful starting point for curating a list of potential roles based on an applicant’s skills and interests, but I recommend exploring broadly and not limiting the search to one industry or job title.

“Courses and certifications can be valuable, especially in rapidly evolving areas, but they’re most impactful when paired with hands-on experience. This might include personal projects, internships, hackathons, or contributing to open-source work. Hiring managers continue to look for candidates who can demonstrate both what they’ve learned and how they’ve applied those skills in the field.

“Ultimately, today’s tech landscape requires adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning. Professionals who embrace digital transformation and proactively build skills in emerging technologies that help drive productivity and ROI will stand out.”

Losing your phone is one of the most stressful predicaments of modern-day life. We’ve all been there: You pat your pocket, swiftly scan every surface in sight — then suddenly feel your heart drop at the realization that your Android device and all of its contents (including, potentially, all sorts of sensitive company-connected materials) are no longer in your control.

There’s certainly no scenario in which losing your phone is a good thing. (Understatement of the century, I realize.) But with the advanced and just recently upgraded phone-finding system now built into Android at the operating system level, seeking out and then managing a missing device is more manageable than ever. And despite what some security suite services may try to convince you, you don’t need any third-party software to do it.

Android’s native Find Hub system (formerly known as Find My Device) can precisely pinpoint any Android device — phone, tablet, watch, you name it. It also works with an expanding series of special AirTag-like trackers that can be attached to keys, briefcases, and other important items. It’ll show you any compatible device’s exact location on an interactive map and — when relevant — give you tools to remotely ring it, lock it, or wipe it entirely and send all of its data to the digital beyond.

Best of all? You have to do shockingly little to get it up and running. It’s mostly just a matter of confirming that the system is active and then remembering how to tap into it if and when the need ever arises.

So take a few minutes now to learn the ins and outs of the Google Find Hub network and what it takes for your devices to be discoverable. Then, if you ever have that heart-dropping moment, your phone will be 100% ready — and so will you.

[Get Googley goodness in your inbox with my free Android Intelligence newsletter. Three new things to know and try each Friday!]

Google Find Hub, part I: Preparation

Most reasonably recent Android phones should be actively enrolled in Google’s Find Hub network by default, but there are a few critical settings that are worth double-checking to confirm everything’s connected.

First, head into the Location section of your Android device’s system settings and make sure the toggle at the top of the screen is turned on. If it isn’t, Android won’t be able to access your phone’s GPS and thus won’t be able to perform any Find-Hub-related location functions.

The Android “Use location” toggle is a critical foundation for Google’s Find Hub network to function.

JR Raphael, IDG

Next, search your system settings for find and tap on the section labeled “Find Hub.” Tap that, then make sure the “Allow device to be located” toggle on the screen that comes up next is activated. And last but not least, tap “Find your offline devices” and consider which of the available options seems most suitable for you and your future finding purposes.

You’ve got all sorts of options for how your Android device can connect to Google’s Find Hub network.

JR Raphael, Foundry

Got it? Good. Now, let’s break down what your options are when that dreaded “lost phone” nightmare becomes a reality.

Google Find Hub, part II: Action

The best part about Google’s Find Hub system alongside Android is that, with both being Google products, everything’s easily accessible from almost anywhere. If you ever can’t find your phone, choose the most convenient option and go, go, go:

1. Use the Find Hub Android app on another phone or tablet

If you have an Android tablet — or even a secondary phone, for either business or personal purposes — you can install the Find Hub Android app on it and allow it to see and manage any other devices associated with your sign-in. In fact, go ahead and do that on all your active Android devices this minute so the app will be there and ready in case you ever need it. As long as you’re signed into the same Google account on the secondary device as you are on your primary phone, finding your phone will be as simple as opening the app, confirming your Google password, and then selecting your phone from the list on the app’s main screen.

The official Find Hub app is an incredibly easy way to track down any device associated with your Google account.

JR Raphael, Foundry

From there, you’ll see your phone’s last known location on a zoomable map. And you’ll be able to ring it — for a full five minutes at a time, even if it’s set to silent — and optionally lock it or erase it as needed.

No secondary Android device? No problem: If you have a colleague, friend, or family member with an Android phone or tablet nearby, kindly ask them to install the Find Hub app onto their device. Open it and find the option to sign in as a guest. Type in your Google account credentials, and then take a deep breath: Everything you need to find your phone will be right at your fingertips.

