Meltdown and Spectre

2018 did not start well for processor manufacturers. Two separate vulnerabilities (Meltdown and Spectre) were discovered that targeted the fundamental ways that Intel processors handle memory allocation. A threat actor can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain privileged access to the parts of memory used by programs, where they can then steal sensitive information like credentials or encryption keys. Microsoft, Google, and other major tech companies scrambled to implement protections in their products, which had the unfortunate side effect of slightly to moderately decreasing the efficiency of processors on Windows and Linux machines. Only time will tell how this will affect the processor industry in the future.

"Hacktivism"

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/what-is-a-hacktivist/?partner=rss&emc=rss

"Hacktivism" is the concept of using computer hacking for social change. A man named Aaron Swartz, who identified as a hacktivist, recently committed suicide. His death caused many people to argue over the meaning, intent, and legality of hacktivism. The author of the article believes the problem stems from the concept of "lexical warfare": people using words to demean or exalt other people or groups of people. Words or phrases can cause much harm.

Computer Literacy

In my Computer Literacy class, I learned about the free OpenOffice program suite. I also learned how to make a spreadsheet out of typing test scores.  Finally, I learned how to run a blog like this one! Cool, right?