Security flaw ‘threatens 8 in 10 computers’

A MAJOR security flaw has been found in millions of computers – leaving passwords and other sensitive information vulnerable to hackers.

Developers are racing to fix the bug, which has been found in nearly all processors made in the last decade by the company Intel. Processors act as the physical ‘brain’ of the computer.

The flaw affects laptops and PCs, including those running Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS. It has been estimated as many as eight in ten desktop computers use Intel processors.

Specific details of the flaw have not been made public but it is suggested that hackers may be able to gain access to secure parts of a computer’s memory. However, implementing a fix is expected to slow some programs by up to 30 per cent.

Security expert Graham Cluley wrote on his website: ‘Attackers could exploit the flaw on vulnerable systems to gain access to parts of the computer’s memory which may be storing sensitive information. Think passwords, private keys, credit card data.’

He explained that Intel will be relying on operating system developers such as Microsoft to provide fixes. He suggested users update their computers when prompted.

The flaw was revealed on Tuesday by technology website The Register.