Intel Processors Data Leakage Advisory

sygnus21 · 03 Feb 2020

Ground Sloth said:

You're confusing me with someone else. The last time I used a computer that had a Core 2 Duo processor was at least 5 years ago.

At least Microsoft tells users well ahead of time when support for certain products will be discontinued. A lot of hardware manufactures, however, don't give users any advance warning and often discontinue support when a serious security vulnerability is disclosed.

I was replying directly to your post I quoted, but yes I mixed ownership of the processor in question. Sorry. However; the rest still applies to your post - companies discontinue products all the time.

And, I've been using Intel's processors since 1998 when got a Pentium II, and never ever once did Intel notify me or anyone I know about a discontinuance of product. And BTW Microsoft also makes hardware and they don't notify either. And Windows is different since it's an operating system.

And for the record, the said processor in question has been discontinued years before this latest Intel episode.

151tom · 03 Feb 2020

I'm aware my processor is outdated and not supported by Intel.

I was just venting about all of the Intel vulnerability's with no intention to cause confusion.

I will try to refrain from posting any further in this thread.

Life is good.

sygnus21 · 04 Feb 2020

151tom said:

I'm aware my processor is outdated and not supported by Intel.

I was just venting about all of the Intel vulnerability's with no intention to cause confusion.

I will try to refrain from posting any further in this thread.

Life is good.

You opinion is just as good as ours. Post

151tom said:

I was just venting about all of the Intel vulnerability's with no intention to cause confusion.

As I stated earlier, it's still early and there is the possibility of the chip being added to the fix at a later date.

Wynona · 04 Feb 2020

RK1997 said:

Haven't got a firmware update since March, 2019 either through OEM or Windows Update.

I don't think you can get a firmware update through Windows Update, Rahul.

Have you tried going to the Intel site and looking for firmware updates? I just checked and they have all kinds of support.

BTW, I only have one Intel machine, but I guess I'd best check to see which processor it has.

RK1997 · 04 Feb 2020

Wynona said:

I don't think you can get a firmware update through Windows Update, Rahul.

Have you tried going to the Intel site and looking for firmware updates? I just checked and they have all kinds of support.

BTW, I only have one Intel machine, but I guess I'd best check to see which processor it has.

We can actually. I got the latest BIOS update from Windows Update. Newer laptops have started getting firmware updates through Windows Update. These are posted by OEMs to Microsoft for testing and distribution. The process is seamless, just like updating a driver through Device Manager and needs a restart.

Wynona · 04 Feb 2020

RK1997 said:

We can actually. I got the latest BIOS update from Windows Update. Newer laptops have started getting firmware updates through Windows Update. These are posted by OEMs to Microsoft for testing and distribution. The process is seamless, just like updating a driver through Device Manager and needs a restart.

Oh! My laptops are at least four or five years old, so . . .

RK1997 · 04 Feb 2020

Wynona said:

Oh! My laptops are at least four or five years old, so . . .

That might be the reason you never got it through Windows Update. Here's for all the current Acer PCs.
https://www.catalog.update.microsoft...=Acer+firmware
They have documentation, as well as fd files.

151tom · 04 Feb 2020

Pejole2165 said:

Intel did not make CPUs with flaws and then sell them, Intel made CPUs and sold them, then later researchers tried to break the security and found they could use certain processes in a manner not predicted by Intel to allow access to data that should be protected.
Once the holes are found Intel and MS (and other OS providers) patch the holes if possible. The same thing happens with applications/drivers and other software, the system that operates your router is secure until someone finds a way to utilise it in such a way as to make it not secure.
Certain AMD CPUs also have flaws that have been uncovered, i dare say nearly all CPUs, ROMs, firmware etc have flaws that can be manipulated for nefarious gain.
Intel takes the brunt of the bad press simply because they make a bigger target, MS likewise.
Expecting companies to fix issues with unsupported products is unrealistic from a cost and logistics standpoint.
Most of the discovered flaws require tremendous effort and resources to exploit or require physical access to a machine but the click bait news articles tend to overlook that in order to have spectacular headlines.
Unless you are working on government, military or company critical data you really don't need to panic or worry.

Well said.