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Tech Giants Issue Fixes, Updates For Meltdown And Spectre Flaws

Apple, Intel, Microsoft and other tech companies have issued fixes and updates to protect devices from security concerns.
Posted at 11:56 AM, Jan 05, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-05 11:56:14-05

Tech companies are scrambling to help consumers protect their personal information after two major flaws in computer chips came to light.

The bugs — dubbed "Meltdown" and "Spectre" — threaten billions of devices, including computers and smartphones, and leave them vulnerable to serious security concerns.

Apple said Thursday all Mac computers, iPhones and iPads are at risk, but it insisted the flaws had affected none of its customers.

The company said it already released some fixes for Meltdown and will do the same for Spectre in the coming days — so Apple users might be wise to update their software.

It also recommended downloading programs only from trusted sources.

Other tech giants — like Intel and Microsoft — also assured users they're issuing updates and fixes.

Experts say customers should download these fixes ASAP to protect sensitive data from hackers; that includes stored passwords, emails, photos and instant messages.

But, as we previously reported, vulnerable chips may eventually have to be physically replaced en masse.