Recently, HP CEO Enrique Lores spoke about the controversial practice of “blocking” printers when using ink from other manufacturers. In an interview with CNBC Television, Lores said, “We have noticed that viruses can be embedded in cartridges. Through the cartridge, [the virus] can infiltrate the printer, and then from the printer into the network.”
This alarming situation may help explain why HP, which has faced another lawsuit this month related to its Dynamic Security system, insists on using it in printers.
Dynamic Security prevents HP printers from functioning if a cartridge without an HP chip or electronic circuit is installed. The company has released firmware updates that block such cartridges, leading to the aforementioned class-action lawsuit demanding compensation and an injunction to block the issuance of updates that block non-HP chip cartridges.
However, should we be concerned about hacked cartridges?
To investigate this issue, I reached out to the Chief Security Editor at Ars Technica, Dan Goodin. He told me that he had not heard of any actively exploited attacks that could infect a printer through a cartridge. Goodin also consulted security experts and many specialists in hacking embedded devices, all of whom were highly skeptical.
Another commentator, Graham Sutherland / Polynomial, spoke about the flash EEPROM memory used in ink cartridges, saying, “I have seen and done really weird stuff with electronic devices, including hiding data in SPD EEPROMs on DIMM memory modules (and then converting them into microcontrollers for similar fun), so believe me when I say that his claim is unlikely even in laboratory conditions, let alone real-world scenarios or impacts on businesses and individuals rather than select political players.”
FAQ Section
- What is HP’s practice of “blocking” printers?
- What is Dynamic Security in HP printers?
- What are the consequences of Dynamic Security?
- Is there a risk of cartridge hacking?
- What was the class-action lawsuit filed against HP about?
HP engages in the practice of “blocking” printers when using ink from other manufacturers. The company releases firmware updates that block such cartridges.
Dynamic Security is a system used by HP that prevents printers from functioning if a cartridge without an HP chip or electronic circuit is installed.
Dynamic Security leads to the blocking of HP printers and prevents the use of cartridges from other manufacturers. Companies may consult with legal experts to seek compensation and injunctions to block updates that block non-HP chip cartridges.
The article quotes experts who expressed skepticism about potential printer hacking attacks through cartridges. There is no available information on actively exploited attacks of this kind.
The class-action lawsuit seeks compensation and an injunction to block updates that block non-HP chip cartridges.
Key Term Definitions
- Firmware: Software stored in a device’s non-volatile memory that controls its operation.
- EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, a type of non-volatile memory whose contents can be programmed and erased.
Recommended Related Links on the main domain (not subpages):
– HP Homepage
The source of the article is from the blog coletivometranca.com.br