Technology has become something that almost everyone lives with and relies on. Most people store their whole lives on their phones and if an outsider were to ever get access to someone’s device, then confidential personal information is risked being leaked. Technology companies are not only in the race to create the most innovative and sleek devices but also in the race to maximize security as much as possible.

Intel Corporation, one of the biggest computer chip companies, has had various problems with their chips as devices using these chips are prone to security breaches. Google was one of the first to point out that the Intel chips may have serious security flaws. Hackers may be able to access the kernel which is responsible for preventing any softwares to access a device’s memory. Computers that were made during the last 10 years that use Intel chips could be at great risk. This includes “about 80 per cent of new PCs and 90 percent of laptops carrying Intel processors” according to Evening Standard. Intel is attempting to fix this problem by making updates that may be able to secure one’s memory better. Currently, Intel is working on an update that will protect passwords from being stolen. However, this update could lead to a decrease in performance by 30%.

In November 2017, Intel revealed that there were serious flaws in the chips that they had been selling for the past few years. In attempt to fix the problem, they created software patches but only one of it’s manufacturers, Lenovo, had given users a way to update their computers. Various of other PC makers had put up some of their own solutions on their websites, but still not all devices using Intel Chips are protected. The security flaws that the Intel chips have allow hackers to run malicious and unwanted programs, crash a system, and authorize system security checks as Intel stated. Unfortunately, these deficits are in every chip Intel has sold in the past few years even its 6th generation Core chips which came out in 2015.

To minimize the impacts on PCs as much as possible, Intel recommends users should contact their PC manufacturers to get the maximum amount of personalized help. Intel stated that they were working individually with each equipment manufacturer on software and hardware updates that may resolve these security problems. The updates should be available to users now.

In this digital age, where mostly everything is stored on a phone or laptop, it is important to secure your devices as much as possible. If there is an update, you should probably go about updating your device. Also, if you know that your device uses an Intel chip, visit your manufacturer’s website to see how you can best secure your device.