Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I asked you to name the biggest cybersecurity threats in your office, you'd probably say phishing emails, malware, or weak passwords. But what if I told you that your office printer—the one quietly humming in the corner—could be one of the biggest vulnerabilities in your entire network?

It sounds unbelievable, but hackers love printers. Most businesses don't realize how much of a security risk they pose until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted the "Printer Hack Experiment." Out of a sample of 50,000 devices, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, causing them to print out a sheet about printer security. That's nearly 28,000 compromised devices—all because businesses overlooked this seemingly harmless office equipment.

Wait, WHY Target Printers?

Printers are a treasure trove of sensitive data. They handle everything from payroll documents and contracts to confidential client information. Yet, many businesses leave them wide open to attacks.

Here's what can happen if a hacker gains access to your printer:

• Printers store sensitive data - Every time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer keeps a digital copy. Many printers have built-in hard drives that store years of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker gets access, they can steal or even reprint those files without your knowledge.
• Default passwords are a hacker's dream - Most printers come with default admin logins like "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses never change them, 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 entry points to install malware or ransomware or 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 means confidential contracts, legal documents, and even medical records could be exposed.
• They can spy on your business - Many modern printers have built-in storage and scan-to-email features. If compromised, hackers can remotely access scanned documents, emails, and stored files.
• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers need security updates. Most businesses never update their printers' firmware, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits.
• Data mining from discarded printers - Printers that are improperly disposed of can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. Residual data on discarded printers can be mined for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. Printers need their storage wiped clean before disposal to avoid data breaches and legal liabilities.

How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers

Now that you know printers can be hacked, here's what you need to do immediately:

• Change The Default Password - If your printer still uses default login credentials, change them right away. Use a strong, unique password like you would 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 your print jobs.
• Restrict Who Can Print - Use access controls so only authorized employees can send print jobs. If your printer supports PIN codes, require them for sensitive documents. You can also add a guest option.
• Regularly Clear Stored Data - Some printers allow you to manually delete stored print jobs. If yours has a hard drive, make sure it's encrypted, and if you replace a printer, wipe or destroy the hard drive before disposal.
• Put Your Printer Behind A Firewall - Like computers, printers should be protected by a firewall to block 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

Most businesses don't take printer security seriously because, well, it's just a printer. But cybercriminals know businesses overlook these devices, making them easy targets.

If you're protecting your computers but ignoring your printers, you're leaving a massive hole in your cybersecurity defenses.

Want to know if your office printers are secure? Start with a FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call - we'll check for vulnerabilities and make sure your printers (and your entire network) aren't leaving your business exposed.

Click here or give us a call at 336-904-2445 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!