Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tech & Science

Microsoft issues emergency Windows update

Technology firms are working to fix two major bugs in computer chips that could allow hackers to steal sensitive data. News are that a security flaw in Intel processors has necessitated a to a redesign of Linux and Windows kernels to protect systems against a hardware flaw has led to a number of technology companies reviewing security protection. The flaw was picked up by Google researchers.
READ MORE: Bitcoin slips amid warnings from China and Israel
The technology’s sector’s love of grand sounding names has led to the flaws being dubbed the “Meltdown and Spectre bugs”. The consequences are potentially significant, according to the BBC, with billions of PCs, smartphones and tablets around the world being at risk. This risk has seemingly yet to be exploited; there was no evidence that either vulnerability has led to a security issue being enacted.

In a statement, Intel said: “Intel and other technology companies have been made aware of new security research describing software analysis methods that, when used for malicious purposes, have the potential to improperly gather sensitive data from computing devices that are operating as designed. Intel believes these exploits do not have the potential to corrupt, modify or delete data.”

The news about the flaws with the chips led Microsoft to rapidly issue a rare out-of-band security update for Windows. The software update will only go so far, however. The Verge reports that fixes are also needed in the form of firmware updates from Intel, AMD, or other chip vendors. In addition, some anti-virus vendors will also need to update their software so that it functions correctly with the new patches (this is because the changes relate to Kernel-level access).
READ MORE: Apple investors call for company to help child device ‘addiction’
Apple, a little behind Microsoft in announcing the vulnerability to their devices like iPhones and iPads (but not its smart watch), have also begun to roll out a security update.

Avatar photo
Written By

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

You may also like:

Tech & Science

Image: — © AFPKilian FICHOUUbisoft’s battle to maintain its share price has become almost as epic as its “Assassin’s Creed” franchise as the video...

Entertainment

Veteran actress, singer and performer Lorna Luft chatted about being a part of the West Bank Cafe benefit GALA, and the significance of the...

Business

The analysis found the U.S. to be the best country for AI startups, boasting the largest total private investment ($335.2 billion).

World

Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah and other armed groups have said they should be readying for an escalation - Copyright AFP -Ammar Karim and Christy-Belle GehaThe...