Slashdot: Linus Torvalds Growing Frustrated By Buggy Hardware, Theoretical CPU Attacks

Source URL: https://linux.slashdot.org/story/24/10/21/1533228/linus-torvalds-growing-frustrated-by-buggy-hardware-theoretical-cpu-attacks?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Linus Torvalds Growing Frustrated By Buggy Hardware, Theoretical CPU Attacks

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AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: Linus Torvalds expresses frustration with hardware vendors regarding security vulnerabilities and the challenges posed by both actual and hypothetical attacks. He highlights the burden placed on software developers when hardware issues create inefficiencies and emphasizes the need for accountability from hardware manufacturers.

Detailed Description: The text discusses Linus Torvalds’ criticism of hardware vendors for their negligence in addressing security vulnerabilities, which he believes leads to unnecessary complications and performance degradation in software. His comments reflect broader concerns in the tech community regarding the responsibilities of hardware manufacturers and their impact on overall system security.

– **Accountability in Hardware Security**: Torvalds insists that hardware vendors should be held accountable for their products’ performance and security, arguing that the responsibility should not fall solely on software developers.

– **Impact of Hardware Bugs on Software**: The mention of “expensive, CPU-wise” workarounds indicates that existing hardware vulnerabilities might lead to inefficiencies in software performance, placing additional burdens on developers.

– **Real vs. Theoretical Threats**: Torvalds distinguishes between actual attacks and theoretical scenarios, criticizing the industry for being overly concerned with potential threats that have not been proven in practice.

– **Call for Industry Change**: His statement serves as a rallying cry for the tech community to demand better accountability and quality from hardware manufacturers, asserting that pushing back is necessary for progress.

This discourse is particularly relevant for professionals in infrastructure security, as it illustrates the critical need for collaboration between hardware and software sectors to fortify system security. It underscores the importance of proactive measures and the need for hardware vendors to prioritize security to reduce the burden on developers and enhance overall infrastructure resilience.