(Side note: The Find Hub Android app is strictly about finding a device — nothing more. It doesn’t actually have to be on your device in order for the device itself to be discoverable.)

2. Pull up Android’s Find Hub website in a browser

If you don’t have another Android device handy, you can still get to Android’s Find Hub function from any web browser — on a laptop or desktop computer or even an iPhone or iPad.

The main Android Find Hub site is at google.com/android/find. It’s basically identical to what you’ll get in the Find Hub Android app:

srcset="https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/google-find-hub-web.jpg?quality=50&strip=all 1902w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/google-find-hub-web.jpg?resize=300%2C141&quality=50&strip=all 300w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/google-find-hub-web.jpg?resize=768%2C361&quality=50&strip=all 768w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/google-find-hub-web.jpg?resize=1024%2C481&quality=50&strip=all 1024w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/google-find-hub-web.jpg?resize=1536%2C721&quality=50&strip=all 1536w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/google-find-hub-web.jpg?resize=1240%2C582&quality=50&strip=all 1240w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/google-find-hub-web.jpg?resize=150%2C70&quality=50&strip=all 150w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/google-find-hub-web.jpg?resize=854%2C401&quality=50&strip=all 854w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/google-find-hub-web.jpg?resize=640%2C300&quality=50&strip=all 640w, https://b2b-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/google-find-hub-web.jpg?resize=444%2C208&quality=50&strip=all 444w" width="1024" height="481" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">Google’s Find Hub website puts all your device tracking data at your fingertips in any browser, on any type of device.

JR Raphael, Foundry

You can also find an alternate version of the Android Find Hub function within Google’s My Account site. That site provides the same basic info but seems to go back further in your device history — so if you’re looking for a device you haven’t used in a while and that device doesn’t come up on the main Google Find Hub site, you might give it a whirl to see if it shows up there.

And that, my friend, is all there is to it. Consider yourself protected — and you know what? Go get yourself a cookie. You’ve earned it.

Want even more Googley knowledge? Come check out my free Android Intelligence newsletter to get three new things to know and try in your inbox every Friday.

Microsoft 365 (and Office 365) subscribers get more frequent software updates than those who have purchased Office without a subscription, which means subscribers have access to the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. But it can be hard to keep track of the changes in each update and know when they’re available. We’re doing this for you, so you don’t have to.

Following are summaries of the updates to Microsoft 365/Office 365 for Windows over the past year, with the latest releases shown first. We’ll add info about new updates as they’re rolled out.

Note: This story covers updates released to the Current Channel for Microsoft 365/Office 365 subscriptions. If you’re a member of Microsoft’s Office Insider preview program or want to get a sneak peek at upcoming features, see the Microsoft 365 Insider blog.

Version 2506 (Build 18827.20176)

Release date: July 1, 2025

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Word in which print preview sometimes stopped working when printing long emails.

Get more info about Version 2506 (Build 18827.20176).

Version 2505 (Build 18827.20176)

Release date: June 26, 2025

This build introduces several new features, including one in Excel in which the PivotTables dialog box interface has been replaced by a redesigned panel, making it easier to view all of your options and simpler to change your data selection before inserting a recommended PivotTable.

Get more info about Version 2505 (Build 18827.20176).

Version 2505 (Build 18827.20164)

Release date: June 17, 2025

This build fixes a bug that caused the “Try the new Outlook” toggle to be enabled when working in Classic Outlook side by side with the new Outlook.

Get more info about Version 2505 (Build 18827.20164).

Version 2505 (Build 18827.20150)

Release date: June 10, 2025

This build fixes several bugs, including one for the entire Office suite in which a Save As attempt on an existing file didn’t complete successfully, and subsequent attempts continued to encounter issues when trying to save to a file that no longer existed.

This Patch Tuesday release also includes a variety of security updates: see details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about  Version 2505 (Build 18827.20150).

Version 2505 (Build 18827.20140)

Release date: June 3, 2025

This build offers a variety of bug and performance fixes.

Read about Version 2505 (Build 18827.20140).

Version 2504 (Build 18730.20186)

Release date: May 20, 2025

This build introduces a new PowerPoint feature: Notification emails for mentions, tasks, comments, and replies will now contain context previews even when the source document is encrypted, and the email will inherit the document’s security policies.

Get more info about Version 2504 (Build 18730.20186).

Version 2504 (Build 18730.20168)

Release date: May 13, 2025

This build fixes a bug in which users were seeing high CPU usage when typing in Outlook. It also includes a variety of security updates: see details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2504 (Build 18730.20168).

