Rinchi
TechInAfrica – According to the recent report by Check Point Software Technologies, DSLR cameras are vulnerable to get attacked by ransomware. The report said that attackers can install ransomware on particular DSLR cameras through the Picture Transfer Protocol resulting in Wi-Fi-enabled DSLR cameras to be infected by remote attacks.
This method enables attackers to encrypt the files stored on the DSLR’s SD card and hold the images ransom. They will use it to get some money from the DSLR owners and unlock the data until a certain amount of money is paid. Check Point highlighted that cameras are a big target of attacks since they contain personal photos or videos that owners will want to pay for.
As an example, Check Point revealed that the attackers found flaws in the Canon EOS 80D using firmware which provides its own open-source app with extra features to Canon EOS owners.
In March and last week, Canon announced and advised its users to avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi, turn-off the network functions, and install a new security patch.
Check Point highlighted that the attacks are not only limited to Canon but also other camera manufacturers that use the same PTP protocol. Therefore, they must strengthen their security system to avoid this from happening to their customers.
“Due to the complexity of the protocol, we do believe that other vendors might be vulnerable as well, however it depends on their respective implementation,” said Check Point as quoted from The Verge.
Ransomware has been a great threat to computer systems in these few years as the attackers managed to lock users’ personal data in computers, hospitals, governments, and now DSLR cameras.
Source: mybroadband.co.za engadget.com
