[the-facts-machine] Komando: Massive Intel security flaw leaves millions of PCs open to attack, update yours now!
- From: Steve <pipeguy920@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <the-facts-machine@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 15 May 2019 14:56:45 -0400
BlankMassive Intel security flaw leaves millions of PCs open to attack, update
yours
now!
By James Gelinas, Komando.com May 14th, 2019
© Ilexx | Dreamstime.com
Security isn't typically the first thing people think of when they buy a
computer. We
tend to think of our systems as separate from software, so antivirus programs
become
our first line of defense against malware and hackers. Despite this perception,
computer components are designed with some basic security features that protect
data
from outsiders. And they do work -- most of the time.
When a flaw is discovered in a computer component, every single product with
that
part is now a major security risk. Developers will rush to contain the breach,
possibly releasing patches to address flaws before any more damage can occur.
But
even with holes patched and a crisis averted, there's nothing anyone can do to
help
victims affected before the flaw was noticed.
If this sounds like a security nightmare, you won't be surprised by Intel's
panic at
its latest security failure. A recent flaw was discovered in Intel chips found
in
millions of computers around the world. The risk is so bad the company is
urging
anyone affected to update their system immediately. We have the rundown on
which
systems are affected, and how you can protect yourself from a
worst-case-scenario
breach.
What is the security flaw found in Intel chips?
Intel recently announced the discovery of a critical security flaw in its
processing
chips. This issue is similar to 2018's Meltdown and Spectre flaws, which
allowed
potential hackers to access data stored in the chip for speedier processing.
In its current form, the flaw allows bad actors to access critical security
data for
the entire computer -- including encryption keys, passwords, and other
essential
files. Unlike the previous two flaws, however, a hacker must install malware on
the
host computer in order to compromise the system.
Given how easy it is to trick people into downloading malware, Intel is wasting
no
time in patching the issue. Affected computers include all 7th generation and
earlier
Intel Core processors. Systems with 8th generation Intel Core processors and
above
are not at risk for the security flaw, according to the company.
How can I protect myself from this massive security flaw
If your computer is one of the systems affected, you'll need to update your
operating
system as soon as possible. Luckily, Intel has made the process quite a bit
easier
with its microcode updates. These updates allow developers to patch issues
found on
microchips without needing to completely rewrite the programming.
To access the updates for Windows, you'll need to go into your Settings and
click
Update & Security. You won't need to download the update from Intel, since
Microsoft
is bundling the patch in its latest operating system update. Once the update is
downloaded, you should be protected from the security flaw.
Apple computers aren't immune to the flaw, by the way. Just like with Windows,
Apple
users will need to update macOS to patch the vulnerability. On your Mac, simply
click
the Apple icon on the left-hand side of the menu bar and click App Store. Here,
you
can download the latest update to whichever version of macOS you're currently
running.
As scary as these flaws can be, it's a good thing they're discovered so
regularly.
This means that companies like Intel are on top of its products -- continuing
security research even when they've been on the market for years.
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- » [the-facts-machine] Komando: Massive Intel security flaw leaves millions of PCs open to attack, update yours now! - Steve
