The short version is that Microsoft has not actually announced Windows 12.

The reports were based on a speculative article that the publisher later retracted, saying it “should not have been published.” Multiple sources familiar with Microsoft’s roadmap have confirmed there are no plans to release it in 2026, and the company is not working on a subscription-based operating system.

Part of the reason the story gained traction is that AI-powered content sites picked up the original article, rewrote it, and republished the same claims as news. Those sites then cited each other as sources, which made everything look more credible than it was. It’s also worth noting that a lot of Windows users are frustrated with Microsoft’s recent push toward AI features, so the story lined up with what people were already expecting. That combination made it spread quickly.

Windows 11 is Still Solid For Years To Come

For those already on Windows 11, nothing about the Windows 12 coverage changes anything. Windows 11 is stable, supported, and receiving regular updates.

BUT, if any of your business’s computers are on Windows 10 – Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, which means machines still running it are no longer receiving security updates.

Newly discovered vulnerabilities won’t be patched on those systems, and that gap grows over time. Businesses that haven’t moved to Windows 11 yet, may want to prioritize that.

On the hardware question

One of the claims in the retracted story was that Windows 12 would require a dedicated AI chip that most current computers don’t have. That particular claim was not substantiated, and it’s not something to base purchasing decisions on, at least for now.

When Microsoft does release a new version of Windows, which most credible sources place at late 2027 at the earliest, there will be clear guidance on hardware requirements well in advance. Microsoft has historically given businesses extended timelines for major transitions, and there’s no reason to expect that to change.

AI features like Copilot are part of Windows now, but they’re optional. You can use them or not. If that changes down the road, there will be time to plan for it.

How stories like this spread

Tech headlines and actual product roadmaps don’t always line up. In this case, a speculative article turned into a Reddit post with thousands of comments within hours, and by the time it was corrected, fewer people saw the update.

It’s a pattern that’s becoming more common as AI-generated content sites make it easier for unverified claims to circulate quickly.

We hope this article clears up any confusion for business owners who might’ve been worried about the headlines.

Raxxos has been helping BC businesses plan Windows migrations, manage security, and sort real tech developments from noise for over 15 years. If you’re not sure where your machines stand or whether your Windows 10 migration is complete, that’s exactly the kind of thing we help with.

Sources

• PC Gamer: Windows 12 rumor retracted by its source
• Windows Central: No, an AI-focused Windows 12 is not coming this year
• Windows Latest: The rumors are AI hallucinations
• TechRadar: Windows 12 rumors aren’t going down well
• Brytesoft: Windows 12 – Everything You Need to Know

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The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security just released its National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026, and if you run a business in Surrey, Langley, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland, you need to pay attention.

The report is Canada’s official intelligence assessment of the threats targeting Canadian organizations right now. The findings are sobering, especially for small and medium-sized businesses that often assume they’re “too small to target.”

Here’s what the report says, what it means for your business, and what you can actually do about it.

The Headline: Ransomware Is Canada’s #1 Cyber Threat

According to the Cyber Centre, ransomware is the top cybercrime threat facing Canada’s critical infrastructure, and it’s not slowing down.

The numbers are stark:

• Global ransomware incidents rose 74% in 2023 compared to 2022
• Global ransom payments hit a record $1 billion USD
• The average ransom paid in Canada in 2023 was $1.13 million CAD, up almost 150% in two years
• Ransomware incidents in Canada have grown an average of 26% year-over-year since 2021

What’s worse: these numbers are almost certainly underreported. Many businesses don’t report ransomware attacks due to reputational concerns or because they quietly pay the ransom and move on.

Why Small Businesses Are Prime Targets

If you’re thinking “we’re just a 20-person company in Langley, why would hackers care about us?” that’s exactly the mindset attackers exploit.

Small and medium businesses are attractive targets because:

• Weaker defenses: Unlike large enterprises, SMBs often lack dedicated security staff, advanced monitoring, and robust backup systems.
• Faster payouts: A $50,000 ransom is devastating to a small business but small enough that many will pay rather than lose weeks of downtime.
• Supply chain access: Attackers know that compromising a small vendor can give them access to larger clients.

The Cyber Centre specifically notes that ransomware actors are exploiting digital supply chains, targeting software vendors and service providers to cascade attacks across multiple victims. If your business uses third-party software or cloud services (and you do), you’re part of someone’s supply chain.

