FBI warns of imminent hack attack on ATM machines worldwide

FBI warns of imminent hack attack on ATM machines worldwide

On Friday 08/10/18 the FBI issued a warning to banks around the world that ATM are at risk for an imminent cyber attack.  Millions of dollars are expected to disappear from customer accounts.

A similar attack occurred in 2009 and resulted in $9 million in losses.  The scheme is a cash-out in which the criminals hack a bank or payment card processor and issue cloned cards to be used around the world to withdraw money.  The culpable targets are small to mid-sized banks that lag in the latest security equipment and software.

“Historic compromises have included small-to-medium size financial institutions, likely due to less robust implementation of cybersecurity controls, budgets, or third-party vendor vulnerabilities,” the statement reads.

“The FBI expects the ubiquity of this activity to continue or possibly increase in the near future.”

https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2018/08/15/fbi-warns-banks-that-crooks-are-planning-choreographed-atm-drainage/

stay tuned.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD recently announced the availability of the much-awaited second generation AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX desktop processor.

In recent blog posts I have written about the performance gains achieved by Intel Generation 8 processors over the prior Intel Generation 7 processor family.  Generation 8 has more cores across the product line, Core i3 from 2 to 4 cores, Core i5 & Core i7, 4 to 6 cores.  Well, that pales in comparison with the new 2nd generation AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX desktop processor.

The Threadripper (love the name) 2990WX is capable of achieving 6 GHz across 32 cores with the right cooling system.  The higher the speed, especially when overclocking, the hotter and thus more unstable the chip becomes so more extreme cooling is required.  The cooling processes for achieving this speed is probably more expensive than your typical home computer.

Reportedly, Intel’s yet-to-be-released 28-core PC chip recorded up to 5 GHz clock speed under industrial-grade water cooling. Meanwhile, AMD’s 2990WX delivered 5.1 GHz clock speed under liquid nitrogen cooling conditions.

In reality, these chips are targeting the server markets and those gamers who can afford the very best and have lots of disposable income.  Just the processors alone are priced at $1,799 for 2990WX and $1,299 for the 2970WX.

The more modest AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X features only 16 cores and 32 threads, will be available Aug 31, 2018.  Meanwhile, crumbs for us working stiffs are coming.  AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2920X and 2970WX models are scheduled to be made available in October 2018, and are priced at $899 and $649 respectively.

The new Ryzen Threadripper processor is developed on 12nm Zen+ architecture. The chip is touted to be the highest-end chip featuring a whopping 32 cores and 64 threads, per PC Gamer. Higher core count of Threadripper 2990WX is expected to boost the competitive position of AMD against Intel INTC in the high-end desktop market (“HEDT”) considerably.

for more info about these new products read;

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amd-raises-bar-2nd-generation-142002517.html

and if you are interested MicroCenter has the Threadripper in stock.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/510650/ryzen-threadripper-2990wx-32-core-str4-boxed-processor

Intel vs AMD

The high-end chips are very impressive but not very economical for everyday business and home users.  When you visit retailers sometimes you can be overwhelmed by the offerings and wide price ranges.  Most of the lower priced units are AMDs or Intel Pentium (even Celeron) based systems.

The new highly touted Surface Go which starts at $399 for 64 GB SSD, 4 GB RAM (no keyboard/pen), has the Pentium Gold processor.  The Surface GO has all day battery life which I desire so I could travel without power supply and cord.  However, the weak processor is a deal breaker for me since I know it will not be powerful enough to replace my current 3rd Gen Core i7, 1.5 hour battery life (sigh).

AMD makes good, reliable and less expensive processors but in my experience, I have found Intel chips provide better performance for longer across the life of the machine.  See the link below for performance specs and comparisons.

https://www.thenerdmag.com/intel-8th-gen-core-i7-vs-amd-ryzen-7-cpu-benchmarks/

Intel Optane Memory

I have just completed a 3 course Intel training seminar learning about the benefits of Intel Optane Memory.  I am still quite happy with the mundane Intel Generation 8 processors especially when coupled with the performance of an SSD.  However, although SSDs have come down quite a bit in price they still are not as inexpensive as SATA hard drives which offer huge storage capabilities for the price.

