Cyberattacks are booming, and the internet isn’t keeping quiet about it. While the usual suspects continue to pose serious risks, there’s one type of potentially devastating attack you’ll rarely hear anything about.
This article sheds light on firmware attacks. Follow along to learn what makes them unique & dangerous and how you can respond.
What Exactly Is Firmware?
Firmware is the fundamental software responsible for instructing and coordinating hardware in various devices. You’ll see it in everything from smart TVs through personal computers to business networks spanning thousands of connections.
A PC motherboard’s basic input/output system (BIOS) is among the most famous and versatile firmware examples. It governs actions like disk drive boot order, which operating system to load into, memory & CPU frequencies, voltages, and more. Firmware in something like IoT devices is simple by comparison but no less important or vulnerable.
How Do Firmware Attacks Work & What Can They Accomplish?
Hackers attack firmware by injecting it with malicious code. This malware can wreak havoc on the system it infects as well as any network the system connects to. It may change boot-up parameters, disabling safeguards like antimalware. Such an attack may add new users with administrative privileges, set up backdoors for easier later access, or steal data present on the device.
Ransomware is a subset of malware that will lock the infected device up, denying access until the victim pays. Ransomware attacks are gaining popularity since the payoffs can be lucrative, especially if the hackers target medical institutions where prolonged downtime could endanger patients.
Why Are Firmware Attacks on the Rise?
While more complex to pull off than threats that target conventional software vulnerabilities, firmware attacks are gaining traction due to the cybersec community’s long-standing neglect of the firmware layer. Data breaches, phishing, and insider threats make up the vast majority of cyberattacks, so focusing on developing methods of counteracting them makes sense.
However, these types of threats happen in the operating system. Firmware is embedded deeper and is in closer interaction with the underlying hardware. It executes before the OS boots up, meaning measures like antimalware can’t scan for or deal with firmware attacks.
Keeping firmware up to date should be a top priority. Still, regular users rarely, if ever, remember they should. In all fairness, common cybersecurity best practice advice usually doesn’t cover firmware.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Firmware attacks predominantly target company networks, but individual users aren’t immune, either. They’re tricky to detect and can lie in wait before striking and crippling endpoints or network infrastructure.
Keeping all firmware up to date is the most effective proactive approach. It’s not even hard to pull off, provided your network management software can access the current firmware versions for all connected devices and automatically download the latest ones.
While updating is crucial, you shouldn’t pull the trigger the moment a new version goes live. These can introduce unforeseen problems & vulnerabilities, so it’s best to wait a little for field testing.
You don’t need to visit a dodgy site to get infected by malware. Charging cables at airports, public Wi-Fi, or untrustworthy USB sticks may deliver their deadly payload by merely connecting to your device. Being mindful of such interactions will already greatly lower risk.
Guarding against firmware attacks is challenging, but you can protect yourself from the fallout. For example, encrypting and keeping backup copies of old stable firmware releases and important files can get you back on track sooner.
Login details are among the most valuable assets a firmware attack can steal. Gaining access to your accounts likely means the attacker will uncover personally identifiable information and payment data, potentially leading to even more damage. The worst thing you could do is keep your usernames and passwords stored inside a browser. A password manager is a much more secure alternative.
Password managers are an essential cybersecurity tool for generating and storing login details and other sensitive information. They keep this info in an encrypted vault, so hacking your system won’t result in account theft since the attacker won’t know your master password.
Additionally, for individuals frequently on the move, using eSIM technology can add another layer of security. eSIMs allow seamless switching between carriers without the need for physical SIM cards, making it harder for hackers to exploit SIM card vulnerabilities. Check an eSIM comparison to find the best options tailored to your specific needs, further strengthening your security measures.
Conclusion
The increased threat of firmware attacks highlights the importance of an all-encompassing cybersecurity strategy for companies and individuals alike. Adding firmware to your list of priorities will further reduce incident likelihood and strengthen your company’s cybersecurity posture.
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