The disclosure of two major processor vulnerabilities, Meltdown and Spectre, in early January gained significant attention due to the sheer number of processors affected. While Meltdown was determined to be relatively easy to patch against, guarding against both exploits requires both operating system and firmware patches. Further compounding things is that anti-virus software must be updated to be compatible with the latest Windows updates.
This combination of factors can make it tough to determine whether your PC is protected. But if you're an IT administrator, the issue is compounded by the number of PCs you're managing. Microsoft is looking to ease that burden a bit with an update to its free Windows Analytics tool, which can now assess Meltdown and Spectre protections for all devices being managed by IT professionals.
Windows Analytics analyzes three main areas to determine protections against Spectre and Meltdown. First is anti-virus status, which can inform you whether a device's anti-virus software is compatible with the latest Windows security update. Next, Analytics looks at Windows' OS security update status to see which security update is running on a device and whether the fix has been disabled. Lastly, Analytics looks at firmware status to see if the latest security updates from have been installed. This is initially limited to a list of approved and available updates from Intel, Microsoft says. However, the company expects to add other CPU partner data as it becomes available.
The general overview looks as though it will be incredibly handy if you're managing hundreds or thousands of computers. For more, you can get started with Windows Analytics at Microsoft.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
This Fallout: New Vegas mod is basically a whole new game
After seven years of development, a team of modders has finally finished and released Fallout: The Frontier, a full game-sized project that takes the series to Portland, Oregon. Here's a look at what it has to offer.
Here are all the Xbox and PC games delayed through 2021
Thanks to the good old pandemic, 2021 could be the year known for game delays. Here's every major game delayed to 2021 and beyond so far.
Best Destiny 2 Exotic weapons and armor in 2021
Destiny 2's sandbox is filled with plenty of unique and powerful Exotic weapons and armor pieces. Here's a breakdown of which Exotics are the most effective in 2021.
These are the best PC sticks for when you're on the move
Instant computer, just add a screen! That’s the general idea of the ultra-portable PC Compute Sticks, but it can be hard to know which one you want. Relax, we’ve got you covered.