Firmware is the weak link in your PC’s security. Here’s how to stay safe

Here is a 190-word summary of the news article: Firmware, the low-level software deeply integrated into device hardware, is a major security vulnerability for PCs. Firmware enjoys privileges that higher-level software lacks, allowing it to access memory, override security mechanisms, and survive OS reinstalls. This makes firmware an ideal target for malware that can take over hardware, compromise networks, or steal data. Examples include the ThunderSpy vulnerabilities that allowed reprogramming of Thunderbolt ports. To protect against firmware threats, users should: 1) Keep firmware and software frequently updated with official patches from manufacturers. 2) Enable Secure Boot to ensure the PC only boots trusted firmware. 3) Limit physical access to the device, especially in public, to prevent firmware extraction or infection. 4) Avoid using foreign devices like public USB ports that could harbor malicious firmware. 5) Use up-to-date antivirus/malware software to detect infected firmware updates before installation. While complete protection is elusive, these measures can greatly improve PC security against the risks posed by vulnerable firmware. Firmware is a critical yet often overlooked component requiring diligent safeguarding.