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Intel working with rivals to fix flaw Rush to fix 'serious' computer chip flaws
(about 3 hours later)
Chip-maker Intel has said it is working with other major tech firms to fix flaws that could allow hackers to steal personal data from computer systems. Tech firms are working to fix bugs that could allow hackers to steal personal data from computer systems.
The issue was originally linked to a flaw in Intel's chips, but the firm said this was "incorrect". Google researchers said the "serious security flaws" were in chips made by Intel, AMD and ARM, and affected devices which use them.
"Many types of computing devices - with many different vendors' processors and operating systems - are susceptible to these exploits," Intel said. The industry has been aware of the problem for months and hoped to solve it before details were made public.
Google researchers first discovered the flaw last year.
Google said the problem affected the basic electronic systems behind many devices such as computers and mobile phones.
Microsoft and Apple - which both use Intel chips - are expected to roll out security updates soon.
The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said there was no evidence that the vulnerability had been exploited.The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said there was no evidence that the vulnerability had been exploited.
Intel said on Wednesday it had been working with other firms on an industry response for months. Some fixes, in the form of things like software updates, have been introduced or will be available in the next few days, said Intel, which provides chips to about 80% of desktop computers and 90% of laptops worldwide.
On a conference call for investors, the firm said the researchers showed that hackers could exploit vulnerabilities, gaining the ability to read memory and potentially access information such as passwords or encryption keys. Analysis by Chris Foxx, BBC Technology reporter
Some fixes, in the form of things like software updates, have been introduced or will be available in the next few days; others will take longer.
The companies had planned to release a report on the issue later this month.
Analysis by Chris Foxx, technology reporter
Often when researchers discover a security problem, they share the information with the affected company so the issue can be fixed.Often when researchers discover a security problem, they share the information with the affected company so the issue can be fixed.
Typically, both parties agree not to publicise the problem until a fix has been implemented, so that criminals cannot take advantage of the issue.Typically, both parties agree not to publicise the problem until a fix has been implemented, so that criminals cannot take advantage of the issue.
This time it looks like somebody jumped the gun and information was leaked before a software fix was ready for distribution.This time it looks like somebody jumped the gun and information was leaked before a software fix was ready for distribution.
Intel said it had planned to share information next week, and several security researchers have tweeted that they have made a secrecy pact with the chip-maker.Intel said it had planned to share information next week, and several security researchers have tweeted that they have made a secrecy pact with the chip-maker.
That leaves the company in an uncomfortable situation, with a widely-publicised problem before the fix is ready to go.That leaves the company in an uncomfortable situation, with a widely-publicised problem before the fix is ready to go.
The NCSC said it was aware of the reports of the potential flaw. Microchips are the basic electronic systems behind many devices such as computers and mobile phones
"The NCSC advises that all organisations and home users continue to protect their systems from threats by installing patches as soon as they become available." The issue was originally linked to a flaw only in Intel's chips, but the firm said this was "incorrect".
"Many types of computing devices - with many different vendors' processors and operating systems - are susceptible to these exploits," said Intel.
ARM said patches had already been shared with its customers, which include many smartphone manufacturers.
AMD said it believed there was "near zero risk to AMD products at this time."
Security updates
On a conference call for investors, Intel said researchers had shown that hackers could exploit vulnerabilities, gaining the ability to read memory and potentially access information such as passwords or encryption keys on devices.
Microsoft and Apple - which both use Intel chips - are expected to roll out security updates soon.
Google published a blog detailing what some customers may need to do.
The NCSC said it was aware of the reports of the potential flaw and advised that all organisations and home users "continue to protect their systems from threats by installing patches as soon as they become available."
Experts advised caution on the issue.Experts advised caution on the issue.
"It is significant but whether it will be exploited widely is another matter," said Prof Alan Woodward, from the University of Surrey."It is significant but whether it will be exploited widely is another matter," said Prof Alan Woodward, from the University of Surrey.