Meltdown and Spectre are security vulnerabilities present in many modernprocessors. Hackers may exploit these flaws in order to steal data beingprocessed using affected hardware.
Meltdownallows hackers to read any kernel memory, regardless of whetherthey have the required security permissions.
Spectreis a whole class of vulnerabilities that force programs on anygiven operating system to provide access to a location in a program’smemory.
Because of the ubiquity of the processors affected, these flaws arepresent in a range of hardware, from Mobile phones, tablets and PCs,right up to cloud servers. So it is important for businesses to secureany vulnerable devices.
What are some of the steps you can take to protect your importantbusiness data?
Hardware updates
Your PC’s manufacturer should provide firmware updates that resolveissues caused by these vulnerabilities. Check their company website andmake sure you download and install them as soon as is possible. If youhave built your own PC, you may need updates for a range of components.
As well as any chips you used, also check the maker of your motherboard. Intel and AMD are offering updates directly, so make a list of any oftheir products in your PC and get the relevant firmware.
Update Windows with the required patches
Your Windows PC may have already automatically downloaded and installedthe patches to protect against Meltdown and Spectre, but it is stillworth checking to ensure this is actually the case.
Open Start Menu and click on Settings > Update & Security settings >Windows Update. Then, click the Check for updates button. Any availableupdates will be displayed. Don’t forget to restart your PC to finalise patch configuration.
Web browser updates
Web browsers can be a weak point for hackers trying to exploit chipvulnerabilities, but browser developers are providing updates andpatches to resolve this issue. If there are no updates for your currentbrowser, then consider switching to a safer option.
Mozilla, Microsoft, Google and Apple are all in the process of releasingupdates to combat Meltdown and Spectre issues with their browsers. Again, some of these are automatic, but you check for updates andrestart your browser if needs be.
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