When Hardware Comes With Malware
Building a device from the motherboard up is a rewarding, albeit frustrating, endeavor. At any point, you could invest in a component that doesn’t integrate with your established rig; you could fudge a connection or create a crack — any kind of damage is devastating to such a technical DIY project, so you probably take pains to ensure that your device is clean and cared for from beginning to end. However, there is one issue you might not have anticipated: buying hardware with malware already installed. Malware usually isn’t a consideration for hardware geeks, but it does dramatically impact the performance of a finished device. Unfortunately, more and more hardware — even the high-quality, name-brand stuff — is coming with unwanted bugs. Here’s what to know and what to do to avoid getting hit.
