What describes the outcome if a device's bootloader is altered without proper security measures?

When a device's bootloader is altered without proper security measures, the state of the chip may be permanently altered due to the potential introduction of malicious code or unstable configurations. The bootloader is a critical component that initializes the device's hardware and loads the operating system. If it has been tampered with, it can lead to major vulnerabilities, making the device susceptible to exploitation. In severe cases, this can disable the device completely, rendering it non-functional or "bricked," which means that recovery options may be limited or nonexistent. This risk highlights the importance of device integrity and the need for secure boot processes to prevent unauthorized modifications.

Other outcomes, such as the device running faster or remaining unchanged, do not address the serious ramifications of compromised bootloader security. Additionally, while eFuse technology can prevent modifications in some contexts, it might not be universally applicable across all devices or situations, especially if the bootloader is compromised in ways that bypass or disable those protections.