Securing your small business is a never-ending battle, but there are some steps you can take to make it a little bit easier. One of those steps is making sure your firmware is up to date. But what is firmware and why is it crucial to update it regularly? Read on to learn more.

Businesses today are aware of the importance of regularly updating the different software they use to keep these running optimally and protected against cyberthreats. However, they often overlook the firmware of their computers and other devices. At best, firmware is only updated if there’s an issue with the hardware.

If your company is still using computers with outdated firmware, then you have a higher chance of experiencing a data breach. This is because failing to update your firmware exposes your business to major security risks.
What is firmware?
Firmware is a basic type of software that is embedded into every piece of hardware.

When we write about how antivirus software isn’t enough to keep you safe from malware, it’s not just scare tactics. There are so many ways hackers can break into your system that antivirus solutions will never catch. For a real-world example, look no further than the router exploit kit recently leaked from the CIA.
The Wikileaks CIA documents
For several months, the notorious website famous for leaking government data has been rolling out information it obtained from the Central Intelligence Agency.

For decades, one of the most foundational principles of cyber security has remained the same: Always update and patch your software. But for most people, hardware is exempt from this process. They think of hardware as nothing more than a vessel for software to occupy -- and that’s totally incorrect.