May 19, 2025
If I asked you to identify the top cybersecurity threats in your office, you'd likely mention phishing emails, malware, or weak passwords. However, what if I told you that your office printer, the one quietly operating in the corner, could be one of the most significant vulnerabilities in your entire network?
It may sound absurd, but hackers are particularly fond of printers. Many businesses fail to recognize the security risks they present until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they referred to as the "Printer Hack Experiment." Out of a sample of 50,000 devices, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a sheet on printer security. That's nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all because businesses underestimated this seemingly innocuous piece of office equipment.
Why Target Printers?
Printers are treasure troves of sensitive data. They handle everything from payroll documents and contracts to confidential client information. Yet, many businesses leave them vulnerable to attacks.
Here's what can occur when a hacker gains access to your printer:
- Printers store sensitive data - Each time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer retains a digital copy. Many printers have built-in hard drives that can store years of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker accesses these, they can steal or even reprint those files without your awareness.
- Default passwords are a hacker's dream - Most printers come with default admin logins like "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses fail to change these, making it incredibly easy for cybercriminals to take control.
- They're an open door to your network - Printers connect to your WiFi and company network. If compromised, they can serve as an entry point to install malware or ransomware, or to steal data from other devices.
- Print jobs can be intercepted - If your print jobs aren't encrypted, hackers can intercept documents before they reach the printer. This exposes confidential contracts, legal documents, and even medical records.
- They can spy on your business - Many modern printers have built-in storage and scan-to-email features. If a hacker compromises your device, they can remotely access scanned documents, emails, and stored files.
- Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates. However, many businesses neglect to update their printers' firmware, leaving them susceptible to known vulnerabilities.
- Data mining from discarded printers - Improperly disposed printers can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. Residual data on discarded printers can be exploited for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. It's essential to wipe the storage of printers before disposal to avoid vulnerabilities and legal liabilities.
How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers
Now that you're aware of the risks, here's what you should do right away:
- Change The Default Password - If your printer still uses the default login credentials, change them immediately. Use a strong, unique password similar to what you would use for your email or bank account.
- Update Your Printer's Firmware - Manufacturers release security patches for a reason. Log into your printer settings to check for updates or have your IT team handle this.
- Encrypt Print Jobs - Enable Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to prevent hackers from intercepting print jobs.
- Restrict Who Can Print - Implement access controls so only authorized employees can send print jobs. If your printer supports PIN codes, require them for sensitive print jobs. You can also provide a guest option.
- Regularly Clear Stored Data - Some printers allow you to manually delete stored print jobs. Ensure that if your printer has a hard drive, it is encrypted, and if you replace a printer, wipe or destroy the hard drive before disposal.
- Put Your Printer Behind A Firewall - Just like computers, printers should be protected by a firewall to prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor Printer Activity - If your IT team isn't already tracking printer logs, now is the time to start. Watch for unusual print activity, remote access attempts, or unauthorized users printing sensitive documents.
Printers Aren't Just Office Equipment - They're Security Risks
Many businesses overlook printer security because they see printers as just printers. However, cybercriminals understand that these devices often go unnoticed, making them easy targets.
If you're securing your computers but ignoring your printers, you're leaving a significant gap in your cybersecurity defenses.
Want to know if your office printers are secure? Start with a FREE Discovery Call - we'll check for vulnerabilities and make sure your printers (and your entire network) aren't leaving your business exposed.
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