New Zealanders not immune from Intel computer chip flaw
A design flaw affecting Intel computer chips is more serious than a computer virus outbreak, according to a New Zealand technology commentator, because the vulnerability is built in and therefore harder to contain.
Intel, the world’s leading computer chip manufacturer, has admitted to a design flaw that leaves users vulnerable to cyber attacks. Technology commentator Bill Bennett said the problem was worrying for New Zealanders, who were keen users of cloud-based software which was particularly at risk from cyber attacks because of the design flaw. Mr Bennett said the flaw affected all computers, and there were some simple steps users could take to avoid the risk of hacking, such as keeping all operating systems and web browsers up to date and installing adblocker software.
“The problem really comes with Android because [with] Android phones it’s very hard to upgrade.
“Most Android phone manufacturers don’t release regular updates to the software, so if you’ve got an Android phone, you’re probably going to stay vulnerable for a lot longer than everyone else.”
Eighty per cent of phones use Android software.
Apple and Microsoft scramble to protect customers
Both Apple and Microsoft are urging customers to update their operating systems, as tech firms race to fix two bugs that researchers have shown leave computers vulnerable to hacking.
Experts last week found two new bugs that are more sinister than usual. ‘Meltdown’ and ‘Spectre’ are two bugs that could allow hackers to steal stored data on desktops, laptops, phones, tablets, and cloud networks.