Recent reports have unveiled a concerning tactic employed by hackers targeting Windows devices through an unexpected avenue – printers. This revelation sheds light on the evolving strategies of threat actors in infiltrating systems and underscores the critical need for cybersecurity vigilance in today’s digital landscape.
The exploitation of a little-known feature within Microsoft 365, known as Direct Send, has enabled hackers to launch a campaign impacting numerous organizations, primarily in the United States. By leveraging on-premises devices like printers to manipulate this feature, threat actors have been able to execute phishing attacks with alarming ease, bypassing traditional security measures and posing a significant risk to targeted entities.
Tom Barnea, a forensics expert at Varonis, emphasized the severity of this threat, highlighting how threat actors have capitalized on the Direct Send functionality to impersonate internal users and disseminate malicious emails under the radar. This sophisticated approach has allowed the hackers to evade detection and increase the success rate of their nefarious activities, ultimately compromising the security posture of vulnerable systems.
The ongoing nature of this attack campaign, which commenced in May 2025 and has exhibited sustained activity in the subsequent months, underscores the persistent and evolving nature of cybersecurity threats. Organizations must remain proactive in fortifying their defenses and implementing robust security measures to thwart such malicious endeavors effectively.
To combat the Windows printer attack and safeguard against similar exploits, recommendations from Varonis include enabling specific settings in the Exchange Admin Center, implementing stringent email authentication protocols, and bolstering anti-spoofing measures. These proactive steps are crucial in mitigating the risks associated with the Direct Send vulnerability and enhancing the overall resilience of organizational cybersecurity frameworks.
Microsoft, in response to these developments, has acknowledged the potential risks posed by the Direct Send feature and is actively working on solutions to enhance customer protection. By providing guidance on the judicious use of this functionality and proposing measures to disable it by default, Microsoft aims to empower users to make informed decisions regarding their email security configurations.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the convergence of technology and threat vectors necessitates a proactive and adaptive approach to defense. By staying abreast of emerging threats, implementing best practices, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, organizations can fortify their resilience against malicious actors and mitigate the impact of potential security breaches.
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