Version 2504 (Build 18730.20142)

Release date: May 6, 2025

This build includes various bug and performance fixes.

Get more info about Version 2504 (Build 18730.20142).

Version 2504 (Build 18730.20122)

Release date: April 29, 2025

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in which PowerPoint was unable to open a file from a network mapped drive from File Explore, another in which Word closed unexpectedly when opening .doc files, and another for the entire Office suite in which large 3D files couldn’t be inserted.

Get more info about Version 2504 (Build 18730.20122).

Version 2503 (Build 18623.20208)

Release date: April 17, 2025

This build fixes a bug that could cause Excel to stop responding.

Get more info about Version 2503 (Build 18623.20208).

Version 2503 (Build 18623.20178)

Release date: April 8, 2025

This build fixes a single bug in Word in which users may have encountered an issue with saving, seeing the message “saving…” in the title bar. It  also includes a variety of security updates. Go here for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2503 (Build 18623.20178).

Version 2503 (Build 18623.20156)

Release date: April 2, 2025

This build lets you use Dark Mode in Excel, which darkens your entire sheet, including cells, and may reduce eye strain. It also fixes several bugs, including one in Word in which opening specific files that contain many tracked changes and comments resulted in poor performance, and one in PowerPoint in which the app was not displaying the icon for an inserted PDF object.

Get more info about Version 2503 (Build 18623.20156).

Version 2502 (Build 18526.20168)

Release date: March 11, 2025

This build fixes several bugs, including one in which some Word files with numerous tracked changes and comments were slow. It also includes a variety of security updates: see details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2502 (Build 18526.20168).

Version 2502 (Build 18526.20144)

Release date: March 5, 2025

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Word in which the default font size may not be 12pt as expected, and another in which PowerPoint automatically closed when the system went into hibernate or sleep mode.

Get more info about Version 2502 (Build 18526.20144).

Version 2501 (Build 18429.20158)

Release date: February 11, 2025

This build removes the option to display Track Changes balloons in left margin in Word. It also includes a variety of security updates. See “Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates” for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2501 (Build 18429.20158).

Version 2501 (Build 18429.20132)

Release date: January 30, 2025

In this build, the advanced Track Changes option to set the margin for balloons in Word has been removed.

A wide variety of bugs have also been fixed, including one in which ActiveX controls used an excessive amount of GDI handles in PowerPoint, and another for the entire Office suite in which images couldn’t be pasted from SharePoint.

 Get more info about Version 2501 (Build 18429.20132).

Version 2412 (Build 18324.20194)

Release date: January 16, 2025

This build fixes one bug, in which apps would exit unexpectedly when running on Windows Server 2016.

Get more info about Version 2412 (Build 18324.20194).

Version 2412 (Build 18324.20190)

Release date: January 14, 2025

This build fixes a bug in Word in which the layout of tables were changed unexpectedly. It also includes a variety of security updates. See Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2412 (Build 18324.20190).

Version 2412 (Build 18324.20168)

Release date: January 7, 2025

This build makes tables in Outlook more accessible for screen readers. It also fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Word in which a document saved to a network shared folder and set to “Always Open Read-Only” would open in “Editing” mode, and another for the entire Office suite in which application didn’t render the grid properly after switching from page break preview to normal view.

Get more info about Version 2412 (Build 18324.20168).

Version 2411 (Build 18227.20162)

Release date: December 10, 2024

This build fixes a bug in Word and Outlook where characters didn’t render correctly when using Save Selection to Text Box Gallery. It also includes a variety of security updates. See Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2411 (Build 18227.20162).

Version 2411 (Build 18227.20152)

Release date: December 5, 2024

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Excel in which some cells might not be rendered properly upon scrolling in a worksheet using freeze panes, one in Word which prevented emails with linked SVG content from saving or sending, and one in which some PowerPoint presentations created by third-party tools didn’t open correctly and some content was removed.

Get more info about Version 2411 (Build 18227.20152).

Version 2410 (Build 18129.20158)

Release date: November 12, 2024

This build fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Word in which all characters didn’t appear correctly when creating an Outlook task from OneNote, and one in PowerPoint in which embedded BMP images in the PowerPoint slide were not opening.

This build also includes a variety of security updates. See Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2410 (Build 18129.20158).

