Numerous vulnerabilities in AMD processors [LWN.net]

Numerous vulnerabilities in AMD processors

Posted Mar 14, 2018 19:31 UTC (Wed) by xtifr (guest, #143)
In reply to: Numerous vulnerabilities in AMD processors by mgk
Parent article: Numerous vulnerabilities in AMD processors

Intel is unlikely to acquire AMD for the same reason Microsoft never really tried to acquire Apple--the existence of a plausible (but only moderately effective) competitor helps divert anti-trust claims. AMD isn't a threat, but can be painted as one for PR purposes.

At the same time, the recent revelation of a severe Intel-only vulnerability (Meltdown) may have started to drive a few more sales towards AMD. It's not *completely* implausible to suggest that Intel may be trying to herd people back by trying to highlight (and possibly exaggerate) some AMD-specific problems in turn.

I'm not much of one for conspiracy theories in general, but there's enough oddness around the way this is being handled to raise questions.

to post comments

Numerous vulnerabilities in AMD processors

Posted Mar 18, 2018 16:42 UTC (Sun) by marcH (subscriber, #57642) [Link]

> It's not *completely* implausible to suggest that Intel may be trying to herd people back by trying to highlight (and possibly exaggerate) some AMD-specific problems in turn.

While this type of "competitive marketing analysis" has existed since forever for performance and others, it didn't seem to happen for security until recently. One can imagine many possible explanations but for sure users and consumers didn't benefit from that lack of competition.

Short of liability, "name and shame" is the only way that stands some chance to make some difference. Yes there will be more "fake news" now but I still prefer that to no security news at all. For the moment I trust the tech press more than the mainstream one.