Dell fixed security chip vulnerability that left millions open to attack

Tens of millions of Dell laptops were recently discovered to have a vulnerability that could have allowed hackers to steal sensitive data from users and monitor some of their computer activities.

Dell validated this security analysis in June, and it appears that the error affected over 100 models of the company’s laptops. The issue stemmed from a chip in the computer that stores passwords, biometric data and security codes, and installs fingerprint, smartcard and near-field communications drivers and firmware, which is why this could have given hackers a ton of personal information.

Thankfully, there are no known instances of this vulnerability being exploited, so users are likely safe. Dell actually issued patches for these problems throughout March, April, and May this spring, which is why it shared the finding in its security advisory this June.

According to a report from Reuters, the vulnerable chip was the Broadcom BCM5820X. Dell was using this chip in its ‘ControlVault’ software. The publication notes that laptops that use this software are more likely to be used in sensitive environments because of their heightened security features.  This vulnerability obviously undermined that quite a bit.

This also points out another issue with these new forms of on-device security that many companies use. While it is safer to keep all your biometrics and other personal information on your device, it does open up a new battleground for hackers to try to crack into your life.

In the Reuters report, Dell mentions that it did its best to address these issues swiftly and transparently. It also mentions that this is a great reason to make sure that you always update your software to ensure you also have the most up-to-date protection.

Source: Reuters