Enter Intel Optane Memory.  Starting with the Intel Generation 7 processors and the associated chipsets featuring an M.2 slot on the mainboard, a 32 GB Intel Optane memory module coupled with an inexpensive 1 TB hard drive provides SSD performance across the entire 1 TB for approximately a third of the price of a comparable 1 TB Solid State Drive (SSD).

If you have a Generation 7 based computer and would like to optimize performance, consider adding a 16 GB Intel Optane Memory module, approximately $39.

If you are considering a new computer, there has never been a better time to achieve great performance for your buck.  Contact Driving Force Software, dforce@drivingforce.net

Device Security - Time to rethink Mobile Security - CCleaner, not exactly free.

Is it time to consider SmartPhone security?

Your online privacy is under constant threat these days from every direction conceivable including software you install.

I spent yesterday with my CPA talking taxes, finances and data.  My CPA is extremely concerned about data security and we were taking steps to secure and make sure his PCs were protected against any threats.  However the main threat to security may not be your computer but your always connected smartphone which people are using to do banking, place shopping orders and more.

Smartphones are like having an open window allowing everyone into your world.  I mean you are carrying a LoJack system in your pocket  It's tracking and relaying where your present location.  Even if you're not using GPS it is still pinging cell towers and GPS satellites can still see you.  In other words, you can run but not hide.

It's been said that the world's most secure smartphone is the one at the bottom of a river.  So what to do?  To stay abreast and keep up in today's modern world a smartphone is a must.  The link below is to an article which lists the 4 best phones for privacy and security.  #1 may surprise you but it is still the preferred device used by many governments around the world.

https://smartphones.gadgethacks.com/how-to/4-best-phones-for-privacy-security-0176106/

In the past year, some clients and people I know have had their email and online accounts hacked.  Many times scans of their system revealed nothing.  I ask if they possibly responded to a phishing attempt.  Almost always the answer is no.  In each case, the compromised email account and equivalent phone app was also on their smartphones.  I'm beginning to wonder if its time to take smartphone security more seriously.  It could be the weak link in your online security.

Consider these facts from Malwarebytes online forum.

"These hacks aren’t happening in a vacuum. Mobile malware is a frontier ripe for cybercriminal activity. According to a 2015 Pew Research Center Report, nearly two-thirds of Americans own a smartphone, and roughly one in five of those users conduct most of their online browsing using their phone instead of a computer. The reality is that as more and more people use their phones to go online, more cybercriminals will hear the call."

 “Everything from backdoor malware that steals personal information to ransomware that locks your phone until payment is made exists in the mobile space. With millions of malware samples in the wild, there is no reason not to be concerned.”

https://blog.malwarebytes.com/101/2016/09/top-10-ways-to-secure-your-mobile-phone/

New Wi-Fi attack cracks WPA2 passwords with ease

The common Wi-Fi security standard is no longer as secure as you think.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/new-wi-fi-attack-cracks-wpawpa2-passwords-with-ease/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=2219791

Beware the Software Santa.  Free comes with a cost.

CCleaner, a software I used in Windows 98 days is currently in trouble with users due to unwanted monitoring and collection of data.  This is just the latest incident for the company.  Last year it was modified by hackers and used to serve malware.   CCleaner is available from Avast (Piriform) and is used to scrub and optimize all kinds of devices including Windows, Macs and mobile devices.

In the latest version 5.45, the company added features that many users were not pleased about.  The features in question are used for data collection.  The collection of data is performed by tasks called Active Monitoring and heartbeat which continuously send user data to CCleaner servers.  The company claims that nonpersonal and nonidentifiable data only is sent to servers, however, the difficulty in opting out is frustrating many users.  If you close the program it only minimizes and to close the program it has to be forced closed or the service stopped.

When servicing client systems I almost always find malware and PUPS (potentially unwanted software) installed.  These items compromise system security and performance.  Often times these programs are installed along with legitimate software by the user during the install process.  It is important to pay attention to the install process to make sure that you don't install more than you intended especially when Googling and installing free software.  Always pay attention to your search results and don't select a search result that isn't a direct link to the desired software or is listed as an ad.  The software may be advertised as free but they are trying to get paid.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/cc-cleaner-provokes-fury-over-active-monitoring/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=27630927001468733386426006914379

Go Fast with any one of these premium Intel Gen 8 based workstations equipped with a Solid State Drive (SSD)!

