“Serious” flaws that could allow cyber criminals to steal personal information from millions of computers and smartphones have been discovered by security researchers.
The vulnerabilities, which were discovered by Google researchers last year, affect computer chips made by Intel, AMD and ARM, as well as the devices and operating systems running on them.
According to the researchers, almost every computer released over the last 20 years could be vulnerable.
However, there are straightforward steps you can take to protect yourself.
Android and Chromebook users
Google says it has updated its systems and affected products to protect users against the vulnerabilities. It is also working with hardware and software manufacturers across the wider technology industry.
“The issue has been mitigated in many products (or wasn’t a vulnerability in the first place),” the company said.
“In some instances, users and customers may need to take additional steps to ensure they’re using a protected version of a product.”
Google says that Android smartphones and tablets with the latest security update are protected from the flaws. To check for available updates, go to Settings, System and System Update.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of Android users are stuck on older, unsupported versions of the operating system, and could therefore remain vulnerable.
The Independent has approached Google for comment, and this article will be updated with the company’s response.
Google Chrome users can protect themselves by following this link and enabling a new feature called Strict Site Isolation.
Chromebook users, meanwhile, are being advised to update to version 63 of Chrome OS.
Current known attacks do not affect Google Home, Chromecast, Google Wifi or OnHub, the company says.
Apple iPhone and Mac users
Apple reportedly addressed the majority of security concerns related to the vulnerabilities with the macOS 10.13.2 update, which was released in December.
Further fixes are coming with the macOS 10.13.3 update, according to AppleInsider and developer Alex Ionescu, though it isn’t yet clear if that release will result in customers being completely protected.
The best thing Mac users can do is search for software updates, by opening the App Store app, clicking Updates in the App Store toolbar, and using the Update buttons to download and install any that are available.
It isn’t yet clear if iPhones and iPads, which use Apple’s own chips rather than ones created by Intel, AMD or ARM, are vulnerable, but customers should ensure their systems are up to date by going to Settings, General and Software Update.
Windows users
Microsoft has released an emergency security update for Windows 10, which will automatically be applied to computers, according to the Verge.
The company, however, says it doesn’t believe the vulnerabilities have actually led to any attacks on Windows users.
“We’re aware of this industry-wide issue and have been working closely with chip manufacturers to develop and test mitigations to protect our customers,” said Microsoft.
“We are in the process of deploying mitigations to cloud services and have also released security updates to protect Windows customers against vulnerabilities affecting supported hardware chips from Intel, ARM, and AMD.
“We have not received any information to indicate that these vulnerabilities had been used to attack our customers.”
Fixes for Windows 7 and Windows 8 machines are also available, but won’t automatically be applied until next tuesday. You can, however, search for updates manually by going to Settings, searching Windows Update and clicking Check for Updates.
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