Title: Canon Warns Customers about the Dangers of Not Manually Deleting Wi-Fi Settings
Subtitle: Canon printers retain sensitive information even after factory resets, leaving customers vulnerable to unauthorized access
Date: [Current Date]
Canon, one of the leading printer manufacturers, has issued a warning to its customers about the potential dangers of not manually deleting Wi-Fi settings before selling, discarding, or getting their printers repaired. The company has found that sensitive information stored in the memories of inkjet printers does not get deleted during the usual initialization process, leaving these settings vulnerable to falling into the wrong hands.
In an advisory released on Monday, Canon emphasized the importance of manually wiping the Wi-Fi connection settings when the printer may be accessible to any third party. This includes scenarios such as repairs, lending, or disposing of the printer. Failure to manually delete these settings could result in unauthorized access to the network where the Canon printer is connected.
Modern printers, including those from Canon, often connect to networks via Wi-Fi. To establish this connection, users are required to input various sensitive information such as the SSID name, network password, and sometimes additional details like the Wi-Fi network type, local network IP address, MAC address, and network profile.
While it may be assumed that performing a factory reset would effectively remove these settings, Canon’s advisory indicates otherwise. Malicious actors could potentially exploit this situation by using the exposed information to gain unauthorized access to networks hosting Canon printers.
To ensure the complete deletion of Wi-Fi settings, Canon users must follow these steps:
1. Reset all settings (Reset settings -> Reset all)
2. Enable the wireless LAN
3. Reset all settings once again
For Canon printers without a dedicated reset function, the following steps are recommended:
1. Reset LAN settings
2. Enable the wireless LAN
3. Reset LAN settings one more time
Canon has provided a list of nearly 200 affected printer models in their advisory, ensuring users have access to the information they need to protect themselves. The list can be found on Canon’s official website.
As Wi-Fi networks continue to play an integral role in our daily lives, it is crucial for companies like Canon to address any potential security vulnerabilities. By proactively informing their customers and providing clear instructions, Canon is taking a step towards safeguarding their users’ personal information and preventing unauthorized access to networks. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocent devices like printers can pose security risks if not handled responsibly.
Canon has urged all its customers to take immediate action and manually delete Wi-Fi settings to prevent any potential breaches. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential for manufacturers, businesses, and individuals to remain vigilant and stay informed about potential security risks, ensuring the protection of personal data in an increasingly interconnected world.