Russian state-sponsored threat actors were observed abusing an old printer vulnerability to drop custom malware on target endpoints.
The malware helped them exfiltrate sensitive data and login credentials. This is according to a new report from Microsoft Threat Intelligence, published earlier this week.
As per the report, since mid-2019, a group known as Fancy Bear has been abusing a print spooler elevation of privilege bug found in Windows printers. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2022-38028, was discovered in 2022, and patched in October the same year.
The fall of Moobot
However, even after the release of the fix, Fancy Bear targeted unpatched endpoints in government, non-government, education, and transportation firms, located in Ukraine, Western European, and North American countries.
Once found, the devices would be infected with a custom-built malware called GooseEgg, which granted the attackers elevated privileges, and the ability to steal credentials across compromised systems.
Given that the patch has been available for almost two years now, it’s the best and easiest way to protect the endpoints from Russian spies.
Fancy Bear is probably Russia’s most popular threat actor. Some researchers have linked it to the GRU – the Russian General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate – the foreign military intelligence agency of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
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In mid-February this year, US law enforcement agents successfully shut down a malicious Fancy Bear botnet. At the time, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) said its agents conducted a “court-authorized operation” that has neutralized a network of “hundreds of small office/home office (SOHO) routers”.
As explained by the DoJ, most of the Ubiquiti Edge OS routers used in the botnet were previously infected by malware called Moobot, which was developed by a private hacking group. This group targeted routers with factory settings and otherwise easy-to-guess passwords to install the malware. Then, APT 28 (as they call Fancy Bear) swooped in and took over the malware, turning the infected devices into a “global cyber espionage platform.”
If you ever wished you could print on anything, Printisian could be for you. The handheld inkjet printer lets users print on various materials and surfaces, including wood, paper, metals, fabric, leather, stone and even food and skin.
Its modular design allows for easy switching between different accessories, such as an edge positioner, laser aligner, and code scanner, to meet specific printing needs.
The printer has a 5-inch touchscreen, runs on SianOS (powered by Android), has 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage, and a 300mAh replaceable battery.
Beware ink costs
The device can print text, pictures, date and time, and QR codes or barcodes at 35CM/s. To use it, connect it to your phone via Bluetooth, add a file, and slide the printer across the area you want to print on.
Printisian supports two sizes of ink cartridge and offers variable printing heights and a resolution of 600DPI. It can cover up to 39.3 inches per print, and you can expect “up to” 1,531 yards of print per cartridge.
As is the case with all printers, you need to factor in the cost of the ink. A small color cartridge for the device will currently set you back $59 (usual price is $79), while a large cartridge is $129 (usual price $169). The creators say you can use any compatible ink cartridge from other manufacturers – it’s designed to take standard size cartridges – although they (obviously) recommend their own cartridges as some inks may not print so well on certain surfaces.
As with any crowdsourced projects, you should be aware that backing a product doesn’t mean that it will be completed or that you will receive the item you backed. That said, at the time of writing $65,601 had been pledged, well above the $6,385 goal, so it’s looking positive.
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You can pledge for a choice of available rewards, with the basic Printisian Standard coming in at $399, for which you get the printer itself and one small black ink cartridge (0.5 Inch). The price increases significantly if you want to back a version with the various accessories included, but extras can be purchased separately.
The concept of inkjet printing was a fixture throughout the 20th century – with research starting way back in the 50s with a Japanese Canon employee, Ichiro Endo, who proposed the idea for a “bubble jet” printer that could translate the images you see on a computer to a printed physical page. But it wasn’t until HP‘s ThinkJet printer launched in 1984 that inkjet printing truly entered the mainstream – and with it the dreaded ink cartridge.
One of the first commercial inkjet printers was the IBM 6640, a device designed to offer printing to offices, when it was launched in 1976. It was part of a handful of bulky, heavy and impractical devices that launched around this time – and offered inkjet printing in professional contexts.
