How to Protect Your Devices from Firmware Attacks by Conti Ransomware Group

Firmware attacks are not new, but they are becoming more sophisticated and dangerous. Recently, leaked chats from the Conti ransomware group revealed that they have been developing techniques to target the firmware of devices, especially the Intel Management Engine (ME), a component that runs independently of the operating system and has access to the hardware resources.

Firmware attacks can have devastating consequences, such as:

• Damaging or bricking the device permanently
• Gaining persistent and stealthy access to the device and its data
• Evading security solutions and detection mechanisms
• Modifying the behavior and functionality of the device and its components
• Launching destructive attacks on critical infrastructure and systems

Therefore, it is essential to protect your devices from firmware attacks by following these best practices:

• Update your firmware regularly. Firmware updates often contain security patches and fixes for known vulnerabilities. You can check the manufacturer’s website or use tools like Intel Driver & Support Assistant to find and install the latest firmware updates for your devices.
• Enable firmware write protection. Firmware write protection prevents unauthorized modifications to the firmware by locking the flash memory. You can enable firmware write protection in the BIOS settings or by using tools like Chipsec or FWUpd.
• Disable or limit the functionality of the Intel ME. The Intel ME is a potential attack vector for firmware attacks, as it can bypass the operating system and access the hardware resources. You can disable or limit the functionality of the Intel ME by using tools like me_cleaner or Intel ME System Tools.
• Monitor and audit the firmware activity. Firmware activity can be monitored and audited by using tools like UEFI Event Log or FwAnalyzer. These tools can help you detect and analyze any suspicious or anomalous events or changes in the firmware.
• Use encryption and authentication. Encryption and authentication can help you protect your data and devices from unauthorized access and tampering. You can use encryption and authentication methods such as BitLocker or TPM to secure your data and devices.

Firmware attacks are a serious threat that can compromise the security and integrity of your devices. By following these best practices, you can reduce the risk of firmware attacks and protect your devices from the Conti ransomware group and other malicious actors.