Great hole in security chips

san francisco - Billions of processors appear to have a big hole in security. As a result, malicious parties can gain access to sensitive information about the users. The chips are in many billions of computers and mobile phones worldwide.

It is actually two related holes. One of them only affects Intel chips, the other also hit chips from competitors AMD and ARM.

Researchers from Google have discovered the vulnerabilities in June. It was kept silent so that tech companies had the time to close the holes. That is customary. It would be brought out on January 9, but it leaked earlier. That is why it is now all hands on deck for software companies. Microsoft and Google have quickly distributed updates, Apple is working on it.

The problem is deep under the bonnet of the systems, in a place where regular users do not come. There is a so-called kernel, a system that handles the most important assignments. The kernel ensures, for example, that the memory works, that keyboards and mice work and that programs can read files. The kernel should be inaccessible, but that is not the case. For example, who can access the kernel can intercept passwords and read files.

It is not known whether the gap was already known to hackers. According to cyber watchdogs, there is no evidence that use has been made in any case. Consumers are advised to install updates as soon as possible.

Chips may have to be completely redesigned from scratch, and the fragile chips must be replaced. Until then, emergency measures must be taken that can slow down computers and telephones.