Unauthorized firmware modifications can compromise device security, leading to data breaches or system failures. To prevent such risks, implement the following strategies:

1. Secure Boot Mechanism: Ensure devices use secure boot to verify firmware integrity before execution, blocking unauthorized code.

2. Firmware Signing: Digitally sign firmware updates to authenticate sources and prevent tampering.

3. Hardware-Based Protection: Utilize Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) or Hardware Security Modules (HSM) to safeguard firmware storage.

4. Regular Updates & Patch Management: Keep firmware updated to fix vulnerabilities and reduce exploitation risks.

5. Access Control & Authentication: Restrict firmware modification privileges to authorized personnel only.

By combining these measures, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized firmware changes and enhance overall cybersecurity.