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Researchers mistakenly released information about a major security flaw in Microsoft’s printing software that allows cybercriminals to take over entire networks. The Office of Information Technology disabled printing on campus to protect the Rutgers network.

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Microsoft has yet to announce when a permanent fix will be available. The Office of Information Technology is investigating several unofficial fixes that have been posted online.

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If you connect your printer and computer via a USB cable, you may be able to print. Saving to a USB drive and then connecting that to the printer may also work. We ask, however, that you do this only in true emergencies, as it exposes the computer system to cybercriminals.

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In most cases, you will not be able to print on campus from Macs or mobile devices either, even though they do not use Windows, because most printing jobs are routed through Windows print-management software. Some devices in some departments have direct wireless links to printers and can print normally.

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Cybercriminals are more likely to target large institutions than individual users, but this security flaw puts all Windows devices at risk, even if you never print. Windows 10 by default is configured with Automatic Updates. The patch released on July 6, 2021, addresses the most recent exploit and is readily available. To verify that your device has received this patch, you should:

  • Open Settings by pressing Start and the Gear icon
  • Navigate to Update & Security
  • View update history
  • Verify KB KB5004945 is installed
  • If it does not show as installed…
    • Exit View History
    • Click Check for Updates

After verifying the patch is installed, please follow the instructions below to re-enable the print spooler. To enable the print spooler:

  • Search the Start Menu for “services”
  • Right-click the Services app and click Run as Administrator
  • Locate the Print Spooler service
  • Double click it to open its properties
  • Change the Startup Type from Disabled to Automatic and click Apply
  • Please start the service or reboot your system to complete this change
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