Firmware security is the practice of keeping the low-level software embedded in your hardware patched and properly configured so attackers cannot exploit it. Most people update their apps and operating systems but never touch the firmware inside routers, drives, and peripherals, which leaves a hidden door wide open.
Last updated June 15, 2026
Software patching gets all the attention, and for good reason. But the hardware running that software has its own code called firmware, and most people never update it. Firmware is one piece of a broader cybersecurity strategy, and this post explains what firmware security is, why it matters for your business, and the practical steps to close the gap.
The short version. Firmware is the software baked into every device you own, from routers to hard drives. Unlike apps, it rarely updates itself, so old firmware can hand attackers a way in that survives reboots and reinstalls. Check firmware on your routers, servers, and key devices on the same schedule you patch software, or hand the job to a managed IT provider.
What is firmware?
Firmware is a basic type of software embedded into every piece of hardware. It cannot be uninstalled, and it only works with the make and model it ships on. Think of it as the translator between your fixed, unchanging hardware and the fluid, ever-changing software that runs on top of it.
Windows can be installed on almost any computer and helps you browse the web or watch videos. But how does Windows know how to talk to your router? Firmware on the router lets higher-level software send and receive settings, so everything connects the way you expect.
Why is firmware security so important?
Firmware sits below your operating system and your antivirus, which is exactly what makes it dangerous. A device compromised at the firmware level can stay infected even after a full wipe and reinstall, and most security tools never look that deep. That persistence is why attackers prize firmware flaws. NIST documents these risks in its Platform Firmware Resiliency Guidelines.
Routers make the point well. Plug one in and it connects your devices with almost no input from you, but leaving the default username and password in place leaves you wide open. Default credentials are just one example. More skilled attackers exploit holes that ordinary users have no way to patch, and the only real fix is a firmware update from the manufacturer.
For a business running dozens of devices, staying on top of every firmware release is a real commitment, which is why many companies fold it into their managed IT services.
Which devices actually need firmware updates?
Routers get the headlines, but firmware lives in almost everything. Here is where it hides and how to check it.
| Device | Why it matters | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Router and firewall | Front door to your network and a top attacker target | Log in to the admin page or vendor app and compare the firmware version |
| Hard drives and SSDs | Firmware bugs can cause data loss or hidden persistence | Use the manufacturer utility, such as the vendor SSD toolbox |
| Motherboard (BIOS or UEFI) | Runs before the operating system loads | Check the PC or board maker support page for your model |
| Printers and IP cameras | Often forgotten and left on default settings | Open the device web console and look for a firmware section |
| Wireless mice and keyboards | Can be hijacked to inject keystrokes | Install the vendor companion app and apply dongle updates |
That last row is not hypothetical. Researchers showed years ago that attackers could hijack wireless mice and keyboards to type on a victim’s PC.
How do I protect myself?
Firmware exploits are not rare. One researcher found that sending a 33-character text message to a TP-Link router returned the admin username and password by SMS. Every manufacturer handles updates differently, so a steady routine beats a one-time scramble.
Good firmware hygiene comes down to a few habits.
- Change every default username and password the moment a device goes live.
- Search for your exact model plus the words firmware update, or open the admin page at an address like 192.168.0.1, to find the latest version.
- Check critical devices like routers and firewalls at least monthly, and turn on update notifications where the device offers them.
- Fold firmware checks into the same schedule you already use for software patches so nothing slips.
Firmware Security Questions, Answered
What exactly is firmware?
Firmware is the basic software built into every piece of hardware. It cannot be uninstalled, and it only works with the specific make and model it ships on. Think of it as the translator between fixed hardware and the apps you run on top of it.
Why does firmware security matter so much?
Because firmware sits below your operating system and antivirus, a compromised device can stay infected even after a full wipe. Attackers who reach firmware gain deep, persistent access that most security tools never see.
How do I update my router’s firmware?
Every manufacturer differs, so start by searching for your brand plus the words router firmware update. Many routers also let you log in at an address like 192.168.0.1 to check the current version and apply updates, once you have changed the default password.
Which devices besides routers need firmware updates?
Routers are just one example. Hard drives, SSDs, motherboards, printers, IP cameras, and even wireless mice and keyboards all run firmware that can be exploited if left unpatched.
How often should firmware be checked?
Fold firmware checks into the same routine you use for software patching, at least monthly for critical devices like routers and firewalls. Many business-grade devices can notify you when updates are available.
Should a business handle this internally or hire an IT provider?
For most small and midsize businesses, an IT provider is the practical choice. Tracking firmware across dozens of devices is tedious and easy to forget, and a managed provider patches everything on a schedule so nothing slips through.
Let Uprite handle the firmware you forget
Firmware patching is tedious, and it is easy for a busy team to let it slide. Uprite tracks and updates firmware across your routers, servers, and endpoints as part of our managed IT services, so the threat most users overlook never becomes your breach. Call (866) 570-3065 or request a security assessment to get started.