AI Is Making Attacks More Dangerous

The report highlights a trend that should concern every business owner: artificial intelligence is supercharging cyber attacks.

The Cyber Centre states that AI technologies are “almost certainly lowering the barriers to entry and enhancing the quality, scale, and precision of malicious cyber threat activity.”

Here’s how attackers are using AI right now:

1. Better Phishing Emails

Remember when phishing emails were easy to spot because of broken English and obvious formatting errors? Those days are over.

Attackers are using large language models (like ChatGPT) to craft personalized, grammatically perfect phishing emails at scale. These emails mimic human writing styles, reference real business contexts, and are increasingly difficult for employees to identify.

2. Deepfake Voice and Video

The report warns that cybercriminals are creating realistic audio and visual content impersonating trusted individuals: your CEO, your accountant, your IT provider.

We’ve already seen cases in Canada where employees received phone calls that sounded exactly like their boss, instructing them to wire money or share credentials. The voice was AI-generated.

3. Automated Attack Scaling

Skilled attackers are using AI to automate parts of the attack chain, allowing them to target more organizations simultaneously. What used to require a team of hackers can now be partially automated.

The “Cybercrime-as-a-Service” Economy

One of the most important findings in the report: you don’t need to be a skilled hacker to launch a cyber attack anymore.

The Cyber Centre describes a thriving Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) ecosystem where:

• Specialized criminals sell ready-to-use ransomware kits
• Online marketplaces trade stolen credentials and leaked data
• Attack infrastructure can be rented by the hour
• “Customer support” is available for would-be attackers

This has dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for cybercrime. A teenager with a credit card can now rent sophisticated attack tools that would have required nation-state resources a decade ago.

For business owners, this means the threat isn’t just from elite hacking groups. It’s from a distributed network of opportunistic criminals looking for easy targets. And “easy” usually means “unprotected.”

What This Means for BC Businesses

Let’s translate this into practical terms for a business in Surrey, Langley, or the Lower Mainland.

You’re Not Too Small

The CaaS model means attackers can target thousands of businesses simultaneously with automated tools. They’re not picking you specifically. They’re scanning for vulnerabilities and exploiting whatever they find. Size doesn’t protect you; security posture does.

Your Employees Are the Front Line

With AI-enhanced phishing and deepfakes, technical controls alone aren’t enough. Your team needs to understand the threats and know how to respond. Regular security awareness training is no longer optional. It’s essential.

Backups Aren’t Enough

Many businesses assume that if they have backups, they’re protected from ransomware. But modern ransomware attackers have adapted:

• They often lurk in systems for weeks before encrypting, ensuring backups are also infected
• They steal data before encrypting, threatening to publish it unless you pay (double extortion)
• They target backup systems specifically

You need immutable, tested, offsite backups and a recovery plan you’ve actually practiced.

Your Vendors Are a Risk Vector

The MOVEit attack mentioned in the report impacted 2,750 businesses and 94 million individuals through a single software vulnerability. If you’re using cloud services, SaaS applications, or third-party vendors, you’re inheriting their security posture.

Ask your vendors about their security practices. Get it in writing.

Five Actions to Take This Week

Reading about threats is one thing. Doing something about them is another. Here are five concrete steps you can take immediately:

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere

If you do nothing else, do this. MFA blocks the vast majority of credential-based attacks. Enable it on:

• Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
• Banking and financial accounts
• Remote access and VPN
• Any system that stores sensitive data

2. Test Your Backups

When was the last time you actually restored from backup? Do it this week. You might discover your backups aren’t as reliable as you assumed.

3. Train Your Team on AI-Enhanced Phishing

Your staff needs to know that phishing emails no longer have obvious tells. Implement a policy: any unexpected request for money, credentials, or sensitive data gets verified through a separate channel (call the person directly using a known number, not the one in the email).

4. Review Your Cyber Insurance

If you have cyber insurance, review your policy. Many policies have exclusions or requirements (like MFA) that could void coverage. If you don’t have cyber insurance, get quotes. The ransomware statistics make the case.

5. Get a Professional Security Assessment

You don’t know what you don’t know. An external assessment can identify vulnerabilities before attackers do. The goal is understanding your actual risk, not checking a compliance box.

