Latest coverage for BIOS

BIOS is low-level firmware embedded on a motherboard chip that initializes hardware components and loads the operating system during startup. It operates before the OS and controls critical functions like hardware configuration and the boot sequence. Because BIOS runs first, it establishes the initial trust environment for the system’s software and hardware.

Security risks include unauthorized BIOS modification, which can implant persistent malware that survives OS reinstallations or disk replacements. Attackers may exploit vulnerabilities to install firmware rootkits or bypass secure boot protections. Defenses focus on restricting BIOS access with passwords, applying cryptographically verified firmware updates, and enabling hardware-based secure boot mechanisms to ensure only trusted code executes during system startup.