TechMIS Virus Alert 1-18: Meltdown and Spectre - Attacking the Beating Heart of Our Computers, the CPUs

DADE CITY, Fla., Jan. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Computer researchers have found out that the main chip in virtually all computers—the CPU—has a hardware bug.  It's really a design flaw in the hardware that has been there for years, but has recently been discovered.  This is a big deal because it affects almost every computer on every network, including workstations and servers.

This hardware bug allows malware to steal data while it is being processed by the CPU.  Normally, applications are not able to do that because they are isolated from each other and the operating system.  This hardware bug breaks that isolation and allows data to cross applications.  It was intended to speed the chips up, but has resulted in a loss of security.

If bd guys get malicious software running on a computer, they can get access to passwords stored in a password manager or browser, emails, instant messages and even business-critical documents.

So, What Do We Recommend Clients Do?

We recommend all clients check for Operating System updates and patch their machines immediately. This is going to take some time, some of the patches are not even available yet and will have to be applied as they are developed.

The bright spot in this is that, although the flaw is inherent in every computer, hackers have to get malware into the computer to exploit the flaw.  The key is keeping bad guys out.  More than 80% of all malware is inserted through phishing attacks.  TechMIS recommends clients be extra vigilant when dealing with emails that contain links or attachments that could enable malware to be loaded into the computer.

In this heightened security environment, we also recommend running a phishing-susceptibility test. Allow us to phish 100 of your employees to determine how susceptible your company is to attacks that could carry the Meltdown or Spectre viruses. The service is free for potential and existing clients.

TechMIS offers phishing training and testing, data backup, and end-point security solutions. Contact Steven Mains, PhD for a free security consultation at 757-814-3598 or [email protected]. 

About TechMIS

TechMIS (www.techmis.com), incorporated in the year 2000, is a Service Disabled Veteran-owned Small Business (SDVOSB) currently operating around the world.  TechMIS is a leader in cyber security, knowledge management, media monitoring, and systems engineering.

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