Typically on this blog we talk about the importance of network security and how poor network security can lead to detrimental issues with your computer or network of computers. There are hackers and malicious coders chomping at the bit to infiltrate your network and wreak havoc in a variety of ways. From something that may seem minor like spamming your Facebook to something far worse like stealing your banking information or spreading a virus to your computer hackers and malware coders have a variety of agendas. While most hackers and malicious coders target computers researchers have found that hackers can also target printers now.

The researchers hail from Columbia University and have accused computer giant HP of selling printers that could be infiltrated by malware and made to catch on fire, reported Ars Technica.

“(PhD Student Ang) Cui and (Professor Salvatore) Stolfo say they can remotely install malicious software onto HP LaserJet printers because the printers accept software updates without examining digital signatures, and check for updates each time they accept a print job. “In one demonstration of an attack based on the flaw, Stolfo and fellow researcher Ang Cui showed how a hijacked computer could be given instructions that would continuously heat up the printer’s fuser—which is designed to dry the ink once it’s applied to paper—eventually causing the paper to turn brown and smoke,” according to MSNBC. “In that demonstration, a thermal switch shut the printer down—basically, causing it to self-destruct—before a fire started, but the researchers believe other printers might be used as fire starters, giving computer hackers a dangerous new tool that could allow simple computer code to wreak real-world havoc.”

While this malware test was conducted in a controlled environment and was not intended to harm anyone there may be hackers out there who aren’t intending to complete research. This is why it is important that no matter which type of electronic device you are using that you use it safely and securely. By taking the proper precautions when it comes to your technology use you will be able to rest assured that your devices, whether they are computers, cell phones, or printers, won’t be infected with malware. If you do suspect that your computer has been infected it is a good idea to get it checked out by a CT computer repair specialist as soon as possible.