Version 2410 (Build 18129.20116)

Release date: October 28, 2024

This build enables filtering capabilities for the comment pane in Excel and fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Word in which the title bar no longer showed a “Saved” status for locally saved files, and one in PowerPoint in which a graphics-related issue caused the app to close unexpectedly at times.

Get more info about Version 2410 (Build 18129.20116).

Version 2409 (Build 18025.20160)

Release date: October 15, 2024

This build fixes a single bug in Word, in which emails with linked SVG content couldn’t be saved or sent.

Get more info about Version 2409 (Build 18025.20160).

Version 2409 (Build 18025.20140)

Release date: October 8, 2024

This build fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Word in which text wasn’t clearly visible in High Contrast Mode when using “Draft with Copilot” and referencing a meeting under “Reference your content.”

This build also includes multiple security updates. See Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2409 (Build 18025.20140).

Version 2409 (Build 18025.20104)

Release date: September 25, 2024

This build fixes a single bug, in which when you saved a file in Word, the save status was missing from the Title bar.

Get more info about Version 2409 (Build 18025.20104).

Version 2409 (Build 18025.20096)

Release date: September 23, 2024

This build improves the user experience for selecting which users should have which permissions when a sensitivity label configured for user-defined permissions is applied to a file or when configuring standalone Information Rights Management through the Restrict Access feature. This change affects Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

The build also fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Word in which Document Mode would switch from “editing” to “viewing” if user enabled “Track Changes” and set “For Everyone.”

Get more info about Version 2409 (Build 18025.20096).

Version 2408 (Build 17928.20156)

Release date: September 10, 2024

This update will remove Flip video support when the service goes offline on October 1, 2024. The build also includes a variety of security updates. Go here for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2408 (Build 17928.20156).

Version 2408 (Build 17928.20114)

Release date: August 26, 2024

This build allows you to disable connected experiences for privacy concerns without impacting data security policies, such as sensitivity labels. Services associated with Microsoft Purview (e.g., sensitivity labels and rights management) are no longer controlled by policy settings to manage privacy controls for Microsoft 365 Apps. Instead, these services will rely on their existing security admin controls in Purview portals.

The build also fixes a variety of bugs, including one in Outlook that caused default SMIME labels to fail to apply when a user replied to or forwarded an unlabeled message, and one for the entire suite in which people couldn’t install Microsoft 365 apps on an enrolled device.

Get more info about Version 2408 (Build 17928.20114).

Version 2407 (Build 17830.20166)

Release date: August 13, 2024

This build includes a variety of security updates for Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, Visio, and the entire Office suite. See Microsoft’s Release notes for Office security updates for details.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2407 (Build 17830.20166).

Version 2407 (Build 17830.20138)

Release date: August 1, 2024

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in which coauthoring on text boxes in Excel sometimes gave unexpected results, another in PowerPoint in which line widths were not preserved when exporting arrow shapes to PDF, and another in Word in which revisions were sometimes skipped when reviewing using VBA.

Get more info about Version 2407 (Build 17830.20138).

Version 2406 (Build 17726.20160)

Release date: July 9, 2024

This build fixes several bugs, including one in Word and Excel in which characters don’t appear correctly in Text Box Gallery. It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2406 (Build 17726.20160).

Version 2406 (Build 17726.20126)

Release date: June 26, 2024

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in which Excel documents might be unexpectedly edited when a mandatory sensitivity label has not been applied, one that caused Outlook to exit unexpectedly shortly after launch for some users, and one in which pasting data from Word or Excel to an Outlook template as a link would cause an error message to appear.

Get more info about Version 2406 (Build 17726.20126).

Version 2405 (Build 17628.20164)

Release date: June 19, 2024

This build includes a variety of unspecified bug and performance fixes.

Get more info about Version 2405 (Build 17628.20164).

Version 2405 (Build 17628.20144)

Release date: June 11, 2024

This build fixes one bug, which prevented users from sending mail for a few hours after updating add-ins with on-send events. It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2405 (Build 17628.20144).

Version 2405 (Build 17628.20110)

Release date: May 30, 2024

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Excel in which an embedded workbook in .xls format might not have closed properly, one that that caused Outlook to close when using Copilot Summarize, one in Word in which content controls may have been removed when coauthoring, and one for the entire Office suite in which the Organization Chart Add-In for Microsoft programs was not loading properly.

Get more info about Version 2405 (Build 17628.20110).

