Intel’s processors have a security bug and the fix could slow down PCs
A security flaw in Intel processors has led to a redesign of Linux and Windows kernels. Programmers have been busy for the past two months patching the Linux kernel’s virtual memory system to protect against a hardware bug in Intel CPUs that could let attackers exploit security weaknesses and access security keys, passwords, and files cached from a disk. The Register reports that software updates are required for both Windows and Linux systems, and performance of a machine will be affected.
It’s still unclear how these patches will affect regular Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. Apple will also need to provide a software fix, as the problem is related to Intel’s hardware. One researcher speculates that virtual machines and cloud providers will be most affected by the security problem and resulting performance hits. Microsoft’s Azure cloud will experience maintenance next week, and Amazon Web Services has warned that a big security update is coming on Friday.
It’s still unclear how these patches will affect regular Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. Apple will also need to provide a software fix, as the problem is related to Intel’s hardware. One researcher speculates that virtual machines and cloud providers will be most affected by the security problem and resulting performance hits. Microsoft’s Azure cloud will experience maintenance next week, and Amazon Web Services has warned that a big security update is coming on Friday.
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