Researchers specializing in computer security have revealed that they have discovered a flaw in Apple silicon architecture, which they named “Augury”. This could make it possible to collect information from the Mac machine equipped with a chip from the M1 family.
However, the IT teams want to be reassuring. The breach in question concerns a so-called “DMP” system, which can only point to “sleeping” data, i.e. data that is not read by any instruction (applications, software, services, etc.) on the Mac. Also, it was pointed out that only the most seasoned hackers could take advantage of the opening left there by Apple engineers.
In short, this means that, even if the Californian firm takes some time to resolve this flaw, you will not risk much with your Mac computer running Apple silicon.
Let’s take this opportunity to remind you some best practices in terms of computer security, whether you use a Windows computer, a Mac computer with an Intel processor or a Mac computer with an Apple processor on a daily basis:
- Never open an attachment in an email from a sender you don’t know
- Ditto for an attachment received on iPhone or iPad elsewhere, via email, iMessage or other messaging service
- When paying on the internet, always check that the small padlock is visible in the address and that the URL begins with “https”, and not “http”
- Try to only download your apps and software from the Apple App Store and official developer sites
- Use different passwords for each of your accounts. Apple’s password manager, Keychain Access, can help with this. But there are alternatives, see in particular here
- Periodically check your Mac machine for malware, using protection suites like CleanMyMac or Intego
Find here the research paper signed by the team of academics about the Augury fault.
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