Important information regarding Meltdown/Spectre and Microsoft Security Advisor ADV180002

Panda Security is aware of the existing vulnerability regarding a kernel memory problem and is actively working with Microsoft to distribute the appropriate patch, without risking the proper functioning of our protection and the operating system. With this goal in mind and in order to offer our customers our best service, Panda Security is checking the Microsoft operating systems where our security products are installed.

Microsoft has made the patch available to those endpoints where the security vendor, in this case Panda Security, has ensured that the security product has been certified with the patch by using a registry key that will trigger the Microsoft patch-KB download.

Microsoft had initially planned the patch release for January 9. So had Panda Security, after completing the compatibility testing for that date. However, Microsoft started rolling out the patch January 3 (ADV180002).

With the goal of providing our customers with the highest protection level, Panda Security has decided to speed up the testing phase to make it coincide with Microsoft's patch release, if possible, ahead of the initial Jan 9 schedule.

How are Panda Security customers affected?

As part of our planned testing, Panda Security is gradually confirming that the patch is compatible with the different operating systems certified for our antivirus product suite. If any customer is willing to apply the patch before the planned deployment, they can set the relevant registry key manually as explained in the relevant section.

However, despite the current tests have not shown any compatibility issues, we cannot guarantee unexpected problems may arise after the application of Microsoft's patch.

Once the operating systems are certified, Panda Security will gradually start deploying the required update (editing the relevant registry key) in controlled phases as from Jan 9.

Planning of the automatic deployment of the key for corporate products

* For protection versions 7.61 and below (currently in EoL), please upgrade the end-point to get the latest available and certified security solution.
** In the case of Adaptive Defense, the application of the registry key must be implemented by third-party antivirus solutions.

Planning of the automatic deployment of the key for Consumer products

How to manually apply the registry key

The purpose of having this registry key is to trigger Windows Update to detect and download the mentioned patch. As mentioned earlier in this document, despite Panda's tests have not shown any compatibility issues, we cannot guarantee unexpected problems may arise after the patch application process.

If you are willing to test it in a controlled environment and found any problem, do not hesitate to contact immediately your Panda Security local representative so we can assist you as soon as possible.