Reports Claim Hackers Stole Thousands of GitHub Private Repositories

Some of my readers, especially longtime ones, may remember that I have warned multiple times about being careful which extensions you choose to install in your web browser. Installing the wrong one, especially one that contains malicious code, can compromise your computer’s security.

This time, it is a lesson on being careful which extension you install in Visual Studio Code (a.k.a. VS Code). In a nutshell, an employee at GitHub installed (or at least updated) an extension that had been contaminated with malware code. The extension then proceeded to steal the employee’s credentials and gain access to tons of GitHub’s own private repositories.

The report claimed the malware stole:

  • AWS keys
  • Database passwords
  • Kubernetes tokens
  • SSH credentials

I would venture a guess that other IP (intellectual property) was stolen too.

I will let you read the full report from X below.

 


Posted in Cloud, Computers, General, Internet and Servers, Operating Systems, Security, Software

How to Show File Extensions and Hidden Files and Folders on Windows 11

In this blog post, I will explain how to show file extensions, and how to view hidden files and folders on your Windows 11 system.

By default, Windows 11 hides file extensions, and any files and folders marked with the attribute “hidden”. At some point, you may have a need to change a file’s extension manually (e.g., “.txt” to “.ini“). It can also be useful to see any hidden files and folders on your computer.

ℹ️  Notice

No reboot is required for these changes to take effect.

  1. Open the File Explorer.
    1. If you wish, you can use the [ Windows Key + E ] keyboard combination to open File Explorer.file_explorer_keyboard_combination
  2. After the File Explorer opens, click on the ellipsis menu button.
  3. Now click on the “Options” menu item.
  4. Click on the “View” tab.
  5. Now do the following:
    1. Select the option, “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” (under “Hidden files and folders”).
    2. Uncheck the option, “Hide extensions for known file types”.
    3. Click the “OK” button.

That’s it. You now can view file extensions, and view any hidden files and folders on your Windows 11 computer.

I hope you found this tutorial helpful.


Posted in Computers, Internet and Servers, Operating Systems, Tips & Tutorials

Are Web Browser Extensions Safe to Use? (2025 Update)

Several years ago, I wrote about the potential risks associated with web browser extensions (also referred to as “add-ons”) being able to abuse their power and access sensitive user data.

I said if someone has installed a malicious browser extension, their web browsing data (e.g., browsing history, password credentials, what they type into a website, etc.) may get sent directly to the extension’s creator, putting the user’s online security and privacy at risk.

Today, I received an email with a link to a news article, explaining how 18 separate web extensions for Edge and Google Chrome were caught spying on people.

Here is the link to the article: https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2025/07/millions-of-people-spied-on-by-malicious-browser-extensions-in-chrome-and-edge

[Click here to view article as a PDF.]

This just goes to show, always be mindful about which web browser extensions you choose to install.

 

 

Update 08-22-2025

Here’s another example of why you should be careful with web browser extensions.

Chrome VPN Extension With 100k Installs Screenshots All Sites Users Visit


Posted in Android, Computers, General, Internet and Servers, Mobile Phone, Security, Software

How to Reboot Windows using PowerShell for Windows

In this blog post, I will show how to reboot Windows using PowerShell.

As you know, rebooting Windows is typically done through the graphical interface, but understanding how to reboot Windows using PowerShell can be beneficial for various reasons (e.g., automation tasks, install scripts, etc.). Also, you may find yourself in a Windows environment that requires the use of the command line (e.g., Server Core).

ℹ️  Notice

You don’t need administrator privileges to reboot a desktop version of Windows, but you do need them to reboot a Windows Server.

To reboot Windows from the command line, run the following command in a PowerShell terminal.

Restart-Computer

If you need to forcefully reboot Windows (without waiting for all the programs to close first), use the “-Force” switch.

Restart-Computer -Force


Posted in Code Snippet, Command Prompt, Computers, Internet and Servers, Operating Systems, PowerShell, Tips & Tutorials

‹ Older Posts