PCs sales up, Macs are down, Apple first company with Trillion Dollar Market Cap even as Huawei passes for 2nd in Phone Sales

WHY ARE PCS SALES GROWING WHILE MAC SALES ARE CRASHING?

While PC sales are up for the first time in 6 years, Mac sales had the worst quarter in 7 years, a 13 percent unit decline year over year.  In fact, Mac sales are at a level not seen since Q3 2010.

The reasons behind these figures are simple.  PCs have exhibited new features and innovations in recent years driven by Microsoft and the Surface Line while Apple has allowed it Mac lineup to become stagnant.  Apple recently an update "Refresh" on its Macbook Pro, however, it is hard to justify spending thousands of dollars on technology that is more than a year old.  In addition, the reliability of Macs has received a lot of consumer complaints and negative press recently and that doesn't help when selling systems priced over a thousand if not thousands of dollars.

Windows 10 has been another factor in PC growth.  OEMs and manufacturers have bestowed credit on Microsoft's OS for helping revive the market.

PCs and Macs have different markets and some professionals rely on Macs to work, however,  businesses and enterprises overwhelmingly rely on PCs and the business market is buying PCs again.  

The recent release of Intel Gen 8 processors and less expensive SSDs have provided a significant performance increase that coupled with Windows 10 offer an upgrade experience worth the money.

Windows 10 version 1803 that was just released adds so many features that use to cost you money.  Version 1803 came with a new App that performs video and photo editing a popular application among today's users.

to read about this and more click on 

https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-are-pcs-sales-growing-while-mac-sales-are-crashing/

Apple hits a trillion dollar market cap — watch it move live here

Apple shares hit the historic $1 trillion market value milestone Thursday.

The stock briefly hit the $207.05 per share price that was needed to bring it to the $1 trillion mark before retreating.

The shares have soared since reporting better-than-expected quarterly earnings on Tuesday after the bell. The stock jumped 5.9 percent on Wednesday and has continued higher Thursday.

China's Huawei overtakes Apple as world's 2nd largest smartphone seller

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-08/02/c_137364051.htm

Driving Force - Powerful New Intel Gen 8 workstations!

Driving Force offers a full line of Gen 8 workstations to fit any need.  Whether you are looking at the most economical or a powerful platform to last for years to come, any of these will beat your current system.

For pricing please click on image below.  Thanks!

Windows 10 version 1703 servicing ends in October, DaaS, Will you lease your next computer monthly?

Windows 10: Clock's ticking on upgrade, Microsoft warns Creators Update users

Microsoft has announced that it will no longer provide updates for Windows 10 version 1703 after October 9, 2018.  Version 1703, "Creators Update" was released in May 2017 followed by the "Fall Creators Update", ver. 1709 in October 2017.

The major version updates are large in size, often 1 GB and many people put off upgrading because of this and potential problems with incompatibilities that may arise.  Starting with version 1803 in April 2018, Microsoft allowed users to delay the decision to update.

What does it mean if you don't update?  You will no longer receive security updates to the latest threats from hackers and if your system is not currently under attack, it will be eventually.  When the Intel Meltdown and Spectre flaws were announced Microsoft was in the lead releasing patches to protect your computer.  After October 2018 users on version 1703 will no longer receive these or any other new security updates.

To find out which version of Windows 10 you're on, do the following,

Hold down the Windows key and press R, this will bring up the Run command.
Type cmd and press ENTER, Command Prompt Window will open,

At the prompt type WINVER and press ENTER.  You will receive a screen that provides your OS version.

Below is the full list of Windows 10 versions, courtesy Wikipedia.

Click here for the full story;

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-clocks-ticking-on-upgrade-microsoft-warns-creators-update-users/

Windows 10: These two new builds deliver lots of bug fixes

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-these-two-new-builds-deliver-lots-of-bug-fixes/

DaaS, Devices as a Service:  Microsoft bangs the 'devices as a service' drum ahead of Windows 7's end-of-support deadline

Windows 7 end of life January 14,2020.  Windows 10 protects against more than twice the malware threats.

According to Microsoft, there are 184 million commercial devices still on Windows 7 (excludes China), and the majority are more than 5 years old.

