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In cybersecurity, one sure way of fixing vulnerabilities is to apply patches. In other words, patching simply means to fix and update to a newer version after a vulnerability discovery.  However, recent patches against CPU flaws such as Meltdown and Spectre has rather affected computer’s performance.

Meltdown and Spectre is a complex form of attack where attackers exploit common features of modern microprocessors (such as ARM and AMD) that powers our smartphones, tablets and computers

According to Microsoft, Spectre and Meltdown firmware updates may affect PC performance. It affects computers running Windows 7 or Windows 8 . As for modern computers, there is no significant change in performance.

Haswell processors and older ones will be impacted the most by a series of firmware updates designed to protect against the Spectre CPU security flaw. Intel has proposed working with PC makers to ready firmware updates. But Most machines have yet to install these updates.

In addition, Microsoft has advised firmware updates are only required to protect against what’s being described as Spectre variant 2.

For Meltdown and Spectre variant 1, Microsoft has isolated kernel and user mode page tables and hardened Edge and Internet Explorer 11 to protect against JavaScript exploits. Updates for 41 editions of the operating system are now available, and Microsoft expects the four remaining supported editions will be patched soon.

Since Microsoft has advised IT admins and security engineers not to percieve that updates against Meltdown and Spectre can resolve this threat, how do we ensure our servers are completely secured and performance is not compromised ?

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