Do you own a Desktop computer? How about a laptop? What about a smart phone or tablet? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have a big security problem. The whole tech world is abuzz about this newly discovered security flaw infecting most computing devices. And unlike security exploits of the past, this one is not software or OS centered…this one is built into your computer’s main processor chip. That includes all manufacturers…Intel, AMD, and ARM.
And while it has just been uncovered this week, the flaw has been built into processors since 1995!!! That is amazing.
There are two exploits, currently in the wild, that can hack these flaws. Known as Meltdown (only affects Intel chips) and Spectre, they can take over your computing device and get all your information.
The problem can only be fixed via software updates. There is nothing Intel or the other chip manufacturers can do about it. So, major companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google and others are working on fixes. Microsoft has created a fix and started sending it out on an emergency basis yesterday. As of late this afternoon, none of my PC’s or laptops have received it.
Apple has also created a fix for its MAC operating system, but there is no evidence my MAC has received it yet. Apple is not commenting about fixes for iPads or iPhones.
This vulnerability has only been uncovered in the last couple of days, so there is a lot of misinformation out there. I’ve put together a special section for this edition about this vulnerability and what is being done. I have eliminated all the misleading info and just published the important information about the flaws, what is being done and what you can do to protect yourself.
The regular sections about computing normally included in this newsletter are still here, so you better start reading. I hope all this info helps. –JRC
Computer Chips Security Flaw News
What you need to know about the Intel flaw everyone's freaking out about
Silicon Valley is abuzz about 'Meltdown' and 'Spectre' – new ways for hackers to attack Intel, AMD, and ARM processors that were first discovered by Google last year, and publicly disclosed Wednesday.
How to protect yourself from Meltdown and Spectre CPU flaws
Practically every modern processor is vulnerable. We're updating this list of fixes as they become available.
Microsoft pushing out emergency fix for newly disclosed processor exploit
Outside of its normal Patch Tuesday cadence, Microsoft is issuing an emergency update to address a recently discovered processor exploit.
Windows Meltdown-Spectre patches: If you haven't got them, blame your antivirus
Microsoft has warned users that its patches for the dangerous Meltdown CPU bug won't reach them if their third-party antivirus hasn't been updated to support this week's Windows security update.
Intel Misled Industry on Security Vulnerabilities
Caught in the center of a security vulnerability storm, Intel has done the unthinkable and understated the severity of the problems. Yes, there is a lot of blame to go around here.
Other Tech News and Opinions
Microsoft patent points to folding dual-screen notebook
The patent contains a number of images depicting a unique hinge and a few that show a foldable, two screen device that appears to work in a number of configurations.
Reddit posts show increase in misinformation in 2016 Election
Researchers find a surge in links to controversial sites and redditors from "fringe" forums. The company's CEO says Reddit is "digging deeply" on potential abuse
2017 was a dumpster fire of privacy and security screw-ups
2016 may have killed every famous person we ever cared about, but it was tame compared to the dumpster fire of security screw-ups and privacy violations that 2017 had in store. Here's our look back.
Opinion: Apple seems to have forgotten about the whole 'it just works' thing
I didn't spend the big dollars of Apple hardware only to have to put up with continual software headaches.
White House puts the kibosh on personal phones
Next week personal phones will not be allowed in the West Wing.
Desktop and Laptop Tips and Tricks
The best PC games of 2017
These games stand out even in a banner year for gaming.
The Best Non-Mechanical Keyboards
There are still plenty of keyboards on the market using conventional rubber dome and scissor-switch construction, if you like that sort of thing.
How to Fix a Stuck or Repeating Key on Your Mechanical Keyboard
If a single key on your keyboard is either efusing to egister or rrrrepeating when you strrrrrrike it, you have a few options for fixing the problem before replacing the entire keyboard.
How to Get Detailed Information About Your PC
Sometimes, you need to find information about your PC—things like what hardware you’re using, your BIOS or UEFI version, or even details about your software environment.
How to fix your Wi-Fi network
Wi-Fi trouble? The tips and tricks in our troubleshooting guide will help solve your problems.
Mobile Computing Tips and Tricks
Best e-reader apps for iPad in 2018
Your iPad is a great device for reading books, magazines, and other content, you just need the right app! Here are our favorite e-reader apps for iPad.
How to Remove Apple Music from the iPhone’s Music App
Apple Music is heavily integrated into your iPhone’s Music app. This is great if you’re a subscriber, but the constant prompts and reminders to join get pretty tiresome if you’re not.
100+ Apps iOS Users Need on Their iPhones in 2018
There are a lot of apps out there that can help streamline and enhance your experience beyond Apple's own default options — and we've hand-picked over 100 essentials.
100+ Apps Android Users Need on Their Phones in 2018
From custom launchers and icon packs to weather apps and file explorers, there's something for everyone in this list.
Best tip ever: Set up Find My Device as soon as you get your phone
There are several options available for remotely tracking your Android phone, but Google's own Find My Device service is one of the most convenient around.
17 Social Apps That Will Actually Make You Social
For iOS and Android
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