Hooked up new printer -- viruses on my iMac?

Question

Level 1

18 points

Hooked up new printer -- viruses on my iMac?

I recently bought a Workforce WF-2860 Epson printer and hooked it up to my 2017 21.5" iMac. I used an USB cable to connect the printer to the iMac and used Wi-Fi to connect my iPad to the printer. Both worked, but after using it occasionally for a few days, the printer screen had a prompt to go to the Epson web site to update drivers. A long story short: I could not get the new drivers installed so Epson had a technician call me. After working on my computer for awhile, he told me that I had a virus or virus on my computer that was replicating. Anyway, I didn't follow through with his having me hooked-up to an Antivirus company. Every thing seemed legitimate since I followed the instructions and web page as listed on my printer screen.

I have no additional virus protection other than what came with my iMac. I am wondering if downloading the "free" app Trend Micro Antivirus One for Mac would be a wise decision? I do not mind paying for good virus protection, but I would greatly appreciate ideas on what would be my best course of action and what virus protection with virus scanner would work best. Is there a legitimate site where one can run a one time virus scan of an iMac? Thanks in advance if anyone can help me.

iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jul 19, 2023 2:14 PM

Reply

Answer 1

dialabrain

Level 10

137,013 points

Jul 19, 2023 4:08 PM in response to JohnHusk

Not sure who you talked to from Epson but it seems like they need a different job. For one thing, there are no replicating viruses as far as macOS is concerned. You don't need any antivirus installed.

Reply

Answer 2

JohnHusk Author

Level 1

18 points

Jul 19, 2023 4:08 PM in response to dialabrain

Thanks for your prompt reply. Here is the quandary I find myself in. The path I followed on my printer screen was about a "firmware update." It took me to an official Epson site, where I chatted with a lady before she had an Epson technician call. I did give permission for him to "take over" my computer. It looked to me as if he was showing me something replicating, or whatever. Anyway, as far as I can tell I did not update any Epson printer firmware, which I assume at some point I need to do. But more importantly I am hoping somehow my Epson path was not compromised. That would seem really difficult to believe because of how many steps I went through, starting at the Epson site. Obviously, I am not aware of how, or if, a virus can be attached from my printer hook-up to my computer.

Thanks again. I shall withhold downloading a virus scanner or anti-virus protection.

Reply

Answer 3

dialabrain

Level 10

137,013 points

Jul 19, 2023 4:08 PM in response to JohnHusk

You're welcome. When I looked on Epson's website the last version of macOS that was listed as supported was High Sierra 10.13. They may have updated it since. I don't know. Someone else may have an idea. That pronter seems to be a fairly old model.

Reply

Answer 4

JohnHusk Author

Level 1

18 points

Jul 19, 2023 4:08 PM in response to dialabrain

OK, I found on the Epson site Drop Down Menu for WF-2860 this OS: 13.x I have Ventura 13.4.1 (c). If I want to update the printer firmware, apparently I will need to download installers from that page. Currently, I am just going to use my printer as is, since it is working. I will have to decide if I want to download those installers. I may call Epson, since my printer is just a week old.

Anyway, thanks again. In the last 35 years I have probably installed a dozen or more printers to different Apple computers, but this is the first time I ran into a snafu.

I appreciate your time and advice.

Reply

Answer 5

dialabrain

Level 10

137,013 points

Jul 19, 2023 4:08 PM in response to JohnHusk

No problem. I did find the downloads after you mentioned they are available. I'd test them but I don't own the printer.

Reply

Hooked up new printer -- viruses on my iMac?

Similar questions