microcode store (was Re: Looking to get into a Mini Computer...)

A lot of the techniques described in the "NSA ANT Catalogue" [1] seem to be based on exploiting the machine at the level of the BIOS/ROM monitor, microcode, etc. Really very sneaky to compromise the hardware itself; it often goes overlooked that firmware can be surreptitiously re-flashed, CPU microcode surreptitiously modified, FPGAs reprogrammed... you really start to question your confidence in _any_ hardware... maybe it's all been pre compromised for mass surveillance before it even gets into our hands... certainly select bits of equipment are [2]. Reload the software, heck, even go and try to re-flash the monitor thinking you are being thorough, only to be hit with the thought that the CPU itself could be irreversibly compromised. It certainly gives one an appreciation for the straightforward old minicomputer implemented with all discrete components... at least you can get in there and see what's going on, convince yourself, LOL! I don't want this to go into OT political territory but I for one am grateful that guys like Snowden come forward... As an engineer and IT pro, reading about what is really going on out there, it's a real slap in the face; really wakes you up. Best, Sean [1] https://www.aclu.org/files/natsec/nsa/20140130/NSA's%20Spy%20Catalogue.… [2] http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2014/05/photos-of-an-nsa-upgrade-factory… On Fri, Jul 25, 2014 at 1:24 PM, Rob Doyle <radioengr at gmail.com> wrote: