Major Security Bug in Computer Processors Puts Private information at Risk
A serious security breach affecting virtually all computers and cell phones allows hackers to access users private information.
It was discovered this month that processors made by Intel, AMD and other manufacturers were all built with a flaw that would allow cybercriminals to get ahold of passwords and bank account information. The two flaws found are called Spectre and Meltdown.
Jeff Beauprez the president and CEO of Colorado Networks, a global IT engineering firm says the flaw has been there since the processors were made and now hackers finally found out how to take advantage of them, “It impacts virtually all processors on the planet, which sounds almost crazy but that’s the case,” Beauprez says.
Every computer, cell phone, and tablet has a processor but the main concern is not with home devices. Beauprez says, “the major threat is in data centers or cloud users because there are multiple people on a piece of hardware sharing it.”
Some internet browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox have already issued updates that will hopefully stop the flaws. Apple has also released a patch and Microsoft says they are working on one now that should be released soon.
For Windows users, Beauprez says before updating your operating system with the patch, be sure to update your anti-virus software. If you don’t, it could make your computer inoperable.
