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

1. Secure Boot: Ensure only signed and verified firmware can load during startup, blocking unauthorized code execution.

2. Firmware Encryption: Encrypt firmware to prevent tampering, making it unreadable without proper decryption keys.

3. Hardware-Based Protections: Use Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) or Hardware Security Modules (HSM) to store cryptographic keys securely.

4. Regular Updates: Apply firmware patches promptly to fix vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.

5. Access Controls: 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 device security.