Firmware - Out And About

Discussion in 'General Hardware' started by memyselfandeye, Nov 11, 2014.

  1. memyselfandeye

    memyselfandeye Geek Trainee

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    Hi,

    I have a question regarding laptop (and other as the matter of fact) firmware.

    I would like to flash firmware on my laptop because I suspect that is where a virus I am dealing with might be hiding... It is a Toshiba's laptop and I did not get an answer from Toshiba's official service in my country when I asked to get it from the service/download it. I was only appointed to the website which has drivers and BIOS updates but no other firmware.

    Now, mind the above mentioned, what I would really like to ask is the following:
    # Could someone please explain to me what firmware actually is, in the terms of the type of memory it is using and the language (code) it is written in? My knowledge is based on wikipedia and random forums... it would be really great to get a broader view.
    # CPU, HDD, all different sorts of cards, the motherboard?, do they all have a proper firmware?
    # And how big a virus/malware can be hidden inside of it? Is it a few KBs, MBs...?
    # Would it be possible for it to move, on the hard disk, or another device?
    # Does it only affect the infected piece of hardware or it can directly affect the OS too... e.g. can a Windows virus be contained in a hardware memory?

    And finally, where do I find Toshiba's firmware upgrades for my device, other than their websites...?

    I do have a lot of questions, but I will appreciate you answering even only one of them.
    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Wicked Mystic

    Wicked Mystic Big Geek

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    As for firmware download to your laptop, you won't find any. BIOS update is much like "firmware update" in that case.
     
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2014
  3. memyselfandeye

    memyselfandeye Geek Trainee

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    Hi, thanks for the answer. So would that mean that in case I figure out that the virus must indeed be somewhere in the hardware, I will have to buy a new laptop...?
     
  4. Wicked Mystic

    Wicked Mystic Big Geek

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    How do you know you even have virus on hardware and not in operating system like Windows?
     
  5. memyselfandeye

    memyselfandeye Geek Trainee

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    After having flashed BIOS, router and formatted the HDD with DBAN, I figured the virus was still there.
    I will still have to make one final check, to make sure I have done everything properly, in the right order etc., and maybe try another disk wiping/formatting software and delete the hidden areas of the disk too (HPA, DCO), connect to another network in case my neighbors are using mine somehow... Then if I still have the same problem, I guess that means that it is in the hardware.
    And also, the computer was shut down instantaneously a few times, the way it does when forced by unplugging it and removing the battery. No OS virus could do that, I guess?
     
  6. Wicked Mystic

    Wicked Mystic Big Geek

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    Your problem was what?

    Sounds like hardware failure (probably PSU) for me. Virus sounds Very unlike in your case.
     
  7. memyselfandeye

    memyselfandeye Geek Trainee

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    Well that is just one of the things that happen, there is no doubt that a virus is somewhere in the computer, but I mentioned it because it happened on another device I connect to the network (Lenovo notebook) which made me think that it could be some hardware rootkit I am having trouble with...
     
  8. Wicked Mystic

    Wicked Mystic Big Geek

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    Hardware rootkits are quite uncommon. What other problems you have? And what are computer specs?
     
  9. memyselfandeye

    memyselfandeye Geek Trainee

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    Stuff being deleted from the computer, pop-up update windows etc. It is a Toshiba Satellite c855-1cl. I'm about to reinstall it this weekend again, then I'll have a better idea of where to look for the virus.
     
  10. Wicked Mystic

    Wicked Mystic Big Geek

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    What operating system and installation media are you using?
     

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