‘HACKERS CAN ACCESS DATA ON DEVICES’
Rush to fix ‘security flaws’ in systems powered by Intel, AMD and ARM chips
WASHINGTON
ANEWLY discovered vulnerability in computer chips raised concerns on Wednesday that hackers could access sensitive data on most modern systems as technology firms sought to play down the security risks.
Chip giant Intel issued a statement responding to a flurry of warnings surfacing after researchers discovered the security hole, which could allow privately stored data in computers and networks to be leaked.
Intel labelled as incorrect reports describing a “bug” or “flaw” unique to its products.
Intel chief executive Brian Krzanich said “basically all modern processors across all applications” used this process known as “access memory”, which was discovered by researchers at Google and kept confidential as companies worked on remedies.
Meanwhile, Google said its security team found “serious security flaws” — labelled “Spectre” and “Meltdown” — in devices powered by Intel, AMD and ARM chips and the operating systems running them and noted that, if exploited, “an unauthorised party may read sensitive information in the system’s memory such as passwords, encryption keys, or sensitive information open in applications”.
Intel said it was working with AMD and ARM Holdings and with the makers of computer operating software “to develop an industry-wide approach to resolve this issue promptly and constructively”. AFP