Posts Tagged ‘Firmware’
TRENDNet, maker of several IP Cameras, recently discovered a vulnerability in several of their SecurView cameras that allowed for online access in real-time by hackers. Fortunately the company released a quick firmware update to resolve the issue.
Was that just the sound of your jaw dropping? Yes, even digital cameras aren’t safe online. This should serve as a handy wake-up call that — in our Web-connected world — it’s not just your computer and phone that need security updates!
Almost every device that connects to your network, from your TV and DVD player to your security system, run on basic software called “Firmware”. This software controls all functionality of the device – kind of like an operating system, like Windows or MAC OS. In the case of networked devices, it controls how your devices communicate with the network and can allow you to access the device remotely.
As technology changes, this firmware sometimes needs to be updated. Occasionally a security threat is found that makes your device (and the network it is connected to) vulnerable to a hacker attack or manipulation. Manufacturers usually take care of this problem by releasing a free firmware update for your device, and making it available through their websites. It is important to check for these updates on a regular basis to ensure you always have the latest firmware.
If you own a TRENDNet IP Camera, TRENDnet has released the following information on their website on how to update the camera’s firmware, where to obtain the update, and how to get in touch with them if needed:
TRENDnet’s security team understands that video from some TRENDnet IP SecurView cameras may be accessed online in real time. Upon awareness of the issue, TRENDnet initiated immediate actions to quantify the scope of the issue, initiate corrective actions, and publish updated firmware which resolves the issue.
Only select cameras purchased between April of 2010 and the present may be affected and require a firmware update. Eighteen camera models have been identified. A list of the identified products is available on TRENDnet’s homepage: http://www.trendnet.com
How can Consumers Upload new Firmware?
Updating firmware takes a few minutes. New firmware for all of the listed models is available at the following link:http://www.trendnet.com/downloads
How can Consumers Contact TRENDnet?
TRENDnet has created the following dedicated email for all inquires related to this reported issue. Customers with any questions related to this issue such as how to update your camera’s firmware are invited to contact TRENDnet at the following email: ipcam@trendnet.com
For more than 20 years, TRENDnet has built a reputation for offering trusted, security IP camera solutions to consumers worldwide. We have worked hard to create a brand delivering network solutions that people trust. TRENDnet extends its deepest apologies to consumers which may be impacted by this issue.
To find updated drivers for major brands, check out our driver Do-It-Yourself page. For a quick tutorial on how to update firmware, check out our 2 Minute Miracle at http://gslink.us/KcM0E1. For assistance in updating firmware, or additional questions, chat with an Agent at http://www.geeksquad.com, call 1-800-GEEK-SQUAD, or visit a Geek Squad Precinct at Best Buy store near you for a consultation.
-Agent Patrick B.
Agent Patrick B. has been an Agent with the Geek Squad since 2005. When he isn’t overseeing the Geek Squad Intelligence Blog or the Geek Squad’s Social Media presence, he can be found wandering the streets of Minneapolis for a fresh new source of caffeine to fuel his all night gaming sessions.
Blogs like Consumerist and Crunchgear continue to question services they don’t think our clients need. Our recently launched $29.99 eReader set-up service, for example, is under attack because some believe that no one really needs help getting these devices up and running.
Here’s what I see: eReaders are one of the most popular gadgets of the year. Many people are perfectly content activating these devices themselves. That’s great. We love to see well designed devices that people are able to just pick up and use. We’re happy those people can walk out of Best Buy and start reading.
But we have a lot of other customers who want help so they can enjoy the content on their new devices as fast as possible, without having to update firmware. Still others come to us to make sure they’re getting all the functionality from their eReaders. That’s why our eReader set-up service includes things like helping clients connect their eReaders to their smartphones so they can get to the “who done it” faster by reading their favorite mystery novel across both devices.
Geek Squad operates with one mission and one mission only: to help people make the most of their technology by providing a broad array of services and support. Most of our offerings come straight out of consumer demand, such is the case with this eReader service, and we’re proud to deliver on their needs.
Paula Baldwin
Geek Squad Ministry of Propaganda
Firmware, if you have not encountered the term before, generally refers to the programs and files used internally in many devices to control that device’s functions. Think of firmware as something similar to the operating system (such as Microsoft Windows) that a PC uses.
Some devices, such as game consoles, MP3 players and Blu-ray players were designed so that their firmware could be updated in order to resolve hardware issues or use new features added to content after the hardware’s manufacture.
There are a few different ways to update the firmware on most Blu-ray players. One method is to visit the manufacturer’s website for your particular model player and download the updated firmware via a home PC. From there, you will use that PC’s CD or DVD burner to write the firmware to a blank disc. Inserting that disc into the Blu-ray player allows the device to read in the new files and update itself appropriately.
If your Blu-ray player is setup to access the Internet, such as through your home’s wireless network, you can download the firmware update directly using the internal tools in the player’s setup menu. This method is the easier of the two, and in some cases, can be configured to automatically happen when new firmwares are released.
Making sure that your Blu-ray player has the latest firmware prior to Avatar’s release on April 22nd will help avoid any playback problems on the day of release. If you have a Blu-ray player that does not have the capability to connect to the Internet, you can bring the device into your local Best Buy. Geek Squad Agents can get your device up to date and ready to go with our in-store firmware update service.
If you have a network-capable player, but don’t have it hooked up to the Internet, we have on-site networking services to add that device to your existing home network, or setup a new one to allow your Blu-ray player and other devices to share access to all the Internet has to offer.
If you have questions, contact your local Geek Squad for answers.
I experienced one of the worst feelings a computer owner can have last week. I sat down in front of my main computer and powered the system on. Like most people, I never really pay attention to the boot up process and involve myself with other things until I hear those familiar Microsoft Windows startup chimes. Except this time, there were no chimes. And no familiar Windows desktop waiting for me. Instead, I had a screen with white text informing me that my system could not find a startup disk. “Uh-oh,” I thought, “that’s not good.” I discovered that my Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 1 terabyte hard drive was no longer being detected by the system.
Note: Comments are moderated and will be handled as per our privacy policy. Please keep your comments on-topic and free of profanity. For more information, please view our Blogging Terms of Use.
Agent Agents Android anti-virus Apple CES computer Dancing With the Stars DIY DIY (Do It Yourself) projects do-it-yourself facebook Geek Squad Global Positioning System Google GPS HDTV Holiday Home Theater how-to internet iPhone Laptop laptops malware Microsoft netbooks PC Security skype Smartphone Spyware Tablet Technology tech savvy gifts tips travel twitter Two Minute Miracle Update Video WiFi Windows 7 Windows XP wireless networking
WP Cumulus Flash tag cloud by Roy Tanck and Luke Morton requires Flash Player 9 or better.
Geek Squad