"This is a big one. Intel CPUs made during the last 10 years have a design flaw which allows any program access to read kernel storage. Can't be fixed in firmware, so the OS has to handle it. Microsoft, Linux companies and Apple are all working on fixes, which will require constant swapping of CPU cache memory in and out. Predicted that machines will take between a 5% and 30% hit in performance because of this. Things which could be read in CPU cache right now are login IDs and passwords, and all kinds of personal information. This is a really big WOW. I wonder how long it will take for Intel to alter the design of the chips. "
not being very computer literate, I had to ask for a translation in regular language :
"Any computer using an Intel processor manufactured during the past 10 years has an exposure to having secret data (passwords, userIDs) stolen, even from just a web page browse. Not a virus. Not an operating system issue. The actual hardware is bad (design issue of the chip itself). The only fix that can work will be an OS update that will use a lot of processing power from the CPU it will be protecting (swapping the cache in and out as needed). Microsoft is working on an OS update. Apple is working on an OS update. Linux companies are working on updates."
Intel is saying they have developed both firmware and software patches that will protect their processors which have been manufactured over the last five years from the current "Meltdown" and "Spectre" exploits that are known about .... Intel also says these firmware and software patches should be rolled out by the end of next week.
my friend is an Apple fan .... he was able to talk my wife through Apple's counter action on her Iphone .... his advise :
"Start the "App Store" app, then on the bottom line towards the right, you'll see "Updates". Click that and then if there are any updates, at the top left select "Update All".
For the future (just my suggestion), start the "Settings" app. Scroll down and select "iTunes & App Store". On the right hand col, make sure the "Apps" slider switch is ON. "
I did see a few seconds of coverage of this on FOX News this morning and I understand it has also been covered on Drudge .... I consider it to be interesting for those of us that use Mozilla Firefox, release noted as and update listed as 57.0.4 is designed to help with some (not all) of the problem
