HP CEO evokes James Bond-style hack via ink cartridges

HP's CEO explains that blocking third-party ink cartridges is a security measure as cartridges can be hacked. The company's Dynamic Security system, active since 2016, prevents HP printers from working with non-HP cartridges. This has led to lawsuits, with claimants believing consumers were not properly informed about updates disrupting printer functionality. An HP-funded study found hacking via third-party ink cartridge possible, but no evidence exists of such an attack occurring in reality. HP's persistent push towards proprietary cartridges and its profitable ink subscription service, Instant Ink, has led to consumer inconvenience and criticism. The company, however, sees selling printers as an investment in customers and expects a return via continued use of HP products and services.

Opens on Ars Technica