Version 2404 (Build 17531.20152)

Release date: May 14, 2024

This build fixes a number of bugs, including one in Word where content controls might be removed when coauthoring, and one that caused Sovereign users to be unable to create ToDo tasks from Outlook.

It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2404 (Build 17531.20152).

Version 2404 (Build 17531.20140)

Release date: May 7, 2024

This build fixes two bugs in Outlook, one in which it closed unexpectedly using the Scheduling Assistant when creating a new meeting or viewing an existing meeting, and another that caused add-in developers to hit timeouts when retrieving notifications from an Outlook client context.

Get more info about Version 2404 (Build 17531.20140) .

Version 2404 (Build 17531.20120)

Release date: April 29, 2024

This build reduces workbook size bloat from unnecessary cell formatting with a new “Check Performance” task pane. In addition, it fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Excel in which the default font could not be set; one in Outlook in which custom forms from MAPI form servers stopped responding; one in PowerPoint in which online videos did not play in some cases; one in which when opening certain Word documents would cause the error, “Word experienced an error trying to open the file”; and one in which the Office update installer appeared to be unresponsive.

Get more info about Version 2404 (Build 17531.20120) .

Version 2403 (Build 17425.20176)

Release date: April 9, 2024

This build fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2403 (Build 17425.20176).

Version 2402 (Build 17328.20184)

Release date: March 12, 2024

This build fixes three bugs: one in which Access closed unexpectedly, one in which Excel closed unexpectedly when opening files with pivot tables and table design in macro-enabled files, and one in which Word closed unexpectedly when the undo function was used.

This build also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2402 (Build 17328.20184).

Version 2402 (Build 17328.20162)

Release date: March 4, 2024

This build fixes several bugs, including one that crashed Outlook when a link was clicked on, and another for the entire Office suite in which opened Office apps didn’t automatically start when a laptop was reopened, and an error message appeared after manual relaunch.

Get more info about Version 2402 (Build 17328.20162).

Version 2402 (Build 17328.20142)

Release date: February 28, 2024

This build fixes a variety of bugs, including one that caused Outlook to exit unexpectedly when expanding a conversation in the search results from a search of “All Mailboxes,” and another in which users were not able to create a bullet list with hyphens in PowerPoint.

Get more info about Version 2402 (Build 17328.20142).

Version 2401 (Build 17231.20236)

Release date: February 13, 2024

This build fixes several bugs, including one in which macros were being corrupted when saving Excel files and another that affected the entire Office suite in which add-ins would not load after Click trust for content add-in was selected.

This build also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2401 (Build 17231.20236).

Version 2401 (Build 17231.20194)

Release date: February 1, 2024

This build fixes a single bug in which expanded groups in the message list collapsed when users changed which column they were arranged by.

Get more info about Version 2401 (Build 17231.20194).

Version 2401 (Build 17231.20182)

Release date: January 30, 2024

This build fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in which Excel would stop responding when saving changes, one in PowerPoint in which Notes and Slide layout would open with incorrect proportions when a file was opened from a protected view, and one in Word in which comment cards appeared too wide and cut off text when changing or switching the screen in use.

Get more info about Version 2401 (Build 17231.20182).

Version 2312 (Build 17126.20132)

Release date: January 9, 2024

This build fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2312 (Build 17126.20132).

Version 2312 (Build 17126.20126)

Release date: January 4, 2023

This build introduces a new sensitivity toolbar in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that helps users understand the security policies that apply to their documents. It’s available when users are creating copies of their documents in File / Save As. In addition, Office now had a new default theme, which Microsoft says is “more modern and accessible.”

It also fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Excel in which Custom Menu text was truncated when right-clicking in a cell, one in PowerPoint in which restoring a previous version of a presentation was not working as expected when using Version History, and one in Word in which the content control end tag was marked at the end of the document automatically if the document was edited in Word Online and then opened in Word desktop.

Get more info about  Version 2312 (Build 17126.20126).

Version 2311 (Build 17029.20108)

Release date: December 12, 2023

This build fixes one bug in Outlook, in which the message list was blank when switching between the “Focused” and “Other” views.

It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2311 (Build 17029.20108).

Version 2311 (Build 17029.20068)

Release date: November 29, 2023

This build automatically inserts image captioning for Excel’s images. When you insert an image into a spreadsheet, accessibility image captioning is automatically generated for you.

It also fixes a wide variety of bugs, including one in Excel in which list box controls would not respond to mouse clicks after scrolling using the mouse wheel, and one in Word in which the language of a presentation was not retained when saving or exporting the presentation to a PDF file.

