Hands-On Apple 189: macOS Printers & Scanners

Release Date: July 3, 2025
Host: Micah Sargent
Podcast Series: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
Description: Leo Laporte brings some of the most interesting personalities in technology together to discuss the most important issues. Fun, relaxed, informative, and always entertaining, count on TWiT for the best tech podcasts in the world.

Introduction to the Episode

In episode 189 of Hands-On Apple, host Micah Sargent delves into a pressing security issue affecting Mac users: vulnerabilities in macOS printers and scanners. The episode focuses primarily on a recently discovered security flaw impacting several printer models, with a particular emphasis on Brother printers.

Understanding the Recent Printer Vulnerability

At the outset (01:51), Micah introduces a significant security flaw identified by cybersecurity firm Rapid7. This vulnerability affects printer models from major manufacturers, including Toshiba, Fujifilm, and notably, Brother—impacting 689 Brother printers.

Micah Sargent:
"With this security vulnerability, essentially what's happening in the background is a bad actor is able to gain access to the printer... [they] can get the printer to spit out its serial number." (02:30)

The crux of the vulnerability lies in unauthorized access to printers without the need for authentication. Attackers can retrieve the printer’s serial number, which is instrumental in generating the default administrator password. This process compromises the printer's security, allowing malicious entities to control or extract sensitive information.

Impact on Brother Printers

Micah highlights that Brother printers are among the most affected, making it imperative for users to take proactive measures to safeguard their devices.

Micah Sargent:
"One of the big culprits of this security flaw is a very popular printer company, Brother." (01:51)

Given the widespread use of Brother printers, the potential risk to both individual users and organizations is substantial, necessitating immediate attention to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Mitigation Strategies Using macOS

The episode transitions into practical guidance on securing affected printers using macOS. Micah emphasizes leveraging the built-in functionalities of macOS to manage printer settings effectively.

Micah Sargent:
"This whole episode is about using the built-in functionality of your Mac to actually get into the printer and change your default password." (03:15)

He outlines the process of accessing the Printers and Scanners settings, which can be swiftly navigated by pressing Command + Space and typing "Printers and Scanners," or alternatively through System Settings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Printer

Micah provides a detailed walkthrough for users to ensure their printers are secure:

1. Accessing Printer Settings:
   Navigate to the Printers and Scanners page in macOS to view connected printers.

2. Checking Firmware Updates:
   It's crucial to verify that the latest firmware is installed on the printer. Micah notes that while firmware updates address some concerns, they don't fully resolve the underlying manufacturing issue (05:10).

3. Changing the Default Password:
   Users can modify the default administrator password through the printer's web interface:

   • Click on the Brother printer in the Printers and Scanners list.
   • Select Options & Supplies.
   • Navigate to the Administrator tab and choose Login Password.
   • Enter a new, unique password to replace the default one.

Micah Sargent:
"Even if you think that your printer or your other devices are never going to be accessed from the external wide area, it doesn't matter. Change the default passwords." (10:05)

Firmware Updates and Their Limitations

While updating the firmware is a recommended step, Micah explains that it doesn't entirely eliminate the vulnerability due to inherent manufacturing flaws.

Micah Sargent:
"Turns out that it's a manufacturing issue that is at the heart of this, and it requires a change from Brother going forward." (09:30)

However, firmware updates do mitigate some associated risks, making it a necessary, albeit not wholly sufficient, measure.

Final Recommendations on Password Management

Micah underscores the importance of changing default passwords across all connected devices, irrespective of their internet connectivity.

Micah Sargent:
"Change the default password for any devices you have in your home that have any type of connection to the Internet. And frankly, if you have devices that are not connected to the Internet that have passwords, you should also change them from the default." (11:45)

He suggests practical solutions such as using password managers to store new credentials securely or physically labeling devices with updated passwords.

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Micah reaffirms the critical steps users must take to secure their printers against potential threats. By updating firmware, changing default passwords, and staying vigilant about device security, Mac users can significantly reduce the risk posed by these vulnerabilities.

Micah Sargent:
"Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of Hands On Apple. As always, it is my pleasure to bring this show to you each and every week." (12:11)

Key Takeaways

• Security Vulnerability: Affects multiple printer models, especially Brother, allowing unauthorized access and password generation without authentication.
• Immediate Actions: Update printer firmware and change default administrator passwords using macOS settings.
• Long-Term Solutions: Manufacturers like Brother need to address underlying manufacturing flaws to fully resolve the vulnerabilities.
• Best Practices: Regularly update device firmware, use strong, unique passwords, and consider using password managers for enhanced security.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "This whole episode is about using the built-in functionality of your Mac to actually get into the printer and change your default password." — Micah Sargent (03:15)
• "Changes from Brother going forward." — Micah Sargent (09:30)
• "Change the default password for any devices you have in your home that have any type of connection to the Internet." — Micah Sargent (11:45)

This comprehensive summary provides an overview of the key discussions and actionable insights presented in Hands-On Apple 189: macOS Printers & Scanners, equipping listeners and non-listeners alike with the knowledge to address and mitigate printer-related security vulnerabilities effectively.