Firmware is the low-level software that is deeply integrated into the hardware of your device. It sits beneath higher-level software and your PC’s hardware and acts as a kind of bridge running the critical operations of your PC. As such, it enjoys privileges that higher-level software doesn’t have.

These privileges mean it can access all your PC’s memory, override security mechanisms, and survive defensive operations like reinstalls of your PC’s OS. As such, it’s an ideal vector for malware.

Malicious firmware can allow cybercriminals to take over your PC hardware or its OS, compromise your network security and/or steal important files or credentials. There are many examples of firmware being either infected by malware or having vulnerabilities that were exploited by cybercriminals.

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