Hackers have found a way to hack chips from Intel, AMD, and Arm. Doesn't matter whether you use Windows, Linux, Apple, or Chromebook. Hackers are targeting the chips, not the software.
Software patches can help keep hackers out of the chips, but software writers are playing catch up with the hackers. Chips made in the recent 5 years are being patched first, and older chips will receive patches in the future. Myriad hackers are working night and day to exploit the chips before software writers can figure out how to protect them. Its important to regularly update your software and firmware to protect your computers. Also, stay away from questionable web sites, and don't click on unknown email.
A complete fix will require Intel to design new chips, and computer buyers to buy new computers.
For those using Windows, Microsoft is not able to patch their computers if they are using some third party security software. Some patches require updating firmware on the chips themselves, potentially making it complicated for computer novices:
Microsoft is recommending:
Intel has released a detection tool to determine if your Intel processor is affected.
Software patches can help keep hackers out of the chips, but software writers are playing catch up with the hackers. Chips made in the recent 5 years are being patched first, and older chips will receive patches in the future. Myriad hackers are working night and day to exploit the chips before software writers can figure out how to protect them. Its important to regularly update your software and firmware to protect your computers. Also, stay away from questionable web sites, and don't click on unknown email.
A complete fix will require Intel to design new chips, and computer buyers to buy new computers.
For those using Windows, Microsoft is not able to patch their computers if they are using some third party security software. Some patches require updating firmware on the chips themselves, potentially making it complicated for computer novices:
ZDNet said:While the operating system updates address Meltdown, Spectre fixes rely on firmware updates from hardware vendors that implement microcode fixes from chip vendors. In Intel's case, its microcode update introduces its Indirect Branch Prediction Side Channel Analysis Method.
Microsoft is recommending:
Microsoft said:Apply the applicable firmware update that is provided by the device manufacturer.
Intel has released a detection tool to determine if your Intel processor is affected.
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