But nearly ten years later, HP brought out a more compact machine for personal printing at home. Measuring 11.5 x 8 x 3.5 inches, the black-and-white printer would have set you back $495 – $1,478.45 by today’s standards. Its ink cartridges, which were available for $8 a pop ($24) were good for 500 pages too.
The dot-matrix disruptor
Its name is derived from the process of ‘thermal inkjet’ printing – and came about when an engineer working on a completely different project noticed something interesting about the effects of electricity. When they were making thin-film technology for integrated circuit applications, they were testing how a thin silicon film would respond when stimulated with electricity. To the engineer’s surprise, the electricity superheated the medium and droplets of fluid lying beneath the film were expelled. This, according to HP, inspired the idea for finely controlled jets of fluid in a compact inkjet printer.
This invention was a game-changer. While, as we’ve mentioned, inkjet printing was in force across enterprises – these machines could only print large characters rather crudely. Now, it was clear this technology could be reduced in size and operate with relatively little power compared to its business-centric cousin.
It also marked an end to the dot-matrix printer, which was replaced a technology that was better in almost every metric – to the extent it’s still one of the most popular types of printer today. For instance, dot-matrix printers typically printed at 120 characters per second, while the HP ThinkJet printed at 150 characters per second. The former technology also emits high-pitch scratching sounds, too, while the inkjet printer emits a “nondistracting hum that is quiet enough not to interfere with telephone conversations,” according to InfoWorld (1984).
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When it comes to the world of 3D printing, the Nova 3D Whale Ultra 14K printer has been making waves with its promise of a large build area and the potential for high-resolution output. For those in the market for a new 3D printer, it’s worth taking a closer look at what this machine has to offer and whether it truly meets the needs of a demanding printing environment.
The Nova 3D Whale Ultra 14K boasts a build volume that measures 223 x 126 x 250 mm, which is quite spacious for those tackling big and intricate projects. The standout feature of this printer is its advertised 14K resolution, which suggests it can produce prints with extremely fine detail. However, some experts in the field, like Ross from Fire Hammer Videos, have raised concerns about whether this printer actually delivers a noticeable improvement over 8K printers, questioning the authenticity of the 14K resolution claim.
Navigating the manufacturer’s website to find information about the various models can be a bit of a challenge due to its confusing layout. Once you do find the right model, you’ll see that the printer comes with a built-in heater. This heater is meant to improve print quality by maintaining a consistent temperature. But there’s some doubt about how well it works, as it doesn’t always operate as expected, which could affect the outcome of your prints.
14K Resolution 3D printer
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The design of the printer is straightforward and functional. It features a sturdy ball screw to move the print bed smoothly, and the resin vat is large, capable of holding more than a liter of resin. It even has a handy resin refill feature. These are positive points for those who value efficiency and reliability in their printing processes.
On the downside, the user interface (UI) could be a stumbling block for many. It’s been described as not very user-friendly and suffers from poor translation, which can lead to frustration and wasted time. The touch screen is also not capacitive, meaning it may not always register your touches, potentially disrupting your workflow.
After a print job is completed, the printer automatically deletes the file and asks you to clear the vat. This might be inconvenient for users who need to do multiple prints of the same file. Having to reload the file and clear the vat after each print could be seen as a step back in terms of user convenience.
Voltage：110/220V(Depends on the voltage in your area)
It appears that after taking everything into account, the Nova 3D Whale Ultra 14K printer is a mixed bag. It has a generous build area and a resin refill system, as well as a solid mechanism for moving the print bed. But it’s let down by its user interface, the performance of the built-in heater, and questions surrounding the true resolution it can achieve.
The design and features of the printer could use some improvement. As it stands, the Whale Ultra 14K has potential, but whether it can live up to that potential in actual use is another matter. Those considering this printer should weigh its pros and cons carefully before deciding to invest.
