, a bootloader that exploits the system's boot process to gain control at the earliest possible stage Persistence

So the next time you boot your CFW 3DS, scrolling through your library of CIA-installed games, take a moment to thank the little file sitting silently in /boot9strap/ . Without boot9.bin , your 3DS would still be locked in Nintendo’s plastic prison.

Without boot9.bin , any decryption attempt fails because the BootROM keys are missing.