Abstract: Provided are a method of generating a firmware update file which restrictively allows a firmware update for a corresponding hardware model, and a method and apparatus for updating firmware using the firmware update file. By generating a data body including program codes of firmware to be updated, generating a data header including model codes of a hardware device to which the data body is applied, and generating the firmware update file by combining the data body and the data header, the firmware update may be restricted for a corresponding model of a hardware device by using the firmware update file so that firmware of other models of hardware devices may not be updated, an integrity check may be performed using a digital signature when the firmware is updated.

Abstract: Provided is a method of limiting updating of firmware by distinguishing between model code that represents a group of hardware having firmware program codes are compatible with each other and model code that identifies each hardware belonging to the group. The method includes generating a data body having firmware program code that is to be updated; generating a data header having model code of hardware to which the data body is to be applied, wherein the hardware model code comprises first model code representing a group of hardware having firmware program codes are compatible with each other and second model code identifying each hardware belonging to the group; and generating a firmware update file by combining the data body and the data header.