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USB port Security Risk??

  • 10-11-2004 6:55pm
    #1
    Hashbrown
    Closed Accounts Posts: 88 ✭✭


    I look after a Network of about 8/10 PC's The OS is mostly XP with 2 NT workstations. The network is closed, no Internet access, disabled floppy drives etc etc to standard user, There is a printer on this Network, This printer is also connected to a standalone PC which we use for internet access the printer is connected to this workstation thru its USB port. Is this a security risk does anyone know i have been told it is possable to connect to the netwotk thru the USB port on the Standalone PC anyone advise.
    Hope this makes sense.!!


Comments

  • #2
    aidan_walsh
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,208 ✭✭✭✭aidan_walsh


    Its possible to connect to a network through anything you can stick a cable into if connect to another machine. However, its highly unlikely that anyone will be able to connect to your network through the printer...


  • #3
    tck
    Closed Accounts Posts: 345 ✭✭tck


    its highly unlikely that anyone will be able to connect to your network through the printer...

    i wouldn't be so sure, if the will's there to do it - people will try it!


  • #4
    tk123
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,062 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    amen to that!! They'll ALWAYS find a way to get to stuff they shouldn't!


  • #5
    OfflerCrocGod
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,334 ✭✭✭OfflerCrocGod


    Ye but what kinda network are you protecting that you afto worry about your printer being used as a vector of attack :confused:???


  • #6
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,604 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    If you have XP then users can pop in USB keys / USB NIC's / USB WiFi adaptors some of which XP will have build in drivers for and install automatically and then go looking for something to auto run...
    Bottom line - it would require physical access and if you are using windows then anyone with physical access can get in if they know what they are doing.

    But if the machine with the printer is standalone then it should not affect the rest of the network. Windows with it's focus on ease of use and ease of install of programs and hardware means you have to turn off lots of things to start to feel secure, and also check every so often to make sure they havent turned themselves on after an update


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