Security News > 2023 > December > Microsoft unveils new, more secure Windows Protected Print Mode

Microsoft announced a new Windows Protected Print Mode, introducing significant security enhancements to the Windows print system.

"WPP builds on the existing IPP print stack where only Mopria certified printers are supported, and disables the ability to load third-party drivers. By doing this, we can make meaningful improvements to print security in Windows that otherwise could not happen," said Johnathan Norman, Microsoft Offensive Research & Security Engineering principal engineer manager.

The Microsoft Offensive Research & Security Engineering team analyzed all MSRC cases linked to Windows Print and "Found is that Windows Protected Print Mode mitigated over half of those vulnerabilities."

Starting in 2025, Microsoft will block driver submissions from printer vendors, so no new third-party printer drivers will be made available through Windows Update.

"As you can see, moving away from driver-based printing offers many benefits to users and allows Microsoft to make many meaningful improvements to our print system. The existing driver-based system, established decades ago, depends on many third parties and Microsoft all playing their role, which has proven to be too slow for modern threats," Norman said.

Microsoft confirms Windows bug renames printers to HP LaserJet M101-M106. Avira antivirus causes Windows computers to freeze after boot.

News URL

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-unveils-new-more-secure-windows-protected-print-mode/