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Printer Driver Strategy
Artificial Intelligence Cyber Crime Data Theft Printer Printer Driver Strategy

Printer Problems? Don’t Fall for These Dangerous Scams

 


Fixing printer problems is a pain, from paper jams to software bugs. When searching for quick answers, most users rely on search engines or AI solutions to assist them. Unfortunately, this opens the door to scammers targeting unsuspecting people through false ads and other fraudulent sites.

Phony Ads Pretend to be Official Printer Support

When researching online troubleshooting methods for your printer, especially for big-name brands like HP and Canon, you will find many sponsored ads above the search results. Even though they look legitimate, most have been prepared by fraudsters pretending to be official support.

Clicking on these ads can lead users to websites that mimic official brand pages, complete with logos and professional layouts. These sites promise to resolve printer issues but instead, push fake software downloads designed to fail.

How the Driver Scam Works

Printer drivers are a program that allows your computer to connect with your printer. Most modern systems will automatically install these drivers, but some users don’t know how it works and get scammed in the process.

On fraudulent websites, users have to input their printer model in order to download the "necessary" driver. But all the installation processes displayed are fake — pre-recordings typically — and no matter what, the installation fails, leading frustrated users to dial a supposed tech support number for further help.

What are the Risks Involved?

Once the victim contacts the fake support team, scammers usually ask for remote access to the victim's computer to fix the problem. This can lead to:

  • Data theft: Scammers may extract sensitive personal information.
  • Device lockdown: Fraudsters can lock your computer and demand payment for access.
  • Financial loss: They may use your device to log into bank accounts or steal payment details.

These scams not only lead to financial loss but also compromise personal security.

How to Stay Safe

To keep yourself safe, follow these tips:

  1. Do not click on ads when searching for printer help. Instead, look for official websites in the organic search results.
  2. Use reliable security software, such as Malwarebytes Browser Guard, to prevent rogue ads and scam websites.
  3. Look for legitimate support resources, like official support pages, online forums, or tech-savvy friends or family members.

By being vigilant and cautious, you can avoid these scams and troubleshoot your printer issues without getting scammed. Be informed and double-check the legitimacy of support resources.

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Windows Update
Cyber Security Enhanced Security Microsoft Printer Driver Strategy Vulnerability Mitigation Windows Protected Print Mode Windows Update

Microsoft Introduces Enhanced Windows Protected Print Mode for Increased Security

 



Microsoft has revealed the introduction of Windows Protected Print Mode (WPP), a new feature that brings significant security enhancements to the Windows print system. 

According to Johnathan Norman, the principal engineer manager at Microsoft Offensive Research & Security Engineering (MORSE), WPP is built on the existing IPP print stack, supporting only Mopria certified printers and disabling the loading of third-party drivers. Norman emphasized that such measures are crucial for enhancing print security in Windows, addressing vulnerabilities that have historically been exploited, as seen in incidents like Stuxnet and Print Nightmare.

The MORSE team conducted a comprehensive analysis of Windows Print-related cases reported to MSRC, revealing that Windows Protected Print Mode successfully mitigated over half of the vulnerabilities identified. 

Once WPP becomes the default setting on all Windows systems, Microsoft plans to shift away from running the built-in Print Spooler service as SYSTEM. Instead, it will be launched as a restricted service, significantly reducing its access to resources and privileges. This strategic move aims to diminish the appeal of the Spooler process as a potential target for exploitation.

In addition to changing the Spooler service configuration, Microsoft will eliminate various attack vectors previously exploited by malicious actors. This includes the removal of RPC endpoints and legacy components that have been targeted in the past. WPP will also introduce binary mitigations, such as Control Flow Enforcement Technology (CFG), Child Process Creation Disabled, Redirection Guard, and Arbitrary Code Guard, making exploitation more challenging.

When WPP mode is enabled, normal spooler operations will go through a new Spooler that incorporates multiple security improvements. These include Limited/Secure Print Configuration, Module Blocking, Per-User XPS Rendering, and Better Transport Security. The goal is to provide users with the most secure default configuration while allowing flexibility to revert to legacy (driver-based) printing if compatibility issues arise.

Microsoft assures users that the implementation of WPP will not impact customers with older printers, as they can enable legacy support. Additionally, as part of a broader printer driver strategy, Microsoft announced the gradual discontinuation of third-party printer driver delivery through Windows Update. 

Starting in 2025, driver submissions from printer vendors will be blocked, with a transition to prioritizing in-house Windows IPP Class drivers by 2026. By 2027, Microsoft plans to cease distributing third-party printer driver updates via Windows Update, except for security fixes, while users can still install drivers from vendors' websites. Norman emphasized that this move away from driver-based printing enables Microsoft to make meaningful improvements to the print system, addressing modern threats more effectively.
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