Microsoft is rapidly gearing up for a new model, DaaS, Devices as a Service.  The plan is to provide devices running Windows on a monthly subscription basis.  By 2020 when Windows 7 expires, they expect 30 percent of all PCs to be acquired via a monthly lease.


Advertisement:  Shameless Plug :-)

Driving Force - Powerful New Intel Gen 8 workstations!

Driving Force offers a full line of Gen 8 workstations to fit any need.  Whether you are looking at the most economical or a powerful platform to last for years to come, any of these will beat your current system.

For pricing please click on image below.  Thanks!

Amazon Prime Day - Dog Days, PC sales are up First Time since 2012

Amazon's Prime Day starts with a picture of a Dog.

The Amazon Prime Day 2018 got off to a rough start as the sudden rush of online shoppers evidently overwhelmed the servers and shoppers were greeted with pictures of dogs rather than what the products the links promised.  You have probably seen a 404 error page before on the internet when a page you were looking cannot be found.  Amazon presents you with a picture of a dog when you encounter a 404 error on their servers.

I first heard about the issues from an alert client who called and told me about it.  He was online to buy some items we found over the weekend for his system.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/amazons-web-site-crashes-as-prime-day-launches/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=2219791

The hellish problems continued for hours frustrating many shoppers who have little patience with internet issues to start with.  To exacerbate things, the absence initially of any problems by Amazon contributed to customer anxiety.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is actually the largest Cloud Provider.  If you are using a Cloud service such as any accounting services (Yardi), health care, or any other hosted internet service, there is a good chance that it is actually being hosted on a server running under AWS.  However, Prime Day woes appeared to be restricted to problems caused by code in the Amazon Store.

https://www.quora.com/What-effects-has-the-Amazon-Prime-Day-2018-crash-had-if-any-on-Amazon-Web-Services-clients-and-what-can-Amazon-do-in-the-future-to-prevent-a-recurrence

As of 3rd Quarter 2017 the 7 largest cloud providers were;

7.  SAP SE - $1.02 billion

6.  Oracle - $1.19 billion

5.  Alphabet (Google) - $1.8 billion

4.  Salesforce - $2.2 billion

3.  IBM - $3.5 billion

2.  Amazon - 3.66 billion

1.  Microsoft - $6.76 billion

The rankings are fluid and change yearly.  In 2015 AWS was number 1.  So far in 2018, Microsoft remains number 1, followed by AWS, Salesforce, IBM and then Google.

http://techcrox.com/top-5-cloud-computing-service-providers-2018/

PC Sales are up for the first time since 2012

PC sales are posting the first growth in shipments since 2012.  The experts are pegging this growth on demand for desktops by businesses and people looking for high-performance gaming PCs.

What the experts are missing in this equation is Intel Generation 8 processors that offer truly outstanding increases in processing capability.

The Intel Core i3 has gone from 2 cores to 4 cores and now offer an unlocked K version for performance seekers.

The Core i5 and Core i7 processors have both been increased from 4 to 6 cores.

The improved processors combined with the new supporting chipsets are on a new plateau from the previous offerings.

In addition, SSDs have come down in price and it is becoming increasingly affordable to offer an M2 slot 128/256 GB to host the OS for lightning fast startup.

https://bgr.com/2018/07/13/pc-sales-growth-numbers-show-first-rise-in-six-years/

http://www.evanino.com/pc-sales-are-up-in-2018/

Driving Force offers a full line of Gen 8 workstations to fit any need.  Whether you are looking at the most economical or a powerful platform to last for years to come, any of these will beat your current system.

For pricing please click on image below.  Thanks!

FBI urges internet users to reboot their routers to stop Russia-linked malware

This news first broke a couple of weeks ago and has been reported by major publications and news networks but the threat is continuing and evolving.  I was contacted yesterday by an alert client who wanted to know if it was legit.  It is and upon further research, I thought I should contact my base and alert anyone who may not have heard about this.  Many of you have affected routers.

The Russians are at it again, the same group that hacked the Democratic National Committee ahead of the last Presidential election in 2016, "Sofacy Group" has released a malware that is capable of disabling an internet router.  The malware is called VPNFilter and it has already affected hundreds of thousands of routers in other countries.  In addition to causing your router to become inoperable, it can collect data and therefore has the capability of stealing logins and passwords.

