A Canon DSLR Just Got Hacked; Here's What We Know
- Ensure the suitability of security-related settings of the devices connected to the camera, such as the PC, mobile device, and router being used.
- Do not connect the camera to a PC or mobile device that is being used in an unsecure network, such as in a free Wi-Fi environment.
- Do not connect the camera to a PC or mobile device that is potentially exposed to virus infections.
- Disable the camera’s network functions when they are not being used.
- Download the official firmware from Canon’s website when performing a camera firmware update.
Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash
Canon just released a warning about a severe security problem with their Wi-Fi enabled DSLRs.
These cameras can be hacked. Canon knows this because a team of technology security researchers just hacked one and published the following video showing what they did.
How Canon DSLRs Can Be Hacked
The issue stems from Canon's Picture Transfer Protocol and allowed the researchers at Check Point Research full control over a Canon 80D with just a USB or Wi-Fi connection.
Once the Check Point researchers were into the Canon 80D, they installed ransomware on the photos that encrypted them. The researchers believe this type of ransomware could be used to hold a photographer's photos captive until a sum of money has been paid.
But, this isn't the only thing a hacker could do once they got into your Canon camera.
Check Point claims that a hacker could do "whatever they want" to your camera. They only picked ransomware in this particular scenario.
I Own a Canon DSLR... Now What?
Photo by James Bold on Unsplash
Thankfully, the Check Point researchers found this issue before any hackers did. They immediately brought their findings to the folks at Canon and have been working to repair the issue with them.
But, Canon hasn't found an all-encompassing fix yet. In the meantime, Canon suggests the following:
Also, keep your eyes on Canon's support site until they finally release a firmware update. This issue was brought up to Canon back in March. Since it has been 5 months since this time, there is no telling when Canon will finally have their firmware ready.
Via PetaPixel