SILICON IMAGING SI2K AND RANSOMWARE.

[Robert Hart]

Ransomware and windows xp.

It is a scary thought but maybe the SI2K's XPe operating system could be affected by this particular malware. I am too technically illiterate to know, so my comments should not be taken as valid. I would hope that the SI software protection of the camera operating system prevents this new threat from taking root.

For the time being it would probably be prudent for the cameras and recorders to be quarantined from unprotected computers which remain connected to the internet and that internet computers have their system update function for Windows enabled.

There has been a software patch for embedded Windows XP provided freely by Microsoft although Windows XP itself is now EOL and normally only supported by custom contracts between existing large scale users and Microsoft.

Because the SI version of Windows XPe and the embedded applications on the P+S Technik camera-recorder are highly customised and protected, it might not be affected. I have not used or installed the PC or laptop versions so I don't know if the SI system protection is also available on them.

Until I can enquire with Ari Presler at SI or P+S Technik, I shall endeavour to keep my camera-recorder and editing computer quarantined with courier drives like USB sticks or portable drives used only on a one-way path from the camera-recorder and editor.

[Brian Drysdale]

I gather the recent cyper attack may have been triggered by opening a link on emails, so best not use your SI 2K for that. :) Although, that doesn't seem to be a requirement for a worm. once it's inside an organisations system;

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-39896393

 

However, I suspect may possibly be not be limited to just Window XP, although XP is used many organisations, including parts of the UK's NHS. .

[Robert Hart]

I have been in touch with Ari Presler relating to the P+S Technik/Silicon Imaging camera-recorder and there is re-assuring news.

His reply conveyed that the operating system is locked down pretty well. One does not typically use the system to to go browse the Internet or email. "You can't change the registry unless you remove the lock to install new software."

I was concerned about re-using courier drives or USB sticks back to the camera-recorder if they had been in contact with a computer linked to the web.

"Even if something gets in during one execution you simply reboot the system and you're back to the same starting point. That was one of the reasons we put in the whole operating system embedded lock."

Historically, my camera-recorder has recovered from a few abuses, disconnected power whilst shooting, a dud drive and a remote camera disconnect. A reboot, normal shutdown and reboot to re-establish stability has been all it took to bring it back.

With systems using a tethered camera feeding a laptop/notebook recorder with Silicon DVR installed as an application, operating within Windows XP under Windows 7, then it would be appropriate to enable Windows security updates for the primary operating system.

[Robert Hart]

I gather the recent cyper attack may have been triggered by opening a link on emails, so best not use your SI 2K for that. :) Although, that doesn't seem to be a requirement for a worm. once it's inside an organisations system;

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-39896393

 

However, I suspect may possibly be not be limited to just Window XP, although XP is used many organisations, including parts of the UK's NHS. .

 

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The malware apparently went after all Windows operating systems still in use which have not been protected by recent security updates from Microsoft. Windows XP systems are EOL and unsupported except for larger users which have entered into contracts with Microsoft.

 

The P+S Technik/Silicon Imaging camera-recorder is typically not connected to the internet as this function is not enabled. The only path to the recorder is via USB thumbdrives and dockable SATA drives. Another cyber-vermin, the confricker worm has been around for a good long time and is apparently still roaming around. My P+S Technik/Silicon Imaging camera-recorder has not shown any sign of being assaulted by it.

 

The most recent malware apparently goes after all Windows versions. - For laptop or notebook computers operating Silicon DVR as an application within Windows XP under another Windows OS, it would be prudent to enable the Windows security updates.

Edited May 14, 2017 by Robert Hart

[Keith Walters]

In places like call centers they often keep all the document files on a completely remote server, and reboot and re-install Windows XP every morning from a master DVD-ROM.

[George Ebersole]

Another reason not to have every single device you own hooked up to the net.