Get more info about Version 2311 (Build 17029.20068).

Version 2310 (Build 16924.20150)

Release date: November 14, 2023

This build fixes several bugs, including one in which Outlook failed to comply with the default browser settings for some users, and another in which new lines were added to an Outlook signature when pressing Enter in the body of the email.

It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2310 (Build 16924.20150).

Version 2310 (Build 16924.20124)

Release date: Oct. 31, 2023

This build fixes a bug that caused Outlook to exit unexpectedly when clicking the More link in the Search results list.

Get more info about Version 2310 (Build 16924.20124).

Version 2310 (Build 16924.20106)

Release date: Oct. 25, 2023

In this build, the Teams Meeting App works in Outlook, too. With it, you’ll be able to configure a meeting app while scheduling an invite in Outlook. The meeting app will be ready to use when you chat or join the meeting on Teams.

A wide variety of bugs have also been fixed, including one in Excel where certain Pivot Tables would load slowly; one in which OneNote would close unexpectedly when rapidly navigating from one .PDF file to another .PDF file between different sections, or when performing an undo operation on a .PDF printout insertion; and one in the entire Office suite that caused unexpected black borders to appear around screen captures added with the Insert Screenshot functionality.

Get more info about Version 2310 (Build 16924.20106).

Version 2309 (Build 16827.20166)

Release date: October 10, 2023

This build fixes two bugs, one in which users were missing their Outlook add-ins, and another in Word in which subheading numbering with a custom Style would disappear if the file was saved and reopened. It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2309 (Build 16827.20166).

Version 2309 (Build 16827.20130)

Release date: September 28, 2023

This build introduces two new features, including the ability to disable specific types of automatic data conversions in Excel and support for the “Present in Teams” button to present local files in PowerPoint Live in Microsoft Teams.

Several bugs have also been fixed, including one in which the setting to control how Outlook opens previous items at start-up was missing from the Options window, and another in Word in which the Add-ins tab was not visible when using custom toolbar information.

Get more info about Version 2309 (Build 16827.20130).

Version 2308 (Build 16731.20234)

Release date: September 12, 2023

This build fixes several bugs, including one that caused Outlook to close unexpectedly when viewing an email, and another in PowerPoint in which the presenter view slide section zoomed in and out when zooming in the notes section.

It also fixes a number of security holes. For details, see Release notes for Microsoft Office security updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

Get more info about Version 2308 (Build 16731.20234).

Australian airline Qantas disclosed that it detected a cyberattack on Monday after threat actors gained access to a third-party platform containing customer data. [...]

Apple’s many AI setbacks are now forcing the company to look at Anthropic and OpenAI for help powering its Siri voice assistant technology, according to a Bloomberg report.

The company has been building out its own AI technology called Apple Intelligence that it intends to use in Siri, but has also reached out to companies to develop alternatives that could be used instead.

Apple previously centered its AI-powered Siri around its home-grown technology. But over the past year or so it has  faced a variety of leadership and technological challenges developing Apple Intelligence, which is based on in-house foundation models. 

The more personalized Siri technology with more personalized AI-driven features is now due in 2026, according to a statement by Apple to Daring Fireball in March. But it was originally showcased last year and expected to be in users’ hands by now.

Siri already integrates technology from OpenAI’s ChatGPT and it is unusual for Apple to turn to outside vendors to build core features for its products.

A previous Bloomberg report in March said Apple did not provide the resources needed for the company to develop an AI-powered Siri. Apple had not focused on AI until OpenAI’s ChatGPT changed the tech landscape in late 2022, which set Apple (and other companies) scrambling.

AT&T has launched a new security feature called "Wireless Lock" that protects customers from SIM swapping attacks by preventing changes to their account information and the porting of phone numbers while the feature is enabled. [...]

Microsoft has released the source code for the GitHub Copilot Chat extension for VS Code under the MIT license. [...]

Kelly & Associates Insurance Group (dba Kelly Benefits) is informing more than half a million people of a data breach that compromised their personal information. [...]

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned Russian hosting company Aeza Group and four operators for allegedly acting as a bulletproof hosting company for ransomware gangs, infostealer operations, darknet drug markets, and Russian disinformation campaigns. [...]

A new FileFix attack allows executing malicious scripts while bypassing the Mark of the Web (MoTW) protection in Windows by exploiting how browsers handle saved HTML webpages. [...]

