Be extra cautious when downloading drivers for your MSI laptop or motherboard, as hackers have recently stolen a large amount of proprietary data, including MSI and Intel software keys. This situation highlights the importance of getting software updates directly from the source.

MSI’s ransom refusal leads to software keys exposure on dark web

Last month, a significant trove of proprietary data was stolen from MSI, and the company has reportedly refused to pay the ransom. Consequently, private software keys were posted on the dark web last week. The danger here is that hackers can now modify MSI device firmware, adding malware or spyware, and sign it with MSI’s official keys. This allows the altered software to bypass the usual authenticity checks, making it harder for standard antivirus scanners to detect.

According to security firm Binarly (via PC Mag), the released files affect 57 different MSI products, including various laptop series. The leaked data also includes keys for Intel’s proprietary Boot Guard system, part of UEFI Secure Boot, affecting an additional 166 products from multiple vendors like Lenovo.

MSI’s refusal to pay the ransom is understandable, as it doesn’t guarantee data safety and may encourage further criminal acts. However, the situation is now critical as cracked firmware is likely to appear online, potentially ranking higher than MSI’s official downloads in search engine results. Users must remain vigilant when downloading updates to protect their devices from potential threats.