During the first week of 2018, computer researchers identified not one, but two major cybersecurity flaws: Meltdown and Spectre. These flaws exist inside computer processors and means that hackers could steal passwords and other sensitive user data stored on almost any device manufactured in the past 20 years. The key word is “could”, as no evidence exists to demonstrate that cybercriminals have taken advantage of these vulnerabilities.
Since discovery, technology giants Intel, Microsoft, Apple and Google, as well as Linux developers, have rushed to deploy patches – or, at the very least, KB articles with instructions to mitigate risk and to keep an eye out for updates. The popular Firefox web browser has been blessed with fixes against Spectre and Meltdown. Mozilla Firefox version 57.0.4 includes mitigations for both vulnerabilities. Google has promised a patch for Chrome users later this month, as part of the scheduled Chrome 64 rollout.

In a recent survey of 612 Chief Information Security Officers, show that 67% believe that their companies will fall victim to a cyberattack or data breach in 2018. The most threatening factors are:
- The human factor
- Inadequate in-house expertise
- Careless employee falling for a phishing scam
- A malware attack, a data breach or a cyberattack
- Inability to protect sensitive and confidential data from unauthorized access
- Update your computer. Install software updates (i.e. Windows Updates) and security patches as often as possible. If the updates are set to a manual setting, run the updates at least monthly. If set to automatic, the updates will be installed on a regular basis. This is especially true of older computers. Remember that Microsoft no longer supports (for updates and patches) for Windows 8, XP, 2000, Me, 95, NT, and DOS. If you have an older computer, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer computer.
- Don’t click on Pop-up ads. No matter what the ad says, do not open it. One click can install malware or a virus on your computer. It could also potentially allow a hacker access to your computer.
- Work with an IT provider to verify that your systems are up-to-date and properly secured.
- Purchase security software to protect your computer (Pc’s & Mac’s). Make sure that you have a Ransomware module working in the security software, to provide protection against this type of infection.
Elite Networking & Consulting offers their clients a cloud-based software product that provides a high-end security solution that stops infections from attacking your data, including an Anti-Ransomware module that stops this horrible infection from attacking your computer. This is the benefit of working with an IT Professional.
If you would like additional information on the Security Solution that is offered by Elite Networking & Consulting, please either call us at 855-767-9685, ext. 700 or send an email to service1@elite-nac.com.
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