Legacy systems, AI trust, and critical infrastructure: IT news roundup

An incredible 570 security flaws were fixed across Windows, Office, and other Microsoft products in July’s Patch Tuesday release. At least two were zero-days, including flaws affecting Windows Server and SharePoint.

Microsoft cited AI-assisted vulnerability discovery as one reason for the higher volume. For IT teams, this could increase pressure on patch prioritization, testing, and remediation workflows.  

^{Read more: Microsoft patches record number of security vulnerabilities, citing its use of AI | TechCrunch ↗}

Employees lose an average of 1.3 workdays per month to digital friction, according to TeamViewer’s The psychology of digital employee experience (DEX) whitepaper. Many of these issues never appear in support tickets.

The paper shows how small delays, workarounds, and repeated interruptions drain focus and performance. It also highlights why mature DEX teams focus on spotting hidden friction earlier and reducing disruption before it affects productivity.  

^{Read more: Psychology of DEX report ↗}

AI is already leading to an increase in the speed and scale of cyberattacks. For a fascinating war game recently observed by WIRED, the target was 5,000 water utilities on US soil. Over the course of the simulation, the fallout of such an attack becomes all too clear.

With increased attacks on industry and critical infrastructure, the article shows how connected systems––and exposed legacy setups, in particular––quickly pave the way for real-world chaos.  

^{Read more: What Happens if China Hacks the US Water Supply? I Went to a Secret War Game to Find Out | WIRED ↗}