Major Security Updates on the way

[Lee B]

Lots on stories out today about a major security design flaw in almost all Intel chips made over the last decade. According to the stories the design flaw cannot be fixed by Intel, which will require security patches to be issued by all the major OS i.e., Apple, Microsoft and Linux. Unfortunately the patches will slow down processor speeds by anywhere from 5 % to 30 %,

It's anticipated the Microsoft patch will be released next Tuesday. I would have copied one of the stories but most of them were focused on the tech aspects of the problem.

If you want more info, just search, "Intel Design Flaw."

[Lee B]

According to AMD, if your computer is using an AMD chip, you are not affected by this problem.

[Abby Normal]

Glad I got the fastest processor available when I built my computers. My processor usually runs at less than 10%.

[Roberts]

From what I read last night there are two different yet very similar security issues. One is for Intel and the other is for AMD and ARM.

 

The security patch is ONLY being issued by Microsoft for Windows 10. If you are using an older version of Windows they will not be receiving a security fix. The slow down of the chips will really only impact high utilization users (gamers, graphics editor types). Normal accountant types using normal business software won't likely see a real slowdown. If you use photoshop, video editors and so forth - you'll see a slowdown.

There are no known hacks associated with this threat.

[Lee B]

59 minutes ago, Roberts said:

 

 

The security patch is ONLY being issued by Microsoft for Windows 10. If you are using an older version of Windows they will not be receiving a security fix. 

Patches have also been issued by Chrome, Linux and a partial patch from Apple with a followup patch to come later.

[Roberts]

My point was that if you are running Windows 8.1, you are not receiving a security fix.

Yes, everyone else will get a fix and I didn't mean to imply otherwise.

[Jack from Ohio]

So all of us with any OS other than WIN10 will retain the vulnerability?

[Abby Normal]

Microsoft issued an emergency patch for all supported versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, but added that users should also apply firmware updates when they become available from device manufacturers. Google patched the flaw in Android with the January 2018 update, issued Tuesday (Jan. 2), although only Google-managed devices have the patch for now. Patches for macOS, iOS and Linux may not yet be fully available. 

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/intel-cpu-kernel-pc-mac,news-26320.html

[Roberts]

I was wrong. I read two articles earlier in the week that said only 10 would get an update.