Specter and Meltdown are not the usual threats that everyone is used to. Most often, system vulnerabilities are found, but this time the problem cannot be fixed with a software update. New exploits operate at a technical level. So how exactly do they work? How to protect yourself from them? We will talk about all this below.
How do Specter and Meltdown work?
Specter and Meltdown are the names of processor vulnerabilities Intel. These are not systemic vulnerabilities, their cause is in the design of modern processors, and not in any system error. Our processors have become so fast because they constantly predict what will happen next in order to minimize lag and latency.
But not all assumptions are correct and useful. Some of them are wrong. Specter and Meltdown vulnerabilities put your processor into Speculative Execution and record the results. This may include any information, including your personal data.
Also Read: 'Meltdown' and 'Specter' Vulnerabilities: Answers to Your Questions
How to protect your iPhone and iPad
Now for the good news. According to Apple, 'users are not currently threatened by any exploits'. The company has released software updates for all three of its platforms to protect them from vulnerabilities. To stay safe, please update your device to the latest version available iOS. To do this, go to Settings-> General-> Software Update.
How to protect your Mac
Apple also added the Meltdown patch in macOS High Sierra 11.13.2.
According to the company, Specter only works via Javascript on web pages (not all programs on your Mac). Therefore, to protect yourself, you only need to install the latest version of Safari available.
Apple added a patch in Safari 11.0.2 for macOS High Sierra, Sierra and El Capitan. Even if you have El Cap version installed, just update Safari. To do this, go to App Store and go to the Updates tab.
How to protect your Apple TV
To secure your Apple TV, just update to the latest available software version. To do this, go to Settings-> System-> Software update.
How to protect your Apple Watch
You can rest assured that the vulnerabilities will not affect yours Apple Watch.
How to fix the technical side of the bug?
Apple promised that the patches won't slow down your devices. Software updates are good, but they won't fix the problem completely. To do this, you need to change the processors themselves. Apple only protected devices from the way vulnerabilities work, but that doesn't mean there are no more exploits. Now the entire industry has a serious problem to solve. Let's see what will happen next.