Millions of printers open to devastating hack attack

[Steve R Jones]

Red Tape - Exclusive: Millions of printers open to devastating hack attack, researchers say

Could a hacker from half-way around the planet control your printer and give it instructions so frantic that it could eventually catch fire? Or use a hijacked printer as a copy machine for criminals, making it easy to commit identity theft or even take control of entire networks that would otherwise be secure?

It’s not only possible, but likely, say researchers at Columbia University, who claim they've discovered a new class of computer security flaws that could impact millions of businesses, consumers, and even government agencies.

[Taxmancometh]

I wish the hack involved printing out funny money. You just can't copy a dollar bill anymore.

Wouldn't be funny if all of a sudden your printer printed money?

[Steve R Jones]

HP "fires" back:

HP: Printer hack, fire stories are overblown

Today there has been sensational and inaccurate reporting regarding a potential security vulnerability with some HP LaserJet printers. No customer has reported unauthorized access. Speculation regarding potential for devices to catch fire due to a firmware change is false.

HP LaserJet printers have a hardware element called a “thermal breaker” that is designed to prevent the fuser from overheating or causing a fire. It cannot be overcome by a firmware change or this proposed vulnerability.

[Taxmancometh]

Now that makes more sense.