The Uncomfortable Truth

Here’s what the Cyber Centre report makes clear: the threat is growing faster than most businesses are adapting.

Ransomware is up 26% year-over-year. AI is making attacks more sophisticated. The barrier to entry for cybercrime is dropping. And small businesses remain the soft targets that fund the entire ecosystem.

The businesses that will navigate this environment successfully are the ones that treat cybersecurity as a business priority, not an IT afterthought. That means investing in the right tools, training, and partnerships before an incident forces your hand.

How Raxxos Helps Lower Mainland Businesses Stay Protected

At Raxxos, we’ve been providing managed IT services to businesses in Surrey, Langley, and across the Lower Mainland for over 15 years. Cybersecurity is woven into everything we do.

Our approach includes:

• 24/7 Monitoring: We detect and respond to threats before they become incidents.
• Managed Backups: Immutable, tested, and designed to recover from ransomware.
• Security Awareness Training: Ongoing education to help your team recognize modern threats.
• Microsoft 365 Security: Proper configuration and monitoring of your cloud environment.
• Vendor Risk Management: Helping you understand and manage third-party risks.

Our goal is to give you an honest assessment of where you stand and what it would take to close the gaps.

Contact Raxxos today to schedule a free security assessment. Let’s find out where you’re vulnerable before someone else does.

Further Reading

• National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026: Full report from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
• ChatGPT vs. Microsoft Copilot: A Privacy Guide for Canadian Executives: Our guide to using AI safely in your business
• How to Choose a Managed IT Provider in Vancouver: What to look for in an IT partner

Published: December 2025. This article is based on the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026. For the most current threat information, visit cyber.gc.ca.

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We’re excited to share some big news:

Raxxos Technology Inc. has been ranked the #1 IT Services provider in Surrey, BC by ThreeBestRated.ca, a trusted independent review platform that evaluates local businesses across Canada.

This recognition means a lot to our team, and we want to thank the clients who made it possible.

What Is ThreeBestRated.ca?

ThreeBestRated.ca is an independent review platform that identifies the top three businesses in various categories across Canadian cities. Unlike directories that accept paid placements, ThreeBestRated uses a rigorous 50-Point Inspection process to evaluate businesses.

Their inspection criteria includes:

• Reviews and ratings from multiple platforms
• Reputation and history in the community
• Customer complaints and satisfaction records
• Trust and transparency in business practices
• Pricing fairness and value

Businesses can’t pay to be listed or to improve their ranking. The score is earned through consistent performance and customer satisfaction.

Why This Recognition Matters

This ranking validates what we’ve been building since 2008: a local IT company that actually shows up when clients need us.

Here’s what ThreeBestRated highlighted about Raxxos:

• 4.8 out of 5 score on their inspection
• In business since 2008 (17 years serving the Lower Mainland)
• Over 34,000 support tickets resolved
• 200+ clients served across Surrey, Langley, and the Fraser Valley
• Free 30-minute IT consultations for new businesses

What Our Clients Are Saying

ThreeBestRated also features reviews from real Raxxos clients. Here are a few that were highlighted:

“Raxxos handles all of Search + Rescue Marketing Agency IT needs, from managing our software subscriptions to helping our team with any IT needs they have. They are very responsive, helpful and most importantly, they are able to handle any of our issues that may arise! We highly recommend them for any IT needs!”

“Quick, efficient and very productive. Ola was great and her communications and response. Appreciate it!”

“Brandon does great work and managed to solve an ongoing networked computer/printer problem that had been plaguing me for about 9 months with just one visit. Until he came along, no one else had been able to figure out that issue! Thank you, Brandon! Thank you, Raxxos!”

These reviews reflect what we strive for every day: fast response, real solutions, and technicians who actually solve problems.

What Sets Raxxos Apart

We’ve always believed that IT support should be simple: when something breaks, someone should answer the phone and fix it quickly. Here’s how we deliver on that promise:

Local Presence in Surrey

Our office is in Cloverdale Surrey, right on the Surrey/Langley border. Our technicians can reach most Surrey and Langley businesses in 15-30 minutes.

Fast Response Times

We respond to support requests in an average of under 15 minutes. For critical issues, we treat every minute like it’s costing you money. Because it usually is.

