Protect Your Intel-Based Devices from Security Vulnerability

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Intel's Security Vulnerability
3. Identifying the Affected Machines
4. Setting up the Registry Scanning with Lansweeper
5. Creating the Deployment Package
6. Running the Deployment Package
7. Checking the Status of the Deployment
8. Reviewing the Results
9. Patching the Vulnerable Systems
10. Verifying the Patching Process
11. Conclusion

Introduction

In recent news, Intel has announced a significant security vulnerability in a large number of its processors. This vulnerability poses a risk to millions of Intel-based laptops and desktops worldwide. To ensure the safety of your machines, it is crucial to identify whether they are affected by this vulnerability. This article will guide you through the process of using Lansweeper, a powerful tool, to detect and mitigate this security issue.

Overview of Intel's Security Vulnerability

Intel's security vulnerability has left numerous machines susceptible to potential attacks. To protect your devices, it is essential to identify the affected systems accurately. This section will explain the steps to determine whether your machines are at risk and how to proceed with the necessary actions.

Identifying the Affected Machines

To determine if your machines are affected by the Intel security vulnerability, Lansweeper provides a straightforward method. By utilizing the deployment module, you can run Intel's discovery tool, which writes a registry entry. The following steps will guide you through the identification process using Lansweeper.

Setting up the Registry Scanning with Lansweeper

The first step involves configuring the scanning settings for the registry entry. This process enables Lansweeper to scan the designated registry key and generate appropriate reports based on the output. Here's how to set up the registry scanning in Lansweeper:

1. Access the scanning settings in Lansweeper.
2. Click on "Add Registry Scan" in the registry scanning section.
3. Select the registry keys provided by the Intel tool that check for the value called "System Risk."
4. Click "OK" to finalize the setup.

Creating the Deployment Package

To effectively detect and mitigate the vulnerability, you need to create a deployment package in Lansweeper. This package will incorporate the Intel discovery tool and necessary dependencies. Follow these steps to set up the deployment package:

1. Ensure that you have a package share user account ready for use.
2. Access the package share folder in Lansweeper.
3. Download the required files, including the zip file from the Intel website, XML file from the forum, and VBS script from the forum.
4. Extract the discovery tool from the zip file and place it directly in the package share folder.
5. Move the VBS script to the discovery tool folder.

Running the Deployment Package

Once you have set up the deployment package, it's time to run it on your devices. By deploying the package, Lansweeper will automatically scan your computers for the registry value indicating vulnerability. Here's how to run the deployment package:

1. Access the deployment tab in the Lansweeper web console.
2. Click on the "Import" button and select the XML file downloaded from the forum.
3. Click "OK" to confirm the import.

Checking the Status of the Deployment

After initiating the deployment, it is essential to monitor its progress. By checking the installer logs, you can ensure that the deployment process was successful. Here's how to review the deployment status:

1. Navigate to the installer logs page in the Lansweeper web console.
2. Verify whether the deployment completed without any issues.

Reviewing the Results

Once the deployment is complete, you can review the results to determine if your computers are vulnerable. By creating a new report, you can easily access and assess the vulnerability status of each system. Follow these steps to review the deployment results:

1. Go to the reports section in Lansweeper.
2. Click on "Create New Report" to generate a new report.
3. Provide a title for your report and save it.
4. Run the report and verify the vulnerability status of each computer.

Patching the Vulnerable Systems

If any of your systems are identified as vulnerable, it is crucial to patch them promptly. The process of patching will depend on the manufacturer of your motherboards. Intel has provided a list of vendor links that can guide you through the necessary patching procedures. You can find these links in the description or the related forum post.

Verifying the Patching Process

Once you have patched the vulnerable systems, it is essential to verify the effectiveness of the patches. By running the deployment package again, you can ensure that the patches were successfully applied. Follow these steps to verify the patching process:

1. Run the deployment package using Lansweeper.
2. Monitor the deployment status to confirm the successful patching of the systems.

Conclusion

Securing your Intel-based machines from potential attacks is crucial in today's digital landscape. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively identify and mitigate the security vulnerability affecting millions of devices. Remember to regularly monitor and update your systems to stay protected against emerging threats. Utilize the provided resources and manufacturer patching guidelines to ensure the safety of your machines. Stay proactive in safeguarding your devices and the sensitive information they contain.