According to the news release there is no easy way to know if your router has been compromised.  CNET reports that some models from LinkSys, Netgear, TPLink, QNAP, and Mikrotik are affected.

According to CNET;

"The U.S. government says it has seized a critical web domain, called toknowall.com, which the Russian hackers were using to disseminate the malware.

So, now, when you reboot your router, it throws a kink in their system, essentially destroying the part of the malware that allows hackers to spy on your activities. The install package, on the other hand, will be left intact. After a reboot, when that package attempts to download the other nasty parts of the malware, the FBI will be able to trace it."

The article states that the easiest way to restart is by pressing and holding the reset button on the back of the router, however, I would advise caution doing this since performing this on some models can cause a factory reset.  I would disconnect and then reconnect the power to the router myself to reset but it would be best to consult your router's manual.

However, then there is this from the article;

But some security experts advise that a factory-reset is the only sure-fire way to purge VPNFilter from a router. Once that's done, you'll have to reconfigure all your network settings. Check your model's instruction manual for help with both steps.


https://www.cnet.com/news/the-fbi-wants-you-to-reboot-your-router-now-to-help-destroy-a-botnet/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fbi-urges-internet-users-to-reboot-home-routers/


more from BGR.com;

The attacks appear to be incredibly targeted, as the hackers are looking for specific things. “They’re looking for very specific things,” Williams said. “They’re not trying to gather as much traffic as they can. They’re after certain very small things like credentials and passwords. We don’t have a lot of intel on that other than it seems incredibly targeted and incredibly sophisticated. We’re still trying to figure out who they were using that on.”

But wait, there’s more. The malware can also download a self-destroy module that wipes the device clean and reboots the device.

Getting rid of VPNFilter isn’t an easy task. The malware is constructed in such a way that a Stage 1 attack acts as a backdoor on devices that can be infected, and is used to download additional payloads, Stages 2 and 3, which bring over the more sophisticated features, including man-in-the-middle-attacks and self-destruction.


All routers owners should assume from the start that their device has been infected, and perform a factory reset, Ars says, followed by a software update that could remove the device’s vulnerabilities to Stage 1 infection. Changing default passwords is also advised, as is disabling remote administration. Rebooting the device like the FBI asked might not be enough, however.

http://bgr.com/2018/06/07/vpnfilter-malware-security-threat-fix/


Apple is facing a Class Action lawsuit over Mac notebooks and more news as Macs continue to fade in performance, reliability and relevance.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-wwdc-2018-served-as-macs-death-sentence/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=2219791


INTEL Generation 8, a Giant Leap in desktop Power

Apple reports quarterly earnings today after the closing bell on Wall Street.  The call will be closely followed by investors concerned about reports of slow iPhone X sales and the resultant reports of drag on earnings at component suppliers of Apple products.

60% of Apples Revenue is from the iPhone as innovation in Macs lags PCs and Apple discontinues other product lines.  The company is hoping to boost revenue through services yet iCloud continues to disappoint.  Their HomePod product (Echo dot/Alexa rival) does not come close to competing yet with Amazon and Google rivals and it's $299 price tag is steep for a speaker.

Amazon Prime is going up 20% in price, from $99 to $119 annually.  Lots of news, please see links below.

Apple earnings report out today.

60% of Revenue from iPhone.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-results-preview/investors-look-to-apples-cash-services-as-iphone-sales-seen-stalling-idUSKBN1I11XP?il=0


For Apple's iPhone X, is it time for 'full panic mode'?
Apple suppliers are hinting at a rough quarter, with indications people aren’t spending big on the iPhone X.

https://www.cnet.com/news/for-apple-iphone-x-is-it-time-for-full-panic-mode-with-q2-financial-results/?ftag=CAD1acfa04&bhid=21042726186831923270015874178287

Apple officially discontinues AirPort router product line, available while supplies last

https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/04/26/apple-discontinues-airport-base-station-product-line-available-while-supplies-last


iPhone X old news? What that means for new 2018 iPhones
This week was ripe with talk about the rumored iPhone SE 2 and new 2018 iPhones.

https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-x-old-news-what-that-means-for-2018-iphones/

Apple’s working on a powerful, wireless headset for both AR, VR

https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-is-working-on-an-ar-augmented-reality-vr-virtual-reality-headset-powered-by-a-wireless-wigig-hub/


Why Amazon Is Raising the Price of Prime ... Again
Offering the best deal in retail is getting more expensive every year.

https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/04/27/why-amazon-is-raising-the-price-of-prime-again.aspx

Is Amazon Prime worth its new $119 price tag?

