In March 2018, Heise, a German online computer publication identified three bugs in Intel, ARM and AMD, three of the leading processor manufacturers. The publication revealed that malware has the capacity to steal data from millions of computers and other devices operating around the world. This increases the threat of data theft all over the world. Once again organizations and agencies were on a run to find a solution for making their systems more secure than before. Companies who provided database services on the cloud were on a greater spectrum of risk.

The threat was real and a plan was needed to counter data theft. The bugs found were named as Meltdown and Spectre, how this malware operates is not fully disclosed yet. The security expert team of Google explained that this malware can be used to invade security systems to bring out sensitive information. There are plenty of companies manufacturing computers, smartphones, and chips that make it difficult to ensure each system is secure. Certain measures can be taken to protect your device against this malware, but the course of action for every operating system may differ. If you are looking forward to securing your device, then you should also be familiar with the procedure of updating programs and browsers.

Install Antivirus

Install an antivirus! Ensure that your system already has an antivirus running, if not then install it immediately. The attack of these bugs, majorly the Meltdown is only possible if they get into your device and the potential route is through internet-borne malware. In this situation, antiviruses act as a barrier against the meltdown attack. Note that there are certain compatibility issues depending upon the operating system.

Update Web Browsers

Secondly, all your web browsers should be updated and deactivate Flash and Java plugins from your devices. This will provide protection against the Spectre attack. It works through JavaScript in a web browser which makes Spectre more dangerous than Meltdown. You need to update JavaScript in every browser to protect your device from the intrusion, do not completely rely on an antivirus as it can only protect against few Spectre attacks.

Security Update for your windows

Microsoft took the initiative to update its systems in order to protect its customer’s from data theft. Last month they launched a security update that is compatible in Windows 10 providing protection against speculative execution. It will update automatically, but to be sure, check the settings of your device to be sure of the recent update. For your Windows computer, you need to update the firmware for maximum prevention.

Security Update for your Android

As soon as the malware threat prevailed in the news, Android launched a Security Patch Level for Spectre attacks. The rollout of this update will depend on the manufacturer of the device, on the other hand, Google’ Pixel smartphones will be updated automatically.

Security Update for your iOS and MacOS

The devices operating on iOS and MacOS will only have to be updated once, that would cover the firmware and software fixes, no separate update would be required. The High Sierra version is a rollout from Apple against the meltdown updates. The company is putting continuous efforts in coming up with a better security system for its users.

Conclusion

You will have to read more about how you can protect your device because with the difference in the chip and the manufacturer, the impact of these protective measures changes. Let’s hope that the operating system companies come up with a system that cannot be harmed by any malware