Organizations usually focus on protecting against operating systems and application-level threats. But a pivotal yet often neglected layer exists beneath these attack surfaces: UEFI BIOS firmware. This essential component governs the initial handshake between hardware and software, running before the OS takes control. Failure to secure this layer leaves another significant attack surface exposed, one that traditional OS-level & AppSec tools cannot protect.
In fact, Microsoft’s Security Signals Report reveals that 83% of organizations experienced firmware attacks, yet only 29% allocate resources to safeguarding this layer. While firmware is a broad and diverse category of software, running on an equally broad and diverse category of devices, UEFI firmware is the crown jewel to attackers because of the advantage that can be gained if it is breached; If you can breach a printer’s firmware, you can snoop on a network, but if you can breach a PC’s firmware, you can snoop on the entire device itself. And the risks of ignoring UEFI BIOS firmware are neither theoretical nor niche—they are real and widespread.
Think of it this way: investing in OS and application security while neglecting firmware is like installing state-of-the-art locks on your doors while leaving your house’s foundation cracked and unstable. Cybercriminals understand the value of exploiting firmware vulnerabilities, and they are increasingly directing their efforts at this foundational layer. It’s time for organizations to recognize that securing UEFI BIOS firmware is not optional—it’s essential.
But first, what exactly is UEFI BIOS firmware security?
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a low-level firmware responsible for initializing your hardware, managing configurations, and providing instructions for the OS to load and function. It operates at the highest privilege level on a device, surpassing even the operating system.
This authority makes UEFI an attractive target for attackers. Unlike the OS, which benefits from continuous monitoring and regular patching, UEFI firmware often goes overlooked, creating a dangerous blind spot. Malicious actors can exploit this oversight, embedding code into firmware to evade detection and maintain persistent control over devices.
The role of UEFI BIOS in security
One of the key functions of UEFI BIOS firmware is enforcing security measures like Secure Boot, which ensures only trusted operating systems can load during the boot process. However, misconfigured Secure Boot settings or vulnerabilities in firmware can allow attackers to inject malicious code at startup.
Fact: Data from our SecureCheck Audit show that on average, 16% of endpoints have Secure Boot disabled.
This type of compromise creates a launchpad for deeper attacks. Once attackers breach firmware, they can bypass traditional OS defenses, launch rogue operating systems, or deploy pre-OS drivers that enable long-term access to the device. Protecting UEFI BIOS firmware is not just about mitigating vulnerabilities—it’s about securing a critical point of control for your entire security stack.
Why Firmware Security Is Often Overlooked
Despite its importance, firmware security is frequently neglected for several reasons:
- Lack of Awareness: Many organizations mistakenly assume that traditional OS-level defenses are sufficient, unaware of the unique risks posed by firmware attacks.
- Perceived Complexity: Historically, managing and securing firmware required specialized tools and expertise, leading to the misconception that it’s impractical or difficult.
- Focus on Immediate Threats: Security strategies often prioritize visible, high-profile risks, like ransomware or phishing, leaving firmware threats in the shadows.
However, attackers are increasingly exploiting these blind spots, as evidenced by the rising number of firmware-based breaches.
Bad Configurations in Manufacturing
Device manufacturing involves multiple vendors, and downstream vendors often lack expertise to customize UEFI firmware from upstream suppliers. This can lead to misconfigurations that introduce serious vulnerabilities. A well-known example of this is the BlackLotus exploit, which enables attackers to launch a rogue bootloader on the UEFI partition. Without properly updated DB/DBX configurations, the firmware fails to block it, enabling attackers to compromise systems.
Dispelling Common Myths About Firmware Security
To combat the growing risks, it’s essential to address misconceptions about firmware security:
Myth: “Firmware attacks are rare.”
Reality: Firmware attacks are increasing as attackers recognize the advantages of targeting this layer. As mentioned above, 83% of businesses reported firmware-related incidents, this is no longer a niche issue—it’s a widespread and escalating threat. In fact, CISA issued a bulletin in 2023 specifically on this topic, stating “Adversaries have demonstrated that they already know how to exploit UEFI components for persistence, and they will only get better with practice.”
Myth: “OS security tools can handle firmware threats.”
Reality: Firmware threats operate below the OS, rendering conventional security tools ineffective. By the time the OS loads, firmware-based malware has already compromised the system, offering persistent access to the system, even if the OS is re-installed.
Myth: “Securing firmware is too complex.”
Reality: Tools such as FirmGuard, make firmware security more accessible by simplifying monitoring, updating, configuring and securing firmware, even across 1,000s of endpoints.
The real cost of neglecting firmware security
Firmware vulnerabilities create a cascade of risks:
- Stealthy Threats: Attacks at the firmware level evade detection by conventional security measures, giving attackers free rein to manipulate systems.
- Persistent Access: Firmware compromises enable attackers to embed malware that survives OS reinstallation, leaving devices permanently at risk.
- Systemwide Exposure: Once attackers breach firmware, they can exploit it to compromise other components, escalating their reach across an organization’s network.
To address these vulnerabilities, organizations must treat firmware security as a foundational component of their cybersecurity strategy, on par with OS and application protections.
Practical Steps to Secure UEFI BIOS Firmware
Securing firmware requires a proactive approach that includes:
- Implementing regular monitoring: Features like FirmGuard’s SecureCheck continuously monitor UEFI BIOS for anomalies, detecting unauthorized changes or vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
- Centralizing configuration management: Secure remote access to firmware settings is critical for maintaining control across devices. FirmGuard’s SecureConfig streamlines this process, ensuring optimal security without requiring physical access.
- Automating firmware updates: Outdated firmware is a common entry point for attackers. Automating updates with solutions like SecureUpdate helps organizations stay ahead of threats while minimizing downtime.
These strategies form a comprehensive framework for protecting UEFI BIOS firmware, reducing your exposure to firmware-based attacks.
Why MSPs should lead the way
MSPs have a unique opportunity to address the firmware security gap. By incorporating UEFI BIOS protection into their service offerings, MSPs can:
- Enhance client trust: Providing full-stack security demonstrates a commitment to protecting clients at every level, from OS and applications to hardware and firmware.
- Stand out in the market: Offering firmware security as part of your services sets you apart from competitors who focus solely on traditional layers.
- Boost revenue: Firmware security is a value-added service that can increase monthly recurring revenue (MRR) and client retention.
FirmGuard’s solution combines these features, enabling MSPs to deliver comprehensive UEFI BIOS firmware protection with minimal complexity, making it easier to differentiate and grow their business.
Secure your UEFI BIOS firmware, today
Every overlooked vulnerability is a potential entry point for attackers. UEFI BIOS firmware represents one of the most critical—and often ignored—layers in the security stack.
Conventional defenses, while essential, cannot protect against threats that originate below the OS. This makes addressing firmware security crucial for thwarting advanced attacks and reinforcing the foundation of your organization’s cybersecurity strategy.
