Most printers look for a firmware update every time they receive a job but, for some reason, they rarely check the validity of an incoming file.

ENGADGET: Researchers expose printer vulnerability, turn LaserJets into literal time bombs (update)

This workaround relies on the fact that Microsoft is currently offering, for a time limited period, free upgrades for the Media Center add-on, and it is this process that is flawed because Microsoft does not check the validity of the original key used to activate the copy of Windows 8 Pro before dishing out another key.

FORBES: Microsoft Blunder Gives Pirates Free Copies Of Windows 8 Pro

They forward spurious data to others before taking a moment to reflect on its worth or check its validity - the equivalent of passing on some scuttlebutt by word of mouth, but this time to thousands across the world.

CNN: BELIEVE IT OR NET