Yesterday’s top headline reports on the discovery of two major security flaws called Spectre and Meltdown that are responsible for putting almost every PC, smartphone and tablet user and their private info at risk. Using what’s known as a side-channel analysis attack, malicious code can be written on a computer’s central processing unit; allowing an attacker to see sensitive information stored on the device.
With the root of the problem linked back to flawed Intel, ARM and AMD chips; Meltdown is reported to affect laptops, desktop computers and internet servers while Spectre has an even wider reach affecting smartphones, tablets and also computers powered by these chips.
Passwords, network connections, confidential files, and basically anything and everything stored on a system’s hard drive or network can be made accessible through these CPU flaws.
Since this threat causes potential harm to nearly all device users – with one staggering stat reporting nearly 90% of computers use the flawed Intel Chip; here’s what you can do to protect you and your business:
Mac Devices: if you have not already; Mac is advising all its users to enable and accept automatic updates implemented to protect your hardware against attack.
Microsoft Devices: Starting by identifying which version of the Windows operating system you are running; users are directed to follow update instructions listed under “How do I keep my PC up to date?” on Microsoft’s support site for their specific OS.
Apple & Android Products: Automatic software updates will run if enabled; otherwise users will be promoted to run them. By visiting your device settings, you can also check if a software update is available.
With backend systems such as servers and cloud networks also at risk; organization are being urged to take further action in protecting themselves from these potentially devastating attacks. Security assessments, software updates are other security services will help to expose system weaknesses and can be the difference in fending off or fighting against these hacks targeting the core of your enterprise.
To get immediate service please contact us at 800-985-1365