In a stunning 99–1 rebuke, the US Senate on Tuesday torched President Donald J. Trump’s push for a 10-year ban on state AI regulations, yanking the controversial provision from his so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.”

The lopsided vote delivered a sharp slap to Silicon Valley’s dream of dodging local oversight over the fast-evolving technology.

The proposed measure stated that “no State or political subdivision thereof may enforce any law or regulation regulating artificial intelligence models, artificial intelligence systems, or automated decision systems.”

Sen. Ted Cruz, (R-TX), and tech companies like Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon had supported a moratorium on state rules to prevent what they consider a fragmented regulatory landscape — arguing it would slow AI adoption and complicate nationwide deployment. Congressional backers had argued that a regulatory ban would give the US a competitive edge over China because there were be fewer hurdles. They have also compared the restriction on state regulations to the Internet Tax Freedom Act, which helped the early internet grow.

But there are key differences, according to Travis Hall, director for state engagement for the nonprofit Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT), which last month joined others in signing a letter in opposition to the move. The groups warned that removing AI protections would leave Americans vulnerable to current and emerging AI risks.

The 1990s internet needed unity to thrive, Hall said in reference to the Internet Tax Freedom Act, while AI is a diverse set of tailored technologies — meaning varied regulations won’t splinter it. Hall’s comments came in an earlier interview with Computerworld.

On Tuesday, Alexandra Reeve Givens, the CDT’s president and CEO, said the overwhelming vote to strike the AI moratorium from the budget bill reflects just how unpopular it is among voters and state leaders of both parties. “Americans deserve sensible guardrails as AI develops, and if Congress isn’t prepared to step up to the plate, it shouldn’t prevent states from addressing the challenge,” she said. “We hope that after such a resounding rebuke, Congressional leaders understand that it’s time for them to start treating AI harms with the seriousness they deserve.”

Sen. Marsha Blackburn, (R-TN), and Sen. Maria Cantwell, (D-WA), had criticized Congress for inaction on AI deepfakes, discrimination and online privacy issues, saying states have been forced to fill the gap. That prompted praise for Blackburn from an unlikely ally: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who praised her for “leading the charge” to protect states’ rights to regulate AI.

In a failed attempt to rescue the ban, GOP lawmakers tied federal funding for rural broadband projects to AI regulation, allowing subsidies only for states that eased their rules and cut the regulatory moratorium from 10 years to five. That did little to mollify critics, however.

The proposed moratorium was a double-edged sword, according to Abhivyakti Sengar, a research director with the Everest Group. “On one hand, it aims to prevent a fragmented regulatory environment that could stifle innovation; on the other hand, it risks creating a regulatory vacuum, leaving critical decisions about AI governance in the hands of private entities without sufficient oversight,” she had said in an earlier interview.

State and local lawmakers, along with AI safety advocates, had sharply criticized the effort, calling it a favor to an industry seeking to avoid accountability. Led by former Trump press secretary and now Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, most GOP governors sent a letter to Congress opposing it.

Red and blue states alike — including Arkansas, Kentucky, and Montana — have passed bills governing the public sector’s AI procurement and use. Several states, including Colorado, Illinois, and Utah, have consumer protection and civil rights laws governing AI or automated decision systems. This year alone, about two-thirds of US states have proposed or enacted more than 500 laws governing AI technology.

Trump’s budget bill, which mainly consists of spending cuts and tax breaks, was narrowly passed by the Senate in a 51-50 vote with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking the tie. Three Republicans opposed the bill — Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine, and Rand Paul of Kentucky. The measure now goes back to the US House of Representatives.

On Monday, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it's investigating a new "sophisticated" cyberattack that targeted its systems last week. [...]

The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) announced coordinated law enforcement actions against North Korean government's fund raising operations using remote IT workers. [...]

Esse Health, a healthcare provider based in St. Louis, Missouri, is notifying over 263,000 patients that their personal and health information was stolen in an April cyberattack. [...]

Anyone following the trajectory of Ubuntu over the past few years could have seen this coming: Canonical isn't just iterating; it's evolving. And with its 25.10 release ''aptly named Questing Quokka''Ubuntu takes a decisive step in reinforcing its reputation as the go-to Linux distribution for secure, reliable environments. If you're an admin with a sharp eye on system security or someone deeply vested in the intersection of programming trends and operational resilience, this is the release to sit up and pay attention to.