Firmware Attacks Have Been More Than Doubling Each Year! Here's What You Should Do to Stay Secure
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A strong cybersecurity strategy includes a balance of different layers that protect your network, devices, cloud tools, and data. The balance of safeguards needs to be reviewed regularly to ensure that all areas of your IT infrastructure are properly protected.
The reason the IT security balance needs to be checked and redistributed regularly is that hackers are checking it all the time. They’re constantly looking for vulnerable areas that allow them a way into a company’s network and data.
A recent report by Microsoft called the March 2021 Security Signals found that for many companies, that balance is off, leaving the firmware that runs their devices unprotected.
The report found that even though attacks on firmware have increased five-fold in the past four years, organizations are only allocating a little over a quarter (29%) of their IT security budget to firmware protection.
What Happens If a Hacker Gains Access to Firmware?
Firmware is software with a specific purpose, which is to tell the hardware how to operate. The firmware will tell your computer or server how to load the operating system at boot. It also is used to store user credentials and privilege level data.
Just about any electronics that you can think of needs firmware to operate. Firmware is used in:
· Computers
· Servers
· Security cameras
· Printers
· Wi-Fi routers
· IoT devices
· Networking equipment
· And much more
You can think of firmware as the “operating handbook” of your device. So, you can imagine how damaging an attack at the firmware layer can be. A hacker can tell your hardware to do whatever they like.
Some of the common things that hackers do when they breach firmware include:
· Plant backdoors in a system that allow them to steal sensitive data
· Give themselves a user credential with high-level privileges
· Plant malware, like ransomware or spyware
· Control how a system boots
· Control how the operating system applies patches
· Control access and visibility into the operating system
Things You Can Do for Better Firmware Security
The challenge with firmware security is that it’s not entirely in your hands. Much of the problem with firmware attacks is shared by the device manufacturers.
They don’t always build adequate visibility into the firmware layer, which lives outside the operating system. This causes problems, such as the inability for security applications (antivirus, anti-malware, etc.) to see any threats planted in the firmware layer.
However, this is changing because of the ongoing attacks on firmware. That means that companies often need to be proactive when it comes to choosing the right hardware or seeking the help of an IT professional to ensure their devices are properly protected.
Here are some of the steps you can take to ensure you’re not missing the boat when it comes to securing your firmware.
Keep Firmware Updated Regularly
Can you remember the last time you did a firmware update on your computer or router? Most users can’t. It’s because firmware doesn’t have the same “in your face” type of alerts for updates as do operating systems or applications.
Often, a device will simply have a small indicator somewhere on an icon that users can completely miss. If they do see it, they have to click in and go through a more manual process than they’re probably used to.
When it comes to something like a router or other IoT device, a company may never know about a critical security update, unless someone specifically logs in to the router settings (something hardly anyone does!).
So, firmware is left without its critical updates in many cases, leaving an open door for hackers.
What you need to do is make your firmware updates part of your entire update schedule for software and OS updates. All devices should be checked regularly for firmware updates. This is most easily done through a managed IT support plan. This ensures all updates are done on a schedule and professionally installed.
Keep Users Trained on Security Awareness
Regularly training users on IT security awareness is a preventative measure for all types of breaches, OS, firmware, network, and others.
Hackers tend to use the same attack mode for all types of attacks, which often involves the use of phishing emails directed at your users.
By “regularly” training users, we mean more than once a year. Cybersecurity should be an ongoing conversation that keeps your employees aware and armed with the knowledge they need to stay secure.
Look for Firmware-Protected Devices
As we mentioned, device manufacturers are realizing the need to better protect firmware by building in zero-trust architectures at the firmware layer.
When you purchase new hardware (computers, servers, etc.) look for details on firmware protection that show the manufacturer is developing products with this in mind.
Some examples include:
Get a Firmware Security Assessment to Prevent a Breach
BrainStomp can help your business ensure you’re properly protected from a firmware attack. We’ll assess your current systems and provide solutions for any vulnerabilities.
Schedule a free consultation today! Call 260-918-3548 or reach out online.
