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cccc
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Joined: 02 Jul 2007
Posts: 82
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 Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 5:29 am Post subject: BIOS updates from an OS directly? |
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hi
Is not quite dangerous, that we can today do BIOS updates from an OS directly?
Is this not nutrient for some viruses? |
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evasive
Mobo-fu Master
Joined: 06 May 2001
Posts: 36190
Location: Netherlands, Breda
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| Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 5:43 am Post subject: |
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If you are getting your update from any other source than the board manufacturer this is a risk. the same holds true for any software not coming from the original source.
As with regular (ie DOS flashing) the same holds true: do this on a system that is as clean as possible so very early in the install process. Personally, I know things have gotten better, the high casualty rate on online bios updates is because most people will do one on an already unstable system hoping it will fix the errors/slowness they caused in the first place by installing loads of software...
Am I sounding bitter?
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cccc
Initiate
Joined: 02 Jul 2007
Posts: 82
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| Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 7:33 am Post subject: |
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| evasive wrote: | If you are getting your update from any other source than the board manufacturer this is a risk. the same holds true for any software not coming from the original source.
As with regular (ie DOS flashing) the same holds true: do this on a system that is as clean as possible so very early in the install process. Personally, I know things have gotten better, the high casualty rate on online bios updates is because most people will do one on an already unstable system hoping it will fix the errors/slowness they caused in the first place by installing loads of software...
Am I sounding bitter? |
No, I mean if the virus can find out bios model/version by itself and change/overwrite/destroy it, without the user knows about. |
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Karlsweldt
Enlightened Master
Joined: 12 Nov 2003
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| Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 8:57 am Post subject: |
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I do not consider the process of flashing or updating a BIOS file when the OS is active a 100% secure route. Too many processes are active during this critical step, and a good chance something can go awry. And you cannot just update or renew the BIOS files and continue operating! The system must be shut down and reset, then restarted, for the 'new' BIOS program to be effective. The only surest, safest means of a BIOS update or change is via a floppy disk or a USB flash stick while the BIOS is in its own entity.
Yes, many newer BIOS versions have a "backup" memory in case the program becomes corrupt during the update process. Saving grace for not getting a useless mobo after a bad flash!
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evasive
Mobo-fu Master
Joined: 06 May 2001
Posts: 36190
Location: Netherlands, Breda
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| Posted: Sun Apr 08, 2012 1:42 am Post subject: |
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| cccc wrote: |
No, I mean if the virus can find out bios model/version by itself and change/overwrite/destroy it, without the user knows about. |
Interesting point of view. However, by building something like that you are targeting a very small audience for each variant, it's complicated, big (you need to have bios images for each model) and not very practical. These days viruses are written for profit mainly.
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