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VLP Partner Melissa Krasnow Quoted in Law360 Article “Intel, AMD Chip Flaw Backlash Exposes New Liability Risks”

Posted on Jan 29, 2018 in News by Melissa Krasnow

VLP Partner Melissa Krasnow was quoted in the Law360 article “Intel, AMD Chip Flaw Backlash Exposes New Liability Risks.”

The article reported on a recent surge of lawsuits against Intel and Advanced Micro Devices following a recent discovery of the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities that make nearly every computer chip susceptible to hacking.

According to the article, a research team led by Google’s Project Zero discovered serious flaws in most computer processors, potentially impacting millions of personal computers, servers, cloud operating systems and cellphones made over the last two decades. The flaw allows hackers to access a computer system’s memory without authorization using one of two methods, dubbed “Meltdown” and Specctre.”

The article reported that, according to experts, the flaws are notable in that they attach hardware systems, rather than software systems, a significant development as more common devices such as thermostats and refrigerators are made with digital capabilities that could be exploited.

As part of a company’s proactive security best practices for addressing these risks, the article highlighted the importance of honest communications regarding cybersecurity risks and making sure that executives are involved in the data security conversation at all times.

“Not just IT, but also management, boards of directors, legal and risk areas of companies need to be aware of and monitor this information, especially about updating and patching, and communicate with each other about this,” Ms. Krasnow told Law360. She added that whether specific directors and officers are directly implicated in such suits is “an area to watch.”

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