Intel Forms Internal Security Group to Tackle CPU Issues

After the wake of news of the major security flaw involving Intel microprocessors, CEO Bryan Krzanich intends to tackle it head on by creating a new internal security group. The announcement comes from an internal memo obtained by The Oregonian, with changes already in play ahead of the CEO’s CES 2018 keynote address.

“It is critical that we continue to work with the industry, to excel at customer satisfaction, to act with uncompromising integrity, and to achieve the highest standards of excellences,” says the memo. “Simply put, I want to ensure we continue to respond appropriately, diligently, and with a customer-first attitude.”

Security is Top Priority for Intel

“Security is Job No. 1 for Intel and our industry” says Krzanich during his keynote address. The company initially silent for the first few days when the news broke last week of the security flaws. Dubbed “Spectre” and “Meltdown”,the flaw takes advantage of features which are meant to improve CPU performance. Even giving access to restricted areas of computer memory.

Intel veteran and HR chief Leslie Culbertson will run the new group. It will go by the name “Intel Product Assurance and Security”. Josh Walden, head of Intel’s new technology group will actually join Culbertson together with Steve Smith, Intel VP and GM of its data center engineering group. Needless to say, Krzanich is bringing in the big guns to gain consumer confidence back quickly.

Was Krzanich Aware of the Security Flaw?

The issue does not strictly affect Intel processors. However, considering their massive reach and market share, they take the brunt of the beating. Analysts also find it suspicious that Krzanich sold a large amount of his Intel shares in November. Keeping only the bare minimum as CEO. A spokeswoman for the CEO denies that the stock sale and security flaw announcement are related. According to researchers, the company knew since June about Meltdown and Spectre.