Hackers Allegedly Selling Root Access to Canon’s Firewall Systems on Dark Web
Threat actors are reportedly offering root-level access to Canon Inc.’s internal firewall systems on underground hacking forums, according to cybersecurity firm ThreatMon. The listing, which appeared on a dark web marketplace, claims to provide administrator credentials to the Japanese imaging giant’s network infrastructure. Security analysts who verified the listing confirm that the threat actor is advertising privileged access to Canon’s internal network, specifically to its firewall systems. With root
access, attackers could:
- Create persistent backdoors to maintain unauthorized entry.
- Move laterally across Canon’s internal network, potentially accessing sensitive corporate data.
- Deploy ransomware or disrupt operations by manipulating firewall rules and network security policies.
The listing identifies Canon as a major Japanese multinational corporation with an annual revenue of approximately $30 billion. If legitimate, this breach could have global ramifications due to Canon’s vast digital infrastructure and business operations spanning multiple continents. The seller is reportedly communicating with potential buyers via private messaging and Telegram, following standard security practices used in cybercriminal circles. ThreatMon warns that
such access could be worth tens of thousands of dollars on underground markets.
Canon has faced previous cybersecurity incidents, including a 2020 ransomware attack that led to the theft of employee Social Security numbers, banking details, and other personal data.
Cybersecurity experts recommend that organizations implement:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to prevent unauthorized access.
- Network segmentation to limit lateral movement in case of a breach.
- Privileged Access Management (PAM) to secure administrator credentials.
- Regular security audits and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
As of now, Canon has not publicly confirmed any breach, and it remains unclear whether the listing represents genuine access or an elaborate scam. ThreatMon continues to monitor the situation, emphasizing that firewall breaches pose significant risks, especially for multinational corporations with complex supply chains.
This incident highlights the growing cybersecurity threats targeting critical infrastructure, underscoring the need for robust security measures to protect corporate networks from unauthorized access and exploitation.