Filed Under: Hardware, Top News
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If you are searching for a truly massive yet affordable 3D printer you might be interested in the new ELEGOO OrangeStorm Giga, offering a truly massive 800mm x 800mm x 1000 mm print volume and printing speeds of up to 300mm/s as well as multicolour printing. Launched via Kickstarter this month the project has already raised £2.5 million with still 54 days remaining thanks to over 1800 backers.
The ELEGOO OrangeStorm Giga is a high-capacity FDM 3D printer, designed to inspire creativity and innovation. It’s a testament to the significant advancements in 3D printing technology, boasting features that greatly improve its performance, efficiency, and ease of use, making it an invaluable tool for both hobbyists and professionals. With a build volume of 800mm x 800mm x 1000mm, it reduces the need to divide models into smaller parts for printing. This is especially beneficial for users who need large-scale prints, as it allows for the creation of larger, more complex models in one print run, saving time and resources.
Early bird backing offers are now available for the innovational project from roughly $1445 or £1227 (depending on current exchange rates), offering a considerable discount of approximately 40% off the retail market price, while the Kickstarter crowd funding is under way.
The printer also features an efficient heated bed, composed of four independent high-temperature platforms. These can be heated either all at once or individually, providing flexibility and efficiency in the printing process. This is particularly useful for printing materials that require different temperature settings, allowing for a more versatile and adaptable printing experience.
Large volume 3D printer
The OrangeStorm Giga is powered by a 64-bit 1.5G clock speed quad-core high-performance processor. This powerful processor enables a printing speed that is six times faster than standard 3D printers, significantly reducing the time it takes to print large, complex models, and thereby enhancing productivity. In addition to its impressive printing speed, the printer also offers multi-nozzle printing. This allows for the addition of three extra printheads for simultaneous printing, further enhancing the printer’s efficiency and productivity, and enabling the creation of more complex designs in less time.
The printer’s cooling system includes a robust cooling fan with an intelligent control function that automatically stops once the printing process is complete. This not only saves energy but also extends the lifespan of the fan, making the printer more sustainable and cost-effective over time. The OrangeStorm Giga is built with high-quality craftsmanship. It features an integrated body with linear guides on the X and Y axes and an upgraded Z-axis rod. This design ensures stability and precision during the printing process, resulting in high-quality prints every time.
If the ELEGOO OrangeStorm Giga campaign successfully raises its required pledge goal and the project completion progresses smoothly, worldwide shipping is expected to take place sometime around August 2024. To learn more about the ELEGOO OrangeStorm Giga large volume 3D printer project preview the promotional video below.
ELEGOO OrangeStorm Giga
The printer also features an upgraded 300℃ high-temperature nozzle with a proximal double-gear extrusion structure and a full titanium alloy heat pipe. This design ensures consistent and precise extrusion, even at high temperatures, thereby enhancing the quality of the prints. Cable management is simplified with the printer’s caterpillar cable tracks. These tracks neatly store cables, prevent wear and tear, and ensure system stability. The printer also features a portable 7-inch HD capacitive screen that supports ELEGOO Cura model preview and language switching, making it user-friendly and versatile.
The OrangeStorm Giga also includes filament detection and power loss recovery features. These features allow for uninterrupted printing, ensuring that your print jobs are not disrupted by filament shortages or power outages, thereby enhancing the reliability of the printer. The printer also includes a user-friendly belt knob for easy and accurate control of belt tightness. This feature ensures that the printer’s belts are always at the optimal tension, ensuring precise and consistent prints. The printer’s large spool holder can accommodate filament spools up to 5kg, reducing the need for frequent filament changes and enhancing the printer’s efficiency.
Finally, the printer features an auto-leveling feature with a non-contact high-precision sensor for automatic data collection. This feature ensures that the printer’s bed is always perfectly level, resulting in high-quality, consistent prints. The ELEGOO OrangeStorm Giga is a high-capacity FDM 3D printer that offers a range of features designed to enhance its performance, efficiency, and user-friendliness. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, this printer is sure to meet your 3D printing needs, making it a valuable addition to any workspace.
