This comes in the wake of Apple issuing an alert earlier today that all iPhones, iPads and Mac computers are vulnerable to a major security flaw that leaves these devices open to hacking.
It means Apple devices are potentially exposed to hackers who can use malicious software to steal sensitive data such as passwords and private photos.
This latest development is said to affect the smallest smartphone to the largest web infrastructure, and make any computer vulnerable to hacking.
The two bugs, Spectre and Meltdown, were disclosed earlier this week, and said to impact every device running on the iOS and macOS operating systems, as well as the Apple TV.
According to Apple, Spectre cannot be easily fixed and the affected computer chips have to be re-designed and made secure, while Meltdown can be patched up through an update but could slow down computers by as much as 30%.
Intel chipset flaws
Speaking to FMT, CF Fong, the founder of security services firm LGMS said there are severe security loopholes found in the Intel chipset that may cause data leak.
“This security flaw can be used to read information from personal computers (PCs) and mobile devices. This also means any sensitive data in these devices could be exposed to a hacker if they are not fixed.
“Sensitive data may include your user name and password, as well as your personal data in the device,” he said.
Fong added that such flaws are dangerous as the chip acts like a human brain in a PC and mobile device.
“All commonly used PCs and mobile devices in the market nowadays are using these chips.
“This includes the PC and mobile phone your readers are using to read about this. All of them are vulnerable,” he told FMT.
He said there is no way to prevent data from being stolen until the chip providers roll out fixes for the flaws.
“Sensitive data leaked can also be used by the hacker to carry out more malicious activities such as selling the data in the black market, blackmailing for ransom and more,” he added.
How can PCs, mobile flaws be hacked?
Fong said attacks from such a security flaw may take place when users open or install an application that may seem legitimate, but it could be malicious.
“Nevertheless, it is also possible for this security flaw to happen when users do not practice ‘secure web browsing’.
“A simple visit to a malicious website will create a door for hackers to enter into your PC and mobile devices,” he said.
“It is also important to secure your PC and mobile device physically, especially while you are away from them, make sure they are locked and their passwords cannot be easily guessed by hackers to gain access to them,” he said.
New computer virus spreads from Ukraine to disrupt world business