Overview
Firmware is the 'permanent' software embedded in hardware devices (e.g., motherboards, hard drives, network cards, IoT devices). Firmware security is often overlooked but is critical because it operates below the level of the operating system and traditional security tools.
Key Challenges
- Lack of Visibility: Traditional antivirus cannot scan firmware.
- Difficult Updates: Patching firmware is often a manual and risky process.
- Supply Chain Risk: Malicious firmware can be implanted during manufacturing or distribution.
Best Practices
- Using Secure Boot and TPM to ensure firmware integrity.
- Regularly updating firmware to fix known vulnerabilities.
- Implementing hardware-based roots of trust.