Do you need to worry about this?
Should firms be more worried about firmware cyber-attacks? – BBC News
Most malware works at a “surface level” which is why, in most cases, the user must be tricked into allowing the malicious program to run. For example, clicking a link in an email or opening an attachment.
Your antivirus software will interrupt and protect your system, so long as it is up to date with the latest virus definitions.
However in the event a firmware attack, without the right defence, your computer can be infected and you’ll only know once it’s too late.
This is because a firmware attack can inject its code directly on to the physical firmware chip on the computer’s main board. Once there, it will only initiate its attack when the computer is powered up after a shutdown.
By doing this, it bypasses the operating system level defences before they can even start up.
Windows 10 does not have a defence built in, but the award winning software we supply has firmware scanning built in, which monitors for the signs of a firmware attack and can prevent the malicious software from doing any damage.
As these types of attack are specific to device models, manufacturers are responsible for patching any vulnerabilities that are discovered or exploited. They will generally do this via a Windows Update or the utility software that comes installed on your device, or with your motherboard.
However, this does require the user to be diligent in updating their device regularly. Again, the software we provide ensures critical updates are installed without the need for involvement by the user. To find out more, contact michael@octagontech.com
Michael
“Michael is responsible for client support and GDPR compliance both on-site and remote. He can also deliver one-to-one training for our clients on how to use a Mac, as well as troubleshooting any problems clients have with their Mac computers.”
