Ransomware Can Attack Your CPU, Not Just Your OS: How to Be Prepared
1 min read
Summary
While CPU ransomware is still in its developmental stages, with no working malware samples in the wild as yet, this method of attack is becoming more of a possibility with every passing day.
Rather than locking a user’s files and OS as standard ransomware does, CPU ransomware infiltrates a computer’s microcode, entirely changing a processor’s behaviour.
This would render traditional security measures, such as antivirus programs, useless, because the malicious programs would load pre-OS and gain complete access to every system component.
However, the development of such ransomware is complex and while it is unlikely to be a reality for some time, it could be a good five years before hackers are able to execute an effective working exploit, so users should remain cautious.
It is recommended CPUs and BIOS should be kept up to date, and downloaded software should be rigorously checked.