For a complete list of all available project pledges, stretch goals, extra media and technical attributes for the large volume 3D printer, jump over to the official ELEGOO OrangeStorm Giga crowd funding campaign page by clicking the link below.
Source : Kickstarter
Disclaimer: Participating in Kickstarter campaigns involves inherent risks. While many projects successfully meet their goals, others may fail to deliver due to numerous challenges. Always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when pledging your hard-earned money.
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A new innovation in the world of 3D printing has been launched via Kickstarter this month in the form of the Co Print ChromaSet. Capable of transforming your 3D printer into a color multifilament printing system, as well as adding a wealth of new features. At the heart of the ChromaSet ecosystem lies the ChromaPad, a device that redefines the 3D printing experience by offering advanced features such as speed, control, and compatibility with multiple printers.
Equipped with a powerful Amlogic S905X3 processor, 4GB RAM, 32GB ROM, and 5Ghz wifi support, the ChromaPad color 3D printing system is a powerhouse that can accelerate print speed up to 300+ mm/s, making projects three times faster. This device is not only about speed, but also about control. With the ChromaScreen software, users can control multiple extruders and manage multiple printers at once, offering a level of convenience and efficiency previously unseen in the 3D printing world.
The ChromaPad is designed to be compatible with many popular printers that support Klipper software. This compatibility allows for hassle-free upgrades and straightforward plug-and-play, making it a versatile addition to any 3D printing setup. Furthermore, the ChromaPad can remotely control up to 8 printers from any device, further enhancing its versatility and convenience. Early bird rewards are now available for the imaginative project from roughly $299 or £246 (depending on current exchange rates).
The ChromaSet color 3D printing ecosystem also includes the ChromaHead, a toolhead designed for multi-filament 3D printing. The ChromaHead is engineered to minimize issues such as jamming and clogging, which are common in multi-filament 3D printing. With a compact design and unique rail plug system, the ChromaHead ensures compatibility across different mechanical setups. Its filament cutting mechanism achieves a success rate of 99.9% in clean cuts, significantly reducing the chances of printing errors.
The ChromaSet ecosystem also includes the KCM (Klipper Chroma Module) and ECM (Extended Chroma Module). The KCM offers all the features of ChromaPad for users who already have a Klipper-based 3D printer, while the ECM increases extruder limits, allowing the addition of up to 4 extruders into a single output via USB. These modules are designed to increase compatibility and versatility, making the ChromaSet a comprehensive solution for all 3D printing needs.
Assuming that the ChromaSet funding campaign successfully raises its required pledge goal and the project progresses smoothly, worldwide shipping is expected to take place sometime around March 2024. To learn more about the ChromaSet transforms your 3D printer into a colour multifilament printing system project delve into the promotional video below.
Last but not least, the ChromaSet ecosystem includes the CX-1 Extruder, a component engineered with Titanium gears, a dual-drive system, and high-torque features for the smooth movement of the filament. The CX-1 Extruder offers robust grip, pushing force, and outstanding torque for excellent performance, making it a crucial part of the ChromaSet ecosystem.
Color 3D printing
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The ChromaSet ecosystem offers a comprehensive solution to upgrade your 3D printer with color multifilament printing and more. With advanced components like the ChromaPad, ChromaHead, KCM, ECM, and CX-1 Extruder, ChromaSet provides an unmatched 3D printing experience. Whether it’s speed, control, compatibility, or versatility, ChromaSet delivers on all fronts, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of 3D printing.
For a complete list of all available backing options, stretch goals, extra media and product specifications for the transforms your 3D printer into a colour multifilament printing system, jump over to the official ChromaSet crowd funding campaign page by inspecting the link below.
Source : Kickstarter
Disclaimer: Participating in Kickstarter campaigns involves inherent risks. While many projects successfully meet their goals, others may fail to deliver due to numerous challenges. Always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when pledging your hard-earned money.
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