HardwareHard to believe but Secure Boot BIOS security has been compromised on hundreds of PC models from big brands because firmware engineers used four-letter passwordsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareHard to believe but Secure Boot BIOS security has been compromised on hundreds of PC models from big brands because firmware engineers used four-letter passwordsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future)
Now, I’ll admit my own password hygiene isn’t always the best, though I have graduated from the days when I used “xxxxxx” for a few non-critical accounts under the reverse psychology assumption that it’s so obviously insecure, nobody would bother trying it. Genius, I know. But even I realise a four-character password is a big no-no.
Part of the problem, as we understand it, is device makers basically using the same old keys over and over again. To quote Binarly, the security failure involves, “no rotation of the platform security cryptographic keys per product line. For example, the same cryptographic keys were confirmed on client and server-related products. Similar behavior was detected with Intel Boot Guard reference code key leakage. The same OEM used the same platform security-related cryptographic keys for firmware produced for different device manufactures. Similar behavior was detected with Intel Boot Guard reference code key leakage.”
Your next machine(Image credit: Future)Best gaming PC: The top pre-built machines.Best gaming laptop: Great devices for mobile gaming.
Your next machine
(Image credit: Future)Best gaming PC: The top pre-built machines.Best gaming laptop: Great devices for mobile gaming.
(Image credit: Future)
Best gaming PC: The top pre-built machines.Best gaming laptop: Great devices for mobile gaming.
All that said, Ars Technica quotes many of the brands involved essentially claiming that all of the relevant systems have now either been patched or taken out of service, which is presumably why Binarly is now publishing details of the security breach that would allow bad actors to take advantage of it.
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Anyway, if you have any concerns,hit up the full reportand have a looksee if any of your devices appear. If they do, a BIOS update is very likely in order.
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