On 04/01/12 19:29, Polytropon wrote:
On Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:01:43 -0700, per...@pluto.rain.com wrote:
I personally don't trust wireless, because it's well nigh impossible
to truly secure it.
In that case, one should also pay attention to secure the
printer. Wait - secure the printer? What am I talking about?
Firmware attacks!
Yes - malware has already reached printers. As they contain
all typical parts of a computer and are equipped with net-
working capabilities, they can cause trouble in networks
the same way as what hujacked "Windows" PCs typically do.
They can be turned into networked "allies", carrying out
the attackers orders within networks.
Those who are interested may find some information here:
Exclusive: Millions of printers open to devastating hack attack, researchers say
http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/29/9076395-exclusive-millions-of-printers-open-to-devastating-hack-attack-researchers-say
ShmooCon 2011: Printers Gone Wild!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZgLX60U3sY#t=3m40s
ROFL! Sorry my mind went to an interesting place with this one....
images of printers on spring break flashing their cartridges, opening
flaps to show off their drums... :D
The content isn't funny though. They really should consider their
headlines before releasing...
ShmooCon 2011: Printer to PWND: Leveraging Multifunction Printers During
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPhisPLwm2A
Printer malware: print a malicious document, expose your whole LAN
http://boingboing.net/2011/12/30/printer-malware-print-a-malic.html
Print Me If You Dare
Firmware Modification Attacks and the Rise of Printer Malware
http://events.ccc.de/congress/2011/Fahrplan/events/4780.en.html
HP firmware to 'mitigate' LaserJet vulnerability
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57347817-83/hp-firmware-to-mitigate-laserjet-vulnerability/
It seems that printers can be infected via specific network
traffic or closed-source malicious "drivers" (that nobody
can examine content-wise) that will find their way to the
device. Depending on your local legislation, that can develop
into dangerous (and expensive) directions...
2. Standard language.
Postscript and PCL. Make sure the printer understands at least
one of them.
or, alternatively, PDF (which some of the newer printers are reputed
to take directly, rather than requiring the host to convert it to PS
or PCL).
Jerry mentioned this, and I think it's a feature worth demanding
when buying a new printer. Still if PDF input is not possible,
PCL or PS should be looked for. All those considerations make
sure you can use the printer with _any_ OS you like, and due
to this fact it will be usable even after the "target OS" will
be out of support (and follow-up drivers won't be provided).
From my memory Xerox are pretty good with this. Besides schmoozing the
printed graphics industry they've been a _big_ proponent of the Unix
system; in particular the birth of X-Windows, and various print
standards long before and after M$ came on the scene. They have still
remained a strong supporter of the Unix and printing community. The
Phaser is a good choice.
Unfortunately they are a bit of an elite brand which puts them out of
most home users price range :)
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