Intel warns against own updates
Intel has found a bug in updates designed to plug recently released security vulnerabilities. The company recommends not to install the previous versions.
The American chip manufacturer Intel warns of "unpredictable" problems by those updates, which are supposed to plug security holes in millions of computer processors world-wide. The updates could lead to a higher number of restarts and unpredictable computer behavior on some processor types, says Intel manager Navin Shenoy in a blog post. Intel therefore recommended on Monday to all companies and consumers not to update the current version.
When Intel acknowledged the problems with repeated reboots about ten days ago, it was said that at least consumers should install the software updates anyway. Now the company said that the cause of the problems with the updates was found. When there are corrected updates, will probably be announced later this week.
At the beginning of January, vulnerabilities had become known that allowed attackers to at least theoretically scavenge sensitive user data. The attack scenarios has ben called Meltdown and Specter. The vulnerabilities are in an industry-wide process that should make the chips faster.
That's why processors from different manufacturers are vulnerable, including those from AMD and ARM. Intel then said they are working with manufacturers AMD and ARM to develop an industry-wide approach to quickly and constructively solve the problem.
Following the discovery of the massive security breaches and possible class action lawsuits, CEO Brian Krzanich downplayed the problem at the CES electronics show in Las Vegas. So far, there are no indications that the vulnerabilities have led to data loss, he said. The impact has been limited by a "remarkable" cooperation in the technology sector.
Security experts fear, however, that despite functioning updates even longer time vulnerable systems could be in circulation - for example, because not all computers or smartphones are equipped with current operating system versions.
Source: dpa, AFP
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It's a matter of concern. I use Intel Motherboard and processor. What should I do? Should I refrain from updating or upgrading?
Que mal, debieron hacer mas pruebas antes de lanzar el producto.