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/is-amazon-prime-worth-its-new-119-price-tag-2018-04-27


New Intel Generation 8 computers

The City of Atlanta spent at least $2.6 million on ransomware recovery.

Atlanta spent at least $2.6 million on ransomware recovery

The ransom was never paid because the payment portal was pulled offline by the attacker.

I wonder how much they spend on their IT support people and security software, obviously not enough.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/atlanta-spent-at-least-two-million-on-ransomware-attack-recovery/?ftag=TREc64629f&bhid=2219791

Windows warning: Tech-support scammers are ramping up attacks, says Microsoft

Windows 10 security won't protect you from tech-support scammers' lies and trickery.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-warning-tech-support-scammers-are-ramping-up-attacks-says-microsoft/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=2219791

Chrome Browser 66 rolls out: Autoplay videos silenced by default and a slew of Bug patches

Chrome 66 mutes audio on autoplay video by default unless a user tends to watch video on a site with sound on.

One of the most annoying things I experience when using the internet is the autoplay videos that occur when visiting many sites.  Many times I want to READ the article in peace but there are these background ads or videos that I don't care to watch must less listen to.

In the more recent versions of Chrome, there was a Mute Site option that you could set for each individual website you visited by right-clicking on the Chrome browser tab for the site and selecting Mute Site.  That allowed you to permanently block sound on a site by site basis.  That was a big help, however, have you ever had many instances of Chrome open, needing most of them and all of a sudden sound starts playing and it's difficult to track which tab is playing the video or ad.  I have had to shut down all before, very annoying.

Starting with Chrome 66, it is now an option to block unexpected video playback by default on the first visit to a site.

Google is accomplishing this using technology called MEI, Media Engagement Index.

The MEI gauges users' tendency to consume media on a site and will allow sites to ignore the rule if the user's engagement passes a certain threshold.

In addition to adding this outstanding feature, Chrome 66 brings 62 security patches for previously found bugs.  Google paid $34,000 to researchers who found and reported bugs.  

To read this and more visit;

https://www.zdnet.com/article/chrome-66-rolls-out-autoplay-video-silenced-by-default-plus-62-bugs-fixed/

To download Chrome 66 visit, http://chrome.com  download and install Chrome!

Once you have installed it you can check your version by clicking on Settings in the upper left corner of the Chrome browser,

and select About Chrome.

You can check your Advanced settings by clicking on the 3 vertical dots on the right side of  the Chrome Browser,

and then under Advanced Settings, Privacy and Security, Content settings,

here are some of the sites that I blocked with the previous version;

Remember Safe Surfing!

In addition to the above, here are Five tricks to make Google Chrome faster and better;

https://www.zdnet.com/pictures/five-tricks-to-make-google-chrome-faster-and-better/


New Generation 8 Intel Desktops

Intel 8th Gen vs 7th Gen CPUs: Kaby Lake Refresh Is a Lot Faster

The introduction of the new Gen 8 Intel Core series processors has significantly increased the performance of computers.  The number of cores (processors) for all lines has been increased,

the Core i3 has increased from 2 to 4 cores, the Core i5 and Core i7 chips have gone from 4 cores to 6 cores and the enhancements are noticeable in Microsoft Office applications.

Spreadsheets

If you're crunching large spreadsheets with Excel, you want 8th Gen Core. When we ran a macro that matches 65,000 names with their addresses, the 7th Gen-powered Swift 3 finished in 2 minutes and 36 seconds while the new model completed the same task in just 1:32, a 70 percent improvement. The 8th Gen-powered XPS 13 was even quicker, finishing the macro in 1:08, compared to the 7th Gen-powered model's 2:30., a 55 percent jump.

to read about all the improvements and benchmark tests visit:

https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/kaby-lake-refresh-8th-gen-vs-7th-gen