HP Shutting Down Default FTP, Telnet Access To Network Printers (pcworld.com)

Security experts consider the aging FTP and Telnet protocols unsafe, and HP has decided to clamp down on access to networked printers through the remote-access tools. From a report on PCWorld: Some of HP's new business printers will, by default, be closed to remote access via protocols like FTP and Telnet. However, customers can activate remote printing access through those protocols if needed. "HP has started the process of closing older, less-maintained interfaces including ports, protocols and cipher suites" identified by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology as less than secure, the company said in a statement. In addition, HP also announced firmware updates to existing business printers with improved password and encryption settings, so hackers can't easily break into the devices.

Comments

Re:Experts?

[EndlessNameless]

There has to be a motive behind it that is meant to screw with us.

Not really. We started kicking printers off the network if they couldn't be secured. HP was the biggest offender by far.

If departments have to choose between having a dedicated "printer PC" vs having a decent network printer, they usually want the convenience of a network printer. And when HPs aren't eligible, HP loses sales.

A lot of businesses still don't care about security, but enterprise vendors are increasingly being pressured by those who do.