Windows vulnerability: PrintNightmare

Information Technology
Cybersecurity
Aerial view of the campus.
A security vulnerability for Windows users is now in circulation, nicknamed PrintNightmare which exploits a print loophole within Microsoft’s operating system allowing cybercriminals to execute with system-level privileges on your computer and affects versions of Windows.

If you are using a University-issued computer, which was set up by Information Technology or your IT representative we ask that you do the following immediately:   

  1. connect to uOttawa’s VPN;   

  1. maintain the connection for a minimum of two (2) hours;   

  1. restart your machine at the end of the workday.   

For users working physically on campus, you need only to login to your uOttawa account and restart your computer at the end of the day. You do not need to connect to the VPN for the workaround to work.  

Protect your personal computers and other machines by updating your Windows operating system. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the IT Service Desk or your IT representative.