Check if your motherboard is on new Gigabyte malware list

pcgamesn.com:

Hackers are always on the lookout for new ways to get into your system and wreak havoc by downloading malware, installing crypto-mining programs, or adding other nefarious nasties to your computer. Unfortunately, Gigabyte have made their job easier for them by creating a backdoor for hackers to get into gaming PC and run amok. Oops!

One popular method hackers exploit in their campaign of evil is to cache dodgy programs in your UEFI firmware. Firmware tells your rig how to load its operating system, such as Windows 11, making it a great place to start if you’re looking to cause maximum damage to someone’s PC.

Cybersecurity firm Eclypsium “began detecting suspected backdoor-like behavior within Gigabyte systems in the wild.” In other words, it seemed like something, or someone, was in those systems who shouldn’t have been: hackers. It turns out Gigabyte has added a feature to its motherboards that initiates an update program on restart and goes on to download and execute further software. It keeps all the firmware up-to-date, basically.

But Eclypsium claims insecurities in this feature allow hackers to hijack it for their own uses: namely, to install malware. And since this all goes on outside the operating system, you probably won’t even know it’s happening. In total, it seems like 271 models are affected, so make sure you check the list to find out whether you’re at risk.

Here’s the full list of affected motherboards:

If all that talk of malware and viruses has got you in the mood to look for a new motherboard, we don’t blame you. In our guide to the best gaming motherboard, we recommend the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Xtreme as the best AMD motherboard going. We know what you’re thinking: “aargh, Gigabyte! Aren’t they the ones