Intel and AMD Processor Vulnerability

by Artie Kaye

Side channel attacks have been found that target chips made by both companies.  Inception affects AMD, and Downfall targets Intel, both can access data that should otherwise be unavailable. Both require local access to the devices initially.  AMD has released a BIOS update to address the problems.  Intel advises updating firmware.  While these updates will affect the processing speed of the chips, it should not be noticeable for most users.

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Microsoft Office Exploit Patched

by Artie Kaye

An attack vector wherein remote code could be executed on the device through Word documents has been patched.  The attack relied on users opening documents or clicking on links to documents which were loaded in Office, infecting the machine.  The exploit is actively used in the wild.  It is advised to update Windows and its periphery software (especially Word and other Office products) to disable this vulnerability.  Keeping your devices up to date on patches is a good practice to keep it secure. 

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