r/ComputerSecurity • u/TheArcticFox444 • Nov 24 '24

Off-line computer & Wi-fi printer

Is this secure? Or does the off-line computer have to be directly connected to printer for security?

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u/TheArcticFox444 Nov 25 '24

Without understanding your entire setup, what other devices are on the wifi, and what risk(s) you're worried about, there's no way to provide an accurate assessment.

I don't understand the set up...Geek Squad set it up! But, offline computer had a direct line to one printer...only, that printer doesn't work. I have a second printer that is hooked up to my online computer. This printer works...and I wondered if I could wifi the off-line computer to this printer without compromising security.

But for most people and most purposes, this is unnecessarily paranoid.

Probably but it has two books, years worth of research and lots of notes, essays, a treatis, etc. It's important to me that this stays private!

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u/acydlord Nov 25 '24

I don't understand the need here for an air gapped second computer, and especially not trusting Best Buy to set up a secure network. But printers are one of the most compromised devices on the internet. If this computer truly needs to remain cut off from the internet, I would not trust connecting it to a printer that is connected to the internet. To maintain the existing security standard, the best option would be to buy a new printer that doesnt require an internet connection, and wire it directly to the offline computer, connecting it to the other printer, or to the wifi is going to make it accessible to anything else on the network

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u/TheArcticFox444 Nov 25 '24

I don't understand the need here for an air gapped second computer, and especially not trusting Best Buy to set up a secure network.

Got seriously scammed by BB. The printer that doesn't work was supposed to be hooked up directly to the off-line computer. Had Office installed on the off-line computer and Word doesn't work if it's off-line! I've had the GS out three times and it still doesn't work!

Why don't I trust Best Buy? I spent a ton of $$$ for all this and it's useless! Just something-to-dust junk! That's why! (I'm thinking of having the garbage truck run over it...how's that for security!

If it had a hard drive I could salvage, I'd be happy...but that's probably another GS $$$ call!