CMOS information

This phrase refers to the system configuration stored in a battery-powered memory chip known as the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). A computer uses these information for startup functions, including starting its basic input/output system and setting time. A number of threats have abused this information for their own ends. TROJ_KILLCMOS.M render systems inoperable by altering CMOS settings. The state-sponsored Gauss spyware, TSPY_GAUSS.A, have been known to include CMOS information in its list of stolen files.