No Overseas Outsourcing

When you call Raxxos, you get our team. We don’t route calls to overseas call centers or hand you off to third-party contractors.

Flat-Rate Pricing

No surprise bills. No per-incident charges that punish you for needing help. Just predictable monthly pricing that lets you budget with confidence.

Industry Expertise

We cut our teeth on automotive dealership IT, an industry where every minute of downtime costs deals. That urgency-driven approach is now part of our DNA. We serve auto dealerships, restaurants, professional services, construction companies, and retail businesses across the Lower Mainland.

Our Clients Include

We’re proud to have worked with some of the best-known businesses in Surrey and the Fraser Valley:

• Preston GM
• Mainland Ford
• Joseph Richard Group
• Wolfe Auto Group
• Trotman Auto Group

For these businesses, IT downtime directly impacts revenue. They trust us because we understand that urgency.

Thank You to Our Clients

This #1 ranking wouldn’t be possible without the businesses who’ve trusted us with their IT over the years. Every five-star review, every referral, every “thanks for the quick fix” message. It all adds up.

We don’t take this recognition for granted. It’s a reminder to keep doing what we’ve always done: answer the phone, fix the problem, and treat your business like it matters.

Because it does.

Ready to Work With Surrey’s #1 IT Provider?

If you’re looking for managed IT services in Surrey, Langley, or the Lower Mainland, we’d love to chat. We offer a free 30-minute IT consultation to understand your needs and see if we’re the right fit.

Schedule Your Free Consultation →

Or call us directly: (604) 260-6869

See Our ThreeBestRated Listing

You can view our full profile and the 50-Point Inspection results here:

Raxxos on ThreeBestRated.ca →

Raxxos Technology Inc. is a managed IT services provider based in Cloverdale, Surrey. Since 2008, we’ve helped over 200 businesses across the Lower Mainland with IT support, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and more. Learn more at raxxos.com.

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This isn’t just your standard spam folder noise. This specific warning is trending globally right now, from Newsweek headlines to the front page of Reddit, because of its timing. We are days away from Black Friday 2025, and cybercriminals have launched what experts are calling their most sophisticated campaign yet.

At Raxxos, we’ve already fielded calls today from clients in Surrey and Langley asking if their accounts are safe. The short answer: Amazon hasn’t been breached, but the attacks targeting you have evolved.

Here is exactly what is happening today, what the internet is saying, and how to keep your credit card safe this weekend.

Why Is This Trending Right Now?

Yesterday and today (November 24–25), Amazon issued a critical security advisory regarding a surge in “impersonation scams.” According to reports from Forbes and The Economic Times, the alert was triggered by a massive uptick in credential-stuffing attacks and browser-based push notifications designed to steal login details.

The numbers are staggering. Cybersecurity analysts have reported a 232% increase in fake Amazon websites popping up just in time for this week’s sales. These aren’t just “Prince of Nigeria” emails; these are pixel-perfect replicas of Amazon’s “Your Orders” page.

What Is Reddit Saying Today?

To see how these attacks are looking in the wild, we dove into the conversations happening on Reddit today. The frustration is palpable, but the community is spotting the patterns.

In a trending thread on r/amazonprime, users are discussing how difficult it has become to distinguish between real “limited time deals” and scam urgency. One user noted that the “fake urgency” of the sales makes the phishing emails much harder to spot:

“The ‘deal’ is paying extra for a yellow label… fake urgency, fake ‘original’ prices. It honestly feels like they’re A/B testing how cooked our brains are.”

Meanwhile, over on r/Scams, users are reporting a specific text message scam hitting phones today. The texts claim a “routine quality inspection” failed on a recent order and offer a refund link. As one user warned: “They offer a refund if you click a link… but there is no refund. Instead, it’s a phishing scam to steal your money.”

How to Stay Safe (The Raxxos Checklist)

We know you want to get your Black Friday shopping done without a headache. Here is how to navigate the chaos of the next few days:

1. The “App Rule” (Golden Rule)
If you receive an email, text, or browser notification claiming there is a delay or issue with your order—do not click it. Close the message and open the official Amazon app on your phone. If there is a real problem, it will be flagged in your “Your Orders” section.

2. Watch for “Urgency”
Scammers rely on panic. As noted in the Amazon warning email cited by Newsweek, be skeptical of any message demanding you act “immediately” to save your account. Real security teams rarely panic; scammers always do.

3. Switch to Passkeys
Amazon is urging users to move away from passwords entirely. If you haven’t yet, enable Passkeys in your account settings. This allows you to log in using your face or fingerprint, which is significantly harder for a hacker to steal than a password.

We’ve Got Your Back

For our business clients in the Lower Mainland, this is a good reminder to alert your team. A compromised personal Amazon account often shares a password with a business email, creating a backdoor for attackers.

If you’re unsure about a notification or think you might have clicked a bad link, give Raxxos a shout. We’re here to help you navigate the tech headaches, so you can get back to the holiday deals.

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Max Brodeur-Urbas

Founder at Gumloop • 2nd

Gumloop is opening a Vancouver office to help slow the brain drain in Canada we’re doing this for 2 reasons:

– Ambitious, and exceptional Canadians shouldn’t have to leave home to pursue work at high growth AI startups
– Canada gave us our start, and we want to reinvest in the Canadian startup scene.

We’ll use the space to host events and grow the tech community.

Our HQ is still in SF—but we’ll be hiring and actively investing back into Canada.

If you’re in Vancouver (or want to be), join our small team building the foundation of automation at the world’s best companies.
Check out our careers page.

Posted Wed Sep 24 2025

Gumloop’s story began when Max Brodeur-Urbas and his co-founders built their first product out of a bedroom in Vancouver. Since then, Gumloop moved its headquarters to San Francisco and grew into an advanced AI platform that helps businesses automate workflows without needing technical expertise.

The opening of the Vancouver office is important for local startups and entrepreneurs. It provides new opportunities for Canadians to work on high-growth technology projects without having to relocate. Gumloop also intends to use the new location to host tech events and support the Canadian startup community.

Raxxos Technology Inc. welcomes Gumloop’s decision. As a managed IT provider for small businesses in the Lower Mainland, we believe this move strengthens our city’s position in the tech industry. We encourage local businesses to engage with Vancouver’s growing innovation community and explore new possibilities in AI and automation.

For help with secure IT solutions and more information about local tech opportunities, reach out to Raxxos Technology Inc.—your partner in Vancouver’s tech future.

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Out of the total, over $9 million will go to a program called “AI Pathways: Energizing Canada’s Low-Carbon Workforce,” which is led by the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii).

The goal is to train nearly 5,000 workers who are already in energy jobs or are looking to move into areas such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydrogen. The training will include both in-person and online options, making it flexible for workers across the country.^[2][4]

At Raxxos, we are happy to see the Canadian government investing in AI and skills training. This type of support helps keep Canada competitive in the global marketplace, ensuring our businesses and workforce have the tools they need to lead and succeed.

This program focuses on helping mid-career and transitioning workers build new skills in AI and machine learning, which are quickly becoming important tools in the clean energy sector. The funding comes from Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Training Fund and will run over four years, aiming to prepare workers for the growing push toward green jobs.^[4][5][2]

Nearly $20 million from the total investment will help Amii expand its advanced computing capacity, making it possible for researchers and businesses—not just the largest companies—to access stronger AI tools and resources. This means more opportunities for companies in the energy sector to modernize and stay competitive with new technology.^[3][1]

The government says these measures will help make sure Canadian workers are ready for the future, support clean energy innovation, and keep Canada’s economy strong as it shifts toward net zero emissions.^[5][1]

Key Points:

• $28.7 million total investment in AI and clean energy job training
• Nearly $9 million for Amii’s “AI Pathways” to train about 5,000 energy workers in AI and green tech skills
• Program targets people in wind, solar, geothermal, and hydrogen sectors, using online and in-person learning
• $19.7 million for improved advanced computing resources for AI research, supporting both businesses and researchers

If you’re a Canadian business owner and want to know how you can start using AI safely in your business, check out our free guide: AI for Canadian Business Owners: How to Start Leveraging It.

If you’d like more hands-on help, you can also book a free consultation with our team. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.

References:
1. Government of Canada (Official News)
2. BetaKit – Amii receives $9 million for AI skills training
3. Yahoo Finance – $28.7 million investment news
4. Amii – Program launch details
5. Data Center News – Context and program summary

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